COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
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Thursday, November 12, 2020 No. 287
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‘Lockdown 2.0 might not be enough’ EXCLUSIVE By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today
CHARLIE’S SUPPORT FROM WEST END P2
WOKINGHAM borough’s World Health Organisation Covid-19 expert doubts that the new lockdown will be enough.
At the beginning of February, Professor Ben Cowling from Sonning predicted the start of a UK Covid-19 epidemic by early March. There were just two cases reported here at the time but he was proved right. As England’s second lockdown began last Thursday he said: “I doubt a one-month lockdown will be enough, case numbers will still go up for the next two weeks, because of delays between infection, illness onset, and laboratory confirmation. “By the end of November daily incidence will come back down.” The current lockdown is due to finish on December 2. Professor Cowling, 40, who went to primary school in Sonning where his family still lives, added: “I am not sure whether the lockdown will be extended to include Christmas, but I would expect social distancing measures will be in place for much of this winter.” He was speaking before news was released this week about the vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTec. Early results show it could prevent more than 90% from getting Covid. Professor Cowling said: “I think our best hope is a vaccine and we are hoping for some good news very soon from the Oxford University vaccine and some of the other vaccine candidates. “If we could begin administering vaccines in early 2021 it would be the light at the end of the tunnel.” Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the news was an important step but there were no guarantees. He said the NHS would be ready from December to roll out the vaccine if it was approved. Prof Cowling is Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control in Hong Kong.
COVID CRISIS IS NOT OVER WARNING P6
NOT FORGOTTEN: Low-key remembrance in lockdown • P4-5
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR GIVING TREE
Christmas EXCLUSIVE campaign to help borough’s children
By SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER news@wokingham.today
THERE might be a lockdown, and virtual grottos will replace the real thing, but Santa still needs his helpers to make Christmas happy for hundreds of children across Wokingham Borough.
The annual Giving Tree Appeal has launched with one aim: even in Covid times, to
ensure that children don’t go without on December 25. The project is slightly different this year – the usual routine of taking tags and returning the present needed to be altered to make it Covid-safe. Despite this, organisers are pledging to do everything they can to ensure that the appeal is a success – but to do that, they need your help. � Continued on page 16
GYM PLAN FOR OLD M&S STORE P12 PASTOR’S BOOK P15 LOOKS AT DIVORCE
DEBBIE McGEE IS HAVING A BALL P29 VICKY’S AMAZING 100k IN A WEEK P20
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From the editor Throughout this new lockdown. Wokingham.Today will continue to publish every week, just as we did during the spring. However, with limited sport or arts events taking place, we will be producing slightly smaller papers as a result, and thank you for your understanding during this time. We thank also our advertisers who are sticking with us through these strange and difficult days. We are making every effort to ensure that your favourite local newspaper is available to you in printed form throughout the lockdown – you will be able to buy Wokingham.Today from all good supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations as normal. They are essential retailers and we, after all, are essential reading. There is also a digital version of the paper, which will be available on Friday evenings. And our website is updated seven days a week. At times like this, it is important that the community has a local voice and we are proud to be yours. The best way for you to support us – lockdown or not – is to buy a copy each week. Thank you for your support. THE Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokingham.today, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
Council objects to planning plan A PROPOSAL from the government to shake-up the planning system has been opposed by Wokingham Borough Council. The consultation has now closed, but before it did, council leader John Halsall sent off the borough’s objections. The council argues that the Planning For The Future white paper would “fundamentally” change the way the planning system operates, and see a one-size-fits-all national system introduced that would frontload public consultation and detailed assessments to produce faster local plans. But Wokingham Borough Council feels that the Government is looking towards the wrong target. “The Government has committed to building 300,000 new homes per year across England,” said council leader John Halsall. “As that is not happening, the planning system is being blamed. “The planning system is complicated and cumbersome, but councils do not, in the main, build houses. Developers do and will only build when it’s profitable for them to do so. The government’s proposed changes do not address that.” He lodged his objection during an individual executive member decision meeting, which was made on Tuesday, October 27. Joining him in disagreeing with the white paper was Cllr Wayne Smith, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for planning and enforcement. He said: “If these proposals go through as they currently are, they would do lasting damage to Wokingham borough. “They would take away so much of our ability to plan growth where it makes sense locally – to put the right homes in the right places – and standardise those powers across the country. “That means that we would be following the same rules for places as diverse as a busy London borough
that is fully built out, a rural district that is all countryside and a coastal area that is a tourist destination. “These places are all so different and we need to be able to make decisions about our future at a local level.” It follows the council’s objection to government’s other ‘changes to the planning system’ proposals last month – which outlined plans to see Wokingham take double the number of homes built in the borough each year to 1,635. The council argued that the Government’s ideas to boost housing would not compel developers to build more homes or speed up build rates because this would drive down prices and it is not in their interests to do so. “We have already objected to the calculation that would more than double the number of houses we need to build in the borough every year and now we are objecting to the other proposals which would reduce our ability to manage development,” Cllr Halsall said. “We currently have one of the highest community infrastructure levy rates which means that developers pay for the infrastructure their new communities need – the roads, schools, shops, parks and open spaces, the sports facilities and community centres. “The government is proposing to set that levy nationally, which would almost certainly result in a significantly lower rate, which would render us powerless to make developers pay for necessary infrastructure.” Cllr Smith added: “We would also end up with far fewer affordable houses. We make developers have on average about 35% of what they build as affordable, which has made such a difference to helping our residents climb onto the housing ladder. “The proposals reduce what we could achieve locally.”
From left: Adrian Hansel, Charlie Kristensen, Jacqueline Hughes at Auburn Jam Music preparing for the launch of the youngster’s new single
Charlie ready to take on the hit parade By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A BOY from Arborfield who won the hearts of the nation after launching the #CheerUpCharlie initiative is taking his anti-bullying campaign to the next level.
Charlie Kristensen is joining forces with the West End to release a charity fundraising single for National Anti-Bullying Week. The 10-year-old launched the #CheerUpCharlie campaign last year with the help of his teacher after being bullied for his love of musical theatre. And now he’s working with a number of stars to release the single You Will Be Found, which is all about finding the courage to be yourself.
And it is in aid of The Diana Award, to raise awareness of the charity’s anti-bullying work. Those joining Charlie on the single include Wendi Peters from Coronation Street and Matthew Croke from Aladdin, and casts from a variety of West End shows including Wicked, Hamilton, and Annie are set to feature in the music video, offering messages of support to those experiencing bullying. “The stars are like my family,” Charlie said. “The theatre is my tribe. It’s where I belong.” The single will be released on Sunday, November 15 to kickstart National Anti-Bullying Week which runs from Monday, November 16 until Friday, November 20.
FAMILY NOTICES WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK
John WITHERS Beloved husband of May, passed away on 6th November 2020 aged 74 years. Much loved father of Martin, Philip & Debbie & grandfather of Duncan, William, Max, Harry & Hugo. He will be sadly missed.
Thursday, November 12, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Warning over M4 closure ALTHOUGH the government advice is to stay at home unless necessary, there will be some borough motorists who need to travel on the M4 this weekend as work on the Smart Motorway project continues.
Highways England is warning people to plan ahead as this weekend there will be a full closure between junctions 11 and 12 for resurfacing work. Last weekend, there was a closure between junctions 10 and 11, and it is this that is pictured above. The road will be closed from 9pm tomorrow through to 6am on Monday, November 16.
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Traffic will be diverted from junction 11, north up the A33 and then south along the A4 to re-join at junction12. There will be a number of overnight closures from junction 10 to 12 during the weekdays. Drivers heading eastbound are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra time or avoid this route if possible. For more, visit highwaysengland.co.uk/ traffic or call 0300 123 5000.
Elderly urged to stay safe, warm and well
The single is being produced by Auburn Jam Music, who approached Charlie after hearing about his story online. Last year, Charlie’s teacher reached out on Twitter for messages of support for the youngster and was inundated with responses – he received support from hundreds of performers from the West End, Broadway and even Hollywood. “I was bullied really badly at school for doing something I love,” Charlie explained. “I was called names and hurt just because I’m a boy and I like to dance. I didn’t fit the stereotype the bullies wanted me to. “I was very close to giving up on my dream but when I received the messages from the West End Stars, I realised that I was much more important than the bullies’ opinions of me.” Since then, Charlie has launched the #CheerUpCharlie campaign and
has trained as an Ambassador for The Diana Award, which runs the UK’s leading anti-bullying programme. And he has also set up his very own online chat show to open up the conversation around bullying. “In each video I interview a different actor, musician or artist about their lives, performing background and experiences of bullying,” he said. “The aim of the share is to share unknown, unheard and unlistened to stories.” You Will Be Found is available to pre-order now, and all proceeds from the song will go to The Diana Fund. Charlie has also set up an additional fundraiser and hopes to raise £5,000 for the charity. For more information, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ cheerupcharlie
AS WE head into a coronavirus winter, a helping hand is being offered to the borough’s older residents, thanks to a leading charity. The Royal Voluntary Service has produced an advice booklet providing practical tips on staying safe, warm and well this winter and signposts help if needed. It is aimed at the 1.7 million people in the UK who are over 70, and said to have no friends or family nearby to support them over the coldest time for the year. The figure came from research commissioned by the charity and its supporter, Yakult, and represents one-infive of the older population. In a separate survey, just four in 10 over 70s told the charity that they stock up on essential food items like tinned goods in case they can’t get out, and only six in 10 cooks a hot meal each day (61%) in winter months. Less than two thirds (62%) said they get their boiler or heating serviced every year and only three in ten have their carbon monoxide alarm checked annually.
Just one in four said they have emergency supplies put by, like a torch and batteries, and the same number keeps a list of emergency contacts to hand. One third say they spend a lot of time sitting down over the winter months and over one in five (21%) do little or no physical activity. The same percentage (21%) said they often feel cold. To help older people and their friends, families and neighbours prepare for when temperatures drop, Royal Voluntary Service and Yakult have produced the booklet, which can be downloaded from its website. Sam Ward, director of services and deputy chief executive at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Coping in a Covid winter is going to be a particularly difficult experience for many older people, particularly those living alone and without support. “We know that nearly
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one in five people aged 70 and over are dreading the winter months, and we want to provide as much support as possible to those that need it. “Our new advice guide provides practical tips and information on where to turn for help if needed, like the Priority Services Register to receive support during power outages, our own local support services and how to register for NHS Volunteer Responder help, and the Virtual Village Hall.” To download the booklet, visit: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/safe-warmwell
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
REMEMBRANCE 2020
Borough pays its respects – from a distance � A DISPLAY of knitted poppies has lit up the entrance to The Bradbury Centre in Wokingham. Part of Wokingham Methodist Church, the project was created by its members. Marion Heath, who was its mastermind, said that the idea came during the 2018 commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. “The church ladies responded with enthusiasm as always and I distributed various patterns and supplied the central black button which I was able to buy in bulk,” she said. “We had an overwhelming response and the Church and Cafe Mosaic were decorated with them all for the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday.2018.” As the knitted and crocheted creations had had so much work, Ms Heath wanted to ensure that they would be appreciated in future years. “They were kept in storage,” she explained. “This year is 100 years since the British Leghion was set up. We had hoped to commemorate this year, but unfortunately, the church is in lockdown. The poppies are on display on the windowsills and porch areas of the premises for the public to see from the outside.” This is not the only project that church members have been working on. Ms Heath said that she has been appealing for knitted and crocheted garments including squares hats and blankets. These will go to Sierra Leone via the Maidenhead branch of Soroptimist International, a worldwide volunteer service organisation for women who work for peace. “The items I have collected have been phenomenal in quantity and I am currently working out how to get them to Maidenhead for the next cargo ship delivery at the end of this month,” she said. “The response from members to the various appeals I have made to them over the years through Girl Guiding service projects overseas has been amazing. “We are richly blessed with our church community.”
A small number of Arborfield residents combined their lockdown daily exercise with a two-minute silence at the war memorial. Social distancing was in force throughout
Twins Finlay and Oliver Hicks, patrol leaders in Polehampton Troop, laid a wreath on behalf of 1st Twyford Scouts on Sunday afternoon
At 11am yesterday, Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards and Deputy Mayor to fallen soldiers. The socially distanced workplace gathering was held at Shute End
� Resourceful churches in Twyford and Hurst managed to share their Remembrance Day service and wreath laying ceremonies by going online. Clergy from St Marys, Twyford, St James, Ruscombe, Twyford United Reformed Church, St Thomas More RC Church, Twyford and St Nicholas, Hurst all contributed to a service broadcast live on YouTube on Sunday. Videos of wreaths being laid at St Marys, St James and St Nicholas war memorials, along with Sunday’s Remembrance service, at the THRU-
St James Church in Finchampstead hosted a garden of remembrance where villagers could leave poppies and crosses
Christ YouTube channel www.youtube.com/channel/UCnCAP9SvIlZJDeIDiA1L7A. Some wreaths were laid before the recent Covid-19 lockdown. Duncan Steele from St Mary’s has been praised for his video editing skills which he used in the Remembrance project. Since last Thursday’s new lockdown church-going has been restricted to visits for individual prayer, funerals or related events for someone who has died, or, in exceptional circumstances, weddings.
Betty, resident at Care UK's Parsons Grange, helped to create a sea of poppies to honour Remembrance Day
� Residents at Care UK’s Parsons Grange, on Westall Street in Shinfield, marked Armistice Day by creating poppies in memory of friends and family who have served in the armed forces. Made out of felt, some of the poppies have been added to the silhouette of a soldier in the home to form a sea of poppies, while others have been sold to the community. All proceeds will go to Help for Heroes which provides counselling and support for veterans and their families to help them recover. Ruth Halls, Home Manager at Parsons Grange, said: “We wanted to do something special to mark this year’s Armistice Day and to remember those who have served in the armed forces, including some of the residents, and their friends and family. “While creating the poppies, residents reminisced about their younger years, providing a wonderful opportunity for everyone to share stories of growing up in wartime Britain. “We’re thrilled with the result of their hard work, and all for a very good cause.”
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Thursday, November 12, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
REMEMBRANCE 2020 Poppies made from recycled materials, created by Girl Guides at Earley St Peter’s church
A garden of remembrance was installed outside Wokingham town hall for residents to use
Matt Rodda and Cllr Carl Doran at Woodley, paying their respects in Memorial Park
Cllr Keith Baker MBE, were joined by councillors, and council leaders to pay their respects
� A WOKINGHAM funeral directors has created a window display to mark Remembrance Sunday Funeral Co-ordinators Lisa Palmer and Karen Prior created the window display to ensure the important day is still marked despite everything else going on in 2020. The window is on display at JB Hall Funeral Directors, in Finchampstead Road. Even though many shops will be closed during lockdown, it is hoped people will still see the display as they walk past.
Millie Huxley, three, enjoyed discovering the display of Remembrance poppies while out scooting with Dad Stewart, Mum Kate, sister Poppy, eight months and their dog Sammy. � A happy band of crochet “hookers” created a stunning display of bright red poppies, causing a stir among passers-by. The group from Hurst, Woodley and Twyford “yarn bombed” a busy junction on the A321 Wokingham to Twyford road with the poppies made from knitting wool. Pip Etheridge, of Hurst, said the poppies had been in a Remembrance display outside St Nicholas Church, Hurst for the past two years. But this year with people unable to attend the usual Remembrance service there the group created the display at the School Road/A321 junction by Hurst pond. “We’ve had lots of lovely comments,” she said. The group is still managing to meet online for their “hooker” sessions. Crochet is made using a needle with a hook on the end. The poppy makers also included Catherine Pearce, Sue Cummings, Ellen Holmes, Jo Fox, Jane Carr, Tina Needham and Kirsty Dowding. Maggie Hodgkins and Lou Robinson helped put up this year’s display which twines round the village sign, railings and the pond bench. Hurst’s parish councillors Wayne Smith and Michael Holdstock planted 2,500 daffodil bulbs last weekend by the village’s entrance signs. Villagers are now offering to help plant the remaining 2,500 bulbs. The village’s annual litter pick due this Saturday has been postponed until after the current Covid-19 lockdown.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
CORONAVIRUS LATEST 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
Call for BAME volunteers IN AN EFFORT to advance Reading’s coronavirus vaccine, a call has been put out for Black and minority ethnic (BME) volunteers. People from all communities are being asked to take part in vaccine studies into Covid-19. But figures from Reading show that volunteers from BAME communities are underrepresented. “Covid-19 has taken the lives of many of our population. Many of us have lost loved ones,” said Dr Kajal Patel, a GP at Milman and Kennet Surgery in neighbouring Reading. “I would like to make a request that all Black and minority ethnic Reading residents would strongly consider joining the vaccine registry and to take part” Without a diverse input, there is no certainty that the vaccine will work within the BME population, according to Dr Kajal. “Please register,” she added. “Your support is needed.” People from black communities are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with the coronavirus, according to Public Health England. And death rates amongst black and Asian ethnic groups are higher than others. At present, 1.19% of Covid vaccine volunteers in the Reading area are black, African, black British or Caribbean, while 6.7% of the area’s population belong to this ethnic group. And 10.62% of registrations are comprised of Asian and Asian British volunteers, whereas 13.6% of the population belongs to this ethnic group. “The only way to check how well a coronavirus vaccine works is to carry out large-scale clinical trials involving thousands of people,” said Kate Bingham, chair of the government’s Vaccine Taskforce. “We want to ensure the data we get actually represents the different people from different backgrounds in the UK.” To sign up to the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/research/coronavirusvaccine-research
‘Vaccine news is good, but keep to the rules’
New online dashboard for real-time data
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
A CORONAVIRUS dashboard which allows Wokingham residents to see real time, local Covid-19 data is the first of its kind in the UK, writes Charlotte King. The website, which launched last week, has been provided by Public Health Berkshire and allows residents to see the latest statistics and information on Covid-19. According to the site, there have been 1,635 recorded cases in Wokingham borough since the start of the pandemic. It informs users on the number of new cases, death rates, and offers data on potential cases amongst those exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms. “We know that there is a real concern about rising infection rates across the Borough, and we are working hard to communicate the latest updates in the most impactful way through our ‘In It Together’ campaign,” said Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council. “It is a fantastic one-stop-shop for relevant statistics and makes it much easier for local people to search for important data in their area.”
