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Thursday, October 8, 2020 No. 282
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Grant help nets £42k for charities A CHARITY has helped secure more than £42,000 in grants for other charities and groups working within Wokingham and Bracknell Forest boroughs. Involve Community Services launched the free grant writing service in July and it has already had significant success. It has two professional grant writers who can write bids for charities and groups – as long as they are based in Bracknell Forest or Wokingham, provide services in these two areas and have been affected or impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. So far, funding bids totalling more than £300,000 have been drafted and or submitted to different funders for consideration. Philip Cook, manager of Involve, is delighted with the initial success of the scheme. “This unique service is helping secure the futures of some vital charities and groups in the area,” he said. “We are hugely grateful to both borough councils for taking this proactive approach and it is great to see some successes already.” The support has also been welcomed by charities. One group said: “The grant writing service provided excellent support at a time of great need for our charity and freed up time from within the organisation to concentrate on the delivery of our service”. Based in Bracknell, Involve aims to make a difference locally through support and information, as well as training opportunities, trustee recruitment, support with volunteering and funding advice and guidance. Any charities or community groups looking for help can contact Involve by logging on to: www.involve. community/ funding Alternatively, send an email to: Jackie.leslie@involve.community or call 01344 304404, weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
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POLICE TAKE ACTION OVER KNIFE FEUDS Nearly 100 people searched in major operation
EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today “OUR INTELLIGENCE was that youngsters were carrying knives and we needed to do something about it.”
Nearly 100 people in Crowthorne and Sandhurst were searched for weapons over the weekend as Thames Valley Police mounted a major
crackdown on fighting, feuds and knife crime across the villages. The force used its powers, known as Section 60, to enable it to stop and search anyone for items connected with violence. Initially in place for 24 hours from Friday at 2pm through to the following Saturday, it was extended twice and ended at 2pm on Monday. The order applied to an area defined
by the road boundaries of the B3430 to the north, Wokingham Road to the west, Yorktown Road to the south and Rackstraw Road into Foresters Way to the east, including Sandhurst Memorial Ground. Officers were reacting to several weekends of violence, which they said included organised fights where weapons had been used. � Continued on page 7
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
Resident Sheila Johnson, 81, watering the plants in the Alexandra Grange garden
RESIDENTS at a Wokingham-based care home are celebrating after their greenfingered efforts have seen them win an award. Based off Molly Millars Lane, Alexandra Grange won Best Recording of Gardening Memories in the Hallmark in Bloom gardening competition. The home, which offers residential and dementia care, was praised for ‘extensively recording garden memories in a scrapbook’ and ‘focusing on resident involvement’. The contest, organised by Alexandra Grange’s parent company, Hallmark, encourages residents and the community to get involved in gardening, be it by planting pots or simply sitting in the garden. This year, due to the coronavirus, entries were judged virtually. Team members were also asked to send in a five-minute video of sociallydistanced interviews with residents, team members and a walk around of the outdoor areas. Alexandra Grange created a magical
garden environment, scrapbooking progress so they could look back on their hard work. Lifestyles assistant and gardening champion at Alexandra Grange Elspeth Wilkinson said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with the residents and different members of the team nurturing our garden. “I had so much fun making the scrapbook with the residents and being able to see the progress that we have made. I hope the residents, relatives and team will be able to look back at the scrapbook and remember the rainbow after the rain.” Entrants were judged on resident and community involvement, innovation and the overall garden experience. April Dobson, head of relationshipcentred care at Hallmark, said: “It is evident that the team at Alexandra Grange have worked so hard to develop their small garden into a magical space. “The book they have created will be treasured for years to come.”
Cyber criminals targeting over 55s for online frauds By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today CYBER CRIMINALS in the Thames Valley stole over £100,000 from older residents last year, according to Age UK.
Data from Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre, shows that more than 55s made up 17% of all cybercrime victims in the area between April 2018 and March 2019. Cybercrime takes many forms – the most common methods include investment fraud, identity theft and blackmail. And Thames Valley residents over the age of 55 were reportedly scammed out of £111,186 last year, with Thames Valley Police receiving 167 reports of cybercrime. However, it is estimated that only 3% of cybercrime incidents are reported, meaning the actual figures could be much higher.
Thames Valley Police reported the 12th highest financial loss for people aged 55 or over when compared to police forces throughout England and Wales. The Metropolitan Police Service reported by far the greatest loss at £720,795 last year. And the problem has intensified during lockdown. Older people in England and Wales lost more than £2.4 million over the course of lockdown, scammed out of their money by Covid-19 related fraud. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “During lockdown, the majority of us relied on the internet to stay connected and we know that some older people were encouraged to go online for the first time. “That’s hopefully something they have enjoyed and benefited from and will want to continue now lockdown is being eased. “However, unfortunately we also know that cybercriminals were very active in exploiting the situation, seeking
to con older people out of their hardearned cash.” The majority of Coronavirus-related fraud involves online purchases for face masks that never arrive, and phishing emails which claim to be from the Government and health bodies. “Fraud and cybercrime can have catastrophic and life-changing effects, not just financially, but on older people’s health and wellbeing. “We know it is a hugely under reported crime, so these figures are likely to just be the tip of the iceberg,” Ms Abrahams added. Age UK is now calling for social media and technology firms to do more to protect users against fraud and cybercrime, including shutting down fake profiles, and preventing scamming adverts appearing in the first place. Older people and their families can find advice and tips on staying safe online by visiting Age UK’s website at www.ageuk.org.uk/scams
Waterloo Road lane closure for works WORK on one of Wokingham’s newest roads is continuing into its second phase after the successful completion of a land access agreement. The Eastern Gateway section of the South Wokingham Distributor Road needed the sign off from landowners and Network Rail to let contractors Balfour Beatty start work. It includes a new railway bridge, a new road and a pedestrian/cycle way connecting to a new roundabout on Waterloo Road. This will mean that the existing Waterloo Road crossing will be closed.
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Wokingham Borough Council said that this new part will be constructed in sequence, which will minimise disruption. On Wednesday, October 14 through to Friday, October 16, a temporary access road will be constructed. Works take place between 9.30am to 3.30pm on each day and there will be a single lane of traffic with two-way traffic lights in place. For more details or to raise a concern, call Balfour Beatty on 0800 121 4444 or e-mail SWDR@balfourbeatty.com specifying “Eastern Gateway” in the subject line.
Thursday, October 8, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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EXHIBITION: Former Times photographer showcases his finest pictures
From Wokingham to Harrods – via the streets of New York
NEWS | 3
Borough’s black history online
A mural for Cater G Woodson, who is included in the Council's exhibition Picture: Albert Herring/ Wikimedia Commons
Details from some of the images featured in Phil Penman’s exhibition of street photography, taken in New York. The show is on display at Harrods in London Pictures: Phil Penman By ANDREW BATT news@wokingham.today
IT’S a long way from the streets of Wokingham to those in New York City, but that’s the journey that one former local newspaper photographer has made.
Phil Penman – who worked for our predecessor, The Wokingham Times, during the mid-1990s – is now the subject of a solo exhibition that’s taking place at Harrods in London until November 24. The show, presented by Leica, focuses on Penman’s distinctive street photography – work that also lead to a best-selling first book last year. “I have nothing but great memories of my time at The Wokingham Times,” said Phil. “The lessons I learned have stayed with me until this day.” “The beauty of each day was that you never knew what you were
going to shoot next. One day you could start the day photographing a local politician and next it could be photographing a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.” In addition to winning awards, Penman has also been named as one of the 52 most influential street photographers. What did he learn in Wokingham that prepared him for his career? “The biggest thing is treating everyone in the manner you would want to be treated yourself,” he said. “I was introduced to all walks of life and everyone had a story to tell.” Penman’s street photography has earned a worldwide following, but how much of what he captures is down to luck? He said: “In life, luck is just putting yourself in a position to catch a break. You don’t get lucky by staying in bed.
“You have to be in it to win it. “To make it in photography today you have to work harder than ever. “I have definitely had some luck, but I put myself in the position in the first place. “I guess the moral is you are going to take knock after knock. Most will just give up. “It’s those who keep getting up after taking the knock and rejection and continuing on, who will succeed.” Phil was on the scene to capture the aftermath of September 11, 2001’s terrorist attacks, and more recently his haunting images of the deserted streets of New York City have been used around the world.
For someone who’s not seen his recent work, what can they expect from his exhibition at Harrods? He said: “Not everything needs to have a political message or champion a cause. “Sometimes it’s just about showing life and appreciating this wonderful world we are blessed to live in.” Phil has one message for anyone considering a future career as a photographer. “Never take no for an answer,” he said. “Just because one person is not willing to take a chance on you does not mean another won’t. “If you believe in your work, nothing is impossible.”
Health charity in the running THE ROYAL Berks Charity has been named the official charity partner of the Mapledurham Run later this year. On Sunday, November 15, runners will embark on both 10km and half marathon trails across woodland paths, private estates and muddy meadows. The charity supports the work of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and raises money to improve patient facilities, buy up-to-date medical equipment, and improve the welfare of staff. “We are thrilled to be chosen as the charity partner for this event
and will be with our runners every step of the way,” said Martin Butler, fundraising manager. And as the official charity partner, Berks Royal Charity is offering half price spaces for both the 10km and half marathon routes, alongside a team of 18 runners. “To ensure safety for runners and organisers this year, the Mapledurham Run is implementing various Covid-safety measures, including staggered start times, fewer participants, and no on-theday entries.” For details, email martin.butler@ royalberkshire.nhs.uk
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WOKINGHAM Borough Council is celebrating Black History Month with a twist this year. Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, the council will not be holding its usual exhibition at its Shute End offices. Instead, it is hosting the exhibition online – and began doing so last Thursday. The online presentation showcases a variety of themes, including the contributions Black, minority ethnic (BME) medical staff have made to the NHS, and the five million soldiers from Black and Asian communities who fought for Britain during the world wars. Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure said: “We started celebrating Wokingham’s Black history in 2004 as part of the borough’s cultural partnership work and then it became Black History Month. “We’re bitterly disappointed we cannot celebrate it this year in the way we would like.” The public exhibition also takes an in-depth look at Diwali Festival of Lights celebrating the Hindu New Year, and the UK’s Windrush Generation. The council has also compiled profiles of a variety of Black authors and has reviewed their works, which can be found on the libraries blog throughout October. “Public safety must come first,” Cllr Batth continued. “So we’re using this year to take stock and revisit the many achievements of our BME communities, the richness they bring to everyone living in the borough, and their pivotal contributions to our society locally and as a whole.” Black History Month is marked every year to remember the achievements of Black and minority ethnic people, and to honour their contributions to British society. It runs until Saturday, October 31. � To explore the exhibition, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/ meetings/black-and-minority-ethnic-forum
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
CORONAVIRUS LATEST
Twyford Hub ready to spring back into action By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today TWYFORD’S big-hearted volunteers are watching the local Covid-19 numbers, standing by to help with shopping and medicines again if necessary.
Their service, which helped people more than 800 times between March and August, was largely paused when the UK-wide lockdown was lifted. Twyford Covid Community Support Group spokesperson Sam Bramwell said: “I’ve been evaluating the situation weekly and working with Wokingham Borough Council to look at how the group evolves and whether there is a need longer-term for a support group. “We have always said we would shift back into gear if required. Our volunteers are aware of this. I am watching the cases locally and also waiting for Government guidance. “I don’t want to spring too quickly back into action as it could be a long winter ahead of us. Likewise, we want to ensure families support their relatives too and contribute to their
overall welfare during this time.” She added: “We have been paused since August – given that the country had come out of lockdown. This was to give our volunteers and admin staff a break and also to help enable our dependent residents to start to get back to normal. “However we did continue to support a number of residents – about five in total and continue to do so – with shopping and phone buddy support.” At the peak of the first Covid19 lockdown/wave the group had a magnificent total of more than 800 generous volunteers on their books “We helped people more than 800 times between March and August,” said Sam. “We had a core of elderly residents, about 40, whom we looked after weekly with shopping, welfare checks and dog walking.” Services provided were mainly shopping, prescription delivery, welfare and buddy calls, and dog walking. The volunteers worked closely with WBC’s Link Hub and helped with other needs as well.
Next day food delivery service for self-isolating A SUPERMARKET has launched a new service aimed at helping people selfisolating to still get their shopping. Morrisons, which has a branch in Woosehill, allows customers to call and request a food delivery placed on their doorstep. The next-day service can be ordered by calling the company between 10am and 6pm. The supermarket says that it is launching the service as the number of coronavirus
cases continues to rise across the country, and it feels that no customer should be left behind. To take advantage of the service, customers call up and choose the items for their emergency delivery. And if the service sounds familiar, it’s because it was previously available only for elderly and clinically vulnerable people – now anybody who is self-isolating can. They should call 0345 611 6111 and select option five.
They can then choose from items across the supermarket, guided by the telesales operator who will place the order and then the delivery is made the following day by a colleague from their local store. This is often the store’s Community Champion, who is tasked with helping the community. Customers pay for the food on their doorstep via a mobile chip and pin device. The delivery charge is £4.50, £2 for
students, and free for elderly and vulnerable people. Students can also contact Morrisons on email: studentsug@morrisons.co.uk. Anna Lane, Morrisons local director, said: “This doorstep service will ensure that more people who can’t leave their home to go shopping will be able to get a delivery of affordable food.” Morrisons added that it will be delivering from more stores in order to extend the service across the country.
Hospital’s videos break through language divide STAFF at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) have launched a series of information videos in a range of languages to tackle people’s fears about attending appointments during the coronavirus pandemic, writes Charlotte King. Launched on Tuesday, the films see staff talk in their native languages to encourage people to visit hospital for appointments and treatments. So far, four of the videos – in Polish, Nepalese, Portuguese and Swahili – have been released on YouTube, with Arabic and Punjabi being added to the list. The hospital says that the aim of the videos is to try and combat people’s reluctance to visit hospitals because of the coronavirus. They see staff members outline the measures being taken to keep people safe when they enter the hospital, including one-way systems, face masks and social distancing. Nicky Lloyd, acting chief executive of the Royal Berkshire
NHS Foundation Trust which runs the Reading-based healthcare centre, said: “Our teams have worked incredibly hard to resume services that were put on hold as we tackled the pandemic. “In addition, we’ve put in place very stringent infection control and health and safety measures to keep the public, and our staff, safe.” Mrs Lloyd said that it is vitally important that people attend hospital appointments, despite the coronavirus pandemic, so that any healthcare issues can be dealt with swiftly before becoming more serious. “There is obviously a backlog of work that’s built up during Covid and we are doing all we can to manage this,” she added. “We do need the cooperation of our local communities in helping us to stay on top of our waiting lists and keep everyone safe and well.” � The videos will be available on the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust website: www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Thursday, October 8, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
NEWS | 5
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CORONAVIRUS LATEST Red Cross launches helpline
Number of Covid-19 cases across borough continues to rise – slowly By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM Borough recorded 40 new cases of coronavirus per 100,000 people over the week of September 27October 3.
This is below the England average of 55 cases per 100,000. In all, 68 new cases were reported across the population, an increase of 27 on the previous week. There have now been 807 cases reported up to October 6. And there have been 152 coronavirus-related deaths registered in the borough up to September 18. Although the number of cases is rising, it is not rising as quickly as other parts of the country. Wokingham Borough Council has been making preparations for the second wave and has paused the programme of reopening libraries as part of this. Council leader John Halsall said: “We have to pause and take stock of where we are.
“It would have been wrong to have reopened them and then have to shut them again.” And the One Front Door scheme, which sees the council work with a number of voluntary groups, is continuing. Run with funding from Wokingham Borough Council and co-ordinated by Citizens Advice Wokingham, it aims to be a resource for those who need help with prescription collections or a shopping service for those who are self-isolating. It can also help with debt advice, statutory sick pay and benefits, mental health, and wellbeing. The scheme works by pulling together a number of local groups and organisations, including Wokingham Volunteer Centre, First Days, Involve, Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Berkshire. It is officially known as the Wokingham Borough Community Response (WBCR) and is an additional support net to NHS and social services.
The initiative launched in March in the early stages of the pandemic and helped more than 3,200 people since then. It has also collected 864 prescriptions, delivered shopping to 892 homes and called nearly 3,000 vulnerable residents to offer support and reassurance. It also works with local-level community groups in Twyford, Earley and Woodley, to ensure that support messages reach as many people as possible. Wokingham Borough Council says that while confirmed Covid-19 cases in Wokingham borough remain below the England average, they are rising and, as such, it is not being complacent. It encourages all residents to stick to the rule of six, wash hands regularly, practice social distancing, and wear a face covering. Anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms should isolate immediately and arrange tests. Cllr Charles Margetts, executive
member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Wokingham Borough Community Response continues to offer a huge range of practical support and advice in response to Covid-19. “I thank all of the charities and groups that have been supporting our local residents for the past six months. “We’re here to help you in whatever ways we can. “We’re not starting from scratch. “We’ve been up and running for six months now and will be able to react to changes in national or local restrictions if we need to. “The next few months are going to be challenging for everyone but you’re not alone. There is help there for you if you need it.” Help from One Front Door is available all day every day via its website. Alternatively, call 0300 330 1189 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Voicemails can also be left out of hours.
THE BRITISH Red Cross has launched a new telephone service aimed at people who are lonely, worried or need practical support as a result of the pandemic. The free and confidential service is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. The support line aims to direct people to their local services or community hubs, while letting them know what their options are. For those in urgent need of help, staff and volunteers can refer them to Red Cross emergency response teams in their area. While it mimics aspects of Wokingham’s One Front Door approach, it is a national service. The Red Cross coronavirus support line can be called on 0808 196 3651, alternatively, email supportline@redcross.org.uk
How to get help in Wokingham borough: To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1189 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258
6 | NEWS
PARISH NOTICEBOARD
Parish and borough council meetings Assume meetings are online – contact councils for details Thursday, October 8 Wokingham Borough Council. Joint Waste Disposal Board. 9.30am. Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board. 5pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk
Monday, October 12 Remenham Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 5.30pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Standards Board. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk
Tuesday, October 13 Barkham Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm. barkham-parishcouncil.org.uk. Earley Town Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Sonning Parish Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. www.sonning-pc.gov.uk. Swallowfield Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm. www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Extraordinary corporate overview and scrutiny meeting. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk
Wednesday, October 14 Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk. Wokingham Borough Council. Schools forum. 10am. Planning committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk
Thursday, October 15 Wokingham Borough Council. Executive – Individual Member Decisions: Sport and Leisure Fees and Charges. 11.30am. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk
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FROMTHECOURTS � A TILEHURST man has been given a six-week jail sentence, suspended for nine months, after being stopped in a Sonning garden. Kurt Michael Lancaster, 21 and from Oxford Road, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on September 8, where he admitted being in an enclosed garden in the village on April 14, where he was present for an unlawful reason, namely theft. Lancaster failed to attend a hearing at the court on August 21, and the new offence had been committed while he was subject to a 12-month conditional discharge. For this he received a two-week jail sentence, suspended for nine months. Lancaster must wear a tag for eight weeks with a curfew between 8pm and 6am, from September 8. He was also ordered to pay £128 to victim services and £85 costs. � A WOKINGHAM man has been banned from driving for three years and given a community order after being stopped on the A4 Bath Road near Hare Hatch. Ian Philip Francis, 47 and from Elizabeth Road, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on September 8, where he pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. Both offences took place on May 20.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks Melinte must also undertake 80 hours of community service, pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services.
In addition to the ban, Francis – also known as Ian Philips – was ordered to pay £95 to victim services and £85 costs. � A MAN WHO drove while over the drink-drive limit has been banned from driving for three years. Andrei Melinte, 31 and from Walkers Yard, off Eversley Road in Arborfield, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on September 8, where he pleaded guilty to driving in Sandhurst on February 22. Police had stopped him and found that he had 92 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, above the legal limit. He was also driving without a licence and insurance.
� A SHINFIELD man has been banned from driving for 18 months. Barry Jones, 38 and from Woodsend Close, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on September 9, where he admitted driving on Lower Earley Way on April 3 while over the drink-drive limit. A test found that he had 60 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, above the legal limit. His ban will be reduced by 18 weeks on completion of a safe driving course. He was also ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service in the next 12 months, pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services. � A WOMAN from Tilehurst who assaulted a police officer in Woodley has been given a two-year conditional discharge. At Reading Magistrates Court held on September 15, Gemma Sophie Turner, 21 and from Oxford Road, pleaded guilty to the attack, which took place on November 24 last year. Turner was ordered to pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and £21 to victim services at a rate of £40 per month from October 10.
� A HOMELESS man has been banned from driving for 12 months after being over the limit. Scott de Silva, 42, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on September 15, where he pleaded guilty to driving a van on Dukes Ride in Crowthorne on July 6. A breath test revealed that he had 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. His ban will be reduced by 12 weeks if a safe driving course is completed. De Silva must also pay a fine of £352, £85 costs and £35 to victim services. � A WOKINGHAM man who was found to be drunk and disorderly in the town centre and resisted arrest has been fined. Kieran McCafferty, 39 and from Saxons Court, off Peach Street, has been stopped by police in Peach Street on July 6. He resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer. McCafferty pleaded guilty to all three offences. For being drunk and disorderly, he was fined £250. For resisting arrest, the fine was £200. And for assaulting a police officer, he was fined £500 and ordered to pay £150 compensation. In all, his fines totalled £950. He must also pay £85 costs and £50 to victim services. McCafferty can pay back at a rate of £200 per month from October 13.
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Thursday, October 8, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
STOP AND SEARCH: Police operation targets gatherings in Crowthorne
‘Our intelligence was they were carrying knives – we had to act’
NEWS | 7
Indecent exposure: efit of suspect released
� Continued from front page
Local Policing Area Commander for Bracknell and Wokingham, Superintendent Felicity Parker, said that the order had had the desired effect in preventing outbreaks of violence, although no weapons had been found. And she also said that the force would reimpose the Section 60 order if necessary and continue to monitor Crowthorne and Sandhurst with a visible police presence. “Unfortunately, knife crime is on the up, nationally and locally,” Supt Parker told Wokingham.Today. “We want to take every opportunity we can to minimise the impact people carrying weapons has on the community. “Sadly, in Berkshire we’ve had several stabbings over the past couple of months and we need to try and do more to stop this from happening. “Section 60 is a really good power where, particularly if we know that there is a developing situation, we can show that this behaviour is not tolerated, and that we’re doing something about it. Most of all, we’ll stop someone getting seriously injured.” Knives were being used, she said, as a way of settling an argument. “Sometimes it starts off with a lowlevel matter, but then it escalates out of a small, low-time feud. “In this instance, in Crowthorne and Sandhurst, it was around young people of school age, having disagreements. Our intelligence was that they were carrying knives and we needed to do something about it.” Thames Valley Police had been working in the region over several weekends. Supt Parker said that the force had been concerned about gatherings in parks, and anti-social behaviour. Officers had been dispersing youngsters and then returning the following weekend to deter further gatherings.
Wokingham fireworks display off due to pandemic IT’S BEEN delayed by heavy rain, gas mains pipes and strong winds, but it’s never been cancelled before. This year’s Wokingham Fireworks Spectacular is the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic. Originally planned for Saturday, November 7, the annual display which raises thousands of pounds for good causes has been halted. It usually includes a torch-lit procession from Wokingham’s town hall through to Cantley Park, attended by hundreds of people and headed up by local dignitaries and the Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band.