THE NEWS that a potential vaccine could be in use by Christmas has been welcomed – but the warning remains that people still need to follow social distancing rules.
Council leader John Halsall said: “The vaccination is welcome news, but the current way of life is likely to be in place for another six months. “The message is the same, if you want to enjoy Christmas and normal life, we have to put the attitudes (of social distancing) into our normal way of life, as that is what it will be for the foreseeable future. “Even if the vaccine successfully passes the trials, we won’t have enough supplies immediately. It wont cover the whole population. “So, at the moment, it’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Virus cases dropped a little earlier this month, but the numbers are creeping up again. Yesterday (Wednesday), there were 42 new confirmed cases. However, there may have been a lag in reporting as on Tuesday, there were two cases, and 20 on Monday. In all, there have been 1,635 and Wokingham has 18 cases per 100,000 of the population based on a seven-day rolling average. This is up from 13 per 100,000 last week, and nine per 100,000 on October 10. Cllr Halsall is encouraging residents to keep treating the virus as a serious issue. “You can’t be complacent,” he warned. “We’ve all got to be evangelists for the rules. “Irrespective of whether there’s a vaccine or not, we can contain the virus and lead our normal lives if we stick to them.
“I keep encouraging people to ensure they have the NHS Test and Trace app on their phone and use it when they check in. “The whole purpose of it is to tell you if you need to quarantine if you’re a risk to other people. “We’ve got to get everyone universally using the app and every time they go to a new setting to check in and check out. It’s really really important that everyone has the app on their phone and use it. “I’m sure that if everybody plays the game, we can look forward to the new year where we’re not going from lockdown after lockdown.” And Cllr Halsall thanked those who were already doing this. “People in Wokingham are generally very, very compliant, very sensible, very responsible,” he said. “They shouldn’t need anything other than reminding.”
£30,000 fines for Covid breach
Abuse support
POLICE have issued £30,000 of fines after more than 50 people were found at a house party on Wednesday, November 1 – the night before lockdown started. Thames Valley Police said that officers attended an address in the Reading area, where loud music was playing and many of the occupants appeared to be ‘intoxicated’. Officers broke up the party, and the three residents – who organised the event despite coronavirus restrictions in force preventing more than six people from gathering – were each fined £10,000. The Gold Commander of the force’s response to the coronavirus, Chief Superintendent Rob France, said that everyone needed to obey the rules and they
LOCKDOWN is a difficult time for many, including those in abusive relationships – but help is at hand. Kaleidoscopic UK, a Finchampstead-based domestic violence charity, has seen demand for its services skyrocket as England moved under new coronavirus restrictions. “Lockdown is an accelerant,” Vickie Robertson, founder of Kaleidoscopic UK, said. “It’s the worst time for most people because it gives abusers the ultimate power and control at home. “We’ve had an increase in demand, definitely. It’s a busy time for everybody in the services, but the support will always be there.” However, despite the new lockdown restrictions, Kaleidoscopic UK is able to continue some of its face-to-face work with survivors of domestic abuse, including running peer support groups. “We’re actually exempt from the rules because we work with victims of crime,” Ms Robertson explained. “It means we’re able to continue providing in-person support throughout lockdown which is a huge relief.” But the charity is concerned about the season ahead. “Christmas is not always a nice time of year for those living with an abuser,” the charity’s founder added. “It can be a huge trigger for abusive behaviour, when you look at the figures.” In order to ensure Kaleidoscopic UK can continue offering support throughout the coronavirus pandemic and in the run-up to Christmas, the charity is encouraging people to get involved to spread awareness and raise funds. “We’re running our Berkshire Christmas Helper Elves programme again this year, which people can take part in on Facebook,” Ms Robertson said. “Last year, we managed to get 350 children presents and we’re going to try and do that again. “And fundraising is also a great thing. People can head to our website, send us a message and we can help then find a way to get involved,” she added. To find out more about Kaleidoscopic UK’s support services, visit: www.kaleidoscopic.uk
didn’t want to issue any fines. “Cases of coronavirus are once again increasing and with that, the risk to lives,” he said in a statement. “As such we all have our part to play in following the measures and the law in place to help stop the spread of this indiscriminate virus. “We would rather not have to issue fines such as these, however in this case our officers encountered a blatant disregard for the rules that are in place and this party posed a clear risk of transmission of the virus within the Reading community. "Not only do breaches of this kind put people at risk from a health perspective, but they put pressure on policing resources taking them away from people
who may be in urgent need of help.” He added: “Our officers will continue to engage, encourage and explain the regulations to our communities however where we encounter people who we feel are flagrantly ignoring them we will look to enforce be it through dispersal, fines or even arrest.” “It is clear to us that the vast majority of the people in the Thames Valley are doing what they can to do the right thing and we continue to be hugely grateful to them for the sacrifices they are making to protect us all. “We are committed to working with our partners, businesses and the public to make our communities safer and help stop the spread of this deadly virus.”
NHS services draw up plans to cope with winter AS THE WINTER draws in, health and social care teams across Berkshire West are joining forces. In order to prepare for increased demand, hospital staff and local councils have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure NHS services are prepared for winter, flu, Covid-19 and other health demands. The NHS comes under more strain every winter as cold weather and hazardous conditions lead to greater reliance on GP services and hospitals. And due to the coronavirus pandemic, demand will be even greater this year.
� www.berkshirepublichealth.co.uk/covid-19dashboard
“Our winter planning this year looks very different because of Covid-19,” said Dom Hardy, chief operating officer at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. “However, we are fully prepared, building on the good work we’ve done over previous winters, and using all the information we’ve learned during Covid. “We’re working hard to keep on top of our planned and emergency work and to do it safely whilst also caring for Covid patients, but we need the cooperation of local people here.”
Mr Hardy is encouraging residents with life-threatening conditions to continue coming to the emergency room, and is asking those with hospital appointments to continue attending. “The hospital is perfectly safe,” he adds, “and it’s important we continue to manage patients’ healthcare and treatment.” As part of the RBH’s winter strategy, a range of support services for those struggling with their mental health are available too. These include free online
counselling for young people aged 11 to 19, and talking therapies accessible by self-referral. “GP surgeries are all open for business and it’s essential people contact us,” Dr Abid Irfan, chair of the Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group added. “And of course there is a lot people can do to help themselves stay well over winter – stock up on painkillers, eat healthily, restrict alcohol to the recommended limits, stop smoking, try and keep warm, have a flu jab and take some exercise.”
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CORONAVIRUS LATEST
One Front Door helps 280 residents during first week
‘Don’t stop hospital dates’ warns lung cancer patient
THROUGHOUT the first week of lockdown, Citizens Advice Wokingham has supported nearly 280 residents through the One Front Door scheme, writes Charlotte King. And according to the charity’s chief executive Jake Morrison, it’s prepared for an increase in demand. Since Thursday, November 2, Citizens Advice has supported 279 people, with the bulk of requests asking for help with employment and debt. “In lockdown one as we now call it, debt wasn’t even in the top five issues,” Mr Morrison said. “Things have certainly developed over the year, with debt entering our top five from September onwards – it’s definitely something people are more worried about now.” Residents have also requested help with benefits, food support and prescriptions. And the borough council has been lending a helping hand. “The council has been calling more than 5,000 of the clinically extremely vulnerable people that live in Wokingham to assess their welfare,” the Chief Executive said. “We’ve got 49 referrals to One
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
Front Door from that so far, with requests like getting food and prescriptions. “Aside from that, we are also continuing to try and increase people’s wellbeing through helping with finances, housing and practical problems,” Mr Morrison added. “We’re looking at everything we could possibly do just to make sure that people get the right support.” Looking forward, the chief executive anticipates that demand will increase as we approach the end of the year and people begin to feel the pressure of the holiday season. Despite this, he is encouraging people to reach out if they need help. “We are not going to be overwhelmed, so please reach out because once we know what you need, we can try and find the right level of support for you. “We need to know what’s going on so we can help people move forward with their problems,” he said. For more information about the One Front Door scheme, head to: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/ coronavirus
A WOMAN who has been battling lung cancer for the past four years is featuring in a campaign for the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH).
In a film released by the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Jackie Connor is encouraging people to visit the hospital for tests, treatments, scans and check-ups. The video has been released in light of peoples’ reluctance to attend hospital appointments during the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Connor has been visiting RBH throughout 2020 for various treatments, and is now encouraging others to do the same. “At no stage have I had any concerns about coming into the hospital for my treatment,” Jackie says in the video. “Being classed as vulnerable, I feel really reassured about my safety going in to get my chemotherapy treatment every week.” In the video, Ms Connor also lists the various Covid-safety measures RBH has taken including one-way systems, enforced social distancing, and hand washing stations.
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Roasted the way you like it
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T’S NEVER been easier for the people of Twyford to get their caffeine fix – and it can now be tailor made to order. Lincoln Coffee House, a familyowned business, opened its doors in the village centre last month, bringing speciality roasts to the local community. Seven years ago, coffee traders Jas and Simmi Sohal visited the London Coffee Festival and were inspired by what they saw. “My parents realised that there is so much more to coffee than being commercial, so they decided to bring specialty coffee to Reading,” explained Yurtesh Sohal, coffee roaster at Lincoln Coffee House. The independent coffee house already has two sites in neighbouring Reading, and they felt that the new Twyford branch was the perfect place for expansion. The business specialises in tailormade coffees, offering customers a variety of beans with different grinds, roasts and types. “The first thing we do is ask customers what kind of taste they like,” Yurtesh explained. “Then, we can understand what people want and we work with them to make a recommendation. “Then, we give them a brewing recipe so they can brew the coffee exactly how they like it.” And Lincoln Coffee House goes the extra mile, roasting its own
beans in a roastery just around the corner. “We roast our own coffee beans for a couple of reasons,” Yurtesh explained. “Firstly, before we launched, there wasn’t a speciality roaster in the area and we wanted to do something a little bit different. “We also wanted to keep the focus local, putting Reading on the roasting map.” And those looking for a quick caffeine fix will be pleased too, because Lincoln Coffee House also offers sit-down coffees and treats. From espressos (£2.20) to smoothies (£3.50), customers are offered a variety of beverages to choose from. And their speciality item – the bagel – is proving to be a big hit. “My parents worked in food and specifically in making bagels for a long time before opening the coffee house, and wanted to combine the concept of coffee and bagels,” Yurtesh explained. Customers can choose from sweet and savoury bagels, including peanut butter and banana (£2.95) and the English breakfast bagel (£4.45). The Sohal family is reaching out to local bakers for a supply of homemade cakes, too. In keeping with the local theme, Lincoln Coffee House sources a lot of its products from local suppliers. With hot chocolate from
Jackie Connor in a still from the video she has made for the Royal Berkshire Hospital urging people to stick to their appointment dates
Mortimer and tea from Reading, the family try to support nearby businesses wherever possible. When it comes to their coffee however, it’s a different picture. Lincoln Coffee House works with producers across the globe, with three direct trade relationships in Brazil, Colombia and India. This means that customers are not only getting some of the finest beans, but the farmers in these countries are getting direct support, too. “It’s important people know where their coffee comes from, who grows it, and to share that story to give credit to the farmers,” Yurtesh explained. And the Sohals are not letting the coronavirus get them down either, with their Twyford roastery staying open throughout lockdown. Customers are able to continue ordering speciality coffees online, and there are discounts available. “We recently launched our website and to celebrate that, we’re offering customers 15% of all online orders until Wednesday, December 2,” Yurtesh said. Lincoln Coffee House’s newest site can be found on Station Road in Twyford, and will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am until 3pm during lockdown. For more information or to browse and place an order, visit: www.lincolncoffeehouse.co.uk
“I was quite shocked when staff told me that some people who really need to be seen to have their condition checked, or to have scans or tests, were not keeping their appointments,” Ms Connor added. “If you’ve got something like cancer it’s such a worry and something that you really want to have checked and controlled as much as possible by coming to see the nurses and doctors looking after you. “It just gives you that little bit of peace of mind. I’m really saddened to think some people are sitting at home, worrying about their illness, or symptoms like a lump, and are too scared to seek medical help.”
And staff are also encouraging people to turn up to appointments, saying that the only way people can stay healthy is by cooperating with RBH. “Our staff are working incredibly hard to keep services running throughout Covid so we are able to treat all medical matters, not just Covid ones,” Nicky Lloyd, acting chief executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said. “As Jackie says, the hospital, along with our colleagues in local GP surgeries, are doing so much to make sure we meet the extremely strict safety regulations which have been introduced to keep our patients, and our staff, safe.” To watch Jackie’s video, visit: https:// youtu.be/RytVTCSzte4
8 | NEWS
Warning after spate of catalytic converter thefts MOTORISTS are being asked to stay alert as reports of catalytic converter thefts increase. According to Thames Valley Police (TVP), a thief can steal a car’s catalytic converter in minutes. Now, it is asking car owners to take a number of steps to reduce the risk of being targeted. TVP is encouraging residents to check their vehicles regularly, especially during lockdown when they may be using their cars less. It is also reminding people that the vehicle alarm is not triggered when the converter is removed, but residents can install tilt sensors to overcome this problem. The force is also encouraging residents to take extra measures including installing a cage clamp for the converter and parking their cars in locked garages whenever possible. “Be aware that offenders often wear high visibility vests to make you think they are legitimate,” said a spokesperson for TVP. “If you see someone acting suspiciously near or under a vehicle, report it to the police straight away.” The majority of vehicles being targeted are Japanese models from 2002 onwards. For more information or to report a crime, visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk, call 101, or dial 999 in an emergency. Alternative, residents can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Vegan markets on hold, but organiser says they’re Covid safe EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today AS ENGLAND enters its second week of the new lockdown, some local businesses are beginning to feel the impact.
Wokingham’s market scene has been profoundly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with local markets adapting to meet government guidelines. And for one organiser, it has led to them cancelling this month’s events. “We decided to cancel all of the upcoming vegan markets during the lockdown period,” said Sarah Zeneli, founder of Sparkle Vegan Events. “After consulting with each of the town councils and looking into the government guidelines, we realised there just wasn’t enough leeway for all of our traders to set up stalls. “Too many of them weren’t considered essential.” Sparkle Vegan Events was planning to run a variety of vegan markets in Wokingham, Woodley and Bracknell as stall holders prepare for the festive season, but
the new lockdown has put them on hold for now. “It’s a shame”, Ms Zeneli continued, “because a lot of our stall holders have either made or bought in Christmas stock already and it’s now a financial burden. “So many small businesses already lost so much money throughout the first lockdown, and to be put in that situation again for the second lockdown is particularly hard.” Not all markets are set to close throughout the lockdown period, however, with Wokingham Town Council launching its own ‘Lockdown Market’. In a post on Facebook, the organisers said: “We’re open but some of our traders aren’t allowed to trade due to Government guidelines.” The Lockdown Market will continue to run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout November on Market Place in Wokingham town centre. While Wokingham Market is still going ahead during lockdown, Ms Zeneli wants all markets to stay open.
Boba’s Plants is one retailer unable to trade during lockdown Picture: Sarah Zeneli/Sparkle Vegan Markets
“Essential items should cover a wider range than just food,” she said. “We’ve worked really hard to make our events Covid safe, including implementing lots of safety measures like hand sanitising stations and social distancing. “Our traders have all made sure that they are Covid safe too, and we’re outside in the fresh air where there is a lower transmission rate of the virus.” The events organiser is calling for markets to stay open under the same rules as supermarkets in cases where traders are following
all of the safety guidelines. “This is peoples’ livelihood, including our own. We can’t carry on like this forever,” Ms Zeneli added. While the vegan markets in Wokingham, Woodley and Bracknell are pasued, people can still get involved and shop with Sparkle Vegan Events’ local stall holders. Throughout November, the company is running a ‘trader spotlight’ campaign where it will be promoting a variety of small businesses and informing customers on how to support them during lockdown. “All we can do is keep our fingers and toes crossed that this lockdown will only last for one month,” Ms Zeneli said. “We hope we can still host the December markets in the run up to Christmas.” � For more on the vegan markets, log on to: www.facebook.com/ SparkleVeganEvents � For more information about Wokingham Town Council’s Lockdown Market, visit: www.facebook.com/ WokinghamMarket
Thursday, November 12, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Dolphin School pupils mark Black History Month There’s more to Black history than just one month can discover. Pupils at Hurst-based Dolphin School spent time learning about unfamiliar faces and narratives, in part inspired by a former student, Kimberley McIntosh. Here, some of the children share what they have learnt and feel about Black History Month
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ID YOU know the name of the first African American women in space? Or the historical significance of John Blanke? Or that more people in Africa speak French than in Europe? This year, the Dolphin School timetable went ‘off-script’ for a full week in its celebration of Black History. Although traditional topics such as the slave trade and blues music are already built into our curriculum, we were inspired by the work of Old Delphinian, Kimberley McIntosh, to explore new avenues, unfamiliar faces and narratives. Thus arose our theme for the week – Black History: Untold Stories. Among a smorgasbord of other activities, Reception enjoyed a dramatic re-enactment of Anansi the Spider, performed in traditional costumes; Years 25 studied Mae Jemison, making their own astronaut figures and firing them into space; Year 6 listened to Deanna Rodger’s evocative slam poem, ‘Being British’, before creating and performing their own; Years 7 and 8 explored the history and geography of the Windrush generation alongside extracts from Small Island. In our Upper School assembly that week we watched Kimberley detail the history and thinking behind Black History
from the mainstream, confining it to a single month rather than integrating it into our national curriculum. As long as Black History Month is around it will be a sign that there is still a problem in our community; a problem that needs to be properly addressed. By Sofia (Y7)
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Month, but we also listened to Dr Hakim Adi explain his misgivings over the “ghettoisation” of Black history. Below, some of our Year 7 & 8 students reflect on why, despite the success of the initiative, we cannot afford to be complacent.
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Y OPINION on Black History Month is that it is a lousy compromise. Black history shouldn’t be treated differently to any other history that is taught in schools. The content of Black History Month can vary greatly, but usually simply covers the slave trade and civil rights movement, both events in history which portray most black people as helpless. This is grossly unfair, as many of the world’s oldest and most amazing civilisations were African. Mali, home of the richest man ever to live, and Ethiopia, one of the oldest Christian civilisations, are just two African countries which people may have never even known existed before European colonisation. While Black History Month does educate people about Black history, it can also perpetuate the problem, as it segments Black history away from any other history.
Role models: students in Years 3 to 8 at the Dolphin School put together a biography of someone they admired as part of its work marking Black History Month Put simply, it just is not an effective way to deal with the situation; this requires a complete change in the school syllabus in order to tackle effectively. By Tristan (Y8)
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LACK History Month: at first it may seem like a brilliant idea, and I guess it is from one perspective. It might seem like it solves all the problems related with Black history not being taught and recognised as it should be. In school, at work, basically in everyday life, Black history or any other history which is different to our ‘normal’ or ‘usual’ history is treated as inferior, even if people are doing it subconsciously.
However, as good as the intentions might be, with all the positives of us learning about different cultures and the astounding achievements of black communities, it also makes us realise how little Black history is taught to us through our lives. Ultimately, it feels a bit like tokenism; the people in power have given one month for Black history as if to show they are doing something, almost as if they want a pat on the back for doing such a great thing for Black people in the UK. It is basically saying you can have October to celebrate your history and the rest of the year we can carry on as is. So really, Black History Month can become an excuse to remove Black history
LACK History Month is, at its core, an initiative with good intentions and repercussions. The idea of representing cultures that are not just predominantly European is very good and should be encouraged. The problem stems from the month being entirely taken over by Black history, which normalises black history only being taught widely in October, ignoring the fact that many European and other cultures are closely intertwined with Black history. Again, the history should be taught, but the idea of having a month does not really lend itself to the idea of teaching and adding Black history to the normal curriculum or mainstream educational material. Black history should not be (mostly) confined to one month. However, having multiple months is not the solution, as that would just further the stigma of having a specific bit of time dedicated to Black history. In my opinion, at least, Black History Month is a good thing on the surface, although the general history, not just slavery and colonisation by European powers, really should be integrated into widespread media and learning facilities to a greater extent. By Alexander (Y8)
10 | BUSINESS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
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Help against cyber attacks NEARLY half of businesses feel more vulnerable to cyber attacks as the number of people working from home increases. According to NFU Mutual, 47% reported feeling at greater risk of attacks. However, 45% of businesses also reported not taking any action to protect themselves. “It’s common for smaller businesses to assume their size makes them less of a target,” said Zoe Knight, commercial propositions manager at NFU Mutual. “But no business, regardless of size, is safe from cyber attack.” As more people return to home working, the company has introduced a free cyber helpline in an effort to help protect businesses against online crime. And the service, which launched in June, will run until the end of the year. “Throughout this pandemic, cyber criminals have been doing what they do best – exploiting individuals and businesses when they’re most vulnerable,” added Tom Spier from CyberScout, the company coordinating the helpline. “Home working has altered the cybercrime landscape and through this service, NFU Mutual small business customers will be able to seek advice on adapting their security to meet the needs of the new normal.” For more, log on to: www.nfumutual.co.uk/ news-and-stories/cyber-security-for-remoteworkers
Bluebird up for award for fifth year in a row By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
Bluebird Care Reading and Wokingham is up for the regional finals of the Great British Care Awards for the fifth year in a row
FIVE SEEMS to be the lucky number for a Wokingham home care provider.
This is because Bluebird Care Reading and Wokingham recently reached the regional finals of The Great British Care Awards for the fifth year running. The Awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence in the care sector, and last year, Bluebird Care won two of the 21 categories. This year, the business’ Reading and Wokingham branch has been nominated for The Home Care Team Award, recognised for the team’s passion and dedication throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Alison Small, who has worked for Bluebird Care Reading and Wokingham for the past four years, has also been nominated for The
Dementia Care Award. This award recognises an individual who has the skills to manage and deliver services to older people with dementia. “For many people social care is more than a job, it’s a passion,” said Kerry Brooker, care manager at Bluebird Care Reading and Wokingham. “Care staff and teams regularly go above and beyond, often putting the needs of others first to provide comfort and kindness to those who need support, and this is so true of our care home.”
Jo McCluskey, registered care manager, said: “Bluebird Care is truly proud to have been nominated in three categories for this year’s finals, and awards like this help recognise the tremendous efforts, hard work and dedication of individuals and teams within Bluebird Care. “Our carers spend every working day providing compassionate care to our customers and their families.” Winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony this Saturday
Fears economic gap is widening BUSINESSES in the Thames Valley are worried the regional economic gap is widening. According to BDO, 78% of mid-sized businesses in the area fear the coronavirus pandemic will widen the UK’s north-south economic gap. And six out of 10 companies in the region anticipate that they will need financial support to survive the virus’ second wave. BDO, a global business advisory firm, released these statistics after carrying out a recent survey of 500 medium-sized business leaders. “UK companies have taken on record levels of debt and repayment may present a challenge for those whose revenue hasn’t returned to pre-crisis levels,” said David Brookes, managing partner at BDO in Thames Valley. “Nearly 60% of businesses in the region believe they will need additional financial support to be able to survive a second wave of Covid-19 this winter. “The Government should place a firm focus on supporting the high-potential businesses that form the region’s economic engine - these businesses will help to drive recovery through innovation and growth.”
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Berkshire resilient against virus BERKSHIRE’S regional economy has been slightly less impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This is according to Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). In its latest Skills Priority Statement, it reported that 15.5% of people in Berkshire work in the sectors most affected by lockdown. This is slightly lower than the national average of 16.9%. “The Covid-19 pandemic has become the greatest challenge of our time,” said Thames Valley Berkshire LEP. “As we try to recover from this, we understand businesses, educators and communities are understandably anxious.
“We are collaborating now on leading economic recovery in Berkshire and will play our part in securing a national recovery.” According to the enterprise, Berkshire has a strong regional economy with nearly 50% of employees qualified to degree level or higher. And the region is well placed for economic recovery with a resilient mix of skills and industries. To encourage recovery, Thames Valley Berkshire LEP has created an action plan which includes working with education providers to help young people make informed career choices and supporting
projects reducing gender gaps in the market. TVLEP chief executive Alison Webster said: “Our action plan strategises how to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. “This will ensure that Berkshire remains resilient in the face of current and forthcoming skills challenges and is well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities.” Thames Valley Berkshire LEP has also launched the Berkshire Opportunities portal to aid Berkshire residents with finding employment and training. For more information, visit: www.thamesvalley berkshire.co.uk
Construction down but will rise THE SOUTH EAST’S construction workload has fallen – but it’s predicted to bounce back in the new year. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), workloads have dropped for another quarter due to the coronavirus pandemic. In its latest Construction and Infrastructure Market Survey, it reported that across all sectors, workload rates fell by 8% between July and September.
However, this is far less than the previous drop of 37% between April and June. Financial constraints, a shortage of materials, and a lack of demand for construction work are the main reasons for the decline, according to RICS. “With a new lockdown underway, these are clearly very challenging times for the economy,” said Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at RICS. But looking ahead, the RICS
predicts infrastructure workloads will rise in the coming year as the construction sector recovers from the pandemic. “The government’s commitment to delivering on its infrastructure programme provides a ray of light with the survey pointing towards a solid increase in workloads over the next 12 months. “This could play an important role in helping to drive a wider recovery in business activity,” Mr Rubinsohn added.
NEWS | 11
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Thursday, November 12, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
MP joins call to end ‘war on motorists’ By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
A new cycle lane has been installed on Wokingham’s London Road
A GROUP Conservative MPs are campaigning to stop more cycle lanes being built in towns and cities across the country.
Cllr Parry Batth (centre) inspects the new car park at Heath Lake
New look for Heath Lake AFTER A short closure, Heath Lake car park has reopened. It was shut in mid-October to allow Wokingham Borough Council to carry out resurfacing works at the nature reserve. The project, which cost £16,000, was funded by Wokingham Without Parish Council. This means no more potholes, and instead 12 clearly marked parking spaces, two disabled bays, and a place to securely park bicycles. Situated in Crowthorne, Heath Lake is popular for its miles of woodland and heathland. And it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest, being home to the only acid lake in Berkshire. “We know just how popular Heath
Lake is with local dog walkers and cyclists alike,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council. “It is fantastic to open a newly resurfaced car park for visitors. “We are delighted to have worked in partnership on this project with Wokingham Without Parish Council and Friends of Heath Lake, and would like to thank them for funding the work.” Cllr Angus Ross, a member of Friends of Heath Lake added: “It’s fantastic to have been able to collaborate on such an important project. “Heath Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, so it’s great to see that this site has been invested in for the local community.”
James Sunderland, the MP for Bracknell, is one of 14 that have signed a letter calling on Grant Schapps, secretary of state for transport, to stop ‘the uncalledfor war on the motorist’. The letter is from FairFuelUK, a lobby group campaigning against charges and taxes on UK motorists. And it calls on the government to “stop the roll out, and withdraw the plethora of new road narrowing, blockades and dedicated cycle lanes eating into our town and city roads”. The letter suggests that while the coronavirus crisis has been busy dominating the government’s attention, motorists are left feeling victimised by road restrictions coordinated by local authorities and funded by the Department of Transport. “The anger out there is palpable,” FairFuelUK says. Commenting on the letter, James Sunderland said: “As a cyclist, I am pro-cycle lanes, but
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Why Complete Childcare wants happy children – and parents
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HOOSING a nursery is one of the most important decisions that any parent will make. For many children it will be the first time that they are apart from immediate family members, so it’s crucial that they are happy, feel safe and have plenty to do. This is where Complete Childcare comes in. It runs 13 different nurseries, with their locations largely spread along the M4 corridor and in Wokingham, offering everything from more intimate settings to larger premises, where youngsters can grow and develop at their own pace. And its mix of outdoor learning, French lessons (mais oui), and Boogie Mites – a form of music education with brain boosting benefits – is a hit with both children and adults. “Each site has its own unique qualities and physical environment, so we can find something to suit all families,” Jacqui Szrejder, head of operations at Complete Childcare says. “We benefit from being part of a big group, but each are different in their own ways. Each site is distinctive and set up in such a way that they can still give individual attention to each child that comes through the door.
“We get as much information as we can in advance of the child starting. If parents need any kind of help, such as with learning needs, our managers are always on hand. “We want happy children and happy parents.” Children have outdoor time every day, led by specially trained staff. Complete Childcare wants to encourage learning about the natural environment. Back inside, they can enjoy all the usual aspects of a nursery such as literacy and arts and crafts, all aimed at helping children to grow and develop. It is making use of the ParentZone mobile phone application and social media to share updates with parents, as they are unable to enter the nurseries. Complete Childcare aims to be flexible for parents, offering full days, morning or afternoon sessions. They also offer 15- and 30-hour funded places, and they are accepting new registrations. Due to
the pandemic, settling in sessions and visits/tours of the nursery are being done a little differently. The company has taken great strides to ensure that its settings are Covid-secure and feels it has risen to the challenge. They’ve stayed open throughout lockdown, caring for children of keyworkers initially but opening up the settings more widely as restrictions were relaxed. “It’s been a difficult time for everyone, but our main priority was our staff and children’s wellbeing – that they felt safe, comfortable and cared for and that they were enjoying their day as much as possible, ” Jacqui explains, adding that they’ve carried on as near to normal as they can, with one eye on their young charges’ futures. “We are there to help prepare them for school; they’re going to go and join the big wide world of primary schooling and our aim is for them to feel good about themselves and confident in their skills. “We want children to explore, play, gain independence and confidence, but in a safe environment.” � For more details, or to register your child, log on to www.completechildcare.co.uk or call 0118 207 6600.
these need to be balanced against the requirements of other road users. “Locally I support the policy in Wokingham which is for new cycle ways to be off-road and completely separate, which is ultimately safer for the cyclist.” In the letter, FairFuelUK calls upon the transport secretary to support three measures. First, it campaigns to stop an extra £250 million being spent on road narrowing, blockades and cycle lane projects, claiming these measures will increase congestion and pollution. The letter also asks Mr Schapps to cancel extending London’s Congestion Charge Zone next year, saying it will destroy businesses and damage low income drivers and shift workers. And there is also a call to the transport secretary to introduce a long-term transport strategy
after consulting motorists themselves. “It is vital all interested voices have input into creating policies,” FairFuelUK says. Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK added: “Grant Schapps seems hypnotised by a small minority of ill-informed politically driven well-financed greens, who pathologically hate the motorist. “Businesses and local communities are being devastated, not by a Chinese bug, but by myopic local authorities, without any consultation and funded by the Department of Transport. “All this so that fit well-off young cyclists can enjoy their fair weather pastime at the expense of economic common sense.” To read the letter visit: fairfueluk.com/MPs-to-Rt-HonGrant-Shapps-Final.pdf
Bus ticket changes READING BUSES has made a change to its app to help season ticket holders who are now working from home as a result of the new lockdown. The company said that it is pausing all active tickets for seven days or more, to ensure no customer loses out. It comes days after the company said that there would be no reduction in service levels during the month-long lockdown. Chief executive officer Robert Williams was delighted to be able to make the move. “We are keen not to disadvantage our customers during this second national lockdown,” he said. “We have been working closely with our app supplier Passenger Transport Group to pause all active tickets with seven days or more left on them. These can then be reactivated whenever customers need to travel again – although they will not be able to be subsequently paused again.”