Crowthorne High Street earlier this week following a weekend-long police operation Picture: Andrew Batt
“We did make several arrests and we did recover knives from the area as well,” she said. “By this weekend, we’d done a lot of work with the police and with the schools to work out what the motivations were, and to understand why these things were happening. “We put the Section 60 in place to ensure we had those powers, and got additional resources to come into the area: we had a lot of uniformed officers to make those searches and to show the community that we take this matter seriously.” And despite the heavy rain, the police had intelligence to suggest that the gatherings would have continued. “Yes, there was bad weather, but there were people congregating in the locations that we had defined under our Section 60 powers. We
The event itself includes food stalls and a fairground. But as the event attracts thousands of people within a small section of park, social distancing means it is impossible to go ahead. It will be the first time in 32 years that the event cannot go ahead. It is organised by volunteers from Wokingham Lions Club, Rotary Clubs of Wokingham and Easthampstead and two local Unicorn Clubs. In a statement, David Gold, chair of Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust, said: “It is with regret that we have decided to cancel this year’s Wokingham Fireworks Spectacular. “The annual charity event is
searched just under 100 people over the weekend.” Supt Parker said that prevention was always preferable to needing to respond to incidents and the increased police presence would continue. “I hope it helps nip things in the bud,” she said. “Not only has it been a police effort, but the schools (have helped) as well. The secondary schools have been extremely onboard giving out those messages that the police are going to be out and ordering groups to disperse and that you will be searched. “It is a clear message that carrying knives, carrying weapons
family-friendly and fun for all ages. “Our target this year was to raise £25,000 for good causes. “This year’s nominated charities are: Thames Valley Air Ambulance, JAC in a Box, Topic of Cancer, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service and Wokingham Young Carers. “These charities need funds more than ever before and even though the event cannot take place we hope that people will still donate to these worthy causes.” Next year’s event is planned for Saturday, November 6. � To donate, visit www.wokingham-fireworks.co.uk or on Facebook @WokinghamFireworks
in our area is not acceptable. “Unfortunately, carry a knife and the consequences can be absolutely catastrophic,” she continued. “I cannot underestimate the importance of people knowing that. “Maybe some of our young people don't understand the gravity of what will happen if they do draw a knife or a weapon on someone.” She also thanked officers for their work over the weekend: “I'm pleased that we've been able to have a significant amount of officers in those locations where people have been carrying knives, they have been able to search people who we believe could have been carrying those knives.”
AN EFIT has been released after two teenage girls were victims of an indecent exposure incident in Sindlesham. Although police had released an appeal last month, they are now making a fresh request for anyone with information to come forward. As part of this, they have created the efit of a man they’d like to speak to. The incident happened around 11am on Sunday, September 13, as the two teenagers were walking along Mole Road towards Winnersh railway station. Thames Valley Police said that a vehicle drove past them in Mole Road and, when they joined King Street Lane, the same vehicle had pulled up on the same side of the road that they were walking on. As the two girls walked past, the man inside was touching himself inappropriately. After the girls walked past, the car drove off. The vehicle is described as an older model car, which was silver. There was a dog cage placed on the back seat, which prevented the boot from being shut completely. The boot was held down using two black straps. Investigating officer, PC Kyra Trudgill, of Loddon Valley police station, said: “I am releasing this efit image as part of a re-appeal for witnesses and information in relation to this incident. “It was an appalling incident to have taken place, in broad daylight – and was a distressing experience for the two teenage girls involved. “I would ask that anyone who recognises the person depicted in the efit image, or that has any information relating to this incident, to please contact us. “You can make a report by calling 101, or using our online reporting form here. Please quote reference 43200287390 when making any reports about this incident. “Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you prefer to remain anonymous while making a report.”
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Four online child sex crimes every day ON AVERAGE, there were four daily online sex crimes against children between January and March in the Thames Valley this year. This is according to a report from Thames Valley Police which has highlighted the scale of child sexual abuse on the web. Across England and Wales there were 101 daily incidents – according to the Office of National Statistics, there were 9,153 offences in total between January and March. It is expected that these numbers increased during national lockdown. Now, the NSPCC is calling on the Government to improve social media regulation, fearing that the coronavirus led to significant online harm to children. According to the charity, the pandemic may cause long-term changes to the online child abuse threat, with live streaming and video chats becoming more popular. Changes to working patterns,
with more offenders working from home, could also result in greater demand for sexual abuse images and increased opportunities for grooming, the charity says. NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless, aid: “Industry inaction is fuelling this staggering number of sex crimes against children and the fallout from coronavirus has heightened the risks of abuse now and in the future.” The charity is encouraging the Government to enforce stricter regulations in the Online Harms Bill, due to be delivered in the new year. Hannah Ruschen, NSPCC policy and public affairs officer, added: “We know that children are exposed to all sorts of harm online, and this is because tech giants have failed consistently to prioritise children’s safety. “We want tech firms to be held criminally and financially accountable if they put children at risk.”
M4 bridge work to cause overnight road closures MOTORISTS in Winnersh are being warned of overnight road closures later this month. Highways England need to install noise barriers on the B3030 King Street Lane and have to shut the carriageway to ensure it can be carried out safely.
The work will take place by the M4 overbridge between 8pm and 5.30am Monday to Thursday, 8pm to 7am Friday and Saturday and 9pm to 5.30am on Sunday. The work is scheduled between Wednesday, October 21, and Friday, October 30.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
Bishop makes the switch to electric for new car By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today AS PART of an ambitious plan to green up the Church, the Bishop of Reading has switched to an electric car.
The Rt Revd Olivia Graham believes that the environmentally-friendly vehicles are the future and a key way to tackle the climate emergency. The Diocese of Oxford, to which Anglican churches in Wokingham borough belong, wants to be as carbon neutral as possible and the new vehicles are one way to achieve that. “I think the internal combustion engine has a very limited shelf life,” said Bishop Olivia. “Governments and manufacturers are moving towards electric. “As the bishop leading on the environment for this Diocese, I felt it was really important to be an early adopter of this technology. “I’m really pleased that electric cars have been made available for bishops.” Her decision follows in the footsteps of the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, who last year became the first bishop in the Oxford Diocese, and possibly the Church of England, to invest in an electric car. His new vehicle purchase coincided with the launch of an electric charging point at Church House Oxford. And the Bishop of Buckingham went electric six months ago, which means all of the bishops the in the diocese are now driving environmentally friendly cars.
Bishop Olivia with her new electric car Picture: Steven Buckley/Diocese of Oxford
“Electric cars are getting more and more viable as more charging points are available,” Bishop Olivia said. “The Government is making grants available to people who want to install charging points at home. “I was in Oxford recently and was delighted to see that I could park in the Westgate Centre and charge the car up for free. “There are all sorts of advantages to electric cars.”
She added that it was getting easier to switch to electric cars, which have lower running costs. And she’s a big fan of her new set of wheels. “It is lovely,” Bishop Olivia said. “Electric cars are surprisingly zippy with very good acceleration. There’s something about the instruments that show you how much energy you use as you accelerate and save as you slow down.”
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‘Gorse Ride plan is something we should all be proud of’ EXCLUSIVE
An artist’s impression of the new Gorse Ride development
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE COUNCIL’s ambitious programme to build new social housing – including Gorse Ride – is operating to a 1-4-5 principal.
Cllr John Kaiser, the executive member for housing, said that this stood for 1,000 homes, built over four years for a 5% return. “Bearing in mind that the average housebuilder is looking for between a 15% and 20% return, you can see how we can make these affordable homes,” he said. “We’re well on the way – delivering more than 1,000 homes through our own housing companies, which are all making a profit this year.” Cllr Kaiser said that the sites would be on councilowned brownfield land. “We’re not going to be building on any fields,” he said. “We’ll be using our own sites where possible.” And Cllr Kaiser speaks from personal experience of council homes: “My parents moved to a council house when I was about 11. I come
from that background, I understand that background. Most of my family lived in social housing and I don’t think any owned a house until Margaret Thatcher let my Dad buy his home some years ago.” He said that was “hurt” that some residents fear the Gorse Ride scheme would lead to social cleansing, as we reported last week. “It’s the furthest thing from my mind,” he said. “If any officer or any of my colleagues suggested that we should do something like that, I would leave the council, I feel that strongly about it.” He cited the council’s redevelopment of Phoenix Avenue in Norreys as example of the standard the council aspires to – and what Gorse Ride residents can expect.
“To see these people in their brand-new homes, it’s the best thing I do to be honest with you,” he said. “With Gorse Ride, we’re spending £100 million on the project, the residents who want to move back, we’ve promised them that they can. “Where there were 163 homes, they will be 243, and there will be playgrounds and trees, all sorts of things – it will be a far better environment. “We don’t make money out of it, it’s not like we’re property speculators, we’re not kicking anybody out, we have made a commitment that they can move back and nobody will be chucked out of their home.“ Gorse Ride needs regenerating, he said, as many of the houses are pre-fabs and
a poor standard where it cost more money to rebuild them than they were worth. “They had a lifespan which they’re all probably exceeding now,” he said. “The reason we’re redeveloping it is because it will give us an opportunity to improve our housing stock – we want all our social homes to be built to a decent home standard.” “We’re looking to deliver a housing estate with the best eco-credentials at the minimum cost to the taxpayer.” And with a mix of council tenants, homeowners and affordable homes in Gorse Ride, the planning has not been easy. “The easiest thing in the world would have been to do nothing,” he said. “It’s very complicated project. “We have moved people on to new houses in Arborfield and other strategic development locations, but if they want to come back to Gorse ride, they can. “I tell you, this is one of the best things we’ve ever done: it’s something the whole borough should be proud of.”
Emi and Steve Holden are appealing for old football boots for Wokingham charity First Days Childrne’s Charity
Couple boot up for First Days ONE WOKINGHAM family has been making sure that everybody starts the new football season on the right foot, writes Charlotte King. Over the past month, Emine and Steve Holden have been busy collecting unwanted football boots and kits of all sizes as part of a fundraiser for First Days Children’s Charity. The couple have then been uploading these kits on Facebook for people in need to use. “With the new football season underway, we wanted to ensure every child gets the opportunity to have a good pair of football boots to play in,” Emine Holden said. “And we’re fundraising for First Days because the charity is based
on helping vulnerable children, so it ties in perfectly with the aim of our initiative.” Everybody who collects a piece of kit or a pair of boots from the Holdens is encouraged to make a voluntary donation to First Days Children’s Charity. The family has not created an online fundraising page because they do not want people to feel guilty if they cannot afford to donate anything, Ms Holden explained. And the initiative is supported by Reeves Rangers Football Club, the team that Steve coaches. � To find out more about the Holden family’s initiative, visit: www. facebook.com/Berkshire-Boots-n-Kits
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Why Pinehurst Care Centre tailors activities to suit each of residents
‘W
E HAVE such a good time here – I love it.” Victoria Pembroke heads up the activities at Pinehurst Care Centre in Crowthorne, a role she’s loved for nearly six years. The 47-bed home is split into three houses, a 21-bed dementia community, a 10-bed residential community and a 16-bed transitional community. Staff at the centre aim to empower residents, be they long-term residents or visiting for some respite and post-operative care. One of the houses in the complex specialises in assisting people with dementia, and sees Pinehurst employ specialist nursing and care staff to offer 24-hour care. A large part of that is Victoria’s team, who arrange a host of activities all suited to the people they are looking after. “We want to give our residents a sense of purpose,” she explains. “Just because you’re in a care home, it doesn’t mean you’re giving up. What we do is empower residents, and encourage them to tell us what they’d like to do. “It’s not just about singing and dancing – although we do a lot of that – for some, it might be having a role within the home, such as clearing the tables away. For others, it can be helping in the gardens. “It’s important at this stage of life to help give them a sense of purpose.” And don’t think this is Pinehurst looking for some extra hands around the home. Victoria is emphatic that by giving people opportunities to take part in the centre’s everyday routine, it can be beneficial, particularly for those who have dementia. “I want to make our residents feel special and involved,” she explains. “To them it feels like they have a purpose in life.”
With her team, Victoria arranges activities for the three separate units, bringing them together for special events such as musical entertainment. And they can also pursue individual activities. “Everyone is different,” she says. “We find out everyone’s story, and prepare a profile before the move in, such as what they’ve done in the past.” This has its benefits, such as when they had a visit from some rabbits. “One of the residents held a rabbit and he was crying,” Victoria said. “He used to breed them, and he remembered that.” Activities is a broad brush, and can include the small
things that matter – Pinehurst has a well-stocked selection of jigsaws to complete, for example. And with some guests, they’ll adapt sporting events to be safely used in the home. “There was one person who liked boxing, so we got a pair of boxing gloves and let him punch a ball,” Victoria says, showing the lengths her team will go to. In normal times, the centre welcomes regular visits: “We’re massively involved with Crowthorne’s community,” Victoria says. “Primary schools, nurseries, Brownies and Beavers all come in regularly. It’s incredible what happens here.”
This includes seeing nursery-aged children joining the residents for activities such as painting, biscuit decorating and picture bingo. “One primary school comes in costume for World Book Day and the children sit and read with the reisdents, it’s great.” For the moment though, Pinehurst uses modern technology to let residents interact with families and friends. “We do video Whatsapp calls, Zoom calls, we’ve got a Facebook page so families can see what we’ve been doing,” Victoria says. “And we’re linking up with schools and the nursery on Zoom so hopefully they won’t miss out.” Victoria loves her job and she hopes to make your loved ones welcome at Pinehurst. To find out more, give Pinehurst a call and find out what activities she can arrange for you. � Nothing we can write here can convey the understanding, warmth and care that Pinehurst Care Centre staff have for their residents. Our reputation is one we are very proud of. It is best if you meet with us at your earliest opportunity to register your interest. � Please visit Pinehurst Care Centre at any time, however as we are a busy home it’s best to telephone and arrange a visit with our manager, or administrator, who will show you around. � Call 01344 774 233 or email us at pinehurst@foresthc.com or visit www.foresthc.com
Pinehurst Care Centre at the heart of Crowthorne village has a real focus on being a family
01344 774233 | Pinehurst Care Centre, Dukes Ride, Crowthorne RG45 6ND | www.foresthc.com
10 | BUSINESS
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Moving Mountain THE BERKSHIRE Local Transport Body (BLTB) has appointed a new Vice Chair. Bob Mountain, EU CIS Region Head of Supply Chain & Logistics at Honda was recently elected by the Body, and will also become Co-Chair of the Berkshire Strategic Transport Forum, and a member of the Board at Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). “I am looking forward to using my experience in the wider setting of the LEP Board to also positively impact people in the Berkshire area,” Mr Mountain said. “The major challenge for the BLTB will be handling the fallout of Covid-19. “Even in the current circumstances we can leverage the strengths of the area, such as the excellence of our workforce and our geographic location. The BLTB works to enhance connectivity across Berkshire and the adjacent areas while taking into account challenges presented by Covid-19 and the need to prioritise the climate change agenda. Bob Beveridge, chair of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP added: “Bob’s previous experience with the LEP and breadth of industry expertise will be highly advantageous in supporting the LEP develop and deliver a technology-led recovery plan to boost productivity and support our green recovery from Coronavirus.”
AI company wins twice over at Thames Valley Tech Awards By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today VOLUME, a Wokingham-based artificial intelligence company has collected two awards at this year’s Thames Valley Tech Awards.
The business was awarded the Innovative Tech Company and Tech Employer of the Year awards at the ceremony last month. “We’re delighted to have been recognised as the most Innovative Tech Company,” a spokesperson for Volume told Wokingham.Today. “Having pivoted the business towards Artificial Intelligence in 2015, we have since developed products that help global enterprises and smaller businesses dramatically enhance their customer experience and increase operational efficiency. “This award gives our teams the recognition they deserve for all the hard work they have put in and ultimately reaffirms our credibility and position in the industry as tech innovators.” According to the spokesperson, Volume practices innovation everyday to improve people’s lives through voice-first technology.
And the team is thrilled to have received the Tech Employer of the Year Award, too. “We’re super proud to have received this award, especially during unprecedented times like this,” the spokesperson added. “We've always taken pride in our strong company culture and the global pandemic really tested this when we were all required to work from home. “However we were technologyenabled and ready for any situation
so for this to be recognised and to be able to share that with our people as well as those looking to join us on our exciting journey, it’s truly a wonderful feeling. “The awards mean a great deal to us and as we continue to strive for the best, it would be a great achievement to win them again next year.” Volume wasn’t the only local winner. Content Guru, a Bracknell-based cloud contact centre, was awarded
Communications Company of the Year. Judges praised the organisation for its work throughout the coronavirus pandemic, including setting up healthcare call centres to help cope with the crisis. Martin Taylor, deputy CEO at Content Guru, said: “I am very pleased that our team have been recognised with this prestigious award for their hard work throughout Covid-19. “Content Guru and its parent company, Redwood Technologies Group, have been running global operations from their headquarters in Bracknell for more than 25 years. “As such, we really value this recognition in our home area.” The Thames Valley Tech Awards have now been running for three years, and seek to celebrate the best in business across the area. Often referred to as the UK’s biggest tech hub outside of London, the region has seen technology become a significant part of its economy for more than 20 years. � To see a full round-up of this year’s winners, visit: tvtechawards.co.uk
Amresh joins PRISYM to help labelling work PRISYM ID, a Wokingham-based company in pharmaceutical labelling, has appointed a new software delivery manager. Amresh Bangalore will be overseeing and coordinating the people and processes behind PRISYM ID’s clinical labelling work. The company works primarily with medical manufacturers and life science organisations. It aims to improve patient safety and health outcomes by making sure the information accompanying drugs and medical devices is correct.
And the organisation works on a global scale, providing labelling for more than 10 million products each year. Steve Grimison, senior vice president in global development at PRISYM ID said: “We are constantly evolving our products and services. “We welcome Amresh who will play a critical role in helping us to achieve our goals. “With his extensive and diverse experience in software development and delivery, he will be a valuable asset to the team.”
Law firm makes it to the Legal 500 again IT’S A lucky 13 for a local law firm following its placing in The Legal 500. The publication recognises and ranks law firms across the country in a number of disciplines and then ranks them based on how they are viewed by clients and other professionals. The Legal 500 is an annual award and this year Blandy & Blandy, which has offices in Reading and Henley, features for 13 different areas of law. In four categories – family; personal tax, trusts and probate; environment and
planning; and licensing – it is in the top tier. It has been highly recommended for corporate and commercial; employment law; commercial property’ commercial litigation; insolvency and recovery; property litigation; contentious trusts and probate; charities; and public sector. And it has seen 15 of its 16 partners, as well as five of its associate solicitors, cited as experts in their areas. Partners Jonathan Gater, Caroline Casagranda
(personal tax, trusts and probate), Karen Jones (environment and planning) and Sue Dowling (licensing) are leading individuals. The Legal 500 says that Blandy & Blandy is “highly respected”, “very experienced”, “energetic and engaging to deal with”, with “response times
surpassed any comparable solicitors.” The firm is acknowledged as having a “formidable reputation in the region”, while members of its team are credited as “approachable”, “supremely knowledgeable”, “exceptional” and “a pleasure to work with.” � For further information, visit www.blandy.co.uk
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MONEY: Councillor upbeat about borough finances
‘We are not a council about to go broke – we can weather the storm’ EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE COUNCIL’S debt works out at about £7.60 per resident and not £10,000 per household.
That’s the view of Cllr John Kaiser, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for finance, who says that Lib Dems’ financial concerns – raised at a recent Council meeting – were “hogwash”. Opposition deputy leader Cllr Clive Jones said that the council debt was closer to £700 million, rising from £400 million in 2017. “You continued to borrow more and to spend it on more speculative commercial property ventures,” he said. ”Our residents would be horrified to learn that this debt is now hurtling towards £10,000 for every house in Borough.” But these figures are disputed by Conservative councillors, who feel that their finanical management is prudent and the debt levels are both lower and manageable. They could even be paid off tomorrow if the council wanted to do so. Speaking to Wokingham .Today, Cllr Kaiser added that the council’s assets are worth around £1 billion, while its external borrowings are £264 million. “We are not a council that is going to go broke,” he said. “A broke council is no good to anybody. We’re a long way from that point. “If we wanted to, we could use our own investments to pay off our debt, but some of the bonds we’ve got are the government’s
own, it’s the cheapest way we can borrow money. “With any investment that we’ve got, we’re looking to get gett our money back with the best return we can. “For instance, if we lend to another council, that is underwritten by the government, even if that council gets into (financial) trouble. “There is no chance of a repeat of the Iceland situation (where councils, charities and emergency services lost around £1 billion when the country went bankrupt in 2008). “We do not go for risky investments, we’re no different to any pension fund. We would not risk people’s pensions by putting them into investments where you could lose substantial amounts of money.” One of the borrowings that the council has made has been £83 million for new social housing stock. Cllr Kaiser said that this was worthwhile, as they will generate funding. “Each one of those social homes, we rent out and it pays its own debt, and pays for those council houses to be repaired and replaced,” he said. Coronavirus has impacted on the council’s budgets, but Cllr Kaiser is confident that the council will be able to weather the storm. “We went into Covid with a pretty good reserve,” he said. “We have the highest reserves of any unitary authority in the country. That means we’ve been able to help people with PPE, such as in care homes, in schools. We acquired PPE to support those people.
“We could put up our costs, but there’s no point putting up our costs to people who can’t afford it, so we will be fairly restrained in what we do in the new budget going forward. “But when we come to the end of this (financial) year, we still believe, looking at the numbers, we are going to end up with more than adequate reserves.” Cllr Kaiser said that the financial picture was helped by the council’s three housing companies all making a profit this year, but it’s not all been plain sailing as the coronavirus has caused additional spending to protect services. “We know that we are going to have to cut waste significantly, it’s about prudent financial management as much as anything else,” he said. “The council has had help, but we’ve had some problems where we haven’t, such as leisure facilities. We are still negotiating with the government to try and get some money to help us, but we’ve managed to re-open those facilities and offer the best service we possibly can. “Touch wood, we haven’t been hit as hard as we thought we would in the town centre – we are still signing (new businesses) to take leases there.” He added: “I guess the only reason that we’ve got the reserves is that we have managed the council quite successfully over the years. “It’s good financial management, it’s professional financial management – the officers have a really clear understanding of what they’re doing.”
Free online course offers help for dementia carers A TWYFORD-based charity has launched a free online training course for anyone caring for a family member or friend with dementia. As face-to-face sessions are not currently possible, Understanding Dementia has moved training to the online platform Zoom. The programme will begin with an introductory overview session, followed by five- to six-sessions which will cover subjects in more depth. The course also offers free followup support, and a chance to become part of an online dementia support group, if people wish to join this. The training is provided free of charge to any unpaid dementia carer – all the charity asks is that participants read the booklet that accompanies the training first. There are morning, afternoon and evening slots available.