12 | NEWS
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Wellbeing railway boost AN EVENT aimed at boosting the mental health of railway workers has been so successful it is to become an annual event. More than 13,000 railway workers took part in last week’s Rail Wellbeing Live event, which featured speeches, question and answer sessions, panel discussions and workshops. It was the largest-ever event in the rail industry and to help staff, the event will be online until Friday, November 20. Out of more than 140 sessions the most attended was comedian and metal advocate Ruby Wax’s, with 2,503 people tuned in to hear how to ‘unfrazzle’ your brain. Second most attended was BBC Breakfast’s Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s talk, with 2,027 finding out his ‘five steps to feeling better’. Other highlights included retiring RMT General Secretary
Mick Cash giving a deeply personal interview about his mental health. John Halsall, chair of the Rail Wellbeing Alliance and managing director of Network Rail’s Southern region, said: “I’m delighted the firstever Rail Wellbeing Live has been such a huge success. “This is about much more than the event, it’s about us as an industry saying our personal physical and mental wellbeing is important, we value it and we must protect it. “Putting wellbeing at the top of the agenda is good for all of us, not least the passengers and freight users we serve, because a happier, healthier workforce is a more efficient, successful workforce.” All the content is available to view at www.railwellbeinglive.co.uk
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
Council to convert M&S into gym, shops and offices
New names for Lexicon A TASTE of the Mediterranean is coming to neighbouring Bracknell. The Real Greek is to open its doors in The Lexicon next month. Taking over from Carluccio’s, the restaurant will be launching on Eagle Lane, bringing a Mediterranean menu to the shopping centre. “The Real Greek is delighted to be opening a brand new restaurant in The Lexicon – our 18th site,” said Nabil Mankarious, managing director at The Real Greek. “It has been designed with the health and safety of our staff and customers as our number one priority and will provide new jobs.”
It’s not the only new arrival at the shopping centre. British lifestyle brand Crew Clothing will also be opening to the public on Braccan Walk. “We are delighted to welcome these two fantastic and renowned brands to the town centre,” said Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon. “Both offer something different from our existing proposition and I’m sure will be popular with our shoppers and diners.” It is anticipated that the openings will create 25 jobs in the area. The stores are due to open next month.
An artist’s impression of what the former Marks & Spencer store will look like following a makeover
By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today PLANS to convert Wokingham’s former Marks & Spencer store into two shops, a gym and office space have been announced by the borough council.
If the project is approved, the unit on Peach Street would have its ground floor space split up so that the gym opens on Rose Street, while the new retail units would be on Peach Street. The new offices would have a terraced garden. The 45-space car park would be unaffected by the plans and will continue to offer short-stay parking. “I’m really pleased to be submitting plans for the refurbishment of this town centre building and the council continues to invest in our borough,” said Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration. “This building is an important part of Wokingham town centre and it has been crying out for improvement for many years. “This is a real opportunity to not only enhance the look of the town centre by replacing the 1960s shop front, but also help reinforce footfall by introducing new shops, offices and a gym.”
If approved, the plans would see the original Dutch gable on Peach Street retained and improved, while the adjacent 1960s glazed section would be replaced with a new gabled façade, designed to be a better fit with surrounding properties and to create improved entrances for the new shops. The remaining frontages facing on to the car park and the new square would also be refreshed, replacing the existing cluttered façade with a simpler tile and brick approach. These proposals have been designed to work better with the Peach Place square, Bradbury Centre, and Wokingham Medical centre, as well as to take into account public feedback during consultation on the main regeneration designs. Cllr Haitham Taylor continued: “When we bought the site in 2017, we decided to separate it out from the other regeneration projects to focus our efforts on delivering Peach Place and Elms Field. “We also wanted time to work up the right designs for this site as it was important that the plans would work well with Peach Street, where we want the focus to remain on retail and business, and with Peach Place where the focus is more on leisure and entertainment around the new square.”
She added: “Over the past few decades the demand for giant retail boxes like this existing building this has changed, with many across the country lying empty for years. “By breaking it down into more useable units and bringing in new uses, we aim to give the site a new lease of life for years to come.” Since Marks & Spencer moved out in 2017, the site has been used by a military charity, Forces Support, as a charity shop. “We’ve been pleased to work with Forces Support as a temporary tenant for the past couple of years,” Cllr Haitham Taylor said. “It was a great opportunity for them to take on a short term let in the town and raise money for a good cause. “We were keen that the unit didn’t remain empty while we looked at options for the site, especially as it was the only through access to the Rose Street car park until we reopened the Peach Place square.” Public consultation on the planning application remains open until Thursday, November 26, with the plans expected to be considered early next year. Designs can be viewed on the council website by searching for planning application 202757.
Police to stream service of remembrance A SPECIAL church service of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in road traffic collisions will be been made available to view online from this weekend. Thames Valley Police usually holds the commemoration so that anyone can attend, but coronavirus restrictions has seen it go virtual. It aims to support family and friends of those affected. It was recorded at St Mary The Virgin Church in Thame and led by the force’s chaplain, the Revd
Helen Arnold and her assistant, Graham Choldcroft. A virtual remembrance service has been recorded and will be available to view online to commemorate the lives Chief Constable John Campbell attended the service alongside police officers and representatives from the ambulance service and the NHS. In the service, there is an act of commemoration to remember the names of those who have lost
their lives in road traffic collisions. Superintendent Colin Hudson, head of the Roads Policing Unit for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary, said: “Sadly, in 2019, 56 people lost their lives on the roads in Thames Valley and another 43 people in Hampshire. “During the ongoing pandemic it hasn’t been possible to hold our services as we usually would, however, it is important that we remember those who have lost their lives,
provide support to their family and friends, and recognise the professionalism and courage of the emergency services. “Therefore we will have two services available to watch online from Sunday, November 15, and I would encourage the public to take a few moments to join a service.” Any families who wish to receive an invite to attend future Road Death Memorial Services may contact RDMS@thamesvalley.pnn. police.uk.
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Call to join festive lights trail ONE TWYFORD resident is making sure everybody can celebrate the holiday season in style this year, writes Charlotte King. Rebecca Meuuwissen, the brains behind Twyford’s recent Hallowe’en Hunt, is planning a free community Christmas Light Trail in the village next month. “After organising the Hallowe’en Hunt, I got a lot of messages asking if there would be something similar at Christmas. “It felt like a no-brainer to me,” she said. While plans are still currently being made, Ms Meuuwiseen hopes to create a virtual map which families can download from the internet. On the map, houses which are lit up with all manner of festive decorations will be pinpointed, creating a trail for people to follow around the village. The organiser hopes that the event will act as a ‘one stop shop’ where people can easily enjoy and appreciate the Christmas lights displays in the area. And it will run across Twyford, Ruscombe, Hurst and Charvil. “It hadn’t even crossed my mind originally to do an event like this,” Ms Meeuwissen explained. “But after receiving six or seven messages, I thought I’d take a look into it. “I put the feelers out with a couple of my friends and they told me to go for it,” she said.. There is no set date for the trail yet, but it will likely launch in early
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Country show organisers forced to find new home
By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today
A FUNDRAISING group which attracts thousands of visitors to its annual country show is looking for a new home for its event.
Twyford’s Christmas tree last year – a call has gone for villagers to join in a festival of lights this December
December to give people plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. All houses in the four villages are invited to take part in the event. For more information and to register your interest, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/ 395247758340397
Hurst Show and Country Fayre, 41 years old, has been using a field between School and Orchard Roads, in the middle of the village, for at least the majority of that time. The owners have told them that the land will not be available for them to use in future. The show committee’s statement says: “We have been informed that Willowmead Field is no longer available for use by the show and we are looking for other suitable locations.” Wokingham Borough councillor for Hurst Wayne Smith said: “The field owners have been very generous providing the site over the last 40 years.” “I will do everything I can to work with the show organisers to find a new site.” The weekend show in June raises thousands of pounds for local good causes including St Nicholas Primary School, Hurst. This year, due to Covid-19, there was a virtual show online, with some socially distanced real events not involving the field. The future of the field which might be worth £5m for housing, if planning permission was granted, is being questioned.
This week on Hurst Residents Community Group Facebook page Roybean Martineau asked: “Is it true that the field next to the school playground is subject to a planning application to build houses? Anybody know?” Mark Usher, who would not confirm if he was involved with the field’s ownership or if he was speaking on behalf of the field’s owners, told Wokingham.Today: “I believe a link was added to the thread that lists any planning applications in the borough. Hopefully that should answer Roy’s question on Facebook. “The land is private land and although previously has been used for one weekend a year by the village it remains grazing land for horses. “The use of the land by the village will not continue and [this has been] communicated to the event organisers. “We prefer not to comment on speculation on social media sites as planning applications are public record and absolutely the right place for any change in circumstance to be communicated.”
A Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson on Monday gave details of the field’s public record, saying: “There is no current planning application on this site.” The borough’s map of live planning applications is at: wokingham.maps. a r c g i s .c o m /a p p s / w e b a p pv i e w e r/ index.html Some time ago the council asked landowners and others to suggest areas in the borough for development up to 2036. The show field was suggested for housing, but the council did not include it in the draft plan which was put out for public consultation earlier this year. Details on this are via these links: www.wokingham.gov.uk/planningpolicy/planning-policy-information/ local-plan-update/ Sites for more than 7,000 homes were suggested for Hurst but the borough council picked out sites for a total of just 15 homes – in Whistley Green and near Hogmoor Lane. However the draft plan will probably have to be changed greatly due to Covid-19, the Grazeley 15,000 homes plan being stopped by the Atomic Weapons Establishment evacuation zone extension and the council failing to get their bid for £252m for infrastructure. Speaking about the School/Orchard Roads site, Cllr Smith said: “If there was a planning application for that field I would represent the views of Hurst and do what our residents wanted me to do.”
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Thursday, November 12, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY Last year, First Days Children’s Charity and The Link Visiting Scheme benefitted from the 12 Days of Giving campaign
Pastor writes book about divorce to help others By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today
Keith Saynor, the pastor of Grace Church in Caversham, has written a book aimed at helping people undergoing divorce
A NEW book has been written to help people through the process and pains of divorce and it’s from the pen of someone who has been there and come out of the other side.
Give a little over 12 days CHARITIES up and down the country will be celebrating the 12 days of Christmas early this year. Ecclesiastical, a global financial services organisation, is running its annual 12 days of giving campaign. Throughout December, it will be awarding £120,000 to 120 charitable causes across the country. And Berkshire residents are being called upon to nominate local causes close to their hearts to be considered for the initiative. Last year, First Days Children’s Charity and Link Visiting Scheme were awarded £1,000 grants, following overwhelming public support. “As a commercial company with a charitable purpose, giving back is at the heart of our business,” said
Mark Hews, Ecclesiastical’s CEO.. “Our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign will help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.” From Monday, December 7 until Tuesday, December 22, 10 winners will be announced each weekday. Winners will be drawn at random, and the more nominations each charity gets increases its chance of being selected. Last year’s campaign was supported by 140,000 people, with 7,100 charitable causes receiving votes up and down the country. � For more information, visit: www.movementforgood.com/12days
Nothing unusual in that until you discover that it is a church leader who has used his own experiences as a starting point for the tome. Keith Saynor, who is now pastor of Grace Church in Caversham, but was leader of Wokingham’s Kings Church a few years ago, said that the idea behind the book came after discovering a lack of written resources on the subject in a Christian bookshop. “There were books about marriage and marriage preparation,” he said. “But nothing giving a Christian perspective. As I searched more widely I found very little written to help people move on following divorce.” The result is Life Beyond Divorce: My Journey. A Christian book, it describes his personal journey, which he says includes “recovery and restoration following the
shock of a painful separation and divorce”. Mr Saynor, who is now remarried with a young daughter, writes that he faced “a tough, five-year challenge”, which started when his exwife left him. “As a pastor and as a former sergeant in the Thames Valley Police I have helped many people learn how to forgive and move on, so I knew that it was important that I faced and dealt with this area early on,” he explained. But even biblical theology and conventional prayers seemed unable to fix his problems.
He said that he went back to the source of his Christian faith and was surprised by the variety of ways in which he felt that God showed him how to shed his bitterness and anger and show forgiveness instead. Mr Saynor said through his journey, he found that he received love, guidance, reassurance and ultimately restoration. The book weaves together stories from the Bible, lyrics from popular music, passages from literature and scenes from Hollywood films. Mr Saynor hopes to bring hope in the midst of uncertainty for people going
through a marriage breakdown – or any profound loss – and pointers for churches offering them support. � Life Beyond Divorce: My Journey is published by Ronyas Publishing, ISBN 978-1-52727469-3, price £7.99. It can be obtained by emailing lifebeyonddivorce@gmail.com . It is also being stocked by Quench Wokingham, based in Holme Grange Craft Village. Email admin@quenchshops.com or call the shop on 0118 9776715 and leave a message. A member of the team will be in the shop between 1pm3pm Monday to Friday to take calls.
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Make it a happy Christmas by helping The Giving Tree � From front page
The appeal was launched at Wokingham’s Tesco superstore on Finchampstead Road on Tuesday, with the request this year for gift vouchers for children rather than physical presents. They will be distributed by local charities who work closely to ensure that the presents fall into the right stockings on Christmas Day. Last year, more than 2,500 children across Wokingham borough were helped in this way. Gill McKernan, who works for Barnardo’s High Close School in Wokingham, announced the appeal with Louise Jedras, Wokingham Tesco’s Community Champion. “We are living in unprecedented times, with even more families struggling for money because of the pandemic. There are many safety-first restrictions in place, with limitations on the handling of toys and boxes, but that doesn’t mean that the Giving Tree appeal won’t go ahead,” Mrs McKernan said. “We will simply ask for gift vouchers instead of the usual presents, and we hope that the public will understand this. “This change is simple, but it sparkles with the true spirit of the season.” She continued: “People can just choose a tag from one of the Giving Trees across the borough, buy the gift voucher on the tag and return it to the tree. I hope the generous people of Wokingham and the surrounding area will get behind this, dig deep if they are able, and make sure less-fortunate youngsters stay on Santa’s list. “I would like to say a huge thank you to PricewaterhouseCoopers, who have printed the tags and posters again this year. They are one of many generous businesses that are supporting the Giving Tree this year.” The Giving Trees are at Tesco Wokingham, Tesco Warfield, Tesco Martin Heron, Morrisons at Woosehill and Newbury Building Society.
Gillian McKernan at the launch of The Giving Tree in Tesco Wokingham on Tuesday
The Giving Tree has been running for two decades and the popular event has collected thousands of gifts for youngsters in and around Wokingham. Last year, the tags flew off the trees, ensuring that children who asked for a gift didn’t miss out at Christmas, as residents rushed to help. Tesco’s Louise Jedras said she was
hopeful that this year’s appeal will be as successful as in previous years, despite the pandemic. She added: “It’s my hope that no child who has asked for a gift through the Giving Tree will go without this Christmas. “Of course, supporting the appeal doesn’t mean people need to spend a fortune. Any gift voucher amount will put a smile on the face of a child at Christmas. I’d urge people to buy a gift voucher today and send it with love.” Charities benefiting from the Giving Tree 2020 are: Barnardo’s, Sebastian’s Action Trust, Look Ahead Care, Berkshire Women’s Aid, Kaleidoscopic UK, Transform Housing, Home Start, Berkshire Young Carers, Dingley’s Promise, The Cowshed, Building For The Future, and First Days Children’s Charity.
Find a Giving Tree at Tesco Wokingham, Tesco Warfield, Tesco Martin Heron, Morrisons at Woosehill and Newbury Building Society
Sunday is special for radio
Hope, of course
BBC Radio Berkshire is to continue broadcasting church services on Sundays for listeners unable to visit their place of worship as a result of lockdown. Over coming weeks, they will be led by a wide range of denominations, including the former Bishop of Reading and now Archbishop of York, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell. There will also be reflections from Methodist minister the Revd Jenny Pathmarajah, and hymn-writers Keith and Kristyn Getty. These services are broadcast at 8am on Sundays, and are usually followed by a local reflection. There are also reflections for Muslim, Sikh and Hindu believers – Islamic: Fridays 5.50am. Hindu: 5.50am Saturdays. Sikh: Sundays 5.50am.
A WOKINGHAM church is to run an Advent course to help residents end the year well. Called The Joy of Hope, there are four sessions which will run online on Wednesdays from November 25. Starting at 8pm, the sessions will aim to offer an uplifting and practical insight into the joy of living now from a Christian perspective. It is run by Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Sturges Road. Places are free but should be registered in advance. For more details, log on to cchristicafegroup.wordpress.com
The BBC said that its listeners have described the services as “uplifting”, “comforting” and a “lifeline”. Chris Burns, head of BBC local radio, said: “We know from personal testament just how important these broadcasts have proved to be. “They have played an important role in bringing communities together virtually so no one need feel they are on their own. “We expanded our religious programming on the first weekend of lockdown in March and will continue to broadcast services and reflections until life returns to normal. “I am incredibly proud of the work our teams have carried out since the pandemic began.” This Sunday, the 8am service is led by Keith and Kristyn Getty.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Playing the regeneration game
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 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
NEWS that the former Marks & Spencer store is to be redeveloped will dismay some readers. Many of us miss the chance to get our smalls and coats from the Peach Street store, which left for the bright lights of Bracknell in 2017. Some had hoped it could have been converted into a Marks & Spencer Food Hall, while others had expressed a desire for an indoor market. We now know what Wokingham Borough Council – who own the site – are intending to do. It is to become a gym at the back, with two retail units at the front, with office space above. Like much of Wokingham town centre’s regeneration, it’s a case of watch this space. The pandemic has put much of our lives on hold this year, and the retail scene has been part of that. For example, many of us will not have visited our new Starbucks yet, not because they don’t want to, but to avoid unnecessary journeys. The council has to balance all of this and ensure it is getting a return for its – our – investment. For example, the new gym is a pre-let – the council has a preferred operator – that is good news. At first glance, the plan might seem disappointing, but for now we need to hold tight and see what develops. The regeneration will be worth it.
Fly-tipping is tempting unless the price is right
CHURCH NOTES
mattrodda Westminster diary
Celebrating Inter Faith Week An open leמּer from the Revd Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference and Carolyn Lawrence, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, to mark Inter Faith Week 2020.
Dear Brothers and Sisters of all Faiths, We greet you all at the beginning of this Inter-Faith Week 2020 with good wishes of peace. This is an occasion when we celebrate our friendships and also when we consider what we share in common. The Methodist people are known to be friends of all and enemies of none. That friendship we would like to extend to you again this year, with respect, and indeed love. John Wesley, the father of Methodism, taught us to acknowledge the work of God in all peoples of faith. To recognise the finger of God, to rejoice in God's work, and praise God with thanksgiving for God's presence and work amongst people of all faiths. We share with you a life of dedication to our traditions and faith. This year in particular Methodist People have been reflecting on the fact that in spite of all the suffering and struggles we have faced collectively as a Kingdom and worldwide that the best of all is that God is still with us. This we choose to affirm in faith and hope of a better future. With renewed friendship and every blessing, The Revd Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference, 2020 - 2021 Carolyn Lawrence, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, 2020 - 2021
On October 29 you reported that the council decreed that fly-tipping is irresponsible and they queried whether it was more prevalent lately because people were at home more or because they had limited access to the tip. On November 5, you reported that the council would crackdown on fly tipping, "we are watching" and "zero tolerance". Perhaps if they paused to reflect on the amount they charge for removing items (I have recently paid £56 for 2 large items to be removed and was given a five-week wait initially, a large lump out of my pension), also that not everyone has access to large vehicles to move unwanted items or the physical strength to move the items to the front of the house – they will not enter your home to help with this – they might realise how tempting an offer is from unlicensed "removers" who may merely fly-tip the unwanted goods. Many councils remove items free of charge especially for those on benefit... Name and address supplied
Fares fair? Since November 2019 I have been pleading with WBC Taxi licensing dept to use some common sense regarding the age Private Hire Taxis are allowed to operate, especially those that are in a very good condition inside and out. But as usual the only response I got was "computer says no". Due to this intransigence, I had no choice but to cancel my Taxi insurance
renewal, stop trading and insure on a normal car insurance policy. The next day WBC Licensing Dept changed their rules and extended the operating age. At least other vehicle operators will gain from this new-found common sense. Four years ago, WBC Licensing Dept decided to force all Taxi Operators to pay five years operators costs in one go. I phoned the licensing department on October 3, 2016 at 15.13 to question this decision and also their refund policy. They assured me that any refund would be paid in full, there would be no charges. Four weeks ago I applied for two refunds, so two minor calculations that would take a 13-year-old no more than 15 minutes to work out. The council actually got one of the calculations wrong. For the two refunds WBC Taxi Licensing have charged me £114 total. This is an absolute disgrace. To ignore their promise to me is disgraceful behaviour, and then to compound their bad behaviour by this Price Gouging is disgraceful. Compare this to Hays Travel Ltd who had to claim money back from an airline and a hotel for a covid cancelled £740 holiday and they are charging me just £13. P Smith, Wokingham
Citizens assemble I am flattered that two Conservative activists have been assigned the role of responding to Wokingham Labour’s
campaign for a Citizens’ Assembly but both letters are misleading. I did not voice disapproval at Cllr Murray’s new-found support for a Citizens’ Assembly – it was incredulity at what he was saying. Cllr Murray gave the impression that one could simply trot out a few Citizens' Assemblies, each covering an area of the Climate Emergency and each consisting of people in part chosen by him. In doing so, he demonstrated that he does not understand how a Citizens’ Assembly works and he does not understand they cost money. In effect he was talking about a series of mini-Conservative Council consultations on the cheap – and we all know how those end. A Citizens’ Assembly must be free from the control of the Council and local political parties. I think I have been in 17 Council meetings where the Climate Emergency has been the sole topic or a major item on the agenda and in addition, I have reviewed the minutes of a further three officer steering group meeting and a Citizens’ Assembly has never, ever been promoted as a credible part of the Borough’s response to the Climate Emergency. Never. In the meeting to which Cllr Hinton refers, the full text of the minutes is “Officers were considering the potential for a Citizens Assembly in order to increase awareness and engage with residents” once again
demonstrating either a lack of understanding of the purpose of a Citizens’ Assembly or a deliberate fudging of the issue. I suspect it is the latter. The purpose of Citizens’ Assembly must be to shape and drive policy. If Cllr Hinton thinks officers use words like “considering” and “potential” when they mean “plan” then I have an oven-ready deal I would like to sell him. I think Cllr Hinton was referring to Extinction Rebellion (ER) when he wrote about “Extension Rebellion” and he is right, it has been one of ER's demands. Wokingham Labour does not claim to have invented Citizens’ Assemblies, indeed our website references a number of organisations, including the UK Parliament and the Local Government Association, which explain how Citizens’ Assemblies work. A full list of resources can be found here: www.wokinghamlabourparty.org/ green-vision/why-we-need-a-citizensassembly-on-the-climate-emergency/ What Wokingham Labour is doing is campaigning for (1) a Citizens’ Assembly to address the issue of how to make the Borough Carbon neutral by 2030; (2) that the Citizens’ Assembly is free from political inference and control; (3) that WBC commit to adopting the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly. I hope this helps clarify Conservative confusion on this issue. Cllr Andy Croy, Labour group leader, Wokingham Borough Council
Ray of hope in a dark winter
T
HIS week’s news that a vaccine has been shown to be 90% effective against Coronavirus is significant and offers a ray of hope in a dark winter.
Our community has been through so much and I hope that this news offers the prospect of a much brighter future. I also believe it is important to thank our NHS and care staff, key workers, volunteers and indeed the community as a whole, for their bravery and determination at this difficult time. However, it is important to remember that while the news is very encouraging, there are still a series of hurdles to overcome. While some of these are likely to be difficult, I believe they are not insurmountable. We need to continue to focus on making steady progress in a difficult situation. The first hurdle relate to the effectiveness of the vaccine, and other vaccines. While trials show it works in individual people, we will not know how effective the first vaccine is at stopping transmission until there has been a major programme of vaccination. There is also a huge logistical challenge in delivering a vaccination programme for the whole of the UK population in just a few months. I am pleased that the Government has started to plan this programme and I hope they will learn from the failures of their track and trace
programme and manage the vaccination more effectively. Ministers need to use the full resources of local councils, which understand their areas, and also the skills of the NHS and other parts of the public sector, including the forces, rather than trying to build a new organisation by relying on an outsourcing company. The Government must also send out a clear message at this time. While the vaccine is very good news, we still need to maintain social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus and it is important that people continue to follow the current lock down to reduce transmission. This is difficult, but it is very important. It is also important to remember the economic and social consequences of the pandemic and I am calling for more support for groups like
vulnerable people and families who are struggling after losing their jobs. I was pleased to be able to help deliver food to families during the recent half term and the Government’s decision to help families on free school meals during the Christmas Holiday is a step forward. However, this has not solved the problem of parents and other adults struggling to make ends meet and much more help is needed. Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS and care staff and key workers and volunteers, and by working together I believe local communities in Berkshire can get through this difficult time. We can see light at the end of the tunnel. However, better leadership and further help and encouragement from the Government would make a significant difference. Ma מּRodda is the MP for Reading East
Celebrate young people Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic and the difficult world we are living in today, it is important to celebrate the truly outstanding contribution of some of our young people who continue to do extraordinary things in extraordinary times. This is particularly the case when thinking about some of our children in care and care leavers who never cease to impress and amaze me with their brilliant achievements, awesome resilience and critical insights. At a recent full council meeting of Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council, I presented a critical paper regarding the council’s role as corporate parents: protecting and supporting our children in care and care leavers. As Lead Member for Children’s Services, I have the honour and privilege to chair the Corporate Parenting Forum, which includes youth ambassadors and some of our children in care as representatives. These are critical meetings that allow our young people to speak, articulate their experiences and contribute to how we can improve the service and offering. Since becoming chair last May, I have fundamentally
changed the format of the meetings to allow for a more informal and relaxed approach removing much of the formality that surrounds council meetings and encouraging our young people to set agendas, speak openly and to control the meeting set up. We have had live workshops and exercises run by our young people including a live simulation of what it is like to be taken into care; a truly profound and moving experience that provoked me to request policy changes to parts of our service. I can comfortably say these sessions are easily the most interesting and rewarding meetings I chair and attend. I thank all our young people for all the insights they bring. The report highlighted the excellent progress we have made combined with our recent Good rating by Ofstad which specifically accentuated areas of outstanding practice in this area. Protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of this administration’s values and agenda and there is nothing more important than vulnerable children. Our young people, particularly those in care, continue to inspire me with their enthusiasm, humility, worldly perspective and sense of fun. Every single one them are deeply valued and we will continue to do our very best to give each and every person, the very
tonyjohnson That was the week
The good, the bad and the ugly
T
HIS was a pivotal week in British and American politics.
Over here in the House of Commons, England voted for lockdown where the numbers were questioned and the result isn’t clear yet. Over there in the Presidential Election, Americans voted for Biden, but the numbers were challenged and the result isn’t clear either.
“Fake” News If Donald Trump could be said to have done anything for the United States, it’s to drag American politics into the 21st century. He’s famous for using his Twitter account to get his point of view out to the public. He’s well-known for his criticism of the media, especially digital media, under the banner of “fake news”. He’s not so well-known though for introducing prison reform via the First Step Act; extending the US military-industrial complex into space via the Space Force; tax reform via the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and judicial reform by appointing three supreme court and more than 200 other federal judges during his term in office. But he’s not at all well-known for conceding the 2020 presidential election, instead making accusations of illegal ballots, denial of access to observe the count, eventually claiming that the election was stolen. As the AP (Associated Press) fact check showed, that was a load of … well, dare one whisper it … fake news.
Debatable Lockdown In the UK, Monday saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson giving the house a Covid-19 briefing then answering questions. What Hansard didn’t show was the ‘short statement’ made by the Speaker beforehand. Referring to the way in which the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday had been forced by leaks to the media, the Speaker said that he’d been reassured by Johnson that the “the leaks were NOT from Downing Street” before he
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best life chances and opportunities possible across the Royal Borough. Cllr Stuart Carroll Boyn Hill Ward, Maidenhead Deputy Chair of Cabinet Lead Member Adult Social Care, Children Services, Health and Mental Health
Remember these key workers Key workers in Britain are rightly receiving the recognition and appreciation they deserve, with NHS staff, care workers and delivery drivers among the professions that have been praised for their heroic efforts this year. But, some of the most essential workers in developing countries worldwide are continually overlooked and neglected. Working animals play a key role in the world’s poorest
went on to talk about “unacceptable and discourteous behaviour”, which of course had nothing to do with the Prime Minister whatsoever. In the ensuing three-hour debate on Wednesday, some 25 Tory MPs spoke of their misgivings or outright opposition to the new regulations for ‘Lockdown 2’. On her way to an unrecorded vote, borough MP Theresa May observed that “the prediction was wrong before it was even used. This leads to a problem for the Government, because for many people it looks as though the figures are being chosen to support the policy, rather than the policy being based on the figures”. And while sympathetic with the dilemma the government faced, Mrs May went on to talk about the costs: of non-Covid deaths; of domestic abuse; of mental health issues; as well as the economy.
communities and help provide a livelihood for more than half a billion people. An estimated 200 million working horses, donkeys, camels and elephants are relied upon to transport goods, food, water and firewood. By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis, this invisible workforce ensures the survival of povertystricken families. However, these animals often endure appalling conditions, with poor nutrition and no access to veterinary treatment when they are sick or injured. At the animal charity SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), we believe that working animals overseas should receive the respect, compassion and vital veterinary care they desperately need. On International Working Animal Day (19 November), please find out how you can show your support for these hardworking animals by visiting www.spana.org/ iwad. Geoffrey Dennis Chief Executive, SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)
She spoke out clearly about public worship, saying “My concern is that the Government today making it illegal to conduct an act of public worship, for the best of intentions, sets a precedent that could be misused by a Government in future with the worst of intentions”. A telling point was then made by Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP) speaking immediately after Mrs May, when he observed that, “We in the SNP are not unused to the Prime Minister scuttling out before our spokesperson gets to their feet, but the fact that he could not wait four minutes to listen to his predecessor was, I think, extremely unfortunate”. The words “extremely unfortunate” deserve explanation, but this is a family newspaper. Meanwhile, on his way to voting for the new law, Borough MP Matt Rodda observed that “it would have been so much better had the Government acted sooner”. And while the actual vote was vastly in favour, 516 to 38 (of which 32 were Conservatives), if this were a conventional partisan vote, calculations show that the outcome could well have gone the other way (318 to 324). Lockdown is not the only answer.
Gruel Britannia Marcus Rashford. Just about says it all. The government might just as well have been saying “let them eat cake”. Because the U-turn over child food poverty should be taken as a salutary reminder that tuning-in to public feelings might be in the interest of all elected representatives (local as well as national).
In Memoriam Thursday, November 11, 1920 saw the burial of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey among the monarchs, the great and the good of British history. It marked a turning point in the formation of modern Britain - a transition from grief about the war dead (over 758,736 young men and 655 women killed in action in World War One) as the country was turning towards remembrance and respect. A century later we pay tribute to the many, then and since, who gave all their tomorrows – giving us all our todays. caveat.lector@icloud.com
angelagarwood Honest motherhood
Nailing it
L
EO is three months old now and I am slowly getting used to thinking of myself as the mother of two children.
Maia turned seven last month, and has begun sticking Little Mix posters up on her bedroom wall. I’m not quite sure how I feel about this yet, as I still think of her as my baby girl, not someone who sticks posters of their favourite bands on walls. That seems far too grown up. Every day is a balancing act of taking care of the tiny human (he’s actually in the 91st percentile in both weight and height, so he really isn’t that tiny), while making sure the slightly bigger but still tiny human gets enough of my love and attention. I rarely get it completely right, but most of time she seems quite happy playing and watching me take care of her brother. I made the mistake of attempting to cut his nails the other night. This is every parent’s nightmare, and can make even the most well accomplished, high-achieving individual feel inadequate. There’s nothing quite as delicate, and with such small margin for error. The wise parent waits until their child is asleep, you’ve really got no chance otherwise. Though even then there’s no guarantee they’ll keep entirely still. And even when they do, you can still royally mess the whole thing up, as I discovered one disastrous night. It was around 1.20am. I hadn’t yet gone to sleep so, in hindsight, was not in the best state to be embarking on something so painstaking.
Razor clawed I ploughed ahead anyway, determined to cut back the nails I had begun describing as “lethal”. They were a threat to not only his own beautiful face, but to others too. I was getting tired of being razor clawed. The first few fingers were a piece of cake. I was quite proud of myself, I’d taken just the right amount of nail and shaped them quite nicely. Then I moved on to his other hand and found the angle wasn’t quite as good. A woman in her right mind would have called it a day, or perhaps tried to move her baby into a better position. I did neither. I could barely see what I was doing, but thinking I had his teeny weeny index finger nail in the teeny weeny clippers, I pressed down to discover it was not nail, but most definitely skin. Nail makes a certain sound when cut and so does skin. I had just clipped down on my sleeping baby’s skin. I gasped. In a split second he stopped making those cute little breathing sounds babies make. Then came the face, contorted in distress. It felt like an eternity passed before he finally let out the heartbreaking cry I’d been waiting for. “I’M SORRY!!OH MY GOODNESS, I’M SO SORRY!”. I got up and cradled the injured baby in my arms, gently rocking him, kissing him and repeating “I’m sorry” over and over like a mad woman. I felt truly incompetent. He didn’t take long to calm but the bleeding stuck around for a while. Tiny little red specks quickly appeared on the front of his onesie, still there the following morning to remind me of the ordeal and bring back the guilt. I checked the clippers to see how much damage I’d done. The actual skin I’d cut off was barely visible to the naked eye. But the sounds of his cries will haunt me forever. I rang my Mum to ask if she’d ever done the same thing. “Oh yeah,” she said, completely unfazed. It turns out it’s a common occurrence.