The charity’s founder, Shirley Pearce, says: “We are so pleased to be launching this online training, as we know that now more than ever, people caring for those with dementia are in need of support and guidance. “While family and friend carers are undoubtedly doing a wonderful job during extra difficult times, we know that many people with dementia have declined rapidly during lockdown, and that this has presented particular challenges for their carers. “Anyone who may be interested in attending or knows someone who is, should contact lucy.w@ understandingdementia.co.uk, and join our database.” To order a copy of the course booklet, for £4.99 including postage, log on to the charity’s website, www.understandingdementia.co.uk
Isla Bishop at her socially distanced cacti sale – she grew 50 plants from cuttings for Cancer Research
No prickly customers for Isla A GREEN FINGERED eight-year-old has seen her investments grow into a sizeable donation to charity. During lockdown Isla Bishop, from Finchampstead, has been growing cacti. She recently held a garden sale, inviting friends and neighbours to choose one of more than 50 to take home in exchange for a gift to Cancer Research UK. And she smashed her fundraising target of £150 – so far, she has received £515 of donations. Isla said: “During the lockdown, I spent lots of time in the garden and that’s when I started to develop my new interest for cacti. “I started with succulent plants, noticing that a leaf from a succulent plant had fallen off. I tried to plant it as an experiment and it worked, so that’s when I thought I can try a similar method with different cacti.” She then planted cuttings and looked after them until they formed roots. “They don’t need much water, but wet compost while the roots are establishing,” she said, adding: “It
was quite difficult to cultivate them as some of them have spikes.” The love of cacti runs in the family – Isla’s mum has a 16-yearold plant. And, she added: “I’m half Italian and when we visit Italy I see Cacti everywhere and I found them fascinating. I think they are strange unusual plants with spikes.” The Nine Mile Ride Primary School pupil was delighted with the success of her sale, which saw her set up her lockdown homeschooling table as a salespoint, and lines marked out for social distancing. “I’m very pleased and proud that I’ve raised more than I expected,” she said. “Lots of friends and family have really supported me for my chosen charity. “I had my little sister Matilda and my best friend Priya helping me. “I meant to go outside to sell them for a few hours, but ended up staying there for the entire weekend because people kept coming, I wasn’t expecting it.” And she received other forms of support: “I talked to the customers,
my friend gave hand sanitiser, my little sister gave the plant and I put the money in the pot. “It was a great event, we even had chocolate biscuits hidden behind the tree to eat when we didn’t have any customers.” Isla also appreciated the social aspect of the sale: “I met lots of my neighbours that I haven’t met before and they were very generous to support me,” she said. “I feel lucky to live in such a nice community in Finchampstead.” Maria Gomez-Baldwin, Cancer Research UK’s senior local fundraising manager for Berkshire, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Isla, Matilda and Priya for raising such a fantastic amount of money for Cancer Research UK. “What a clever and innovative way to not only learn about growing a living thing, but also to raise money to support vital research that will help cancer patients in the future.”
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The mark the start of the new judical year, a special service was held in the Reading Abbey ruins on Friday Pictures: Sapna Odlin Photography
Judges head to the abbey for new year HISTORY was made in one of Reading’s most historic locations. Last Friday, the annual Berkshire Judicial Service was held not in the Minster Church but in the ruins of Reading Abbey. And normally there’s 600 guests for the annual service which is an act of worship that marks the traditional opening of the legal year. But this time round there were just 26 socially distanced – and soggy – guests, representing those who maintain law and order through the administration of justice in Berkshire plus community and voluntary sector leaders. The service began with a procession from Reading’s Crown Court steps to the remains of the Chapter House in the Abbey ruins, led by Under Sheriff, Jonathan Gater.
It includes judges, HHJ Edward Burgess QC, HHJ Paul Dugdale and HHJ Kirsty Real, the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Mary Riall and the High Sheriff’s chaplain, Andrew Storch. Their arrival was marked by two trumpeters playing a fanfare. The service’s theme was compassion, and saw a refugee, Ameer Mujahideen, and his 10year-old son Yunis, speak about arriving in Reading, fearful and destitute, from Sri Lanka in 2012. Four representatives of the Reading Community Gospel Choir sang acapella and The Bishop of Reading, the Right Revd Olivia Graham, spoke about the importance of compassion in the justice system and society as a whole. Prayers were said by the High Sheriff’s chaplain and Dr Ashok
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Khare, chair of the Reading Hindu Centre. Guests included the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, John Campbell and the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley. Mary Riall, High Sheriff of Berkshire, said: “It was wonderful to be able to come together in some way in this challenging year. “The service was very moving in its simplicity and we were able to acknowledge the vital and hugely challenging work being done by our Judges and all those who maintain law and order in the county. “Working within the Covid restrictions and then the bad weather required a big team effort and considerable Dunkirk spirit but we were delighted to be able to celebrate this occasion.”
Fresh hope for MP’s campaign to save Gaol By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE CAMPAIGN to save Reading Gaol and turn it into an arts centre has received a boost after the chair of a parliamentary select committee has given his backing.
Julian Knight MP, who chairs the Culture, Media and Sport select Committee, has written to Prisons Minister about Reading Gaol’s future. In his letter, he urges the minister for prisons Lucy Frazer asking her to reconsider the historic gaol’s future. Before the pandemic, the justice department had expressed a desire to sell the site to the highest bidder, despite strong local backing to turn it into a community resource. Both Reading East MP Matt Rodda and Reading West MP Alok Sharma have been pushing for the site, which once housed playwright Oscar Wilde as an inmate, to be kept for the benefit of those who live and work in the greater Reading area.
The gaol has been unused since 2013, and was put up for sale by the Ministry of Justice in October last year, with a preferred bidder found in April. A bid by Reading Borough Council was rejected, despite more than 8,000 people signing a petition launched by Mr Rodda calling on the government to turn the Grade II listed building into an arts and heritage site and a wellattended hug around the gaol’s grounds last year. Mr Knight wrote: “(The gaol has) historical and cultural significance cannot be understated, and the people and institutions in support of the gaol are not limited to those in the UK: recognition of the gaol’s importance has also been given by the Irish government; and the building itself is grade-II listed. It is clear that Reading Gaol, with its heritage significance, ought to not only be preserved but also continue to be accessible to the public.” He added: “Britain has a proud tradition of preserving
heritage sites and ensuring they can be explored and enjoyed; and many cultural or heritage sites are also assets which draw tourists to their local communities, generating and driving local tourist spend. “At a time when much of the tourism industry is suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic, this opportunity takes on an even greater significance.” Mr Rodda was delighted to have an additional voice cheerleading for the gaol. “The campaign to save Reading Gaol continues,” he said. “We have gained the support of Julian Knight MP, the Chair of the powerful Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. “Julian has written to the minister for prisons to ask her to consider ways that the Gaol can be preserved for public use and reiterated the significance of the Gaol and its heritage to our community.”
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It’s safe to shop –and what a lot we’ve got!
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HOPPING is safe – and the borough’s shops and businesses are fantastic places to find everything you need, even during a pandemic. Coronavirus has seen many changes to way in which we live, from hand washing to social distancing. But one thing that hasn’t is our need to buy things. That lockdown period saw many of us stay at home, but things have changed since March. We now know more about the virus and how to contain it – and we’re learning more every day. The government has introduced a range of measures across the board to ensure that retail premises can reopen safely, and people can shop with confidence. This includes wearing face coverings, asking people in licensed premises to order from a table, and asking people to use the NHS Test and Trace app to check-in at venues. Stores will be offering their own measures too. It’s become a familiar sight to see people queuing to get into supermarkets and shops. By limiting numbers it’s easier to keep a distance from others not in your bubble. And there’s also the opportunity to use call and collect services, meaning that purchases can be prepared in advance of your arrival.
The message is essentially that shops are safe to use and we shouldn’t be afraid to use them. Wokingham borough is blessed with three great retail centres – Woodley precinct, Wokingham town centre and Twyford village. There are also many retailers dotted around from garden centres to industrial estates. Whatever you need, it’s on your doorstep. In Wokingham, if you need your tech gadgets repaired, be it a mobile phone screen that’s cracked or a laptop battery gone wrong, then Pratts Pods is the place to head. It’s one of the new businesses to open in Elms Walk, close to Elms Field. If you need something printed, want to call on the specialist knowledge of a graphic designer, or need some paper supplies, then Jays Printers in Denmark Street can help. Sometimes people say there’s no clothes shops in Wokingham – they’re wrong. Purple Butterfly, on Denmark Street, specialises in French and Italian fashion at affordable prices and with Covid-secure procedures to make browsing a pleasure. And when you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, a visit to Ruchetta in Rose Street will ensure you can enjoy a meal, recharge those batteries and unwind. They’re even offering £10 discount per person if you use the coupon on this page. Woodley has a host of businesses to consider. Pawsome Dogs is in Headley Road and has a deluxe grooming spa ensuring your pampered pooch can be pampered even more. If you’ve been looking at your garden in recent weeks and think that it’s gained its own version of lockdown pounds, then call Samscapes. They offer landscaping services, fencing and tree surgery – everything you need to give your garden a makeover. At the start of lockdown, MoTs were suspended but now they’re needed again. Hicks MoT & Service Centre in Headley Road can help, services include a free local pick-up service, servicing and tyres for all makes and models. It’s been operating for a long time, so you can trust it. Woodley Goldsmiths at the other end of the shopping precinct is the place to spoil yourself, or find that perfect gift for a loved one. Watches, rings, jewellery and more, all from big names. They can also design to your requirements. One of the newest businesses to open is Derma Reading – look out for more on them next week – they are there to help with all skincare matters from acne, eczema, moles, stretch marks and wrinkles. Its full body mole mapping can help catch skin cancer at the early stages. It has opened in Shepherds Hill. McEvoy & Rowley have been part of Woodley for more than 50 years. They sell all kinds of white goods for the home: cookers, washing machines and more. They can also arrange for a Quooker tap to be installed for instant boiling water. Inner Beauty is based at Woodford Park Leisure Centre and is a salon offering massages, facials, aromatherapy, face painting, and even pamper parties. They are offering readers a 10% discount to give the services a try. And shopping is hard work. Our virtual tour of Woodley ends as it should do – with a decent cuppa. Crumbs offers both hot drinks and a bite to eat. Based opposite Lidl, the café specialises in local, freshly prepared food for everyone to enjoy. We’ll drink to that.
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Call to keep recycling dry “PLEASE keep your recycling dry”. That’s the message from Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall as the weather turns. The council has ordered new recycling sacks to replace the black boxes, but these are not expected to arrive on residents’ doorsteps until January. They are needed as a result of changes to the world recycling markets: countries that accept waste for processing no longer want wet cardboard and paper as it makes it harder to sort. The new sacks have velcro tabs to help keep the waste dry. But in the meantime, the council wants residents to do everything they can to ensure the recycling in their black boxes stays as dry as possible. Rain and damp mornings mean that doorstep collections could be contaminated if residents leave their waste out overnight. Cllr Halsall said: “Please keep your waste dry – put your paper out on the day of collection, and put the blue bag on top of the boxes. “We are awaiting our new system, regrettably this won’t be until January and is a consequence of the call-in.” The call-in was a process where opposition councillors request that a decision made by Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee is then discussed at a meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee, which was held in August.
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Feathers are flying: new home for popular bird sanctuary By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today AFTER BEING served notice last month, a popular falconry centre is moving to a new home – and it needs £30,000 to do it.
Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre has been at Ladds Garden Village for the last 11 years, but is now raising money to move to a new site in Warfield. Ladds Garden Village was recently sold to The Granary Group who are looking to redevelop the area. This means all 10 independent retailers at the site must now find new premises. Last month, we reported on Feathers and Fur’s quest to find a suitable base and readers have responded. “We have been absolutely astounded by how kind people have been,” said Sadie Shepherd, founder of the centre. “We’ve visited so many new potential sites – one lady even offered to buy us a patch of land,” she explained. And the centre has now found a new home, at Moss End Garden Village in Warfield. “It ticks all the boxes for us,” Ms Shepherd said. “It was hard to find somewhere that met all of our requirements
Sadie Shepherd is looking forward to moving her aviary into a new home
because we need flying space, we need to make sure the wildlife around our centre is safe from the predatory birds, and we couldn’t move too far because of our loyal, local customers – the new site is really perfect.” And the team are already making plans to expand the centre once they move into their new home. “We’ve always wanted to have a proper shop, a nice reception area
WAINGELS
Due to recent Government guidelines we are unable to welcome prospec�ve students and parents into our school this year. Instead, we have plenty of other opportuni�es for you to get involved with at our Virtual Open Events.
Boo Req king uire d!
Virtual Open Experience As well as our Live Events (below) explore our Open Experience webpage to find out more about Waingels. You can take a virtual tour and find out more from the staff and students at Waingels. Coming soon… ‘A day in the life of a Year 7’, School welcome, subject presentations and more…
Tuesday 29th September: 4:00pm Thursday 1st October: 4:00pm & 6:00pm Monday 5th October: 10:00am Thursday 15th October: 6:00pm *Please note, you do not need to sign up to every event as the events are repeated.
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Better Never Stops
and a cafe,” Ms Shepherd said. “And it gives us a chance to get some new birds. I’d like a British Merlin and a female Buzzard. “I think really great things are going to come of this – we are able to grow and I just hope we can keep up with it,” she added. But the move will be expensive, Ms Shepherd explained. The cost of transporting the birds, paying staff wages during a period of closure and more
means that the centre is currently trying to raise £30,000 to cover the costs. “In reality, £30,000 isn’t a lot of money. We have to rebuild so many things, like fences and aviaries, roofing and moving lorries, so it will be a massive task,” she said. Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre will be shut for three months as it moves to Moss End Garden Village. “We’ve never shut for this long before because we’re a small centre, so we can’t afford to,” the founder said. The centre will be closed to the general public on Tuesday, December 1, and hopes to reopen in Warfield in February next year. If Covid allows, Ms Shepherd plans to have a big, celebratory opening. The centre’s crowdfunder has raised more than £10,700 so far, and Ms Shepherd hopes people will continue to support the centre both virtually and by visiting in person. “We’re busy on weekends but we still have lots of spaces on weekdays if people want to book in,” she said. To find out more about Feather and Fur Falconry Centre’s big move and to donate, visit: uk. gofundme.com/f/rehoming-feathersand-fur-falconry-centre
Resurfacing programme in store A NEW programme of road resurfacing across the borough will begin later this month. Wokingham Borough Council is investing £800,000 in the scheme, which will see 12 key travel routes receive some TLC. It is part of an £8 million project to improve the road network over the coming year. So far, the council has resurfaced nearly 100 roads. The council said that many of the most disruptive locations being completed during the lockdown months when roads were quieter, including the Showcase Roundabout in Winersh. This new round will run up to the end of the year and will be full resurfacing works, removing top layers of a road and replacing with new material. Wokingham Borough Council said that the focus will be on some of the most-used roads including Rushey Way in Earley, Headley Road and Crockhamwell Road in Woodley, Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead and Baskingstoke Road in Spencers Wood/Swallowfield. Roads have been selected by the council’s highways team by identifying the areas most in need of attention after continual surveying and inspection producing a condition scoring system. “Improving road surfaces is something we know is a top priority for our residents and our
Woodlands Avenue is one of the roads that has already been resurfaced by the council
extensive programme for this year continues through the autumn,” said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport. “Ensuring residents can have smooth journeys on safe roads, whether in their vehicles, on public transport or by cycling, means keeping surfaces in a good condition. “Officers continue to inspect and monitor all roads across Wokingham Borough and this shapes where the work is taking place. Roads such as Nine Mile Ride, Rushey Way and Crockhamwell Road are vital for being able to get around the borough easily, but also reflect where work is most needed based on our information.” Work is planned overnight between 8pm and 6am to minimise disruption for key strategic locations. Some
daytime work will take place and this will be off-peak, between 9.30am and 4pm. Residents who live on streets where works are taking place will receive letters notifying them in advance and signs will be placed on streets where work is happening. And there is more promised for motorists in coming months. WBC says that it is investing £20 million on tackling congestion, and will also bring new or improved park and ride car parks to the borough along with other services. For more details, visit w w w.w o k i n g h a m . g o v. u k / roadworks-and-outdoorm a i nte n a nce /ro ad wo r k sandroad-maintenance/potholeand-road-repairs-schedule. Details of road closures will be available on www. one.network.
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‘We need the movies now more than ever’ says Winnersh writer EXCLUSIVE By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S award-winning film writer and director is pleading with film studios to release blockbuster films to save cinemas from closing down, possibly forever.
Jessica Swale’s acclaimed film Summerland helped lead the reopening of UK cinemas, including the Everyman at Wokingham, in August. But now the much-awaited new James Bond film, No Time To Die, starring Daniel Craig, has been delayed until next April, a year after it was due out. Other big films have been delayed as well. Some cinemas are already closing temporarily, waiting for the blockbusters – not just Bond – to come back to pull in audiences. At the the moment, the Everyman in Wokingham and the Showcase in Winnersh are still open. Jessica, from Winnersh where her
Mum still lives, told Wokingham.Today: “I absolutely understand why the major films are delaying. “They cost so much to make, it's important for them to recoup, so I understand why they'd rather delay until they can see audiences have returned. “My concern is that audiences won't return until these major films are back in the cinemas. The onus, I think is therefore on the studios to take a leap of faith and to have an eye (and heart) on the wider industry, in order to save it, frankly. “The audience pull of smaller films – the independents, the niche, the lower budget - simply isn't great enough. If the blockbusters step in, people will come back – and Tenet's financial success is proof of that. “If they don't, without audiences, our cinemas will have no option but to close. And the first victims will be our beloved local independents. That would be a travesty.” She told Radio 4’s Today programme this week: “I’m
concerned about the independents (cinemas) and small regional operators right now that are going to really struggle. When they close they may not reopen.” Major UK chain C i n e w o r l d announced on its website its UK cinemas will close temporarily this week. Reopening plans would be announced “Once film studios are able to bring their pipeline of major movie releases back to the big screen.” The Everyman at Wokingham, a small boutique cinema aiming for a luxury experience, opened at Elms Field last December. Yesterday (Wednesday) they were taking bookings for five films at Wokingham. Jessica has spoken up for local cinemas. “I have been so impressed at the efforts our local cinemas have made to make audiences feel safe and comfortable.
“I have been countless times since they reopened and feel far safer visiting a film showing with good social distancing, thoughtful hygiene and well set up routes round the cinema than I do, frankly, in a supermarket.” Summerland is still showing in the UK. Proud that the film helped the post-national lockdown reopening, she said: “Whilst audience figures were of course much lower than in a precovid world, it was heartening to see them increasing over the weeks it has played. “I thought it would have finished its cinema run by now, but the fact it's still on reflects the fact there's still an appetite, and an increasing one, for films like this,” Jessica said. “Perhaps it's the hope and optimism at the heart of it- and the sense of escapism – that keeps the audience coming. It's what we all need right now.”
WOKINGHAM In Need has presented The Salvation Army £200 to help with its work with the borough’s homeless. The presentation was made last month at the charity’s new Sensory Gardens in Woosehill. WIN founder Sue Jackson said that she was delighted to be joined by the Junior Ambassador of WIN, Amelie, for the presentation to Captain Jan Howlin. After receiving the cheque, Captain Howlin expressed her thanks for the help received from WIN. Amelie said that was very proud to make the presentation and that she really enjoyed hearing about the amazing work the charities do for vulnerable people in our area who need food and shelter. Mrs Jackson added: “She loves the sensory garden that WIN is building and really looks forward to it opening later this year. “She is very happy to be the charity’s junior ambassador and to raise money and awareness for WIN.”
Louise’s champion idea helps foodbank A COMMUNITY-conscious hero has made and eye-catching shopping innovation that is helping Wokingham families in need during the pandemic. Louise Jedras, community champion at the Finchampstead Road Tesco store, is a strong supporter of the town’s food bank, which provides a wide array of life’s essentials to families who are struggling. However, Louise saw that while numerous Wokingham people were keen to donate items to the food bank, they were often the same sort of items, leaving people in need short of other essentials. So after discussions with customers and the food bank, she came up with the idea of putting labels on shelves next to items that were needed by families that week. This resulted in the right items going to the foodbank at the right time, with many more people in need able to access anything from food to cleaning
products to toiletries. Louise said: “I look after the store’s food bank collection point. We’re very proactive at the store
and our customers are always very generous. “We did have a donation poster on the food bank collection point, but a customer pointed out that the poster would be better at the beginning of the shop because when people finish their shop it’s too late for them to get something to donate. “So I did as they suggested, but we got so many tins of beans that it was overflowing, rather than having a spread of items that were needed by the food bank. “I then used to stand outside the store with the list of items that were wanted, but obviously I couldn’t do this during lockdown, so I thought it would be helpful to start putting labels next to items that were needed by the food bank. “I regularly look in the food bank collection point and the labelling idea is working. “We’re getting lots of the right items for local people in need. People have really got behind this, and on social media lots of
customers are saying what a great idea it is.” Louise’s idea has really taken off, with many people on Twitter pointing out “the genius” of her idea’s simplicity. Annette Medhurst, manager of the Wokingham food bank, agreed: “Louise’s idea has been really excellent for us. She did a trial run asking people for shaving foam, and suddenly we got lots of Tesco brand shaving foam, so we knew that Louise’s system worked. “Wokingham people are very responsive to our cause, but there’s a natural tendency for them to give what they think people need rather than what they actually need. Louise’s labelling takes the guesswork out of this. “There’s now a visible prompt in the aisles, and the people who come to us are very happy to see there’s a cross-section of things they actually need. We’re all really grateful to Louise and Tesco shoppers for their help during these challenging times.”
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Hunt on for lockdown’s most active sporting heroes By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today
Liz McDaniel collects the Youth Engagement Project of the Year Award on behalf of the Me2Club from Mike Diaper at last year’s Get Berkshire Active awards
THE HUNT is on for local heroes who have helped get the county moving over the past year.
Caroline Gatfield and Sarah Abell are part of Artists at Shiplake this weekend
Artistic friendship on show WITH artists unable to welcome visitors to their studios this year, a rare opportunity to visit an exhibition takes place this weekend. Two Wokingham artists are teaming up to showcase their ceramics and polymer clay bead jewellery, alongside six other artists whose work includes paintings, ceramics and jewellery. Caroline Gatfield and Sarah Abell are part of Artists at Shiplake, taking place in the village’s church hall between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11. The duo will be present throughout the showcase. And they are good friends, often joining each other while making beads or ceramics.