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rachelbradley Think local
Lockdown: The sequel
W
E’RE one week into Lockdown: The Sequel. How are you all?
Remember, we've been here before and we CAN do this again. But tell me, did you manage to get that last-minute hair cut and have you stocked up on loo rolls yet? That’ll be a double negative from me. I’ve not had my hair cut since February and I’m not, repeat, not panic buying. I have six or seven supermarkets within a few miles of me so really, where’s the need? And seriously, didn’t we learn anything from Lockdown 1:0? That said, these are testing times for us all, especially for those on furlough, those shielding, those with no work, those with poorly friends and family. Now is the time to come together, while being apart. We need to find ways to stay positive and strong. The big positive this time around is that the schools are staying open, for the time being at least, and surely that’s something to celebrate. With two boys in the final year of GCSEs and A-levels, I hope they can keep up with their schoolwork. They need it for their brains. I need it for my sanity. But then we’ve got the nation’s favourite, Joe Wicks, on hand again to keep our mental health in check. Have you done Wake Up With Joe this week? His “energy and mood boosting workouts” promise to help us find some positivity and energy. I’ve done them this week. It broke me!
Sploshing During Lockdown 1:0 I actually became a runner, a statement I never thought I’d make. I’ve even bought waterproof trainers so that I can run through the mud and rain. Sploshing about like a kid jumping in puddles is actually such a mood-enhancer and a lockdown activity you should most definitely try. So jumping in puddles aside, what will you be doing during the next three weeks? I recommend binge watching a decent box set while you still have the brain capacity. Do it now before lockdown exhaustion sets in. And baking is a given. I may even push the boat out and upgrade my banana bread by chucking in a few walnuts or chocolate chips. Seriously though, I’m also delighted that this time around we can meet up with a friend for a walk. If there’s one thing that the last lockdown taught me, it’s that connection and people are everything. Spending time with people impacts who we are and how we feel in a very real sense. Hands up, I know I can get obsessed with work (as a freelance in this climate I need to be!) but if there’s on thing Lockdown 1:0 taught me, it’s that I need to make time for people and feel grateful that I have amazing people in my life. I will appreciate them always. I won’t flake on plans and I won’t allow myself to get too bogged down in the mundane. In the meantime, my brother, who has been in Tier 3 for months now, has suggested a family Zoom quiz. Like I said, these are testing times. Rachel is founder Gossip Girl Gang, a networking group for women in business in and around the borough
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Distance is kindness Staying inside is now love and this may seem unfair but distance is kindness and kindness is care. This month will soon pass we just need to sit tight sometimes living quietly is the best way to fight. Each day that we do this means one day we’ll be free when your world is less busy you accept and just be. And when you know how to be well, then you really are free.
Tina Cathleen MacNaughton November 2020 (second lockdown) Tina MacNaughton divides her time between Crowthorne where she works as an acupuncturist, and her home city, Portsmouth. She is also a writer and poet and has a professional writing services company, WriteRhymes, which produces bespoke celebration poetry on commission. Tina has enjoyed writing uplifting poems for shielding patients, family and friends during the pandemic. write.rhymes@outlook.com
We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@ wokinghampaper.co.uk
You are what you eat THE OLD saying you are what you eat is about to be tested to the very limits: and it could be a Wokingham borough couple that puts it through its paces. A gardening webstore is offering couples £1,500 if they accept the challenge to be aphrodisiac testers. WhatShed.co.uk says that the probe is timely: a recent survey of British bedroom habits revealed that two-thirds of respondents felt things in the bedroom were in a bit of a rut, thanks to, what else? Lockdown. So, the gardening and shed review site is looking to find three couples to try some plants over two months, and see how beautiful the music they make actually is. All plants, tools and instructions will be provided – a mixture of plants, produce and fungi. All the couples have to do is try them and see what blooms. The roles come after Whatshed.co.uk’s survey, which looked into the lifestyle and relationships changes of 2,000 couples aged 18-60 over the last six months. Nearly two thirds (61%) have seen a negative change in their libidos as a result of lockdown. And 28% of people in relationships admitting they now have sex less than they did before lockdown. When asked why they thought their sex life was dwindling, 29% admitted that they were bored with their sex in general, 16% said their mood was affecting their arousal negatively and 13% even said they were less attracted to their partner now than they were at the start of lockdown.
Plants and food have long been considered natural aphrodisiacs, so WhatShed.co.uk has created the roles to definitively reveal which plants have the desired effect in the bedroom. Kate Fromings, from the company, said: “Couples are always looking for new and interesting ways to improve their love life. “Coronavirus is forcing us to spend more time with those in our households, whether we like it or not and it is not unusual that this would get boring, the pandemic really is affecting every aspect of life and, as our survey shows, that does not stop at the bedroom door. “A lot of people hear about aphrodisiacs and their mind jumps straight to oysters, champagne, and strawberries, but there are so many herbal and plant-based aphrodisiacs that you can grow in your own back garden, you probably eat lots of them on a regular basis without even realising it.” She added: Gardening is already proven to help with your physical and mental health and if we at Whatshed can help any couple improve their sexual health as well, then we will be more than happy to do so.” At the end of the two months, each couple will be asked to send their reviews from both perspectives, including a description of how they used each product and intimate details. Applicants must be aged between 25-65, with good spoken and written English. Couples keen to apply, or those just looking for some ideas on what to grow, can log on to: whatshed.co.uk/aphrodisiac-tester/
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
Forget couch ran 100k in the s By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today FORGET running 100km in a month – one Wokingham resident ran that distance in just one week.
Last month, Vicky Hammond embarked on the mammoth task of running 100km over seven days to raise money for Helen & Douglas House, a hospice which provides end of life care to terminally ill children in Berkshire and beyond. And Vicky managed to raise more than £3,000 for the charity. After completing the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday, October 4, the keen runner set off on the 50km Run to the Sea Ultra Marathon the following weekend, all the while raising money and awareness for the hospice. “I initially signed up for the London Marathon in April and it was postponed to October,” Vicky explains. “And when the October race looked like it was going to be cancelled, I decided that I didn’t want to waste my training so signed up for my first ever ultra marathon – Run to the Sea.” Over the course of the week, from Sunday, October 4 until Sunday, October 11, Vicky raised £3,289. She did so through holding her very own coffee morning, which raised £560 for the hospice, as well as an online auction which raised £950. And alongside sponsorships for the run, she smashed her original target of raising £2,500. “Helen & Douglas House is a local charity that has been the lifeline for many Wokingham families, providing a home-from-home care for terminally ill children and their families,” says Vicky. “At the toughest time of their lives, families are given the time and space
Vicky Hammond was spurred on by her family
to enjoy the precious moments they have left with each other. “These donations mean that families don’t have to face the unthinkable alone.” According to the hospice, it costs £3.6 million each year to run its
‘Oh, Barbara!’ SOMEONE to turn to. A shoulder to cry on. That’s me. A repository of worn-out clichés. My adhesive labels. They phone me with their troubles and I comfort them. Seems it’s my role. ‘Oh, Barbara! I can’t stand being alone. It’s grinding me down. I’m sleeping badly and I wake to find I’ve clawed my arms until they bleed. Red spots on the sheets. Then I can’t be bothered to change them. So I go to bed in bloody bedding and that upsets me.’ I listen while my dinner burns then we go through changing the bed and she feels better. I hear the next day she slept well. I didn’t. ‘Oh, Barbara! You’re the only person I’ve spoken to this week. I have this heavy cloud around me. I miss my son. He could phone me but he doesn’t.’ So we talk about her making the call. No, she says. He should do it. I persuade her while my washing gets soaked in a heavy shower. ‘Oh, Barbara! We had such a lovely chat!’
I try not to sigh. And a couple more cries from a couple more friends. I should be glad – I was once – but it’s not enough. There’s a storm inside me. I stand in the shower to wash away the panic. In water and in tears. I can feel the thunder in my head and flashes like lightening make me screw up my eyes. Who helps the helper? The phone rings. Yet another ‘Oh, Barbara!’ call? I search for my compassionate voice. ‘Oh, Barbara! Just thought I’d give you a ring to see how you are. I love talking to you. It’s been too long. I’ve got some good news to share…’ She didn’t realise what she had just achieved. � By Linda Fawke (author of A Taste of his own Medicine and A Prescription for Madness available on Amazon). This entry was highly commended in the Wokingham Writers Group summer writing challenge, on the theme of Stormy Weather.
Thursday, November 12, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
to 10k, Vicky space of a week
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Put your best foot forward for walkies THIS year, many children are not attending school due to Covid-19 and they may be missing out on getting in some valuable exercise. Regular physical activity in children and young people is associated with improved learning, better mental health, healthier weight status and better cardiovascular fitness. Many children have not been getting enough. Here, Dr Helen Flaherty, head of health Promotion at Heart Research UK, provides some ideas for getting your kids walking more, whether they are currently attending school or not. Not enough time to walk? If you tend to drive your child to school because you are short of time in the mornings, you could look at your schedule to see whether getting up earlier, or moving things around in your diary, could help. If your child is not currently attending school, you could try to
squeeze in a short walk at the start of the day. Too cold and wet to walk? If you are put off walking because the weather is too cold or damp, try wrapping up warm and making sure you/your kids are protected from the rain with waterproof clothing, umbrellas and wellies. Younger children can have fun splashing in puddles along the way. Kids not willing to walk? If your kids are not willing to walk, you could start by encouraging them to walk two or three times a week and increase it gradually until they are walking every day. Try having fun during your walks by singing songs, playing games or spotting birds and insects along the way. If your kids are old enough to walk on their own, you could motivate them by asking them to count their steps using a smartwatch or smartphone and set them daily or weekly targets.
Dinton’s beauty helps Francesca win big
y during her week-long 100k, which included running the virtual London Marathon
services and 85% of this comes from donations. “We are so grateful for the money Vicky has raised for us taking on these two running challenges,” says Julia Woodcock from Helen & Douglas House.
“Without amazing supporters like this we simply wouldn’t be here to help local families with terminally ill children.” � To make a donation, visit Vicky’s fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/vickyjhammond
Jamming along for music
ON THE night before lockdown, a Wokingham man launched his latest musical venture in collaboration with Everyman Cinema. Nathan Fullbrook, founder of national music platform, Jamma, hosted his first pre-recorded, music event featuring four artists last Wednesday evening. Formed as a solution to the ban on live music, the sold-out Everyjam event saw musicians perform, as if they were in a live gig — which was recorded and then screened at the Elms Field cinema. “Each artist recorded their live set at Generation Studio, in Maidenhead — they’re one of our partner companies at Jamma,” explained Mr Fullbrook. “Any artists that use Jamma can get a 25% discount when using their studio.
“It’s incredible working with such a strong brand as Everyman. “It’s the start of a long-term partnership — we both feel this is really important to help boost the local economy and bring people back into Wokingham.” The first Everyjam event launched in Wokingham, as a nod to Mr Fullbrook’s hometown. But plans are in place to rollout the pre-recorded performance evenings across the UK. Launched before lockdown, Jamma championed the importance of live performance, linking musicians with venues, and now digital recording specialists as well. For more information, visit: jammamusic.com
A WOKINGHAM woman has recently been awarded for her photography skills, writes Charlotte King. Francesca Cornish (22) is busy celebrating her big win in a local photography competition, thanks to a serene sunset shot in Hurst. McCarthy and Stone, a manager and developer of retirement communities in the borough and beyond, recently put out a call to budding local photographers. The company launched a competition, asking residents to share snaps of their favourite landscapes in the Wokingham area. The only caveat was that the images had to be taken during national lockdown - and Francesca recently learnt that she was the lucky winner. “I spotted the competition advertised in a local Facebook group,” Francesca said. “I had been taking a few photos during my walks through lockdown so I just thought I’d submit my favourite on a bit of a win.”
Francesca’s winning photo, entitled Sunset Serenity, was taken at Dinton Pastures Country Park. “I am very fortunate to live a short walk away from the park, so this was a great way to pass the time during lockdown and de-stress surrounded by beautiful scenery,” she said. “I was really pleased to know that someone else thought the sunset I captured was beautiful too.” Nicki Beswarick, of McCarthy and Stone, added: “The entries we received were brilliant, and I’d like to offer our congratulations to Francesca for winning the competition. “We have so many stunning views in and around Twyford, and Francesca’s image really captured the lovely scenery.” The competition marked the relaunch of McCarthy and Stone’s Loddon House, and the photograph will now be put on display in the retirement home’s communal lounge.
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PARISH NOTICEBOARD
Parish and borough council meetings Assume meetings are online – contact councils for details Monday, November 16 Wokingham Town Council. Arts and culture committee. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk
Tuesday, November 17 Arborfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. Arborfield.org.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Leisure services 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Executive questions deadline. 10am. Personnel Board. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk
Wednesday, November 18 Finchampstead Parish Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Sonning Parish Council. Planning committee. 7pm. Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane RG4 6XE. Wokingham Borough Council. Health overview and Scruntiny Committee. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk
Thursday, November 19 Wokingham Borough Council. Full council meeting. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk
Monday, November 23 Wokingham Borough Council. Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Audit Committee. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk
Tuesday, November 24 Woodley Town Council. Strategy and Resources. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk
Wednesday, November 25 Finchampstead Parish Council. Finance committee. 7.30pm. FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Wokingham Borough Council. Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk
Thursday, November 26 Wokingham Borough Council. Executive meeting. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk
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FROMTHECOURTS � AN EARLEY man has been found guilty of failing to provide a specimen for road traffic police. Issac Matete, 39 and from Chiltern Crescent, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 14, where he admitted the offence, which took place in Reading on March 22 this year. Matete has been disqualified from holding a driving licence prior to sentencing taking place on December 16. This is to allow a presentence report to be prepared. Matate has been remanded on unconditional bail. � A SANDHURST woman has been ordered to undertake 120 hours of community service after being found guilty of stealing a wallet and fraud. Jade Francis Roberts, 29 and from St John’s Road, appeared at Slough Magistrates Court on October 16, where she admitted to taking the wallet, along with a debit card and cash worth £51.95, on May 31, 2019. She also stole a second wallet on the same day containing cash worth £83. She then fraudulently tried to used the card in a contactless transaction, attempting to buy cigarettes and water worth £9.37 from a shop in Wokingham. For the thefts, she was ordered to pay compensation of £51.95 and £83 to her victims. Roberts was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 to victim services. She can repay at a rate of £50 per month. For each of the three offences, she was ordered to undertake 40 hours of community service.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks service was fined £200. Reading Magistrates Court heard that Kenny John Evans, 33 and from Hollow Lane, had failed to turn up for unpaid work as instructed on August 11 and September 1 this year. In addition to the fine, he must pay £60 costs.
� A BRACKNELL man has been found guilty of drink driving in Wokingham. Jose Emilo Navarrette Guerra, 59 and from Jardine Place, was stopped on London Road on July 12. A test found that he had 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. He admitted the charge when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 19. Guerra was banned from driving for 18 months, which will be reduced by 18 weeks on completion of a safe driving course. He must also pay a fine of £120, £34 to victim services and £85 costs. � A MAN from Yateley has pleaded guilty to drug possession. Samuel Scott Graham, 32 and from Bramling Avenue, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 19, where he admitted to having a quantity of cocaine on his person when he had been stopped by police in Sandhurst on October 19, 2019. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £85 costs and £21 to victim services, at a rate of £50 per month. � A WOKINGHAM man who failed to carry out his community
� A SPENCERS WOOD man who failed to attend appointments as ordered by the court was given a new community service order. Bradley Alexander Ponsford, 20 and from Clements Close, admitted failing to attend planned office visits on January 30 and September 2 this year, and also failing to comply with a planned telephone contact on August 28. He failed to provide evidence of a reasonable excuse. He was ordered to comply with a new order and attend appointments as ordered. Ponsford was also ordered to pay costs of £60 at a rate of £10 per week. � A LOWER EARLEY man has been given a suspended sentence for benefit fraud. Nomusa Thabisa Dube, 34 and from Gregory Close, admitted the following charges when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 20: � Between January 13, 2014 and March 29, 2015, failed to notify Wokingham Borough Council of paid employment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, which he knew would affect his entitlement to housing benefit � On April 28, 2015, claimed to Wokingham Borouigh Council that he had no income other than that from Voyage Care as well as child
benefit, child tax credit and working tax credit � Between May 11, 2017 and February 22, 2019, failed to tell Wokingham Borough Council that he was employed by NHS Professionals Ltd, which he knew would affect his entitlement to housing benefit. � Between March 30, 2016 and July 1, 2016, failed to inform Wokingham Borough Council of employment with Spring Raise Limited, which he knew would affect his entitlement to housing benefit. � On December 4, 2015, informed Wokingham Borough Council that he had been employed by Wokingham Borough Council since May 2015 and that his monthly wages were less than the actual wage received. For each offence, he was given a 24-week concurrent jail sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must pay £85 costs and £115 to victim services. � A FINCHAMPSTEAD woman has been banned from driving for 18 months after pleading guilty to drink driving. Paige White, 21 and from Gorse Ride North, was stopped on Waterloo Road on July 26. A test revealed that she had 64 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. She pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 20. The driving ban will be reduced by 18 weeks on completion of a safe driving test. White must also pay a fine of £200, £85 costs and £34 to victim services.
Ex-teacher jailed for assaults By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today
Graham Tattersall worked at Garth Hill School in Bracknell between 1979 and 1991. He has been given a 12-year jail sentence
A FORMER school teacher who sexually assaulted teenagers has been jailed for 12 years.
Graham Tattersall, who worked at Garth Hill School in Bracknell between 1979 and 1991, was found guilty of historic abuse against a number of female victims aged between 12 and 16. Reading Crown Court heard that the offences took place in school classrooms, at his former home, and in his car when he was meant to be taking victims to their homes. The 68-year-old, of Church Street, Windsor, was convicted by unanimous jury verdict on Friday, October 30, of one count of attempted rape, seven counts of indecent assault and four counts of indecency with a child. He was found not guilty of one count of rape. At a hearing on Thursday, November 5, Tattersall was sentenced to a total of 12 years’ imprisonment. His crimes came to light when a victim reported an offence to Thames Valley Police in 2017 and an
investigation was subsequently launched. This led to a number of other victims to come forward, and Tattersall was arrested in July 2018, and charged with the offences on 17 January this year. Investigating officer Detective Constable Alethea Cox, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit based at Windsor police station, said: “Tattersall offended against children at various points
between 1979 and 1991, and this was while he was in a position of trust as a teacher at the school. “We have conducted a thorough three-year investigation into the offences that came to light, and I am pleased that we have been able to bring the right verdict for all of the victims. “This has been an emotive case for all the women, who had buried the things that happened to them and
attempted to move on with their lives. “I would like to thank them all personally for coming forward and putting their trust in the police to bring Tattersall to justice.” She also urged other people who had similar experiences to come forward: “These convictions show that despite the passage of time, we will believe victims of sex offences and will investigate offences and support victims throughout the process,” she said. “I would like to urge anybody who has felt unable to report similar such incidents from the past to please come forward. “Even if it has been many months, years, or even decades since offences took place, it is never too late for an investigation, and we will continue to work hard for all victims to bring offenders to justice.” DC Cox added: “Tattersall will now have to serve a term of imprisonment to reflect upon his actions, and I hope that the conviction and subsequent sentence will serve as some form of closure for all of his victims.”
Thursday, November 12, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Parties welcome funding for holiday school dinners By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today POLITICIANS from across the council have welcomed additional funding to help feed families this winter.
Wokingham Borough Council’s Conservative Group says it welcomes the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which will deliver £208,703 to help borough residents hit hardest by the pandemic. The ring-fenced funding is part of a package of £170million being handed to councils across England to provide further support to families who need help with food and bills over the coming months. Alongside the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, the Government is delivering a further £220million in extending the Holiday and Food Programme until Christmas 2021. Children eligible for Free School Meals will be given the option of joining a holiday-time programme providing healthy food and activities throughout next year. John Halsall, leader of Wokingham Borough Council and the Conservative Group, said: “Through no fault of their own, Covid-19 has left many in difficulty across the Borough as they struggle to make ends meet. “As Conservatives, we believe that, during these extraordinary times, it’s the
job of Central and Local Government to step up and stand behind people in need. “No child should go hungry, and we lobbied our colleagues in Government to do everything possible to prevent this happening.” He added: “I’m pleased that Conservatives in Government have heard our concerns, and are providing this additional funding to help families buy food, as well as extending the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. “While Conservatives are in charge of this Council, we will continue to strive to end hardship wherever we find it in this Borough.” And Wokingham’s Liberal Democrats has welcomed the funding. Cllr Lindsay Ferris, the group’s leader, said that the announcement was “very good news indeed”. He added: “We do need to see what the proposals actually mean and also what Wokingham Borough Council will be providing as a result.” The Wokingham Liberal Democrat Group previously submitted a motion urging the borough council to develop its own free school meals arrangement throughout Christmas and into the new year. And Cllr Ferris believes the government’s announcement now “provides the council with the necessary finance to provide such a service.”
He says the Liberal Democrat group on Wokingham Borough Council will be pressing the council on what the free school meal arrangements will be. And it wants to know how the council will work with schools and local charities to ensure children get the food they need. Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat councillor for Winnersh and leader of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, also welcomed the funding but said she feared it is not enough. “The decision came too late for October half-term,” she said. “Many businesses, charities, individuals and local authorities around the country stepped in to fill the gap then – although shamefully, not Wokingham Borough Council.” Cllr Bray is also concerned about what will happen during February halfterm and the holidays throughout next year. And she said she will be proposing a motion at next week’s borough council meeting. “I [will be asking] the council to make sure children in our area from low income families have access to food during the holidays,” she said. Wokingham Borough Council’s November Full Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 19.
New First Days collection points A CHARITY collecting Christmas stockings to give to children on December 25 has opened a new collection point. As we revealed last week, First Days Children’s Charity, Wokingham Foodbank and Share Wokingham have launched a festive appeal for presents and stocking fillers for both youngsters and their parents. Emma Cantrell, CEO of First Days, said: “We are so glad to be working together to help as many people as possible to have an enjoyable and happy Christmas. “We are lucky to live in a generous and giving community, however, there are also many, many people who are really struggling to make ends meet. As well as working together, all three organisations will continue to support people as normal in the run up to
Christmas, which is set to be an incredibly busy time. “We’d love your donations of brand new toys and gifts for children aged 0-17 and gifts for children to choose to give to their parents as well as Christmas food and treats.” Now Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley, which is currently closed as a gym, has announced that it will open to accept donations. Christmas stocking bags will also be available for collection for people who would like to fill a complete stocking for a child. It will be open on Saturday (November 14) from 11am-2pm, Monday between 1pm-4pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Thursday, November 19 from 1pm-4pm, and Saturday, November 21, from 11am-2pm. Other venues include First Days’ Hurst base, which can accept donations Monday-
Thursday 10am to 2pm and Friday and Saturdays 10am to noon. In Sandhurst, visit Pistachios in the Park between 9.30am and 3pm daily. HaHoos in Twyford will be available to donate from 10am to 5pm Wednesdays to Friday, and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. And in Wokingham, Norreys Church will accept stockings on Monday, Wednesdays and Friday between noon and 3pm, and The Blue Orchid Bakery: Peach Street 7.30am-3pm. First Days says it has received more than 500 requests for stockings so far. Suggested items are: body wash, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, a book, two small toys, crayons and a colouring book or a craft item, and one or two additional items. For more details, log on to www.firstdays.net
Waterloo Road closures planned MOTORISTS in Wokingham are being warned of overnight road closures later this month. As part of the Eastern Gateway section of the South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) project, Balfour Beatty are installing underground cabling on Waterloo Road between the rail crossing and Locks Farm.
And the road will need to be closed and a diversion route put in place to ensure it can be done safely. The Eastern Gateway project, which is scheduled to open in 2022, aims to provide improved access to planned housing and reduce congestion within the surrounding area. The work will be carried out
across two overnight periods. It will commence between Monday, November 16 and Saturday, November 21, and between Monday, November 30 and Thursday, December 3. The road will be closed between 8pm and 6am, but access to Britton’s Farm and Lock Farms will be maintained at all times.
Mystery over film company A FILM company descended on Dinton Pastures country park with more activity in a nearby lane in the evening dusk. Around eight large lorries were parked on Dinton’s overflow car park last Thursday where staff said the BBC was making a film. There was speculation locally that the BBC were making a new comedy called Princess. Film, television and stage star Nigel Havers, whose 69th birthday was the next day, was said to be appearing in it. Near Dinton, in Lines Road, Hurst, a house was lit up with flood lights.
In a nearby field there were lorries and a large marquee which disappeared later. Dinton Pastures, lying on the Winnersh/Hurst border, is owned by Wokingham Borough Council. They referred inquiries to Berkshire Film Office whose website says it “acts as a film office hub” for councils including Wokingham Borough. The office helps companies look for filming locations. A Berkshire Film Office representative said on Monday: “I am currently unable to say anything about the filming unless I have permission from the production.”
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Mayor impressed with new Gorse Ride development By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THE GORSE RIDE regeneration project has taken another step forward.
The cycleway on London Road is now in use Picture: Stewart Turkington
New cycleway complete A NEW cycleway for people travelling to and from Wokingham is officially complete. The final touches to the London Road cycleway, which has been under construction since May, were finished earlier this week. The new off-road path will now allow cyclists to travel from the Coppid Beech roundabout into Wokingham town centre. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport at Wokingham Borough Council said: “This project has not only provided a fantastic new cycleway through our borough to a main town centre, but also allowed us to carry out resurfacing on this key transport route. “Providing the right cycling infrastructure for the borough means
we’re providing residents with the facilities they need to keep fit and healthy, as well as accessing the amenities they need nearby without getting in their cars.” Footways along London Road have been widened to allow enough space for the cycleway and pedestrians, and plastic kerbstones have been installed along some sections of the road. By completing the London Road cycleway, Wokingham Borough Council has finished its section of the National Cycle Route 422 which links Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell and Ascot on one route. “A cycleway like this, intersecting our borough and linking it to other areas, means cyclists can use it to link areas beyond Wokingham borough as well as within it,” Cllr Jorgensen added.
Last month, Cllr Malcolm Richards, mayor of Wokingham borough, visited the site on Arnett Avenue to top out the final section of roof. He was shown round the site by Harry Smith from council contractors R.J. Leighfield and Sons Ltd and was accompanied by Cllr Simon Weeks, borough ward councillor for Finchampstead South and chair of the local Parish Council. They were also joined by Steve Bowers who, in addition to being chair of the community steering group, is also a Gorse Ride resident and is one of the local households likely to move into the new development when it completes next spring. And the mayor was impressed with what he saw. “It was wonderful to be able to mark this major milestone event by helping place the last tile on the Arnett Avenue roofs and
Topping out the last roof tile - Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Malcolm Richards and Harry Smith, Contract Surveyor at R.J Leighfield and Sons Ltd Picture: Stewart Turkington
officially topping it out,” said Cllr Richards. “Living-architects, who designed the scheme, have done an amazing job on the designs and the new homes look fantastic both inside and out. “The original Gorse Ride development was never meant to last for so many years so being able to replace the old properties with these amazing quality new homes is a fantastic opportunity that I’m proud the council can deliver.”
This site, which is being built as phase one of the multi-million pound regeneration project, will see 46 new homes built in the Finchampstead area. It comprises of 10 three bedroom houses and 36 one and two bedroom apartments. “Talking with Steve Bowers about his involvement in the steering group and the local community, as well as his excitement about moving into a new home, really helped me understand how important this is for Gorse
Ride and what a difference this regeneration will make for local residents,” the mayor said. The development will also see extensive new landscaping to complement the large number of mature trees which were retained, as well as allocated parking and improved pedestrian access to Barkham Ride. The new homes have also been designed to high energy efficiency standards to help residents keep energy bills low and reduce emissions contributing towards the council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030. Work on the site, which started in August 2019, is expected to be completed by spring of next year. Earlier this summer, a planning application for phase two of the regeneration project was also submitted. If approved, this will see 249 new houses and apartments built in the Finchampstead area too. � To find out more about phase two, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/majordevelopments/gorse-rideestate-regeneration
Alcohol and mental health focus A LOCAL drug and alcohol support group is asking residents to think about alcohol and mental health. SMART Wokingham is joining the national campaign to raise awareness of the link between drinking and mental wellbeing for Alcohol Awareness Week. It comes after statistics released by Alcohol Change UK show that one in five people relied on drinking to destress during lockdown. “Alcohol Awareness Week is a great way to get everyone thinking about their drinking,” said Vikki Lake, service manager at SMART Wokingham. “Our aim is to reach as many Wokingham residents as we can, so that locals can take a step back and reflect on their alcohol consumption.” According to Alcohol Change UK, 28% of people reported drinking more during the first national lockdown, and 66% expected to continue
consuming more alcohol as lockdown was lifted. And the Royal of College Psychiatrists fears a worrying trend is emerging, and estimated that 8.4 million people in England were drinking at higher risk levels in June, up from 4.8 million in February. SMART Wokingham plans to join 3,000 other community groups across the UK for Alcohol Awareness Week to speak out about the link between alcohol and mental health. And it plans to address a number of topics, including sharing current research and findings, promoting ‘mocktail’ recipes to help people cut back on their drinking, and offering residents a quiz so that they can monitor their own alcohol consumption. Alcohol Awareness Week runs from Monday, November 16 until Friday November 20. To take part in this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week, visit: alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/ campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week-1/about-
Co-op launches food bank fund FOOD BANKS in the region are set to benefit from a new grant fund. Southern Co-op recently launched its Feed a Family Fund, which offers £200 micro grants to food banks across the South East and beyond. The initiative intends to help local groups buy essential items and cover running costs. The company will be asking customers and members to donate to the fund, and has made an initial donation of £5,000 itself. “Our customers, colleagues
and members have been incredibly generous throughout the pandemic,” said Holly Bramble, Southern Co-op’s community and campaign coordinator. “They have been donating
goods at all of our stores that have collection points and have helped thousands of people being supported by 44 different foodbanks. “We know this won’t solve the crisis but we really hope this fund will help reduce the strain faced by so many families.” There are currently 75 stores with collection points, including stores in Berkshire. To find out if a local store has a foodbank collection, visit: stores.thesoutherncooperative.co.uk/search.html
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Pudsey’s help for Me2 By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today AS THE nation prepares to enjoy an evening of fun television thanks to Friday’s Children in Need appeal, a Woodley-based charity is celebrating the support it has received.
The Me2 Club received funding from Pudsey Bear’s friends which enabled it to send out special Hallowe’en themed activity packs to the families that it supports. More than 50 of them were distributed. They contained craft ideas, activities, experiments and toys and sweets, which had been donated by Asda in Lower Earley. It’s just one of the number of activities that Me2 Club has run over recent months for the children it works with in Wokingham and Reading boroughs. In normal times, the charity aims to give children with additional needs the opportunity to attend mainstream clubs and events. Since lockdown, it has held online events. One such activity was a virtual Hallowe’en disco, held on Wednesday, October 28. DJ Darren played requests and spooky songs including Ghostbusters and Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Children were encouraged to dress up and were sent glow sticks to use. Shaun Polley is Me2 Club’s new chief executive. He joined earlier this year. “It’s hard to believe that I’m just at the start of month five – it’s gone really quickly,” he said. “There’s been some challenges, but I’ve really enjoyed it.” The charity launched its work in Reading at the end of last year, and it has been working with these families over lockdown, something that Shaun is pleased with. “We’ve been able to go forward with this expansion, just at a bit of a slower rate than we’d hoped for,” he said. Helping them with that expansion has been the support from Children In Need. “We currently receive two bits of funding from Children In Need. We have a larger grant that pays for a full-time activities volunteer coordinator. To have that income over a
number of years means that it becomes easier for us to make a commitment to children and families. “The other bit of funding is one of their booster grants: they have us just over £2,500, to be spent purely on the Covid crisis. “That’s been really helpful for our online activities: We have been able to provide a range of activities for our children, such as online coaches doing health and fitness sessions. That’s been really important because during lockdown periods, activity levels have dropped, so we’ve been making sure children have been fit and healthy. “We also know that lockdown online can sometimes be difficult for some children, either they don’t have access to the equipment they need or they find the online environment quite intense because they’re just sitting there looking at other people on a screen. “It’s funded physical activity packs with all kinds of arts and crafts, toys and games. We’ve had support from supermarkets and local organisations as well. “We’ve done three of these packs now – it’s a really good way of being able to ensure the children have got things throughout the week.” � For more details, log on to me2club.org.uk
New service will connect apprentices with workplaces A NEW scheme is being launched aimed at helping the borough’s young adults into work. Run by Activate Learning, the Kickstart scheme is looking to work with employers across Berkshire. Funded by the Government, the scheme provides employers with access to funds to create new roles for people aged between 16 and 24, who are currently on Universal Credit or at risk of long-term unemployment. It is part a £2 billion national Covid-19 recovery plan and will see the Government funding 100% of the cost of taking on the new person for a six-month period, at the end of which time it is hoped a new role will be found for them. Andy Marshall, director for Employability at Activate Learning, which operates Bracknell and Wokingham College, said: “Youth unemployment is a real concern, and the coronavirus pandemic is something that has exacerbated what was already a worrying issue.