Although Caroline’s sculptural ceramics and Sarah’s wheel-thrown ware are very different, they find it useful to discuss ideas and problems with each other. The pitfalls in making, and glazing in particular, are many and a little encouragement is most welcome! Sarah develops her own glazes which involves much experimentation, patience and washing up. Artists at Shiplake is one of five venues which are part of an autumn Henley Arts Trail, all using Covid-secure measures. Entry is free. � For more details, log on to bit.ly/ SarahAbellHenley20
The ninth Get Berkshire Active Awards are now open for nominations, with a particular focus on those who have helped encourage physical activity during lockdown. Organisers say that celebrating victories big and small and recognising community champions has become more important than ever. And instead of its 12 traditional categories, this year’s awards will be just one: The Berkshire physical activity lockdown hero. The nomination can be for any size, organisation, charity, club, community group, school or an individual (aged 11 upwards) that has positively impacted others through physical activity and sport in Berkshire during the Covid-19 pandemic. Get Berkshire Active has also launched #MoveWithUsBerkshire, a campaign highlighting the importance and benefits of physical activity. It will also raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in fighting the worst effects of Covid-19 and help those groups and individuals disproportionally impacted by the pandemic to get active to support their physical and mental wellbeing. Brett Nicholls, CEO of Get Berkshire Active, said: “Now more than ever we need to celebrate and recognise those
amazing people and organisations that make sport and physical activity happen in Berkshire. “Being physically active is a fantastic medicine but it is not always easily available to people. Therefore, those that help others to be active deserve our respect and recognition”. And one of this year’s winner was the Me2Club, which is based in Woodley. The charity’s spokesperson, Liz McDaniel, said: “It was an amazing privilege to have been included in this event and to have the opportunity to bring the work of the Me2 Club charity to the attention of so many more people. “Winning the Youth Engagement Project was a fantastic achievement for a small team who work so hard to ensure that young people with additional need and disabilities have the same
opportunities to get involved in physical activities as their mainstream peers.” Mike Diaper, a senior representative from Sport England who attended and presented the Youth Engagement Award in February 2020 said “I really enjoyed the awards and was very impressed by the quality of the nominations and winners. “They really showcased the difference sport and physical activity can make and indeed the excellent work the active partnership [GBA] does day in and day out.” Closing date for nominations is Tuesday, December 15, and the panel will shortlist the nominees on January 5 next year, with the winners announced in February. For more details or to nominate, log on to getberkshireactive.org
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IT firm’s helping hand
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
LONDON VIRTUAL MARATHON
So that’s why there was a unicorn in Cantley Park By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
A LOCAL IT company has been offering a helping hand to charities impacted by the pandemic. SecureCloud+, based in neighbouring Reading, has partnered with Reading Association for the Blind (RAB) and SSAFA Reading to deliver care packages to the local community. Throughout September, the two charities successfully delivered over 300 gift parcels to their members, which were donated by SecureCloud+ in order to raise people’s spirits during the Coronavirus pandemic. The care packages included items such as facemasks, hand sanitisers, stress balls and office stationery to help the charities’ staff members transition through the pandemic. RAB is an organisation which supports visually impaired people in Reading to live full and active lives, and has been doing so since 1883. Adele Barnett-Ward, CEO, said: “We are so grateful for SecureCloud+’s support and generosity during this challenging time.
“While lockdown is lifting for most, the challenges of maintaining social distance when you have a visual impairment mean that many of our service users are still unable to get out and about.” And SSAFA Reading supports members of the Armed Forces community in the town, working closely with the Gurkha women of Reading. Pam Reynolds BEM, one of the charity’s volunteers, commented: “We would like to send our thanks to SecureCloud+ for their kind gesture to help our members. “These wonderful gifts will be a welcome boost to the Gurkha Community.” Speaking about the initiative, Peter Williamson, CEO of Secure Cloud+ added: “We must support the community in any way we can. Helping the community is one of our core ethos as an organisation. “We are in awe of the work these charities do in the community and we hope that the care packages give their members a boost as we work together through the pandemic.”
IF YOU spotted a unicorn in Cantley Park on Sunday, you weren’t going crazy.
This is because Ann Tigerstedt, from Emmbrook, was all dressed up for her Virtual London Marathon last weekend. And she was running in aid of Lawrence’s Roundabout Well Appeal, a UK-based charity which raises money to build wells in southern Africa. Although she originally planned to run laps around Old Forest Meadows, when Ms Tigerstedt turned up on Sunday morning the entire area was flooded. After making a last-minute switch to Cantley Park, she completed the race while being joined by a different supporter for every lap of the park. “It was really tough doing it virtually. I’ve run a couple of marathons before so I knew I could do the distance, but not being in the race was really hard psychologically,” Ms Tigerstedt said. She was meant to be taking part in her first-ever London
Marathon this year, which she had pledged to run in fancy dress. “I’ve run some marathons before, but I always thought that if I got into London I would dress up. “I just think all these people who run it in fancy dress are heroes, and it helps raise more money for charity, too,” she said. And because of her daughter’s love for unicorns, she decided to run as one of the magical creatures. Even after experiencing a costume malfunction at mile 10 and having to hold the outfit together for the remaining 16 miles, Ms Tigerstedt finished the race with a smile on her face. “The support I received was amazing. I had so much support from the local community and people who I’ve never even met. “As I was running, dog walkers were coming over and giving me £10 there and then,” she added. In total, Ms Tigerstedt raised approximately £1,500 for Lawrence’s Roundabout Well Appeal, which will fund the third of a well for a local community in Africa.
Kelly’s eye is on another 11 miles … ONE WOKINGHAM resident ran her Virtual London Marathon at the weekend, but she still has another 11 miles to go. Kelly Bradley is running 65 miles over the course of 2020 to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. So far, she has completed the Wokingham Half Marathon, the Wokingham Walk, and her own Wokingham marathon, all while raising awareness of the disease. “My 40-year-old cousin has cystic fibrosis,” Kelly said. ”She was always told that she probably wouldn’t live to be an adult and the average life expectancy of someone born with the disease is currently 41, so it’s all very emotional.. And she has already doubled her
fundraising target – Kelly initially wanted to raise £1,000. “I’ll probably start crying when I think about the support I’ve received”, she said. “To raise this much money is absolutely amazing. I think if it had been a ‘normal’ year and I had the opportunity to go out and fundraise, we could have raised even more, but I’m really thrilled at what we’ve achieved.” Ms Bradley ran her own Wokingham marathon with a friend from university, and the route she had planned took the pair all around the local area. Starting in Wokingham town centre, they ran through Gorrick Woods, past Crowthorne train station, through California Country Park and more before
crossing the finish line just by Kelly’s front door. “It made it extra special to do my own marathon in Wokingham,” she said. “They called it ‘your marathon, your way’ and it really felt like that for me. To be able to stop by people’s houses and see the local area was just amazing.” Kelly plans to finish 64 of her ‘65 miles for Cystic Fibrosis’ at the end of the year with the Mapledurham Run. She will then complete the final mile of her journey with her cousin in December – they plan to cross the finish line together. To read Kelly’s story and donate to her fundraiser, visit: bit.ly/ 30FUHvP
Knee deep in floods, but Emma runs on THREE supporters of a charity that helps families with clothes, bedding and toys for their children are celebrating after completing their virtual London Marathon. Louise Brown, Claire Sudlow and Emma Cantrell all completed the challenge on Sunday, despite their route being underwater. They were all running, in their own way, in aid of Hurst-based First Days Children’s Charity. Between them, they have racked up thousands of pounds for its work among some of the borough’s most needy families. Emma, who is the charity’s CEO, said that it had been a “classic 2020 experience” as the conditions were
torrential rain and flooded roads. “The weather was crazy – it was absolutely nuts,” she said. “We had planned our route twice and still found ourselves knee-deep in water. “When we were on Sanford Lane, there was literally no way to get past the floodwater apart from going through it. That was around mile 22, but we made it back to Wokingham, albeit very soaking wet.” And she admitted that while the weather had not been in their favour, they had raised a lot of money. “There was no question of not doing it,” she said. “My first-ever
marathon couldn’t have been under a more challenging set of weather circumstances. “We’re grateful for so much generosity. It’s becoming quite a theme of 2020: people are generous in terms of sponsorship, and we’re so grateful for it and what that money will do for the charity. “The marathon was worth it, certainly.” Understandably, Emma was suffering from sore legs. Speaking on Monday, she said: “I’ve been out for a little walk trying to get the blood flowing, and I've got a very sore foot. But I'll be back out running hopefully in the next couple of days.”
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NEWS FOCUS | 21
Making a success of DofE during lockdown It’s a scheme that sees thousands of youngsters stretch themselves – it’s all for a badge, but it’s also much more than that. JO HINTON explains
W
OKINGHAM Borough Council is congratulating its young residents who have this year taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, celebrating a record number of bronze, silver and gold awards with students showing their determination to succeed throughout the pandemic.
“We would like to thank all participants for their efforts during these unprecedented times, as well as the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to support the young people online throughout lockdown,” said Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services. “Completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award is an amazing achievement at the best of times and these young people have shown great strength and determination, especially with their volunteering, during the past few months. “Congratulations to all our young people who rose to the occasion and have been truly inspirational in the way they have made a difference within their communities while developing compassion by giving service to others”. Tushar, aged 14, successfully completed his bronze award during lockdown after initially attending sessions at Wokingham Youth and Community Centre while Nellie, aged 17, after completing her bronze and silver award, is now embarking on the challenges that come with working towards her Gold award in the current climate. “I wanted to set myself a challenge and by working towards this award I have learnt essential life skills to become more independent, gaining confidence, selfdiscipline and team working skills,” said Tushar. Nellie said that she wanted to take part to enjoy some adventure, fun and new experiences. “It also looked like an exciting, great opportunity to enjoy myself while improving my CV,” she said. “As I have moved through the awards onto the silver and now onto gold it became more about helping others and I have concentrated on developing my skills and working with the community.” As part of the award, participants had to spend time volunteering, learn a new skill and take part in a physical activity. Over this past year, the young people taking part
in these awards across the borough have in total completed 1,261 hours of volunteering, 1,235 hours of physical activity and 1,287 hours of learning new skills. Fulfilling these hours during lockdown made these tasks even more challenging but, like many other young people, Tushar and Nellie showed their resilience and sense of commitment by continuing to adapt. “Before lockdown I was volunteering as a young scout leader for the 1st Woodley Scout club, working with children aged between five and 10, while learning from the scout leaders about child safety, communication and organisational skills which helped me gain confidence and I enjoyed helping the community,” Tushar said. “During lockdown I was able to help my family more, cooking healthy meals and helping with chores.” Nellie responded in a different way, using the pandemic to assist some of the borough’s vulnerable residents. “During lockdown I realised the importance of supporting those who were shielding and have been helping ladies from the California WI with their food shopping.” she said. “This has also been a good way of checking on any other needs or support they may find have arisen. It has been a pleasure to help these lovely people who are so friendly and cheerful even in these difficult times.” It wasn’t just their volunteering that was affected by lockdown. Nellie was unable to take part in her London to Brighton cycle which was part of her physical challenge and Tushar missed out on his piano exam grading which was part of his skills challenge. Despite this they showed their resilience and recognised the positives of their Duke of Edinburgh experience which became a welcome distraction during their time at home. “I really enjoyed playing piano as it helped me to relax during lockdown and took my mind off the coronavirus news,” Tushar said. “Working towards the award helped me while I was at stuck at home as I had a good daily routine in place, carrying out my school work and other activities to keep active and healthy.” Nellie kept up her cycling despite the race being cancelled. “Continuing to cycle as part of my physical challenge during lockdown allowed me to have time to relax and forget about what was going on,” she said. “I also love being outside and discovering new parts of my local area so this really helped.”
Teenagers Nellie and Tushar have both completed their Duke of Edinburgh awards despite lockdown challenges
The council’s Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is continuing with online support and is extremely popular with young people around the borough. Tushar said: “Duke of Edinburgh gives you an opportunity to learn essential life skills and be independent. It helps you develop positive habits and teaches selfdiscipline. “I learnt that nothing is impossible when you are enthusiastic, hard-working, focused and disciplined. With a positive attitude and determination I know that I can overcome any fears or obstacles in the future.” And Nellie is pleased to have taken part. “My volunteering has been so positive,” she said. “I feel like I am part of the community more because I’ve been able to help and assist within it. It has also encouraged my younger sister to come out with me during lockdown, our relationship has become stronger and we have worked together at times within the community. “The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are one of the best things I have ever done. “The experiences will be with me forever, it has helped make me the confident, happy person I have now become.” � To find out more and to add your name to next year’s waiting list, email: dofe@wokingham.gov.uk
22 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Tackling knife crime THE ACTION taken by Thames Valley Police in Crowthorne and Sandhurst over the weekend is to be welcomed. Officers used a Section 60 power to enable them to stop and search people. Rarely used, it is a power that allows police to work in the community and gives a strong message to those who might be tempted to use a knife to settle a score. In recent weeks, as Local Policing Area Commander Supt Felicity Parker says, there has been an increase in knife-related crime across the region. It is shocking and disappointing that people think violence could ever be the answer to their feuds and problems. We applaud Thames Valley Police and the schools for their efforts. The work must continue. One weekend of action will never be enough. There are many initiatives that work with our youngsters – Crowthorne churches’ HopeZone is one, youth groups are another. We must give them the long-term resources they need – and the credibility – to keep on partnering with police and schools to be there, and to ensure that the dabbling with blades doesn’t become an epidemic.
CHURCH NOTES
Testimonies speak
A
Testimony, according to Collins Dictionary, is “a declaration of truth or fact”. Quakers have few rules or regulations, however, we do have our Testimonies: Peace, Truth, Equality and Simplicity. Most of us must agree that Peace is undeniably the way we all should live. Friends will not go to war or engage in the manufacture or use of weapons. As conscientious objectors, numbers of Quakers were imprisoned during both world wars. The truth Testimony is more open to interpretation – what is truth? Basically we all know we should “tell the truth and shame the devil” as my Gran used to say. We don’t like liars. Equality is a “nice idea”, but the world is full of class systems and bias of all kinds. We still have to learn that we are all equal and unconditionally loved by our Creator. Simplicity. Quakers believe that we should live a simple life in order to focus on what is most important. David Attenborough, that amazing, wise and deeply respected authority the world must listen to if we are to survive, has told us we must live more simply; stop waste, do not take anything we don't actually need. This is a beautiful world, let's not waste any of it so it's beauty and diversity will be here for generations to come. Due to Covid, we are all, whether we like it or not, obliged to live more simply. Carbon producing vehicles on the roads and in the sky are severely reduced ; air is so clear and clean. Many are returning to walking and cycling for personal transport; working from home has become the norm for many. Home cooking. Remember the supermarket shelves that were totally emptied of flour for weeks? Home-baked bread, there is nothing better. When Covid has been defeated – and as we know, nothing lasts for ever – will we all return to our previous ways, or will we live the more simply? To quote the Quaker manual: “We do not own the world, and its riches are not ours to dispose of at will. Show a loving consideration for all creatures. “Rejoice in the splendour of God’s continuing creation.” Paula Seddon from Wokingham Quakers on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020 We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, 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
Chaos with Boris Johnson (and others) I am increasingly disturbed and concerned at being surrounded by incompetence – as a large percentage of Readers are Conservative ‘oriented’ in our Town, surely you like me have never experienced such a disastrous Conservative government! Reading the new Boris promise of Wind Farms to provide all our electricity within the next 10 years, I despair that he knows nothing about the subject. Having attended an Institute Lecture in Reading a few years ago, with an impressive list of government and scientific advisers looking at all the possible means of power sources, I challenge him and his usual team of friends, to think again. By the way, we cannot afford HS2 let alone the potential cost of his crazy plan. Our Comedian PM should spend all of his time thinking about our country’s health and the economy. I wish to bring to the attention of our schools, their need to ensure all students are aware of the rules regarding the protective measures to halt the spread of Covid-19. My recent experiences of students from one school along the Reading Road, cause me concern. If we need to provide instruction sessions I am sure that can be arranged. Continuing the incompetence subject, can anyone advise as to why the new blue waste bags are so pathetic – I keep finding no tear-line in my roll. They have no ‘handles’ with which to lift and easily tie. Just cheap and nasty. Finally, drivers have noticed the threeway temporary traffic lights at the junction of Shute End to Rectory Road and Broad Street. Anyone with any sense or concern at the serious traffic hold ups through Peach Street into Broad Street from the east, would ensure the traffic can flow towards Shute End without being part of the three-way temporary control, viz there is no justification for three-way control at all. Two-way, yes. To enable pedestrians to cross, it should be possible to use the existing lights, which is why they are there. That issue is in contravention of government instructions to reduce traffic pollution, for which I believe we exceed accepted levels. Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham
Highlights I read in Wokingham Today (October 1), that reader Jan Francis would like letters on subjects other than the Wokingham Borough Council debates. How about the following subject – for something, completely different? We have recruited a new volunteer who has come here from South Africa. She is not familiar with the British Isles, but we have our beauty spots. At present, all travel is restricted, but we are advising her as to the most beautiful places to visit – once restrictions lift. I would start with Wordsworth country, the Lake District, and then move down to beautiful Snowdonia. How about, the wild, rugged, beauty of Cornwall – Daphne Du Maurier country? In complete contrast, there is the green beauty of the West of Ireland – see the sun go down on Galway Bay!
Picture of the week Serene as this swan at Dinton Pastures last week looks, it was in fact, very stressed. It had tangled its foot and wing in some fishing line which can just be seen stretched tautly behind it. Some concerned canoeists were trying to catch up with the bird to free it but the swan was having none of it and eluded them even when they seemed to have it cornered. We had to leave, hoping they would succeed Thank you, Jan Frances of Wokingham, for your kind and encouraging praise in last week’s issue of my picture published the previous week of geese in the lake at California Country Park. I sympathise with your protest about councillors hogging Your Letters to take pot shots at each other with long (and mostly very boring) letters. As you say, that’s what the council chamber is for. To be charitable though perhaps, as
If you want something nearer, you can’t beat the charming Cotswolds – such gentle, rolling, hills But, if I have to advise anyone on the most beautiful place in the whole of the British Isles, then, you’ll take the high road, and I’ll take the low road – to the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. For breathtaking, beauty, you can’t beat Scotland! Have you ever visited the Isle of Iona and looked out across the sea to the Isle of Staffa – wherein is Fingal’s Cave? Inspiration for Mendelssohn’s composition, The Hebrides Overture, both the places and his music are unutterably beautiful. If any Wokingham Today readers, have favourite beauty spots, of their own, and would like to add them, to our list please do write in and tell us about them. Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House
Write on, Jan I totally agree with and fully support the sentiments of the letter entitled "Residents are write" from Jan Frances of Wokingham (Wokingham.Today, October 1) regarding the preponderance and proliferation of occasionally selfcongratulatory and sometimes acerbic letters expounding either overtly or latently political beliefs, policies etc from councillor members of WBC and the Town Council. This issue of the Wokingham.Today contained a letter from Simon Jackson regarding the proposed new recycling bags, the aforementioned letter from Jan Frances, an enchanting photo of a young fox taken by Ray H Little and a four-anda-third column "presentation" by the Labour grouping of Town and Borough being their "open letter" type response to the Government’s Planning for the Future white paper published in August, entitled Councillors on Housing. While this is a very important issue for Borough residents and while we should have a balanced, considered
George Bernard Shaw once apologised at the end of as long letter to The Times, they write long letters because they don’t have time to write short ones. Perhaps more of us should write more letters more often and crowd them out. Ray H Liמּle, Finchampstead PS: I hope this letter is short enough. � We welcome your pictures for this slot. Send your images to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk and we’ll do the rest
overview of the parties' positions, this wordy letter monopolised the page. Jan Frances concludes her letter by saying “The page is called Your Letters after all”. Councillors are presumably Borough residents and thus, under our wonderful freedom of speech and freedom of the press, are entitled to expound their views but perhaps it would be more equitable for non-councillor residents, would create more impact and carry with it more gravitas if, in this particular case the 11 councillor signatories to the letter were to have taken out and paid for a half or full-page space in the paper to express their views. If the paper had to charge for such a letter any amount paid by the councillors to fund such could have been donated to charity by Wokingham.Today. Jan Frances’ letter ended with a footnote in small italics (not in bold) “Editor writes – We welcome more contributions from readers” … really ? Perhaps there was a dearth of letters, to constitute a meaningful, balanced page for issue 281, perhaps the matter raised by the councillors necessitated publication that day but maybe quasipolitical submissions could perhaps be covered as a separate feature. Simon Jackson, Wokingham Editor writes – We welcome more contributions from readers
Plastic to recycable
One of the conspicuous pieces of litter in Wokingham are the Plastic Forks, courtesy of the Casual Food Sellers and after that their less well-behaved customers.
Presumably the sellers have to get a licence from the Borough Council and these specify conditions that the vendors must adhere to sell casual food in the Borough. I don't know if the Borough Council has been as unwise enough to insist on Sellers using PLASTIC cutlery or even worse those Polystyrene clamshell containers which are less frequent than the forks but bigger and more conspicuous hence just as annoying.# Also I used to like going to the Cinema nearby in Winnersh and for me an integral pleasure was Ice Cream, spoilt by being packaged in a plastic tub or a Cardboard one rendered non-recyclable by means of an inner plastic film and the small, inevitably plastic spoon, It does not have to be so. Not so long ago fish and chip shops wrapped food in several layers of paper (often re-cycled newspaper) with an inner layer of grease proof paper to avoid any cooking oil or fat soaking through to the outer layers. Paper is not only recyclable but also biodegradable. Returning to forks and spoons, why can't the Borough Council make it a condition of licencing for casual sale of food that packaging and cutlery must be recyclable and biodegradable. When my (American) wife first came to the UK she was expecting the full, English Fish and Chips experience with plump Chips (not "Fries") wrapped in newspaper. She was very disappointed but she did say the (fresh) Fish was fine. Also back in the day my cinema, ice cream used to arrive in a cardboard tub with a cardboard lid, internally lined with wax, to make it melted liquid-proof. In place of the inevitably plastic spoon there was a small wooden paddle to eat the ice cream with. All recyclable and biodegradable. So, if you are going to have a picnic, why not use paper/cardboard plates and wooden cutlery? Harry Atkinson, Wokingham
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neilcoupe Another view
paulinejorgensen From the executive
When was the last time you used a cash machine?
We continue to invest in borough’s highways
H
T
IGHWAYS is always exciting, it’s one of the only universal services we have and it seems everyone has an opinion, one of the issues is they often don’t agree with each other.
HE strangeness and uncertainty of living in a Covid-19 world continues. Just as it appears as though we are making progress, if seeing roads full of traffic is ‘progress’, there seems to be another step back, be it with the necessity to wear a mask, the new ‘Rule of 6’ or even the 10pm curfew.
I had expected the return of children to school would herald a turning point in our return to normality, but so far this does not appear to have been the case. People have spoken about the ‘new normal’, which begs the question of what will that look like? I have literally not taken any cash out of an ATM, or even visited a bank, since February. Now that pretty much every business accepts card payments, and there is no awkwardness about making micropayments for water, coffees, birthday cards etc, it seems as though we are coming close to the point where most of the time, cash is no longer required for the majority of people. There are obviously advantages to the use of cash, for small purchases or gifts, and of course to avoid prying eyes. As one of my friends pointed out, whenever we use a card ‘Big Brother is watching us’. Big Brother would be very bored observing my mundane supermarket purchases. Other than the reduced use of cash, I suspect that we will all be far more conscious of personal hygiene, and the use of hand sanitiser whenever we go anywhere where anything is touched will probably be a permanent feature. On the subject of touching, and in view of President Trump’s recent illness, apparently contracted at a convivial social event, how long will it be before we are all comfortable to shake hands and embrace again?
tonyjohnson That was the week
It’s been ‘Political’
I
T’S odd how some weeks you get so much ‘news’ that you can barely keep up while others there’s rumblings from the week before, like aftershocks from an earthquake.
For some of last week’s content, if you were offended, I’d like to apologise from the heart of my bottom (attrib. Sir Nick Faldo), as it now appears ‘there’s more’.
Walking in water Reflecting on the previous week’s proposal for WBC's Executive to approve the allocation of land for the SEN (Special Educational Needs) School in Winnersh, the Exec's briefing papers showed that there’ll be some fantastic cost savings over the first four years. Even so, there were questions from the Deputy Exec Member for Health and Wellbeing, also from the Leader of WBC’s Labour group. In essence both questioned the wisdom of putting an SEN school close to a motorway because the M4’s a source of much pollution – air quality as well as noise. While the answers from the two Executive Members (Education and Planning) are plainly stating that measurements have been carried out and results are acceptable, especially to the Department for Education, somehow neither response seemed quite the full ticket – despite being worthy and undoubtedly well meant. Researching The Lancet for ‘air quality and school’ then for ‘noise and school’, it appears, from recent publications, that noise pollution has
If we never reach that stage, then maybe this will end the very British anxiety on meeting people of whether to shake hands, kiss on one cheek, kiss on two cheeks or even exotically go for the three-kiss approach. During lockdown we have become even more attached to our devices, and life without the internet is now inconceivable. However, I do not think I have the brain capacity to remember any more passwords, and the recent trend towards having a minimum of 8 characters including symbols such as ? as well as capital letters and numbers, is most disheartening. If this is not bad enough, more and more websites have the additional control where we have to confirm that we are not a robot. The poor internet user is then confronted with a barely legible mixture of a squiggly, hard to read, numbers and letters of varying style and
thickness that we must somehow decipher and then input. The other option is to be confronted with an out-of-focus photo of an American street scene where we are invited to identify which of the squares the photo is split into has a sidewalk, a bus, traffic lights or something similar. It is literally impossible to get it right first time, building up stress levels when all we want to do is see is the weather forecast. After wrestling with passwords on a PC what a stress-free pleasure it is to pick up a phone and access an app via a thumbprint. My appeal to clever IT Security professionals to enhance everyone’s ‘new normal’ is to enable us to access anything we like via a thumbprint or through our retina, and condemn complicated long-winded passwords to the Recycle Bin of history
a direct effect on children’s development. Readers with long memories may recall the controversy over the lead pollution from cars and the effect it was having on children living (or going to school) near Spaghetti Junction in the 1970s. More recently in 2014, there’s been research and publicity linking long-term lead pollution to crime. So I went back to that Wokingham Borough Council briefing paper to take another look at the fantastic savings, paying particular attention to the financial justifications on page 61 which are explained in more detail with a couple of tables on pages 69-70. Quite apart from there being four times as many SEN pupils in 2026 as in 2022 – possibly because they will be educated in the borough rather than being sent elsewhere, saving the council money, which is the reason for building the school – in my opinion the table on page 69 is factually incorrect. This is probably down to one instruction as to how the numbers are calculated. If one believes the instruction then the numbers are wrong. If one believes the numbers then the instruction is wrong. But the savings are fantastic. Clearly, I’ve some more research to be done.
quite like that, but he was a mite garbled at times. Carefully refusing to be deflected, the interviewer pointed out that restrictions in Oldham and Manchester didn’t appear to be working; that locally applied rules were inconsistent; that there was questionable scientific support for 10pm closing times of pubs and restaurants; before challenging the PM on broken promises for test results; the track and trace app; spikes in infections; the vaccine; the list continued. By now the interviewer’s questions were raining like hammer-blows until they reached peak confrontation with “you are visibly and loudly losing the support of the very Tory MPs you most relied on in the past”. In trying to rally from the onslaught, the Prime Minister asked the interviewer “are you crazy” before deflecting questions with trivia that might have worked last December just after the election but which were falling terribly flat in Autumn 2020’s second wave of Covid-19. A wide and wild eyed Prime Minister was reduced to remembering that he was too fat, and that long Covid’s “not title tattle, it’s balderdash and nonsense”.
Passing water By the time Sunday arrived in this centurylong week of ‘events, dear boy, events’, it was time for a somewhat tired and haggard Prime Minister to face the BBC, who cautiously and judiciously walked Billy Banter through things. Along the way we heard an admission that “buoyancy and elan” weren’t appropriate, that hands knees and boomps a daisy were three rules, you could be fined for baking and that there may trouble ahead don’t ye know? Perhaps, not
The last word As the full performance appraisal for adaptability covers walking on water, walking in water, washing with water, drinking water etc, you’d be right to suspect I have more opinions to come. But, for me, it remains a mystery as to why we should even be thinking about giving disadvantaged children any extra disadvantage, especially when WBC owns other sites in the borough which have low / no excess pollution. Could there be better places? It’s worth discussing. caveat.lector@icloud.com
My email and Facebook messenger contains lots of communications from residents needing help to sort things out, these arrive 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and I try to answer as fast as I can. This week, as you might expect, floodwater and traffic lights were at the top of the pile. In the background, I am pushing forward our agenda of improving road maintenance and reducing congestion. We continue to invest in new highways, paths and cycleways to deliver on our promise to make the Borough a great place to live and do business. We will spend an unprecedented £185 million on the Boroughs highways and transport between 2020 and 2023, with a £124m roadbuilding programme providing relief to residents of Wokingham Town Centre, Winnersh and Arborfield. The Lower Earley Way dualling scheme was the first of these roads to be completed in late 2019, ahead of schedule and under budget. The first section of North Wokingham Distributor Road opened in the spring, providing a link between Warren House Road and London Road and work has now commenced on the next section to relieve traffic in Wokingham town centre. Arborfield Cross relief road will open later this year complete with its off-road cycleways, green bridge and badger tunnels to protect the wildlife and extend our cycle network. Apart from major roads we are also addressing pinch points in the network which cause congestion such as Barkham Bridge. There are small schemes being worked on as well like improvements to historic Rose Street in Wokingham Town centre to improve the pedestrian crossing point and allow us to remove the traffic island. We are also planning to spend £16.8 million on road maintenance in the period 2020-23, I recognise that a lot of our roads are nearing the end of their life and, in response, we have more than doubled maintenance spending. We have taken advantage of the dip in traffic during Covid to accelerate the works as much as possible especially on traffic sensitive routes. Highways officers and I are always willing to talk with local people about issues and ideas they might have although this takes a bit more planning with Covid restrictions, recently that has involved visits to Wokingham and Twyford to review road congestion and parking, to Arborfield, Woodley and Earley to look at roads with particular maintenance issues, to Charvil to deal with the A4 signals together with conference calls with residents in Finchampstead. It’s certainly never a dull moment but challenging and enjoyable when you can find a solution to a problem. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen is the executive member for highways and Conservative councillor for Hillside at Wokingham Borough Council
24 | SPORT
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Reading FC 2020 Back row (l-r): Ollie Harrington, Ray Holland, Ryan East, Joseph Ajose, Ethan Bristow, Dejan Tetek, Nelson Abbey, Nahum Melvin-Lambert, Tennai Watson, Imari Samuels, Lynford Sackey, Harry Wood, Chris Douglas.
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Thursday, October 8, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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0-21 ‘The Royals’
anny Flitter, Sam Baldock, Michael Olise, kull Andrésson, Luke Southwood, Holmes, Tom McIntyre, Lewis Gibson, op, James Hooper.
Front row (l-r): Josh Bowen, Felipe Araruna, Yakou Méïté, Andy Rinomhota, Liam Moore, Quinton Fortune, John O'Shea, Veljko Paunović, Dayong Pang, Marko Mitrović, Nuno Gomes, Michael Morrison, Andy Yiadom, John Swift, Sone Aluko, James Bittner, Eddie Niedzwiecki.
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26 | NEWS
rachelbradley Think local
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You’d better watch out, beagle’s about
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
Pepperminted read The cover to the Card Factory’s new Peppermint Peaks book
I’m ready to spread some festive cheer
W
E’VE been warned that things will be “bumpy to Christmas and beyond” so, in an effort to smooth the bumps ahead, I’m embracing Christmas 2020 with gusto. It usually takes me until at least December 1 before I get my festive groove on but this year my countdown the Christmas has started. And it would seem that I’m not alone. In April, Pinterest announced that Christmasrelated searches on its site had more than doubled from the same time last year. Maybe a bit early for me but back in April, just as lockdown kicked in, it seemed like everyone was bypassing summer and fast-forwarding to the festivities. Closer to home, this week Christmas arrived in Wokingham so we can all get our season sparkle on. The new Christmas Wonderland in the town centre is a shop dedicated to delivering festive cheer and it really does deliver, by the sack full. If the news is getting you down, I guarantee that in a single trip into this wonderful new store will lift your spirits. It’s a one-stop shop full of the most beautiful decorations and twinkly fairy lights. I’ve been told that the Christmas theme for this season is romantic – sugar plum pastels, feathers and pearls. It sounds dreamy and indulgent, soft and comforting. I’ll take it all please, with bells on. Because it’s been a difficult year, and it’s not over yet, there’s something about Christmas that makes things seem a little easier. Yes, I know it’s not just about Santa and stockings and I’m fully aware of the hardships most people are feeling. But having a little nostalgic spark of excitement, even if it is only October, feels comforting. And yes, I also know that Christmas will look a little different for many of us this year. A time for traditions, I usually pack up the car, and the family, and trek up north, with Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas as my soundtrack. Will I get there this year? I’m not sure, so maybe Christmas 2020 is about flexible festivities and finding new, more streamlined traditions. This year I’m going to focus on what it’s really all about. Taking time to stop and enjoy those closest to me and keeping things simple. It seemed to work all the way through my childhood, and maybe it’s time to revisit Christmases past to learn some valuable lessons. So, while I love the romance and whimsy of this seasons trends, my Christmas theme for 2020 is going to be nostalgia. This year I’m going to reign it in and enjoy the simplicity of a more streamlined, old-fashioned Christmas. Going back to basics is the only way to go so I’ll be treasuring what I already have rather than wishing for more. That said, I’m a sucker for the arrival of the annual Starbucks Red Cups and now that we have one at Elms Field, I’ve got November 5 in the diary and an Egg Nog latte on advance order. Rachel is founder Gossip Girl Gang, a networking group for women in business in and around the borough
By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today A detail from Ben Edmunds’ winning painting of a beagle
NORMALLY, when an eight-year-old paints a picture, the best they can hope for is for it to be pinned to the family’s fridge door, but not-so for Ben Edmunds. The youngster has been named as the winner of an art contest to design an animal-themed mural for a state-of-the-art hospital which provides the latest cutting-edge, specialist treatments for orthopaedic and neurological disease in cats and dog. Ben, who lives in neighbouring Warfield, painted a watercolour of a beagle and it impressed the judges thanks to his incredible level of detail and the bright background. Now, his picture will be translated into a wall mural by professional artist Anna Jaxe for clients and staff of Hamilton Specialist Referrals in High Wycombe to admire. Runners up in the national competition were, in the nine to 16 age category, Francesca Jakins with a picture of a slinky black cat, and Carmel Keyes with a painting of puppies in the 16 and over category. Prints of these entries will be created and displayed at the referral centre. The winners and runners up will
all receive art vouchers and Ben will be invited to view the mural of his painting, once it is completed and safe to do so. Clare Hamilton, managing director of Hamilton Specialist Referrals, said: “We were blown away by the talent and creativity shown by many of the entrants in all the age categories. “It was a tough, but wonderful judging process. “Ben’s painting stood out with the bright-eyed beagle and eyecatching blue background; he’s a very talented artist. “We’re excited to see it translated on to our anniversary wall to be admired by clients and our team alike.” Ben was excited to hear he was the winner of the competition. His mother, Sally, said: “He didn’t believe us at first. He said ‘Did I? Did I really? Yay’, and was delighted to win. “We don’t have a dog of our own yet but Ben is desperate to have his own dog, and his favourite dog is a Beagle.” His artwork translated into a mural will be a lasting homage to his favourite breed.
A CARD retailer has launched a special partnership to make it a happy Christmas for a popular children’s charity. A book for youngsters, The Big Freeze In Peppermint Peaks, is on sale in branches of Card Factory, which includes the Peach Street store in Wokingham town centre. The aim is to raise £10,000 for the NPSCC. The £1.99 book focuses on an ice skater and her bunny sidekick as they discover the warmth of friendship during a snowstorm. To raise additional money, there will be plush toys and dress-up accessories for sale, themed around the book. Since 2016, Card Factory has raised more than £500,000 for the charity.
The Wizard in the Kitchen I often travel back in time. Just close my eyes, And let the reels of past unspool, And I can see what my heart desires, Clear as images on my television screen. There she is, not in her choice of place though But what difference does it make, For once there she transmutes, The wizard ready to cast her spell. She cuts and chops; her hand moving in a rhythmic manner, She grounds and blends; fresh scent of spices intoxicating us, Lentils in the pan like an upswelling in sea The hiss and the sizzle, as palmlength pieces of fish find its way into the frying pan, Sukhto, concoction of greens, filled with goodness, much more than a nutritionist can imagine.
Adam Dury, chief commercial officer at Card Factory, said: “The Big Freeze In Peppermint Peaks looks great, and we’re sure our customers will love to read about the adventures of Dot and Bounce and the importance of being there for others. “It’s a lovely message, and one we’re delighted to share with the NSPCC.” And Tim Bradshaw, corporate partnerships manager for the NSPCC, said the charity was delighted by the new book. “This year has been particularly tough for children and young people across the country, and Christmas can be a difficult time for families as well,” he said. “The NSPCC has remained here on the front line to support children and their families, and this generous commitment from Card Factory will ensure we can be there throughout the festive period.”
Oh, how can I forget her chicken curry, The image of richness in its very core. God knows what alchemy she practiced, For it made our stomach growl fiercer than a cry of beast. And all our senses came alive and danced in anticipation. I am a great player too. My man, my kid would write reams singing praises of my masterworks. But I don’t find in them, the magical taste of my mother’s creations, The wizard in the kitchen. Sukhto is a dish popular among Bengalis. It is a made with a medley of vegetables like raw plantain, bitter gourd, eggplant. SHILPI CHAKRABORTY
We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email us your submissions to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Thursday, October 8, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
NEWS | 27
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Elizabeth hopes you’ll share her lucky number seven By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
Elizabeth BurtonPhillips is celebrating her 70th birthday and hopes you’ll donate a present to her this month
AN ADDICTION support charity is having a unique birthday celebration this year – it is inviting people to donate in multiples of seven.
DrugFAM is an organisation which supports people affected by substance abuse, and it is celebrating its founder’s 70th birthday with a twist. Elizabeth Burton-Phillips MBE founded the charity in 2006 after losing one of her sons to heroin addiction. He passed away in Wokingham in 2004. And she has now launched a new fundraising campaign to celebrate her birthday. DrugFAM’s Power of Seven campaign will be running for an entire year to raise money for the charity’s support and awareness services. “DrugFAM was set up to support families and significant others whose lives are impacted by a loved one’s substance or alcohol use. “We have three strategic aims: to work with families who are affected, to support the bereaved, and provide education in schools,” Ms Burton-Phillips said. According to the founder, the charity has received 76% more phone calls from concerned family members during national lockdown. “Our services are in demand and we’ve lost a lot of money because of the pandemic – £76,000 to be exact,” Ms Burton-Phillips added. “So I thought, well maybe we could have a fundraiser to try and capture some of the funds back, you know? “It’s a means of celebrating my birthday, but it’s more so about highlighting the work that we do as a charity.” As part of the Power of 7!
UNLESS you are a wheelchair user, there is evidence to show that prolonged periods of sitting can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Modern technology has changed how we spend our work and leisure time. It is not uncommon for people to spend several hours every day sitting behind a desk, watching TV, playing computer games or sitting at the wheel of a car. Heart Research UK has some tips to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting. The NHS provides advice on activities that are suitable for wheelchair users with different physical abilities: www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ wheelchair-users-fitness-advice/
Take regular breaks from your seat Whenever you are going to be sitting for prolonged periods of time, set an alarm to remind yourself to get up and move around regularly. If you are sitting watching TV, why not use the advert breaks to prompt you to get moving. You could use this time to run up and down the stairs, dance around the living room or do some star jumps.
Step away from your desk The government has recently advised us to work from home over the winter if we can. As a result of this, many people are missing out on their active commute to work, such as walking or cycling. If you are working from home without moving much, you could set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move at regular intervals. Why not set yourself a five- to 10-minute chore to complete once an hour that will get you moving, such as hanging laundry, hoovering or cleaning windows.
Active phone calls
Campaign, donors are being encouraged to give in multiples of £7. DrugFAM has already raised more than £2,600, and the fundraiser will be open throughout Ms BurtonPhillips’ 70th year. “The campaign will be running
for so long because our services operate all day, every day. “Donations will go towards the general maintenance of our support lines because we’re not a nine till five service. “Anybody who’s got a loved one with an addiction knows that it
doesn’t stop at five o’ clock on a Friday evening. “We need to support families who need us.” � To find out more about DrugFAM and to donate to the Power of 7! campaign, visit: www.justgiving.com/ campaign/drugfamspowerof7
How a cheeky Nandos started a revolution A LOCAL comedian is stepping away from the microphone and trying his hand at fundraising. Preet Singh, a comedian and podcaster from Winnersh, is raising money to support Reading’s homeless community over the winter months. While popping out for a Nandos, Preet was approached by a homeless man in The Oracle in neighbouring Reading who inspired him to try and make a difference. “I’d been talking with my Mum and Auntie about divine intervention only one day earlier. “And I’d gone to pick up a Nandos, because I’m a classy bird, and I was waiting for my order to be ready, a homeless man approached me,” Preet says. When he couldn’t afford to give him any change, the comedian said the homeless man became frustrated. “He said he was looking to buy supplies for the winter. Blankets,
Stand and deliver
gloves, socks, things like that,” Preet explains. “He said that because of Covid, there’s reduced footfall in Reading town centre and he was really worried about not only getting winter illnesses, but also the impact of the virus.” Following this brief interaction, Preet says he was inspired to do something for the homeless community. The comedian is now fundraising to create and deliver 50 care packages for people across the greater Reading area, containing supplies to help them throughout the winter months. Each pack will include things like hand sanitiser, blankets, face masks, snacks, and some will include dog food and sanitary towels. According to Preet, each support pack will cost £17.60, so he is campaigning to raise £880. Preet says he’s in this for the long haul. “It would be fantastic if I could do
Preet Singh Picture: Rachel Sherlock
campaign,” he says. And he’s organising the campaign independently of any homeless charities in the area in an effort to rekindle a human connection. “Over lockdown, and in general, I feel like we’ve lost that connection we used to have with strangers. I know I certainly have,” Preet explains. “It’s easy to donate money to charity, but by doing this project alone I get to connect with people, have conversations with them, and it lets the homeless community know that they don’t have to be seen as charity. “I think it’s important for individuals in the community to be happy to take on responsibility themselves.”
it again. I’m currently wondering whether it will be possible to do this twice over the winter months – one pre- and one post-Christmas
� To find out more about Preet Singh’s fundraiser and to donate to the cause, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/ wintercovid-care-packs-for-thehomeless
Avoid staying seated during phone calls. Use the opportunity to walk around or do some squats and lunges. If you own exercise equipment, such as a stationary bike or treadmill, you could hop on for the duration of your phone call. Be careful not to get too out of breath during your phone call. You could pump up the pace for a few minutes after the call ends.
Choose hobbies that will get you moving If your hobbies involve lots of time sitting, such as needlework, computer games, board games, reading or painting, try to get up and move around at regular intervals. You could set a timer to remind yourself to move more often. You could also look for new hobbies that will get you moving more, such as gardening, walking and DIY. If you enjoy reading, why not listen to an audiobook through headphones while you take a walk or read while you pedal on a stationary bike?
Is online shopping keeping you in your seat? Unless you are shielding or self-isolating due to COVID-19, you could switch from sitting in front of a screen to do online food shopping and start walking or cycling to the shops instead. Not only will this increase your physical activity, but it will also free up supermarket delivery slots for vulnerable people who need them the most. � You can find more healthy tips, recipes and advice at heartresearch.org.uk
28 | SOCIETY
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
community groups, clubs and societies helenabadger INTHECOMMUNITY NewsSendfromyouryourreports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk volunteer corner Wokingham Horticultural Association
W
OKINGHAM Horticultural Association's fourth and final Mini Garden Show on September 27, was blessed with a dry, but gusty, day. The show attracted an amazing 50 entries, exhibited at the ‘Garden Room’ on Ormonde Road allotments. Paul Jarvis's three Grenadier Pastelle dahlias, entered in the class ‘WOW, I grew that’, took first prize and were awarded Best in Show while fellow allotment tenant Terry Miller took second with his giant pumpkin weighing in at 21kg. Potatoes, grown and harvested by nine-year-old Josh Frewin were awarded third prize by the judge. Emma Choules took first prize in a class where all five home-grown flowers/fruit/vegetables needed to show the colour red in whole or in part. The mini plum tomatoes she entered as part of this class were awarded Best Tomatoes in Show. The 10 colourful entries in the flower
Above: Sheila McKeand with Banksian medal and certificate Top right: Wokingham Town Mayor Tony Lack with his entry Right: Paul Jarvis with his dahlias arranging class were all delightful and prize with Mayoress Claire Lack's rose in Doreen Hogston’s basket of flowers and second place. Gerald won another first vegetables suitable for a table decoration with his apples and pears in the fruit at a harvest supper won first prize. section. The largest class, with 15 entries, was Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack and Specimen Flower in Own Container. Mayoress Claire Lack had both entered Sisters Jessica Lambert (8) and classes in the morning and returned in Charlotte (3) were both commended on the afternoon in their official capacities the pretty flowers they had grown, while to draw the raffle that had been running Gerald Cooper's red dahlia won first throughout September.
CLASP WOKINGHAM AS WITH previous months, CLASP Wokingham will hold virtual meetings to allow its members to stay safe and keep in touch. The group is for people with learning disabilities and is open to everyone from across Wokingham borough. Running on Tuesdays throughout October, the CAP Money Management Course is open to people who have booked a place. It offers tips and advice to help people balance their budgets. On Fridays October 9 and 30, Sing Healthy Choirs will return for a singalong session.
And on Friday, October 16, CLASP will mark the 25th anniversary of Hate Crime Awareness Week with a session featuring guest speakers and the launch of the group’s very own Hate Crime Charter. The group will also hold its AGM over Zoom. It is planned for Friday, October 23, starting at 10am, and will include a vote on its trustees. Only members are allowed to have a say in how the group runs, and CLASP welcomes applications. The group also welcomes supporters to sign up as trustees. It is particularly looking for people who have a financial background, and can help with HR issues.
Our Services Across Wokingham Funding Advice > Trustee Recruitment > Support and Development > Training > Community Navigation > Cancer Champions
We provide practical and affordable training courses for the local voluntary and community sector across Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough • Health and Safety Level 2 Onsite training September 29 9.30am-4pm £50
• Mental Health First Aid (Day 2) Onsite training September 30 9.30am-5pm £150
• Suicide Awareness Online training, October 15 9.30am-12.30pm £25
• Emergency First Aid Onsite training, November 4 9.30am-4.30pm £50
View our calendar for a lot more training courses: www.involve.community/events or contact Claire Page at Involve
Funding Alerts
Sign up to our Funding Alerts and other newsletters to keep up to date with us here at Involve
www.involve.community
01344 304 404
@involvevcs ‘Supporting,Encouraging and Developing Charities, Groups and Communities to Make a Difference Locally.’
The Mayor was also delighted to present the Royal Horticultural Banksian Medal and Certificate to Sheila McKeand for her ‘most creative ideas during the 2020 Coronavirus lockdown’ and ‘going the extra mile’. Not only did she work with the WHA webmasters, Rach and Nick, to create what we believe was the first online virtual show during April, but also organised Sow a Seed kits for families receiving food parcels from the Wokingham Hub. This project for the community led on to developing the Garden Room at the Ormonde Road allotment site with funding from the Town Council and Tesco. WHA is grateful to Tesco Community Champion, Louise Jedras, for her help and support with these projects and our shows. The WHA is planning a series of sweet pea workshops to be run by Terry Miller in October and there will be a Pumpkin Festival later in the month – covid regulations permitting. For more information on the WHA please see the website www.w-h-a.org.uk PAULINE MACBRAYNE
For more details, call 07780 749453 or email admin@claspwokingham.org.uk DEBS MORRISON
WADE ON FRIDAY, October 2, WADE held the second draw in its 150 Club lottery. The draw aims to help replace lost finances as a result of coronavirus cancelling many of its fundraising activities. The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources. Held monthly, there are three prizes for the draw. The more people who join the 150 Club, the greater the prizes. First prize was £116, and went to member number 111. Second prize was £58 was given to member 96. And the third prize was £29 and awarded to 136. 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.” There are still some places available for the lottery draw, but once it reaches 150 members, it will be closed for the rest of the draw year. For more details, call 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@wadecentre.org.uk, and log on to the group’s website, wadecentre.org.uk.
Thames Valley Writers’ Circle Thames Valley Writers’ Circle has been operating with online and Zoom meetings since the pandemic, but there was one event they were determined not to ignore. This was their major short story competition, which is critiqued by an independent national judge. The Circle was particularly determined to continue with it this year, as it was now to compete for the Barbara Olive Smith Memorial Trophy, named to commemorate the founder of the Circle who died earlier this year. Barbara herself had won many local and national competitions. The judge’s verdict placed Les Williams in third place with Deadweight about a firm’s team-building event in the Arizona desert that went wrong. Second place went to Rob Stallard with Selling JK at Hay about a feud between rival stallholders at the Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival. But the winner was Neil Somerville with Your Call, in which the reader finds himself/herself involved in the last question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Neil is one of the most productive of the Circle members, for having decided to give up his job with the BBC to make his living by writing, he has had nearly 50 books published. DICK SAWDON SMITH
� Do you have leadership skills and some committee or Chairing experience? Would you like to help transform the Board of a highly-valued and wellrespected learning disability charity in Wokingham, Berkshire? The Caring, Listening and Supporting Partnership (CLASP) is a Wokingham-based charity, supporting adults with learning disabilities to speak up for themselves. Its mission is: ‘To develop independence through self-advocacy for adults living with a learning disability’. It delivers this through workshops and training, providing resources and signposting, and peer support. CLASP has a small team of staff, volunteers and trustees and are a well-established part of the learning disability community. It is looking for a new Chair lead the Board and the charity alongside existing trustees, assisted by CLASP’S manager and other employees. If you have skills and abilities in cooperatively chairing a committee, experience of charity (or corporate) governance, CLASP would welcome you, although support will be given as necessary. This will be a chance to work with staff and trustees to build a Board ready for the future. You don’t need experience of working with adults with learning disabilities but you must have a willingness to do so. CLASP is also looking for a new Treasurer to help plan finances and financial strategy. You don’t necessarily need a financial and/or accounting qualification; similarly, experience of SME or charity finance would be useful but not mandatory. � The Wokingham Recovery College gives people with mental health problems the chance to access education, workshops and training programmes designed to help them on their road to recovery. These courses will be co-produced, devised and delivered by people with personal experience of mental illness working together with mental health professionals. Do you want to use your mental health experience to educate others? Wokingham Recovery College are looking for a capable and enthusiastic Peer Trainers with excellent organisational, presentation and people skills to join the team. The role will involve directly teaching students attending the Recovery College, delivering a range of courses, taster sessions and workshops. Peer trainers will: assist in the co-production, design and delivery of a range of educational courses on mental health and recovery in the Wokingham Recovery College, work under supervision and have direct contact with students, delivering training and support and will be an expert by experience through their own journey of mental health recovery. Training and ongoing supervision will be provided. � The League of Friends of Reading Hospitals raises funds for patients and staff of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. A committee of Trustees who meet every two months to discuss the general running of the League and to make decisions on Hospital Giving Projects runs the League. It is looking for a Secretary to the Trustees who is well organised, has good communication skills and is familiar with IT. Experience with Charity Commission requirements, as laid down in the regulations, plus a working knowledge of GDPR would be helpful. It is also looking for a Treasurer to sit on the Trustees Committee who is well organised, has good communication skills and knowledge and experience of current financial practice relevant to voluntary organisations. It is looking for someone with knowledge of bookkeeping and previous experience in financial control, budgeting and fundraising, as well as good financial analysis skills and an ability to keep accurate records. The Treasurer will be responsible for ensuring the charity fulfils its duties and responsibilities for its proper financial governance. . � Contact us: tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website: www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk
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Thursday, October 8, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
FROMTHECLASSROOMS
We welcome contributions from pupils for this page– email stories, pictures and prose to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Reddam House wins award for switch to online learning By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
REDDAM House Berkshire has been recognised for its innovation at this year’s Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Awards.
The school has received the Boarding Innovation Award for ensuring a “seamless transition” from physical to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic. “Reddam House showed innovation in action during the Covid-19 lockdown, embracing technology and moving at speed to keep its boarding community connected,” the BSA judge said. During national lockdown, Reddam House Berkshire continued to offer students the entire school curriculum. Lessons were delivered virtually, and teachers maintained contact with students despite working online. And as students began to leave the boarding house and return to their home countries, the school recorded lessons to accommodate for students in different time zones.
Reddam House also continued to offer whole school events, pastoral care, community time and one-toone mentoring meetings to students online. Andy Towse, head of boarding at Reddam House Berkshire, said: “It is a great honour for us to win this award and we owe a huge thank you to all of our teachers and tutors for their wonderful support not only to our boarders, but all of our pupils. “Pupils could have easily fallen behind during lockdown, but with the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as an excellent platform to learn on, our pupils were able to continue their learning seamlessly.” Tammy Howard, head of school added: “One of the most special things about Reddam House is our relationships with the students. “This wonderful award is a tribute to the whole staff team who brought together our virtual school community. “We may have been apart, but we felt very much together.”
Stop press: it was the sweetest juice we had ever tried
By Evangeline, Alex, Josh, Jessica and Frankie Floreat Montague Park Primary School
ON 17th September it was Apple Day at Floreat Montague Park Primary School. We did loads of fun activities such as apple tasting, apple drawing, walking to the orchard and making apple juice. We even wore apple colours to school. Oh what a wonderful day it was! One of the best activities of the day was apple tasting . We visited the apple barn and sat on prickly hay bales.
We tried lots of different apples, they were delicious! The school’s favourite apple was the Pink Lady variety. We wanted to find out more about where apples come from, so we walked to the orchard.
On the orchard walk we saw our headteacher, Mr Pritchett. He explained how to pull an apple off the tree without pulling the buds so that they can grow again next year. One tree had bitter apples and another was sweet and juicy. We were lucky to have special visitors who brought an apple press to our school It was hard work but they turned the lever to press the apples into juice. The juice was the sweetest we had ever tasted, even better than juice from the shops. It was the best day ever!
EDUCATION | 29
Chance to enter playwright contest THE NATIONAL Theatre is looking for talented playwrights across the UK for its New Views competition. In partnership with Audible, the Theatre will be working with a young writer to adapt their script and publish it in audio. The programme seeks to support the next generation of writing talent by supporting students to write their own plays, and offering mentoring, online workshops and playwriting masterclasses. One play is selected to be produced at the National Theatre with a professional cast Lisa Burger, joint chief executive of the National Theatre said: “Young writers and theatre-makers are the future of our theatre industry and we are committed to supporting the development of new talent by continuing to provide opportunities and platforms for young people in these challenging times. “New Views encourages participants to explore their creativity, engage in debate and develop their ideas with the support of fantastic contemporary writers.” Audible is also supporting the New Views programme this year. “This exciting partnership allows us to help support the theatre at a difficult time for the arts,” said Kevin Addley, country manager at Audible. “Discovering and supporting young talent has never been more vital, and we look forward to being able to celebrate new young talent in the coming months.” The annual playwriting competition is open for 14- to 19-year-olds. � To find out more about New Views, visit: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning/schools/ secondary-and-fe/new-views
30 | LEISURE
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Help save this grand old lady
A
CTORS, poets and musicians are coming together with one plea: help save Henley’s Theatre. The Kenton, which is the country’s fourtholdest working theatre, needs to raise £35,000 to match a grant from the Arts Council England emergency fund given in May. The 240-seat theatre is hugely popular with audiences and performers alike, with many big names pledging support including Bake Off’s Mary Berry, the poet Pam Ayres and Upstairs Downstairs legend Simon Williams. To help hit the fundraising target, tomorrow evening (Friday, October 9) from 7pm, West End star Mike Sterling will perform a live concert that people can tune in to online. Mike played the title role in The Phantom of the Opera, as well as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. His YouTube show will include songs from West End shows as well as anecdotes about his time on the stage. He said: “It’s vital that all the public get behind this campaign. There are not many venues like this and its preservation is vital. “It’s only when these venues disappear that people truly realise what they have lost in their midst. Personally, I truly ‘feel’ the Kenton and what it stands for. “If everyone was to get behind our cause and support it, the long-term financial impact for them is minimal, but for The Kenton, it’s a case of it flourishing.” Julie Huntington, chair of the trustees at The Kenton Theatre, said: “With not being able to do our job – that is, entertain and delight our audiences for the last six months – this period has had a huge financial impact on our beloved Kenton.
Kenton Theatre in Henley needs some support to keep going through the enforced closure Picture: Linda Wallace “This ‘Grand Old Lady’ of theatre is 215 years old, and has survived many battles. “Built in the time of the Napoleonic Wars, she has come through many testing times, including bankruptcy, abandonment and two world wars. “This latest challenge however – this unseen enemy, Covid-19, is probably one of the most difficult to overcome, but overcome we will.” And Mary Berry took time out from judging Bake Off to say: “The Kenton Theatre is one of the treasures of Henley. Please support Kenton For Keeps – a historic icon of Henley and it needs to be here forever.” While Simon Williams said: “I love the theatre, I love theatre in general, I love the buildings, the actors, the idea of audiences gathering to watch a story being told – in particular I love The Kenton Theatre. “Please help support the Kenton during these grim times.”
While Pam Ayres said: “I’ve been appearing at the Kenton Theatre now for many years and have always loved it. “I’ve been there for literary festivals and to do my own show on many occasions and I’ve always come away thinking what a valuable place it is. “I’m appealing to you today to donate whatever you can to help keep The Kenton open. Please help us ensure that The Kenton Theatre is here for the future generations in Henley and for everyone who is interested in theatre to come along and enjoy.”
HOW TO DONATE: Text KEEPKENTON and the amount you wish to donate to 70085, for example text KEEPKENTON 10 to 70085 to donate £10. Texts cost the amount of your donation plus one standard rate message. Visit kentontheatre.co.uk/kentonforkeeps to donate online.
ED POSTPEOTNO DU D COVI
Pedal power for bringing live theatre back
L
IVE THEATRE is returning to Reading this month, thanks to Reading Arts’ SITELINES strand. Produced in conjunction with the Arts Council, the two shows attempt to address issues raised by the coronavirus pandemic. One had been planned to be performed not in a theatre, but outdoors at Palmer Park Stadium and Velodrome in Reading, however it has been postponed for now. On Track was to explore the effects of Covid-19 on mental health and shows how a simple bicycle can be a vehicle to freedom once again. Reading Arts says it is really excited
about how the show is developing and believe it is something very special. However, due to set-backs while rehearsing in these very challenging times, the creative process has taken longer than anticipated. The result is that the show is delayed. The second play, Behind Closed Doors, is going ahead and focuses on what happens as people begin to emerge from a long period of enforced isolation, and will be performed at South Street Arts Centre From a hillwalking father to the plague village priest, the show leads audiences through an anthology of isolation tales, shedding light and
empathy on personal and shared histories of being alone. Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading Council’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: “I am so excited by the much-anticipated return of live theatre to Reading. “Reading is a buzzing centre for cutting edge culture and I’m not surprised we are one of the first to bring back live theatre – and what an offer. “These shows explore topics so deeply relevant to our current circumstances as we all grapple with life during a pandemic – but are also timeless interrogations of the human condition – storytelling at its absolute best.”
Both shows will be limited to 20 people and use Covid-secure safety measures. Some performances have already sold out, and the intention is to stream the shows online next month. Behind Closed Doors is performed at South Street arts centre from Wednesday, October 28 to Friday, October 30, at 7pm, at 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, October 31, and at noon and 4pm on Sunday, November 1. Tickets for the shows are £15, or £13 South Street members Book: https://whatsonreading.com/ behindcloseddoors PHIL CREIGHTON
LEISURE | 31
32 | LEISURE
wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
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DEBUT single from Helta Skelta tops this week’s Wokingham Loves Music playlist – this local rockband are making waves in our music scene and now you can hear them. It’s just one of the many tracks that you can listen to courtesy of Chris Hillman from White Star Records. He has curated the Wokingham Love Music soundtrack which features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene. There’s a range of musical styles to enjoy meaning that there’s something for everyone You can listen for FREE via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic Helta Skelta – Meanie Here’s a rock band from Wokingham and Blackwater who describe themselves as treading the line between metal, punk and alt.rock. Judging from this track, that’s a perfect description. This is their first-ever single and what a debut. Powerful guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section and a great vocal performance. It will be worth checking them out live when virus restrictions are lifted and they can play again – www.facebook.com/ heltaskeltamusic Picture: Andrew Merritt The Orange Drop – Make It Her, Forever How about some psychedelia from Philadelphia in the United States, brought to you by Wokingham-based record label, Mega Dodo Records? They released their album Stoned In Love from which this track is taken. A hypnotic groove with effect ladened guitar and dreamy psychedelic vocals. As well as CD and digital, the album was released on limited edition coloured vinyl which was orange, of course – www.facebook.com/OrangeDrop Crooked Shapes – Let It Go This Wokingham-based rock three-piece will on the bill at a socially distanced show on Friday, October 16, at The 1865 in Southampton, Covid allowing – www.facebook.com/crookedshapes A Bossa Elétrica – Sob A Luz Do New Wokingham Jazz record label Wallen Bink, with a track by the Swedish band that draws on bossa, jazz, funky samba and Afro-Brazilian rhythms – wallenbink.com Bradley Watmore – Plain to See Local musician and songwriter, Bradley, with his second single, a great piece of bouncy feel good indie pop – www.facebook.com/bradleywatmore Aaron Cilia – Meadows A sound engineer, lighting engineer and record producer and now this young local talent has released an album of his own music on which he played every instrument – www.facebook.com/ AaronCiliaArtist Hester and the Heathens – Regenerate An energetic and powerful pop punk sing-along anthem from this three-piece local band, who are definitely one to watch in the future – www.facebook.com/hesterandtheheathens/ Rob James – West Coast Nights (Shuffla Remix) Here’s a track remixed by Finchampstead based DJ, musician and audio engineer, Sam ‘Shuffla’ Brice – www.facebook.com/shufflamusicofficial/ Reliant – Antisocial Wokingham/Reading based indie four-piece who will be playing live at the Underbelly, Hoxton on Saturday, October 17, covid permitting – www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant The Gaslights – The Ocean They performed a great set at Wokingham Festival last year, and now, this up-and-coming indie band have a wonderful atmospheric new single – www.facebook.com/gaslightsuk
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, October 8, 2020
The wildlife water garden
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T DOESN'T take a huge amount of effort to ensure wildlife can flourish in your garden, you just need to be aware of what creatures need so that you can enjoy your garden alongside the birds, butterflies and bees. In addition to growing pollinator friendly plants, encouraging birds with feeders and tempting other wildlife through log and leaf piles (so don’t tidy up too much), at the heart of any wildlife garden sits a pond or small water feature. All animals need water to thrive and a small wildlife-friendly garden pond can make a huge difference to your garden’s biodiversity. Many people overestimate the effort and expertise required to fulfil the dream of a garden pond. Preformed ponds – that come in a variety of shapes and sizes – simplify the construction process and are perfect for the less experienced gardener or landscaper. Experts from Oase UK, specialists in water gardening, have come up with a simple nine-point plan for easy installation of a pond – an autumn project that the whole family can help with. First, you need to think about location. Try and find somewhere that is as clear as possible from overhanging trees to avoid leaves dropping into the pond. If you want to keep fish, to create the right environment, your pond will also need to have sunshine for four to six hours a day.
You need the right tools for the job – a spade, a shovel, filling sand (play sand will do), a spirit level, a measure tape and a garden hose with a water connection and then it’s time to get started … � Position the preformed pond in the desired location and mark the outline with sand � Then mark the different depth zones of the pond with sand � Now you can dig out the individual zones of the garden pond � Use the preformed pond to check you’ve dug enough out and touch up again if necessary
� Level out the unevenness in the excavated steps with filling sand to create flat surfaces � Check the surfaces with a spirit level. If they are level the preformed pond can be inserted and then fill it one third with water so that the bowl settles � Next, pour the filling sand under the edge of the preformed pond and fill this cavity with water. The water will slurry the sand to the edge of the pond shell. Repeat the process until the spaces under and next to the preformed bowl are filled � Now level the surrounding soil with
topsoil, which provides the basis for the subsequent planting. Make sure that no topsoil gets into the water as it will encourage algae growth in the pond You can now carry out planting – important to maintain the biological balance of your pond and look beautiful. The surround bank zone can be filled with large stones and gravel after planting to cover the transition to the preformed pond. The pond can then be filled with water and plants. When choosing plants for ponds make sure you have a good mix of oxygenators – underwater plants that are essential in keeping algae at bay and are the most beneficial plants in any water feature eco-system – and ornamental plants that cover the surface of the water with their floating leaves and root at the bottom of the water. As autumn gets under way there are a number of to do’s for gardeners in addition to pond installation, so here are some tips for this month from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)… � Cut back perennials that have died down � Divide herbaceous perennials � Move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory � Plant out spring cabbages � Harvest apples, pears and nuts � Prune climbing roses � Finish collecting seeds from the garden to sow next year � Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas.
Bake cakes for that authentic autumnal spirit
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NJOY a slice of something nice with supermarket Aldi’s cake recipes, right in time for the baking season. Get into the autumnal spirit with the fluffy and moist Vegan Pumpkin Cake, made with a variety of dried fruit and healthy nuts. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with Aldi’s show-stopping Caramelised Biscuit Cake, decorated with a delicious drizzle that you simply won’t be able to resist.
to a piping bag and pipe rosettes of frosting on top of the cake. Crush 8 biscuits and press around the base of the cake. Decorate the top of the cake with some snapped biscuits and any remaining crumbs. Pour the caramel sauce into a piping bag and pipe a caramel drop around the top edge, allowing the sauce to naturally run down the sides. Store in an airtight container.
Aldi’s Caramelised Biscuit Cake with Caramel Drizzle
Aldi’s Vegan Pumpkin Cake
For the cake: � 227g Self Raising Flour � 227g Brown Sugar � 227g Unsalted Butter � 4 Eggs � Dash of Maple Syrup For the frosting: � 460g Unsalted Butter � 1kg Icing Sugar � 2 tsp Milk � 3 tbsp Caramel Sauce (from the recipe below) For the caramel sauce � 100g Sugar � 45g Unsalted Butter � 35ml Double Cream � Pinch of Salt To decorate � 1 packet of Caramelised Biscuits
� 300g prepared pumpkin or butternut squash � 50g chai seeds � 225g plain flour � 160ml maple syrup � 180ml Solesta light in colour olive oil � 1 tsp baking powder � ½ tsp bi carb of soda � 50g caster sugar � Pinch of salt � 150g icing sugar � 25g of either almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts � 25g dried sweet cranberries or apricots � A little yellow and red food colouring � Warm water � 1 x 23 cm ring mould, with indents to look pumpkin like – lightly greased with some oil
Pre-heat the oven to 160°C/Fan 140°C/Gas Mark 3 and line a 15cm round cake tin with baking paper. Make the cake by creaming together the brown sugar and butter until smooth. Mix in the flour, eggs and maple syrup to form a smooth batter. Transfer the mixture to the prepared
cake tin and bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave the cake to cool completely. Make the caramel sauce by gently heating the sugar in a saucepan until it starts to melt into a syrup and starts to turn amber in colour. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, cream and salt. Leave to cool and thicken for 20-30 minutes. Slice the cake in half. Whisk together the unsalted butter, icing sugar and milk to create a thick frosting. Set 5 tablespoons of frosting to one side before adding 3 tablespoons of the caramel sauce to the remainder. Use a quarter of the caramel frosting to fill the cake and the remainder to coat the top and sides. Transfer the plain buttercream
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas mark 4. Chop the pumpkin into small chunks and boil in a little salted water for 10 minutes until soft – drain well and mash. Put the warm pumpkin mash into a bowl, sprinkle over the chai seeds and
pour over the maple syrup – mix well and allow to soak. Put the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bi carb and salt in another bowl Wisk well with a whisk. Pour the olive oil into the pumpkin mix and stir together. Add this to the dry mix and beat to mix. Put the cake mix into the mould and bake for 25 minutes. Test with a wooden cocktail stick – the stick should come out clean, then you know it’s cooked. Allow to cool in the tin before turning out. Sieve the icing sugar and mix a little warm water and food colourings into the sugar until you have a thick but pourable icing and the right colour. Drizzle over the turned out cake. Chop the nuts and the dried fruit over the top. Build this up to make it look more impressive.
LEISURE | 33
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Thursday, October 8, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Liz takes the trail to the big outdoors
WIN! A year’s membership of eActive and flotation treatments worth £1,416 Second prize: Free flotation session and one-month membership worth £118 Third prize: a massage session and a Reiki session worth £80 Plus: 10 one-month eActive memberships worth £59 each
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IN £1,416 worth of prizes at eActiv Health Lounge in Wokingham. eActiv, in partnership with Wokingham Today, are offering this prize along with 12 other prizes, exclusively to the readers of Wokingham Today. eActiv Wokingham is a brand new state of the art facility that has only just opened at Peach place. The club boasts an intelligent training system that is more like playing a game than exercising and can guarantee results with two visits per week. The Health lounge provides a non-intimidating
environment for people of all ages to get healthy in. They have first-class safety measures in place and even a unique air filtration system that purifies the air. Add to this a Floatation Therapy Pod, Massage, Reiki, NLP and a soon to arrive 4D scanner and you can see why eActiv is fast becoming a popular place in the town centre. Up for grabs (to our readers only) is an annual
membership to their health lounge worth £708 plus 12 Floatation sessions worth £708. They are also giving away a second prize of a Free floatation session plus a 1-month membership worth £118 ...and a third prize, a Massage session and a Reiki session worth £80 Not only that they are giving away 10 x 1 months memberships worth £59. To enter this competition simply cut out the coupon on the front of the paper and either take it in to eActiv Health lounge in Wokingham or send it to us here at: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Closing date: Thursday, October 15, 2020. Editor’s decision is final, no correspondence can be entered into. Usual rules apply. You can see more about eActiv, the new state of the art facility in the centre of Wokinghamat: www.wokingham.eactiv.co.uk
‘I felt amazing after an hour in the flotation tank’ Our competition prize includes a year’s worth of flotation tank treatments – CLAIRE NASH looks at what you can expect
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N THESE strange times, we need every bit of calm we can get. And that’s exactly what’s on offer thanks to a new health lounge that has opened in Wokingham’s town centre. Part of the new Peach Place development, eActiv is like a boutique health club catering for people who are time poor, but want to shape up. It has a 30-minute continuous circuit programme that allows people to workout quickly and effectively. Safely spaced, it uses eGym technology to tailor exercises to the user and get results. The centre also has efL-exx stretching machines, perfect for those aches and pains. But the showstopper is a special flotation pod, that uses a state-of-the-art body analyser that can tell you what you are made of. It’s unique in the town, but what is it? Well, it’s called the I-sopod, and is a water-based unit filled with Epsom salts. These help with detoxing, relaxing and muscle relief and there’s enough in there
for you to float. In some ways it’s a bit like the Dead Sea, and in others it’s like being back in the womb – a safe space where you can switch off for an hour and relax. eActiv takes every precaution to be Covid-safe, including temperature checks on arrival. There were also some health and safety rules in place for the pod: before my visit, an email was sent detailing any potential risks, such as pregnancy. And you need to bring your own towel due to the virus. Donna gave me a warm welcome, putting me at ease and explained all aspects of the private room: as well as the pod, there’s a shower and a lovely wallpaper detailing the Northern Lights.
There’s also a chair, water, ear plugs, Vaseline for placing on any cuts – saltwater can sting – and an area to hang up clothes. You need to shower before you enter the pod to remove any deodorant, shampoos and body lotions and the pod has a filtration system which is run between clients to ensure everything is as hygienic as possible. To ensure privacy, the door is locked. There’s a safety button if needed in the pod, which shuts when it use. When you’re ready, you can start to lock out the world and start the destressing. To help, there’s 10 minutes of gentle music, with five minutes at the end
helping to gently ease you back. eActiv says that there are mental benefits to flotation, including shifting brain waves to lower frequency alpha, theta and even delta, this creates mental clarity and alertness, which in turn can boost creativity. There’s other benefits too: the calm and peaceful relaxation improves sleep, alleviates stress, and energises, rejuvenates and revitalises you. It can relieve pain such as arthritis, migraines, injuries and boost your immune functions. The team say it can also help speed up the healing process. It’s clever stuff. I lay back in the pod, feeling weightless and fully relaxed. I closed my eyes, the earplugs meant I couldn’t hear anything and went into an amazing meditation, I’d lost all sense of time – my hour had flown by. I felt so relaxed, my skin had a kind of silky coating to it from all the salt and I felt amazing. The last few months have been tough for all of us, we have/are living through times that seem so surreal, this treatment is like a recharge for your mind, body and soul and is highly recommended. The cost is £59 and is open to nonmembers. There is a whole list of the benefits to this treatment on their website: wokingham.eactiv.co.uk/ floatation-therapy
If you text ‘TRIAL’ to 07984 354606, you can enjoy a one-week FREE gym pass!
Liz Chaderton with her second book, which is published later this autumn N artist with a passion for painting cows, chickens and other creatures has written a book to inspire others. A full-time professional artist for over three years, Liz Chaderton will have her book, Painting Animals in Watercolour, published in November. Her first book sold 500 copies in just two weeks and is now in a second edition. But art lovers can see Liz’s work and share her huge enthusiasm before that. This Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, she is part of the Autumn Henley Arts Trail. Sharing the marquee on Liz’s front drive at 2 Laburnham Cottages, Lodge Road, Hurst RG10 0ER will be another artist. She is Catherine Ingleby, of Waltham St Lawrence, who paints racehorses, working dogs and other sporting subjects in oils. Liz explained the background to her new book. “I paint in watercolour, it’s my passion. Painting animals is my particular passion, though I do other subjects as well. “Animals have a huge variety of character. I like to capture the essence of an animal, rather than paint every single hair.” Making that point, she asks in amazement: “Did you know a chicken has 8,000 feathers?” Her feet are firmly on local ground: “I prefer to paint cows rather than wildebeest. I absolutely adore painting. I like doing it every day and finding beauty and the extraordinary in something we usually take for granted.” Her paintings are uplifting. “I want to make paintings which have people smiling, and also reconnecting with animals and nature,” she said. Liz, married to Ian and with two sons, aims to help creatures and nature. ”If you see everyday animals in a new light, you may look after them and their environment a bit better,” she explained. Her book takes people through sketching, drawing from life, watercolour techniques and goes through to finished work. Using watercolour with pastels, ink or collage is also covered. The book from The Crowood Press has around 100 pages and will cost £9.99. It will be out around the second week of November through bookshops and also online. ”It’s not a coffee table book. I expect to see it splashed in paint,” she said. The Arts Trail also includes Twyford and Shiplake. Stained glass artist Vanessa Beresford is displaying her work and taking commissions at 20, Hermitage Drive RG10 9HS tomorrow (Friday) and this Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can make their own stained glass creation. Earlier this week there were still places on Saturday and Sunday, both starting at 9.30am, at £40 per person. You can book by emailing vanbere@gmail.com or calling 07908555218. Also displaying their work with Vanessa are two Woodley artists: highly qualified professional photographer Neil Onslow and Michael Garaway who paints urban architecture in acrylics and has exhibited at The Royal Academy in London. Some artists are displaying their work online. Work by Twyford Illustrator Sally Castle and others can be seen via the arts trail website: www.henleyartstrail.com SUE CORCORAN
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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329M, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (GREENSWARD LANE, ARBORFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 1st October 2020 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 on the 1st October 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
1. A329M Alpha, Winnersh between its junctions with A329M off slip and A329M on slip.
Greensward Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Reading Road and Swallowfield Road.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via M4 to Junction 11, Basingstoke Road Roundabout and return to M4 Junction 10.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road and Swallowfield Road or by this route in reverse.
2. A329M Bravo, Winnersh between its junctions with A329M off slip and A329M on slip.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th October and 23rd October 2020.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via M4 to Junction 8/9, A404 Roundabout and return to M4 Junction 10.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake installation of electrical cable and connection work in safety.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 17th October and 18th October 2020, May/June 2021 and October/November 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00.
Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake bi-annual 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 17th October 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated this 8th October 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
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 12th October 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated this 8th October 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below:
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION Proposed development at Land Adjacent to 26 Abor Lane, Arbor Lane/Arbor Meadows, Winnersh, RG41 5JD Take notice that an application is being made by Mr Agarwal for the approval for the change of use of land from scrub woodland to residential garden to the land between 26 Arbor Lane and 1 Arbor Meadows. Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted: Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN. Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application, should write to the council within 21 days of the date of this notice. Signed: Mr Agarwal Date: 8th October 2020 Statement of owners' rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners' rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease. Statement of agricultural tenants' rights: The grant of planning permission for non-agricultural development may affect agricultural tenants' security of tenure. 'Owner' means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years. 'Tenant' means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (STOPPING, WAITING, LOADING AND UNLOADING PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, PARKING PLACES AND RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING PLACES) (CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT) (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 2017 (AMENDMENT NO. *) ORDER 202*. 1. Wokingham Borough Council hereby give notice they propose to make the above name Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended and all other enabling powers the Orders.
Application
Address
Reasons for Advert Description
202259
31 The Terrace, Wokingham
Conservation Area
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed replacement and relocation of gas boiler from basement to first floor with exterior pipework.
2. The general effect of the Order, would be to amend the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017 (the Order of 2017) by: -
202390
6 Upper Terrace, Bearwood Road
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building consent for proposed internal alterations at first floor level consisting of division of existing bathroom into a bedroom and shower room with access corridor, and removal of bedroom fireplace surround and cylinder cupboard.
(a) either introducing or amending waiting restrictions operational ‘at any time’ on a length or lengths of the following roads: -
202492
1 Farley Court, Church Road, Farley Hill
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed installation of a ground source heat pump to replace the existing oil fired boiler, and repairs to the terrace wall.
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.
Ardwell Close Crowthorne; Anderson Avenue Earley; south-west side Baston Road Arborfield; Biggs Lane Arborfield; Blackthorn Close Earley; Byron Road Earley; Culvert Lane; Dalley Road Wokingham; Elgar Avenue Crowthorne; Ellis Road Crowthorne; Erleigh Court Gardens Earley; Emerald Close Wokingham; Fairview Road Wokingham; Gipsy Lane Wokingham; Grange Avenue Crowthorne; Hilary Drive Crowthorne; Hilmanton Earley; Isaac Newton Road / Nuffield Road Arborfield; Leisure Road Woodley; Loddon Bridge Road Woodley; Millers Grove Woodley; Milton Road Reading; Nightingale Road Woodley; Northway Wokingham; Oak Avenue Wokingham; Pepper Lane Early; Purcel Road Crowthorne; Ravenswood Avenue Crowthorne; Silk Lane Reading; Whitegates Lane Reading; (b) either introducing or amending waiting restrictions operational Mon-Fri 8.30-9.30am & 2.45-3.45pm on a length or lengths of Hilmanton Earley; (c) either introducing or amending waiting restrictions operational Mon-Fri 8.30-9.30am & 3.00-4.00pm on a length or lengths of Addington Gardens Woodley;
Any comments must arrive on or before 29th October 2020. 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.
(d) either introducing or amending waiting restrictions operational Mon-Fri 10.00-11.00am on a length or lengths of Oak Avenue Wokingham;
Date: 8th October 2020
(f) converting a length of existing limited parking places on The Terrace Wokingham, operational Mon-Sat 8am – 6pm to ‘shared use’ limited waiting and resident permit holder W8 parking places operational Mon-Sat 8am – 8pm. NOTE: the proposals from 1 October 2020 publication have been abandoned and superseded by this notice.
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(e) either introducing or amending waiting restrictions operational Mon-Sat 11.30am -12.30pm on a length or lengths of Silk Lane Reading and Weavers Way Reading;
3. Copies of the draft Order(s), statement of reasons and plan(s) are available online and may be viewed online at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/consultations’ for a period of 21 days from the date of this Notice. 4. Any person wishing to object to the proposed Orders should send a statement in writing stating the grounds of the objection to the Traffic Management Team, Place & Growth, P.O. Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via e-mail to ‘TM.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ by no later than the 29 October 2020. Dated this 8th October 2020 Christine Traill Director Place & Growth Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham RG40 1WL
SPORT | 39
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NATIONAL LEAGUE ONE
RAMS’ REYNOLDS LOOKS FOR POSITIVES DESPITE DELAY TO SEASON By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk
RAMS director of rugby, Seb Reynolds, says his side will take the positives despite the announcement the National One season will not start until 2021.
The RFU revealed last week no competitive action outside the Premiership, Championship will take place before January due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, and Seb revealed the club’s adaptability will now come to the fore. He said: “What you have to try and do is find the positives in any situation and deal with what’s presented to you. “Right now we know we can’t start until at least January, so we ask ‘what can we do to get better as a rugby team?’ “The guys worked incredibly hard through September and now we’ll adjust for a time period just to reduce the intensity in training slightly and put an emphasis on our skills development and keep things ticking over. “Any team, whether you’re an Under 6 up to an international rugby player, you should be working on your skills development.” He continued: “We’re very used to working to timelines and that’s what we’re having to adjust to. “Normally we know when we’re going to start
pre-season, when the season’s starting, you know who you’re playing, and coaches, managers, administrators and obviously the players in particular have had to adjust to the fact that we just don’t know when anything’s going to get going. “We’re lucky that we have a playing squad and a team around the squad who have just been so brilliant at adjusting the whole way through. “Hopefully when we get the green light we’ll be ready.” With the players looking in tip-top condition despite last playing a competitive game at Cinderford more than six months ago, Seb was quick to praise their dedication to the cause – and admitted it was a change since his playing days. He commented: “Rams have gone through a cycle where maybe I was part of a team where the small minority of boys trained in the gym. “But now if you’re not training and looking after yourself and trying to get better, you’ll get left behind by this playing group because they’re constantly looking to try and improve. “When we opened up the gym they started coming, when we said we’d do some optional training we had multiple numbers which we had to manage.” Rams have retained almost all of the squad which finished
as runners-up last season, adding the likes of former Oxford University skipper Fergus Taylor, ex-Wasp Josh Grimes and former Chinnor fly-half Sam Nicholls, and Seb is delighted with how they have integrated into the set-up. He admitted: “We’re very cautious with our recruitment. We make sure we’re getting players in who are going to help the squad develop and are good people – that’s really crucial. “They’ve played at a really good level and have impressed in training, but they’re very complimentary of the squad they’ve come into and are wondering how they can get into the team. “That’s what you want – you want competition for places because it breeds that development and hopefully that’s what we’ll have moving ahead.” And while there remains no firm start date for competitive action, Seb believes morale is still sky-high in the camp. He concluded: “In society at the moment, there aren’t many places you can go and see your friends in a large group, so the fact they can come up here on a Tuesday or Thursday, train, see there friends and have a nice chat is so important. “We missed that during the lockdown period – as humans we’re pack animals, so seeing your mates is so important.” Rams Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds Picture: Paul Clark
PREMIERSHIP
MIXED RESULTS AS EXILES CONCLUDE CAMPAIGN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
LONDON IRISH ended their first season back in the top flight in 10th after an away win at Exeter, before suffering a final day defeat to Bristol.
The season finished in unusual circumstances with the Exiles playing their remaining fixtures at the Twickenham Stoop after the season was paused for three months. They will play at Brentford FC’s Community Stadium from next season after 17 years at the Madejski Stadium.
Exeter 19-22 London Irish Ollie Hassell-Collins and Curtis Rona celebrate a try Picture: Steve Smyth
Irish claimed their first victory since the restart with
their first win over Exeter in five years. The Chiefs had a much changed side having reached the Heineken Champions Cup final just a few days previous to their league meeting with the Exiles. It took 20 minutes for the first points of the game to be scored as Paddy Jackson got Irish off the mark with a successful long range kick from a penalty to put them 3-0 up. Exeter hit back and broke through the Irish defence just three minutes later to score the first try of the day. But it didn’t take long for Irish to reply. Ben Loader broke forward with a surging run to get the Exiles metres away from the line before Matt Cornish dived over to apply the finish.
The sides continued to trade blows and it was Exeter who got over for the next score, but Irish added another try in the last play of the half to ensure they would go into half-time with a lead. Curtis Rona broke away after intercepting a pass in his own half and showed immense pace and desire to make it into the corner as he evaded the Chiefs defence to put Irish 15-12 in front. The lead changed hands once again when Hendrickson got a breakaway try for Exeter to give them a 19-15 advantage. But Irish showed their will to win and got over once again in the 70th minute as Agustin Creevey touched down with the final score of the game as Irish took a
22-19 victory.
London Irish 7-36 Bristol Bears Irish couldn't build on the momentum of their away win at Exeter as they were defeated by Bristol Bears, who booked their place in the play-offs with victory. Bristol scored the first try of the game as O’Connor broke down the wing before passing to Semi Radradra who touched down in the corner. Ollie Hassel-Collins replied for Irish after Ben Earl added a second try for the Bears. But Bristol showed their dominance with three more tries in the second half to seal a convincing win and condemn the Exiles to a final day defeat.
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CKEY ROUND-UP
SONNING LADIES MAINTAIN WINNING RUN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
MBBO Regional 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s are bottom of the table after two defeats from two games. South Berks are yet to score a goal in the division and were dealt a home defeat as Oxford Hawks 2s beat them 5-0. SONNING 1s got off the mark with their first victory of the season. Goals from Ian Finlayson and Douglas Whittaker meant that Sonning took a 2-0 away victory against Witney 1s to move up to fourth in the table.
MBBO Regional 2 SONNING 2s are bottom after they were dealt their second defeat in as many games with a 2-0 home loss to Wallingford 1s.
MBBO Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s were handed their first defeat of the new season as they were thrashed 7-0 away at Reading 4s. They drop down to seventh after two games in the division.
MBBO Division 3 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s earned three points with an impressive 5-1 victory over Reading 5s. Tom Pullen notched two goals, while Steven Bearpark, Tom Scott and Andy Sonden added to the score to confirm a convincing win. The win sees them move up to sixth in the table. SONNING 3s fixture away at Oxford University 4s was postponed.
MBBO Open Division SONNING 4s suffered a heavy 8-0 defeat away at Tring 5s in their season opener in Division 6. SOUTH BERKSHIRE 4s soared to the top of the table in Division 7 with a 5-1 win over Windsor 3s.
SOUTH BERKSHIRE TERRIERS moved up to fourth with their first win of the season with a 6-0 thrashing over Bicester 3s. In Division 9, SOUTH BERKSHIRE 6s beat Oxford 9s 4-1, while SONNING 6s were defeated 3-1 by Wallingford 5s.
South Women’s Division 3A SONNING LADIES 1s ensured their winning start to the season with two from two as they beat Hampstead and Westminster Ladies 3s 2-1 . The win means that they are in third, level on points with the teams in first and second.
Three Counties Premier 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 1s were edged out 3-2 by Marlow Ladies 2s as they were dealt their first loss of the new campaign.
Three Counties Premier 2 SONNING LADIES 2s moved up to sixth with their first win of the season. A solitary goal was enough to see them take the points in their away fixture at Oxford Hawks Ladies 4s.
Three Counties Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 2s took top spot in the table after a thumping win over Banbury Ladies 2s. South Berks went behind early in the match, but fought back with a vengeance as they smashed in five goals to seal three important points. Meanwhile, SONNING LADIES 3s away fixture at Oxford University Ladies 3s was postponed.
Three Counties Division 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 3s dropped to sixth after their first loss of the season. They were beaten in a close contest against Banbury Ladies 3s, who took the points with a 2-1 away win.
Sonning Ladies 1s kept up their winning start to the season Pictures: Steve Smyth
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Thomas Esteves (pictured left) joins on a loan deal from FC Porto while Alfa Semedo (pictured right) joins from Benfica
READING FC
ROYALS CAPTURE DOUBLE LOAN SIGNING By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE ROYALS have a new number 30, thanks to the signing of a new midfielder.
Alfa Semedo has flown in from Lisbon to agree terms on a season-long move to the Mad Stad from Benfica. The 23-year-old watched the game against Watford, which saw Reading win its fourth on the trot, keeping them joint top of the table along with Bristol City. Afterwards, he had a medical and signed on the dotted line on Sunday evening. Born in Guinea-Bissau,
Semedo moved to Portugal at the age of 16 to join Benfica’s youth system and, after a successful loan season with Vilafranquense he signed permanently for Moreirense in 2017. He made his senior debut at Benfica in 2018-19, with highlights including scoring on his debut in a 2-2 friendly draw against Borussia Dortmund, playing against the likes of Christian Pulisic, Jadon Sancho and Mario Götze in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has also enjoyed loan spells with Spanish side Espanyol and making 26 appearances for Nottingham
Forest last season. New Royals boss Veljko Paunović was delighted to add Alfa to the squad. “He is strong, powerful, versatile, comfortable on the ball and full of energy – and I am looking forward to working with him on the training pitch,” he explained. “Importantly I am sure he will fit in well among this group of players. “I am sure he will provide even more competition for places when we next take to the field after the international break.” Reading also confirmed a deadline day signing as
Tomas Esteves joins the Royals on a season-long loan deal from FC Porto. The 18-year-old right-back becomes the second signing in two days after Alfa Semedo also joined on loan from Benfica. Esteves is currently in his homeland with the Portugal Under-20 squad and will remain on international duty until he arrives at Bearwood Park to train with his new teammates in the middle of next week. Reading manager Veljko Paunović said, “Tomás is a young, talented, versatile full-back, full of promise,
potential and a real hunger to succeed. “He will add good competition for places among our squad. “I am delighted he has agreed to join us at Reading. “I wish him well during his time with his country this week, we look forward to welcoming him to Bearwood and I am excited to start working with him as part of this special group of players.” Esteves came through the youth ranks with Porto to win the UEFA Youth League in 2019, starting in the same side as
Wolves’ new teenage striker Fábio Silva to beat Chelsea in the final in Switzerland. Tomás broke into the first team at Estádio do Dragão last season; given the number 2 shirt last summer he made his debut in a Taça da Liga victory last year before earning his Primeira Liga bow in Porto’s draw with Clube Desportivo das Aves in June. A Portuguese international from an early age, Esteves played for the Portugal Under-21s a little more than a year ago – despite being only 17 years of age.
FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
BRUTON DELIVERS HAMMER BLOW West Ham Women 0 Reading Women 1
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk LAUREN Bruton scored the only goal of the game to gift Reading Women three points away at West Ham United Women.
Kelly Chambers’ side broke the deadlock after 26 minutes when Bruton was first to react to Natasha
Harding’s inviting cross as she directed the ball past the West Ham keeper on the volley. Reading had more chances in the first-half as Danielle Carter on a couple of occasions before Brooke Chaplen had an effort saved by Mackenzie Arnold in goal. Jess Fishlock then unlocked the Hammers defence with a perfect through ball to Chaplen who raced through on goal, but wasn’t able to apply the finish as she couldn't recover from her heavy first touch despite
taking the ball past the keeper. The Royals had their keeper to thank for preserving their lead in the second half. A cross fell to Leon In the box who had a free strike on goal. The Reading keeper got down quickly as she reached down the bottom right hand corner to palm her effort away, before she saved the follow up effort. West Ham were then awarded a penalty in what looked like a rather harsh decision as Moloney was judged to have fouled Leon just three minutes
into the second half In the process of clearing the ball away in the box. But the Royals keeper made amends for the foul with a heroic penalty save. Dali stepped up to take the kick but Moloney flew low to her left and parried the ball away from the corner to make a fine stop to ensure the Royals would remain in front. The Royals had a nervy ending to the game, which saw seven minutes of added time, but they held on to their lead to earn a valuable three points.
WEST HAM WOMEN: Arnold, Redisch Kvamme, FIsk, Cho, Pacheco, van Egmond, Dali, Longhurst, Lehmann, Daly, Leon SUBS: Kiernan, Mustafa, Grant, Brosnan, Joel, Dunbar, Cruickshank READING WOMEN: Moloney, Harding, Cooper, Bartrip, Mitchell, James, Williams, Fishlock, Bruton, Eikeland, Carter SUBS: Leine, Jeon, Nayler, Chaplen, Rowe, Woodham, Skeels, Roberts, Harries GOALS: Bruton 26’
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PUSCAS POUNCES TO � Continued from back page
Paunović gathered his squad in a huddle on the pitch at full time and said it was the perfect moment for his squad to ‘bond’ after four wins from four in the Championship. He continued: “It was a time for us to recap on the great effort so far from everyone. We want to bond in that moment and it was important to do it. “We want to be united together through difficult moments and good things are happening and we have to enjoy it.” “I think it’s a good moment after four weeks to analyse everything and see where we can improve. We have injuries and we can recover which is the priority.” The Royals lined-up without their talisman Lucas João in the starting XI after he sustained a shoulder injury against Cardiff City which limited him to a place on the bench, while Ovie Ejaria and Felipe Araruna missed out altogether through injury. However, despite these injuries the Royals were able to put on an excellent display with three more points keeping them joint top of the Championship with Bristol City.
Watford made a brighter start to the game and were in control in the opening half an hour as the Royals had to withstand pressure from the newly relegated side. And after surviving a scare after James Garner’s free-kick cannoned off the crossbar, the Royals defended resiliently to limit the Hornets chances in front of goal. Against the run of play, the Royals almost took the lead through Meite who hit a volley which was impressively kept out by Forster after a smartly worked free-kick routine. And just moments after Forster’s heroics to keep Reading out, George Pușcaș gave his side the lead just four minutes before the end of the half as Watford conceded their first goal of the season. Tom Holmes slipped a ball to Pușcaș who spun brilliantly and got his shot away which took a deflection to wrong foot Foster and find its way into the back of the net. Paunović was delighted with the organisation of his side as they earned their fourth consecutive win of the campaign. “It’s great to see the team understands how to play and
compete and that when we have injuries, whoever steps in is ready. That’s the requirement we have been preaching from the beginning.” “There’s fantastic communication between all the lines, starting with Rafael. Liam Moore and Michael Morrison communicate very well. The structure is the key for our good performances. “We always work giving our best and having positive expectations. This is what we believe is the result of a clear and honest approach and always being available to get better and improve. “Before we step on the field, we have one word and that’s the ‘team’. We play as a team. “And again the team won.
READING: Rafael, Holmes, Moore, Morrison, Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Aluko, Olise, Meite, Pușcaș. SUBS: Southwood, McIntyre, Gibson, Watson, Tetek, Azeez, João. WATFORD: Foster, Ngakia, Cathcart, Kabasele, Wilmot, Femenia, Chalobah, Garner, Dele-Bashiru, João Pedro, Sarr. SUBS: Bachmann, Troost-Ekong, Cleverley, Sema, Pussetto, Quina, Murray. GOALS: Pușcaș 41′
Reading continued their stunning form as they beat Watford to claim their fourth win Pictures: Steve Smyth
Richards goes up against Watford’s Ismaila Sarr
George Pușcaș bagged his first goal of the season in Reading’s victory
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STING HORNETS
Player ratings: How the team performed
Josh Laurent strides through the midfield
Rafael dives as the ball bounces off the bar
George Pușcaș attacks an aerial cross
Sone Aluko looks to dribble past Watford’s Nathaniel Chalobah
Josh Laurent and Omar Richards battle to win the ball back
RAFAEL 7: Another clean sheet for the Brazilian who was kept relatively quiet throughout the game thanks to Reading’s exceptional defending. TOM HOLMES 8: A superb showing from the young defender in his first shift at right-back. Bagged an assist after sliding a brilliant through ball to Pușcaș to score the winner and provided a threat going forward on several occasions. MICHAEL MORRISON 8: A real leader at the back, worked brilliantly in a partnership with Moore. Dealt with the quality forwards on display with ease. LIAM MOORE 8: Had one small blip when he gave away possession near his own box but was otherwise superb at the back alongside Morrison to help the Royals to their third clean sheet of the season. OMAR RICHARDS 8: He’s quickly consolidating his place at left-back with top class performances. Defendeed strongly against the dangerous Ismalia Sarr. ANDY RINOMHOTA 9: Tireless work from the midfielder who provided relentless energy in the middle of the park all day. Won back possession on numerous occasions and was a big part to play in helping to keep another clean sheet.
JOSH LAURENT 7: Has settled into life in the Championship seamlessly and has looked to have formed a good bond in the centre of midfield alongside Rinomhota. SONE ALUKO 8: A forgotten man at the club over the last few seasons despite signing for a big fee. However, Aluko may have just found his way into the manager’s plan and captured the attention of fans after an outstanding display which saw him as one of Reading’s most creative forces on Saturday. MICHAEL OLISE 6: A quieter day for the youngster who struggled to find space in the first half. Had one good attempt in the first half which flew off target. YAKOU MEITE 7: Linked up well with Pușcaș in attacking areas and showed immense work rate in both attack and defence. Came close to scoring with a volley moments before Pușcaș’ goal. GEORGE PUȘCAȘ 8: Had big shoes to fill after Lucas João’s impressive displays so far this season but did brilliantly in his absence. Much improved hold up play from the forward and scored the all important goal via a deflection to keep Reading’s winning run going.
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WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
HAT-TRICK HEROES: SUMAS AND S4K RECORD VICTORIES
FROM THE MIDDLE With Dick Sawdon Smith
HANDBALL: WHAT THE FUSS IS ALL ABOUT
U S4K Ladies moved up with a win against the previous league leaders Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
FA Women’s Cup WOODLEY UNITED LADIES’ Vitality Women’s FA cup run came to an end on Sunday at Met Police FC’s ground. Hosts Fulham scored three times in the closing 11 minutes to seal an emphatic victory. The match started end-to-end with Fulham caught offside in the first minute while United’s Bethan Poole cut in from the right to shoot wide three minutes later. Woodley’s keeper Nicole Haines comfortably dealt with Gemma Taylor’s shot on five minutes but could do nothing in the seventh minute when Lilly Lambird broke thought United’s high defensive line to beat Haines one on one to open the scoring. Both teams exchanged offsides when in promising positions before Ellen Surtees saw her free kick go wide of the upright on the quarter hour mark. Fulham’s greater athleticism saw
them close Woodley players down early resulting in half chances being created. Rosie Page-Smith shot straight at Fulham’s goal stopper Chloe Bagshaw from 30 yards after 22 minutes which was quickly followed by good play from Freya Jenkins on the left wing and whose shot come cross eluded Poole at the far post. Maddie Sawyer’s shot on the turn won a corner. From the resulting kick Poole found the side netting as the game entered 30 minutes. Haines was required to make an excellent save to her right seven minutes from half-time to prevent Bianca Underhill doubling the lead which remained one-nil to the hosts at the break. United made a change of formation for the second half and introduced Molly Lambourne and Sophie Measham as they looked to be more dangerous in possession but it needed another save from Haines.
This time it came from from Megalie Mendes’ shot, to prevent Woodley falling further behind on 57 minutes. Good play by Mollie Haines and Sawyer saw the latter shot wide as United sought the equaliser. The hosts did extend their lead on 58 minutes when Gemma Taylor’s cross from the right was met by Becky Stormer to head home from close range. Sawyer saw Bagshaw deny here when one on one before the hosts score three times in late in the game. Lauren Peck shot from the edge of the penalty area, Taylor converted a penalty and Jessica Wadey completed the scoring one minute from time with a low drive. WOODLEY UNITED LADIES: N Haines, M Haines, Wilkins, Gooch (Thomas), Surtees, Crook, Poole (Lambourne) Sawyer (Pearson), Page-Smith, Quinn (Bendall), Jenkins (Measham) Subs not used: Cooke and Scot
Thames Valley Women’s Division One A hat-trick from Sarah Leonard and a brace from Carloline Paterson saw WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK LADIES earn three points in an entertaining eight goal game against WARGRAVE WOMEN. Hannah Sheehan, Beth Williams and Sian Blissett netted for the away side but it was the Sumas who took the points in an entertaining 5-3 contest. The win sees the Sumas move up to third in the table.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K LADIES earned their second league triumph of the season with a 4-1 victory over Wallingord AFC Ladies. Megan Cox bagged a hat-trick, while Kiah Owen also got on the scoresheet to seal a superb win to take Fawkes up to fourth in the table.
NTIL a couple of seasons ago, deciding on handball by referees was simple. Perhaps deceptively so.
Handball was a direct free kick offence if a player deliberately handled the ball, except goalkeepers in their own penalty area. This was described as the movement of the hand towards the ball and not the ball to the hand. The referee also had to take into consideration the distance between the player and the opponent for the unexpected ball and it said the position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is an offence. I say deceptive because referees also penalised other handballs by players who held their hands and arms out sideways or jumped with their arms above their head, perhaps when in a ‘wall’ at a free kick. These offences are now covered as ‘making the body unnaturally bigger’. But added is touching the ball, even unintentionally, if the hand or arm is above/ beyond the shoulder level. However, this is not penalised if the ball comes off the players own body. As before, a ball played by opponent at close range which hits the players arm is not penalised, but now only providing the player’s hand/arm is kept to the side of the body. This is where the fuss begins. Take Spurs defender Eric Dier, who jumped to head the ball in the game against Newcastle. He didn’t make it, instead the ball was headed by the Newcastle player behind him. It then hit Dier on to the back of his arm which was above his shoulder. He didn’t put his arms there to stop the ball, he didn’t know where it was it was going as he had his back to it. And yet he gave away a penalty. That, to most people seems totally unfair but the new law says it is an offence if the hand/arm is above shoulder level so the referee had no choice. The Premier League are apparently trying to get some softening of the Law but, of course, it has to be the same wherever the game is played.
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MEN’S FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
FINCHAMPSTEAD COME FROM BEHIND TO EARN A POINT
Finchampstead and Maidenhead Town (left), Raglan and Woodley Saints Kites (middle) and AFC Dukes and Bearwood Wanderers (right) in action Pictures: Andrew Batt/ FootballinBerkshire
By ANDY PRESTON
a point in a 2-2 stalemate.
but a 35th minute equaliser meant that the points were shared.
Thames Valley Division Two
Bracknell & District Sunday League
TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE had an afternoon to forget as they were thumped 12-1 by Goring United in their first game of the season. Meanwhile, BERKS COUNTY RESERVES also began the new campaign with defeat as they were beaten 3-0 at home by Henley Town.
FINCHAMPSTEAD ATHLETIC opened their season with an impressive 5-2 away win at Bracknell Rangers in the Premier Division. In the same division, Berks County A had to settle for a draw in an entertaining 4-4 draw with CROWTHORNE INN, while WOODLEY SAINTS KITES edged out Raglan with a 3-2 away victory. FINCHAMPSTEAD ATHLETIC RESERVES were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Crowthorne FC in their first game in Bracknell & District Division One. WINNERSH RANGERS started with a 3-1 away at Bracknell Athletic in Division Two.
apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
WHILE most of the weekend’s fixtures fell victim to the heavy downfall of rain, there was some action played across the Thames Valley and Bracknell & District Sunday Leagues.
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD recovered from a two-goal deficit to take a point in their opening game of the new league season. Maidenhead Town took a 2-0 lead in the first-half after goals from Alex Mugan and Bliss Dideola. But Finch recovered brilliantly as goals from Thomas Symss and an equaliser from James Payne ensured that they would earn
Thames Valley Division Four FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT picked up a point in their opener against Phoenix Old Boys Development in a 1-1 draw. Ashley Webb gave Finch the perfect start as he scored just a minute into the match,
HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION
MOORE DOUBLE SENDS BINFIELD TO THE TOP Bishop’s Cleeve 0 Binfield 2
BINFIELD soared to the top of the Hellenic Premier Division with their fourth win of the season with a 2-0 win over Bishop’s Cleeve.
The Moles looked to pounce early on through Jamie McClrug, but his shot was well saved by the home team’s goalkeeper just three minutes into the contest. The hosts forged their first sight of goal after 20 minutes when the ball flashed across the Moles’ box, but TuckerDixon was left to rue a
missed opportunity. Bishop’s Cleeve then came inches away from the opener as Crowe’s shot bounced off the crossbar, and just moments later Binfield punished their opponents by taking the lead. Binfield skipper Sean Moore put his team ahead just moments after their scare as he placed the ball past the keeper from 30 yards out. The Moles went into halftime with a 1-0 lead. The Moles defended superbly to shut out the hosts and had chances of their own in the second
half to extend their lead. And they did eventually add a second goal in the 75th minute through Moore who notched his second of the game to seal the points. Binfield co-manager Carl Withers said: “I could not be prouder of the performance our lads showed today in tough conditions against a very good Bishop’s Cleeve side. “It was a game when they needed to roll their sleeves up and do the dirt side of the game and they did exactly that and got their just rewards.”
Co-manager Jamie McClurg added: “A proper game of football in the best weather and a fantastic pitch against a top Bishop’s Cleeve side. “Fight, desire, heart and a changing room full of personalities is football at its best.” The Moles are two points above Reading City after their unbeaten start. BINFIELD: Grace, Thomson-Wheeler, Legg, Short, Gavin, Gallimore, Harris, McClurg, Moore, Chamberlain, Johnson. SUBS: Cornell, Valentin, Howell, Veal, Withers
Sean Moore’s brace put the Moles on top Pictures: Andrew Batt/FootballinBerkshire
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HELLENIC DIVISION ONE EAST
SUMAS SETTLE FOR POINT AS UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES
Milton United 1 Sumas 1 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
IT WAS an evening of mixed emotions for Sumas boss Dan Bateman was left both ‘disappointed’ but also ‘delighted’ after his side earned an away point at Milton United.
Wokingham & Emmbrook remain at the top of the Hellenic Division One East table after their 1-1 stalemate and are unbeaten in the league. “It was a really good advert for the league,” said Bateman. “It was an entertaining game between two sides that I’m sure will be up there near the promotion places come the end of the season. “We started the better side and took a deserved lead, but to be fair to them they reacted well after the goal and put us under pressure.” Sumas went into the break onenil up after their persistence paid off as pressure from Guest and Collier from a free kick forced an own goal. “We defended excellently and limited their chances. We had to withstand some pressure before the break. They had plenty of possession going into the second half too but without creating too much,” said Bateman. “We had several chances to catch them on the break but missed five or six big chances to put the game to bed so we were disappointed to only come away with a draw.” But the Sumas defence was finally penetrated in the second half as they conceded just their second league goal of the season and had to settle for a draw.
“We feel that there was a clear handball in the build up to their goal that the referee missed. “But these things happen, and in all honesty it would have been harsh on them to not come away from the game with anything to show for it so a draw was a fair result. “I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen from Milton and if they can keep their group of players together, I have no doubt that they will be fighting among the promotion spots.” Bateman described his delight at the way the Sumas have begun their promotion push and is keen for them to cause a cup shock when they face Longlevens in the FA Vase on Saturday. “Five wins and a draw is a great start for us so we take huge confidence from that and can be delighted to pick up another point away from home. “We will be underdogs going into the tie against Longlevens, which is something that we’re not too used to when playing in the league. “It’s a great chance for us to show to people that we are worthy of being a step five side, we believe we would be a step five side if we were able to conclude last season so it’s a chance for us to prove ourselves against an established side at that level. “We have belief that we can go there and cause an upset.” WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK: Woodward, O’Connell, Guest, C Eagle, Cummuskey, Carter, Collier, Mullan, Bateman, White, Scope. SUBS: Day, Clark, Badshah, Rushforth, Eggleston
Sumas are top after their unbeaten start Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
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SUMAS DONATE KIT TO GAMBIA
A GAMBIAN football club that have a special connection with Wokingham & Emmbrook have had a new batch of football goods delivered by the club.
The Sumas have been donating football shirts to Junction BA Football Academy in Gambia for several years. And the latest delivery of goods has been received by the Gabinese team..
An abundance of recycled kit from the Sumas and a collection of equipment, such as football boots, has been gifted to Gambia and shared out among the Junction BA players, who can be seen donning the famous orange and black colours of the Wokingham Football Club.
RESULTS Saturday, October 3 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-0 Watford Hellenic Premier Division
One British Airways v Eversley & California Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Cookham Dean Maidenhead Town v Woodley United Royals Richings Park v Berks County
Bishop’s Cleeve 0-2 Binfield Thames Valley Division One Hellenic League Division One
Holyport Reserves v Hurst
East
Westwood Wanderers Reserves v Wargrave
Sumas P-P Long Crendon Woodley United P-P Langley Thames Valley Premier League
Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Reserves v
Maidenhead Town 2-2
Richings Park Reserves
Finchampstead
Henley Town v Twyford & Ruscombe
Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Reserves 0-3 Henley Town Twyford & Ruscombe 1-12 Goring United HOCKEY MBBO Regional 1 Witney 1s 0-2 Sonning 1s
Hurst Reserves v Phoenix Old Boys Thames Valley Division Three Woodley United A v Goring United Reserves Thames Valley Division Four
South Berkshire 1s 0-5 Oxford
Berks County Rovers v Henley Town Development
Hawks 2s
Finchampstead Development v
MBBO Regional 2 Sonning 2s 0-2 Wallingford 1s MBBO Division 1 Reading 4s 7-0 South Berkshire
Braybrooke HOCKEY MBBO Regional 1 Sonning 1s v South Berkshire 1s
2s MBBO Regional 2 South Clubs Women’s Division
YOUTH FOOTBALL
BULLETS SHOT DOWN BY BUDD TREBLE BRACKNELL U14 Colts put in a superb display against title favourites Barton Rovers.
Despite going 1-0 down early to a scrapy goal, ithey stepped up with a much iprpved second half. They equalised through Kaydan with a rocket from the right, then with the last kick of the game Lewis Hunt brought the ball down from a cross and laid it on a plate for Amine Chihaoua to drive it into the roof of the net for the win 1-2. The U15 Colts unbeaten run came to an end in the first round of the Plate as Twyford exacted revenge for the 5-1 defeat to the Colts a couple of weeks ago. Despite taking the lead in 45 seconds through Quinn Gow's speculative shot Twyford came back strongly with three goals in 11mins
to take a 3-1 lead into half-time. Colts started the second half much more brightly and got caught on the break to go 4-1 down then three minutes later 5-1. Edward Bumpass continued his scoring streak on 58 minutes and almost scored immediately after the restart. Colts continued to push forward but Twyford put it beyond doubt with a sixth in the 72nd minute. Freddie O'Shea was a well deserved Man of The Match with special mention to Quinn Gow who played in three different positions. FC Bracknell U16 cup game against Hurst Youth Hurricanes survived the rain. Hurst were the brighter of the two teams early in
the game, with FCB taking a while to find their feet. Ben Clarke broke the deadlock with a smart finish which gave the boys confidence. The football improved and it wasn’t long before Olly Clarke doubled the lead, finishing in the top corner with his left foot. In the second half FCB went up the gears and controlled the game. From a corner Kian Knight got his first goal for the team, stabbing home after the keeper saved a header from Bal. Luke Wakatama then got a late cracker, jinking past a couple of players and drilling home from the edge of the box. Hurst never gave up but FCB showed their class over the course of the game
which finished 4-0. Bal Birchall was voted Man of the Match for a solid display in tough conditions. With four different scorers, four different players providing assists and a clean sheet. It was a professional performance sending FCB into the next round. FC Bracknell enjoyed their second win in a row against Binfield Bullets. FC Bracknell took the lead after 30 minutes from a shot by Alfie Budd that went in off the keeper at the near post. Five minutes before the half time break Bracknell scored again with a superb shot from Ryan Kerrigan who turned away from two Binfield players and hit a lovely shot into the top corner from 30 yards out.
The second half was a different game with Bracknell far quicker at closing down and forcing the Binfield defence to make mistakes,. Alfie Budd took advantage of a Binfield defensive error and scored his second with great Composure by calmly putting a shot in the bottom corner. Alfie’s hatrick came soon after with a corner going directly over the keeper into the far top corner. He scored his fourth five minutes later again with a well taken shot again after the Binfield defence had been put under pressure. FC Bracknell finished comfortable winners in what was Alfie’s last game before joining the British Army.
Sonning Ladies 1s 2-1
MBBO Division 1
Hampstead and Westminster
South Berkshire 2s v Phoenix &
Ladies 3s
Ranelagh 1s
Three Counties Premier 1
MBBO Division 3 Sonning 3s v South Berkshire 3s
Marlow Ladies 2s 3-2 South Berkshire Ladies 1s Three Counties Premier 2
South Clubs Women’s Division 3A
Oxford Hawks Ladies 4s 0-1
West Hampstead Ladies 1s v
Sonning Ladies 2s
Sonning Ladies 1s
Three Counties Division 1 Banbury Ladies 2s 1-5 South
KESTRELS READY FOR RIVERMOOR DERBY
South Berkshire Ladies 1s v Newbury and Thatcham Ladies
Sunday, October 4
1s
FOOTBALL FA Women’s Super League
Three Counties Premier 2
West Ham United Women 0-1 Reading Women
Windsor Ladies 1s v Sonning Ladies 2s
FA Women’s Cup
Three Counties Division 1 South Berkshire Ladies 2s v
Fulham Women 5-0 Woodley United Ladies
The Kestrels have endured a tricky start in their Hellenic League Division One East campaign with one win and three losses from their
in the Hellenic Premier Division. They climbed to the top of the division on Tuesday evening with a 2-1 victory over Fairford Town to earn their fourth win in seven matches. Woodley were given a bye into the second qualifying round of the FA Vase, while Reading
City progressed with a late winner against Virginia Water. The two sides last met in the 2017/18 in which both league games were drawn. Woodley are welcoming supporters to the Rivermoor Stadium, Scours Lane, (3pm kick off) for their FA Vase tie.
Newbury and Thatcham Ladies 2s
Thames Valley Women’s
Sonning Ladies 3s v Marlow
Division One Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies
Ladies 4s
5-3 Wargrave Women Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Ladies 4-1 Wallingford Town Ladies
Gallagher Premiership London Irish 7-36 Bristol
Tuesday, October 6 FOOTBALL Hellenic Division One East
opening four fixtures. They are currently in 14th, but will be looking to surge up the table with games in hand to play over several of the sides above them in the division. Meanwhile, Woodley’s opponents have made a super start to their campaign
Three Counties Premier 1
Berkshire Ladies 2s
RUGBY UNION
FA VASE
WOODLEY UNITED will be out to cause a cup shock when they host their landlords Reading City in the FA Vase on Saturday.
Staines 2s v Sonning 2s
3A
Milton United 1-1 Sumas
Three Counties Division 2 Abingdon Ladies 1s v South Berkshire Ladies 3s
Sunday, October 11 FOOTBALL FA Women’s Super League Reading Women v Birmingham City Women Thames Valley Women’s Division One City Belles Women v Wargrave Women Eversley & California Ladies v
FIXTURES Friday, October 9 FOOTBALL Hellenic Premier Division Binfield v Windsor
Saturday, October 10 FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division
Banbury United Women Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies v Carterton Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Taplow United Ladies v S4K Ladies Southern Region Women’s Premier Ascot United Women v Woodley United Ladies
SUMAS STAY UNBEATEN ROYALS WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK’S five-game winning streak came to an end on Tuesday – but they are still unbeaten as they were held to a draw.
The Sumas were
away to Milton United and came home with a point – and they’re top of the table. They face Longlevens in the FA Vase on Saturday. � Report on page 46
POSTER INSIDE!
READING’S DREAM START CONTINUES
TEAM SPIRIT
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
833002
� Continued on page 42
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The Royals are enjoying a perfect start to the season under Paunović, which sees them joint top of the Championship after four consecutive victories.
15 minutes we struggled but then adjusted. “The team showed a fantastic performance in defence and winning mentality and building up our foundations and identity. “We’re happy with how the team is bonding. “It’s a good beginning and we still have a long way to go. “It helps the team believe.”
9
READING manager Veljko Paunović was full of praise for his team in what he described as their toughest test yet – a 1-0 win over Watford.
Reading had to withstand pressure in the first-half from the newly relegated Hornets side but Puscas’ 41st minute deflected strike was enough to see them take the points. “It was the hardest game so far,” said Paunović. “Teams are in better shape as we progress in the season, us included. We were up against a very good team and in the first
Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020
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