“Worrying new data released just last week has shown that as many as one in four young people could be out of work, in what is the highest rate of unemployment for young people in four decades. “The Kickstart scheme is aimed all types of businesses and all types of roles and is designed to give employers an opportunity to take on young people and give them a chance within roles without any cost to them.” He said that companies working with Activate Learning would find the process simplified: “We will take all the hassle away from them and manage the process for them”. Employers looking to take on new staff under the Kickstart scheme will be expected to provide training and support, and Activate Learning can help. “As a further education college group, we have a long history of working with the Department for Work and Pensions to provide people with employability training and have a team of specialist coaches in
place to support people through this as they come back into work,” Mr Marshall said. “We will offer a complete wrap-around service for businesses looking to recruit as we see it as our purpose as colleges, within local communities, to support those young people who are out of work back into employment. “At Activate Learning we see it as our mission to transform lives through learning, and as we go into what will inevitably be a period of economic uncertainty, we want to ensure we are doing all we can for those young people who desperately want to get back into work and the local businesses that want to give them a chance.” The Kickstart scheme will fund a role with National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions, and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. � For more visit activate apprenticeships.co.uk or call 01865 551015.
Donation kits out wraparound care By NIKKI GLADWIN-STRIDE Hawkedon Primary School NOT only is school wraparound care vital for our working parents, but income from wrap-around provision can provide funds used for school resourcing too. Since the Covid-19 pandemic clubs locally have been hit financially with the outlay of staffing costs with no income during the lockdown period. Hawkedon School Club has been able to re-open in September following Deartment for Education guidelines and the demand of the club still being there, and since have been providing provision for more than 150
working families associated with the school. The club is running differently due to operating in bubbles with only wipe-clean games and equipment being used so there was need for new games and cleaning equipment to help keep our children engaged, happy and ultimately safe. Thankfully, there have been some fantastic grants available to schools and clubs alike for provisions that have been affected by the pandemic and having to operate differently and we were lucky to be granted £1,000 from the Asda foundation fund. The response from the children so far has been fantastic and from all of us at Hawkedon Primary
School, we give a big ‘Thumbs Up’ to ASDA at Lower Earley for supporting us. Nikki Gladwin-Stride, extended services manager at Hawkedon, said: “We are so grateful to have received the full £1,000 grant from Asda and the money really has been put to good use with idea’s from the club pupils and staff being taking into consideration for the spend. “It has also allowed us to buy some cleaning resources such as steam cleaners to ensure that popular toys like Lego can be shared between bubbles. “Our fantastic club is now well equipped to keep our pupils busy and safe during their time in our care – a huge thank you to Asda.”
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CHANCE to talk without judgment and an opportunity to fall in love with being alive. That’s the mission of a Wokingham woman who has launched a new service as a transformative coach, aimed at helping people boost their own mental health and to see the world around them with fresh eyes. At a time where lockdown has raised questions about mental health issues, Sarah Sylvester has launched the new service, offering one-to-one confidential chats. She is no stranger to the borough: pre-Covid, she ran the peer-led mental health support group It’s About Time, and has also launched a podcast called Thoughts Versus Facts that explores spiralling thoughts with a dash of humour, all aimed at helping people recognise and boost their wellbeing. “I see innate mental health in all of its finery and I really want to explore every perspective on that,” she says. “As somebody who has gone through desperately challenging times, with life looking completely despairing for a very long time, I wanted to approach this in a way that says we have a role in this together. Just because we feel a certain way, it doesn’t make us any less human than the next person.” Sarah’s journey started when her life changed completely: a corporate highflyer, she found herself living a double life: by day holding down a very senior job, but secretly living with anxiety and a “deep, dark depression” with fluctuating moods for a number of years. “It all culminated around the summer of last year,” she says. “I had a very painful mental breakdown in the workplace. It was a classic burnout. I cracked because I was operating at a high, intense speed and my mind was going at a million miles an hour. “I couldn’t even tell you what I was doing, I was on a hamster wheel of activity and I crashed and burned.” Her road to recovery was painful too. She admits to not leaving the house for two months: “I was ashamed, I was embarrassed, very, very confused about what I was feeling and felt very alone”. This led to a journey where she questioned her own sense of self, and realising: “I couldn’t be the only person to feel this way, I can’t, it’s impossible,” she says. The drop-in centre provided a chance to prove that: and people came. “It’s a place where people could be calm and be in their raw form and be exactly how they are at that moment in time, without any fear of judgment or discrimination, or any expectation.” The podcast soon followed: “I got curious about the thoughts that we all have spiralling around in our heads. Sometimes there’s peace, sometimes there’s panic.
“Sometimes we get caught up in believing the things that we think and then our thoughts look very real and we begin to identify with them. “We may think we are anxious, depressed, alone, isolated, confused, lonely – all those things – but is that actually who we are?” Thinking these through helped Sarah: “I got in touch with a very wonderful place within me, I was radiant, magical, beautiful. I’d never ever thought about myself in those words… I had had suicidal thoughts quite regularly, I was angry and desperately clinging on for life with all that I could manage. But all of a sudden, I fell back in love with that thought of being alive. “Quite naturally, that’s where A Place of Space came from: that quiet space brought with it a real transformation. I’m only on the cusp of helping others see that magical experience that we all have within us to love life.” Sarah wants A Place of Space to give people a chance to relax, and discover that they may not be who they think they are. “You don’t have to accept the life you think you deserve, there is so much more on offer to you,” Sarah says. “There may be things that you are stuck with – there seems to be a consensus that people look to outside external factors to unstick themselves, thinking they’ll feel better if, say, they get a promotion, book an expensive holiday or buy an expensive car. “They will never give you any lasting level of realisation and transformation, because until you get in touch with that place within you that’s always been there and is waiting for you. A Place of Space points you in a direction and offers you reassurance that you are not what you’re thinking.” It all starts with a conversation and a cup of tea. “That’s where the magic happens. You’ll come up with something that you never thought you would ever come up with,” Sarah says. “One client said that they’d experienced a beauty in the world that they’d not seen before. It’s magical and it’s great to be part of that. “I’m giving people a chance to speak without any level of judgment:
Just open your mouth and words come out. There’s no ‘you have to pretend’ because we all put on masks, all have our own level of fake persona. “Just have a conversation, be exactly as you are, who you are right now in this moment, and when you can rest in that and then realise you’re not maybe who you think you are, you are someone much more special. “All the conversations I have with people are confidential. I offer a free 30-minute consultation to start with, just to get to know people. “Following on, there’s a mutual agreement in terms of having follow-on sessions.” Sarah is looking to the new year. “I’ll be launching a January Transformation, in the hope that when the new year comes there will be a time of reflection, there may be some ways in which you want to start a new habit, break an old habit – such wanting to lose weight, stop drinking, and start focusing on your own wellness and wellbeing. “It will be packaged up in three sessions.” Sarah invites you to chat with her: she has set up a Facebook page where people can message her and she also welcomes emails from APlaceOfSpace@icloud.com – and if you’re not ready to talk just yet, Sarah says that’s fine, but you’ll find some helpful videos sharing her own experiences. “I’m not here to judge, I’m just here to listen,” she promises.
Sing Healthy Choirs ORGANISERS of an online concert this Saturday are hoping that it will spread hope and joy. This is the first time that Sing Healthy Choirs, whose members are based in Wokingham and Bracknell, has held a virtual performance like this, and it will raise funds for Create Hope. The charity provides therapeutic support children and families to help them overcome negative life events such as domestic abuse, family separation, bereavement, chaotic family life and addiction. Like many choirs, it has faced a difficult year as singing indoors in
WADE ON FRIDAY, November 6, WADE held the third 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,
West Oak Care Home RESIDENTS at a Wokingham care home have kept their spirits up during the pandemic thanks to a range of special activities, including mechanical cats and pasta tasting days. And late last month, staff at West Oak care home in Murray Road, dressed up to mark Hallowe’en. Activities included a pumpkin carving contest. The pasta testing event saw residents try different varieties,
groups has been banned as a result of the pandemic. Since September, they have held rehearsals outdoors – come rain or shine. This has enabled them to record a new set of songs, and allow them to feature in a documentary prepared by Jamie Hearing. A preview will form part of the programme on Saturday. Before the pandemic, Create Hope’s team of three were supporting more than 70 families, reducing the pressure on NHS mental health services. However, they say that the effects of lockdown, including financial pressures, has seen demand for their service is rising.
Catherine Hockley, CEO of Create Hope, said: “When Sing Healthy offered to host this concert to raise funds for our bursary fund we were so thankful. “Our passion is to help families therapeutically, we are now able to offer more face-to-face sessions again and have adapted some of our services to work online too. “We have seen an increase in referrals to our bursary fund, where families need emotional support but don’t have the funds available to pay for this.” The concert starts at 7.30pm on Saturday. For more details, log on to: singhealthy.co.uk/live
entertainment and resources. Held monthly, there are three prizes for the draw. The more people who join the 150 Club, the greater their value. First prize was £128, and went to member number 120. Second prize was £64 was given to member 131. And the third prize was £32 and awarded to 41. 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 Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@wadecentre.org.uk, and log on to the group’s website, wadecentre.org.uk.
shapes and colours and sharing their verdicts, while electronic cats put smiles on their faces. The centre says that its activities coordinator, Dawn Davies, has been tailoring activities to suit the interests and hobbies of residents. Geoffrey Honour, general manager at West Oak, said: “Ensuring residents feel engaged and connected within our homes is more important than ever.
“Our varied activities programme allows us to provide stimulation of the mind, body and soul for residents in group activities, as well as one-to-one. “We have also adapted ways to keep residents active, while ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to current government social distancing advice.” The centre, run by Barchester Healthcare, says it is able to welcome new residents.
� FATHER Christmas will be stopping off at Hare Hatch Sheeplands in the run-up to his festive delivery run. The plant nursery and farm shop will be working with members of the Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of Reading Maiden Erlegh to offer visits to the jolly bearded man. A Covid-safe grotto is planned, with a one-way route in place. Places will need to be booked to manage demand.
Santa will be in residence on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 3pm from December 5. He will also be available from Monday, December 21 through to Christmas Eve at the same times. Money raise from the event will be shared among local organisations to support them as they offer help for the community as a result of the pandemic. For more details, or to book, log on to www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk
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Sunrise of Sonning GHOSTLY goings on in Sonning were responsible for reuniting families last week. Staff at the Sunrise of Sonning care home organised a Hallowe’en walk-through visit, allowing residents to catch up with loved ones. The event, held during half-term, was aimed at reuniting grandchildren with their grannies and granddads, many of whom have been unable to visit since March this year. Families booked 15 minute slots, with fancy dress and plenty of sweet treats the order of the day. And organisers said that there were many happy tears at the Covid-safe reunions, with one resident Teresa Vincent. able to greet her eight-week-old granddaughter for the first time. Lindsay Thomas, who is the daughter of a resident, was hugely grateful for last Wednesday’s event. “A big thank you to Sunrise of Sonning for a very well organised, and socially distanced, Hallowe’en walkthrough,” she said. “My three girls have really missed their Nanny this year and have been unable to visit
Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of Reading Maiden Erlegh Volunteering at Camp Mohawk LOCKED down but the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh and its Inner Wheel are still very active and working together to help the community. After a full health and safety and Covid briefing from the Camp Mohawk manager Matt, a team of volunteers spent a whole day clearing the grounds at Camp Mohawk. The Wargrave-based centre is a multi-functional day centre for children with special needs and their families, set in five acres of beautiful countryside. Throughout the year the centre provides a range of activities, facilities and natural space to encourage children with a variety of special needs to play, socialise and learn in a secure and caring environment.
the care home due to Covid-19 restrictions. “Lockdown and reduced family contact has affected my Mum who lives with dementia, and also my children who worry about their Nanny. “My youngest daughter doesn’t understand why she can’t see her Nanny or cuddle her anymore.” She added: “It was such a special event, to see grandchildren finally reunited with grandparents and we really look forward to some more creative events like this, to keep families in touch during these tough times.” And the Sunrise team were delighted too. Event coordinator, Gai McNeile, said: “This was so special and emotional for all of us. “The family who had brought along their young baby to meet their Grandmother for the first time had me in tears – thinking about it now makes me emotional. “Our residents were so thankful for the opportunity to see the youngest members of their family, I am so glad we were able to orchestrate this safely.” She added: “We are always looking for innovative solutions to ensure our residents maintain plenty of contact with their families throughout this challenging time.”
Equipped with leaf blowers, rakes and loads of enthusiasm we tackled the mass of leaves covering the playgrounds and open spaces. We also planted 1,000 crocus bulbs to mark the achievements of Rotary’s worldwide progress to eradicate polio. Matt was delighted with our efforts and said “Thank you all so much once again for all of your hard work to help to keep Camp Mohawk safe, smart and welcoming – a really incredibly productive day. You are all always very welcome at Camp, and I hope to see you all again in the future.” Both clubs are delighted to welcome new members of all ages who enjoy friendship, fundraising and helping the local community. Contact us on: Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh www.readingmaidenerlegh.org Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh www.innerwheelrme.org
A LOCAL charity, Promise Inclusion, or PINC for short, has been chosen by Easthampstead Rotary President Les Howard as his President's Charity this year. Wokingham resident Les, a formerfirefighter and now a Health & Safety consultant, said: “I chose PINC because it's a local charity which supports adults and children with learning disabilities, as well as their parents or carers and their families." Formerly known as Wokingham, Bracknell and Districts Mencap, Promise Inclusion is a local, independent registered charity, which works in partnership with other local voluntary organisations to support persons with a learning disability and autism. PINC works with Wokingham and Bracknell Forest Borough councils, and plays a prominent role in local Learning Disability Partnership Boards and their associated sub-groups. Following the Government advice around social distancing and self-isolation for vulnerable groups, PINC Family Liaison Workers currently offer support via the phone and email. They can be contacted by phone on the following temporary number 07827 340 405. And check out their website: promiseinclusion.org The Rotary President's Charity receives the money donated by members during their get-togethers including this year's Zoom meetings during the Covid-19 lockdown. The 'fines' are levied for minor misdemeanours which might include dress 'eccentricities', eating two desserts, and talking too much (or indeed too little). In recent years, this has generated up to £2,000 for the chosen charity. Les added: “Having worked with a community and mental health trust, I got to know their clients, so developed an understanding of the issues involved. I feel that, in these difficult times, PINC is a local charity for whom we can make a real difference.” Easthampstead Rotarians -– Making a Difference in the Community: new members always welcome. We currently hold Zoom meetings with interesting speakers on a range of subjects. Post Covid, we will again meet most Monday evenings at The Coppid Beech. For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526. Check out our website: www.easthampsteadrotary.org Or follow us at: www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub/
rozcroy Good advice
Buying something online?
M
AKE sure you know what your rights are, and what you can do if something goes wrong.
For more information and advice visit: citizensadvice.org.uk/NCW20 You can also contact the Citizens Advice consumer service at: 0808 223 1133. Shopping online can be a great way to buy the things you need, but it’s important to make sure you’re doing so safely. There are a few easy steps you can take to help protect yourself. � Before you buy anything, spend a few minutes checking the company or website you’re using. You can read reviews from different websites, search for the company’s details on gov.uk, and take a look at their terms and conditions. � Pay by debit or credit card or by PayPal. This gives you extra protection if things go wrong. � Be wary of unofficial sites offering big discounts, and make sure you’re buying from the retailer’s official website. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. � Scammers may appear like a trusted business, using links in ads or emails to direct you to a fake website. Don’t click on any links you don’t trust. � Make your online shopping accounts secure. Use a strong password for your email accounts that you don’t use anywhere else. Find out more about your rights when shopping online and what you can do if something goes wrong at citizensadvice.org.uk/NCW Ros Croy is Volunteer Research and Campaigns Coordinator for Wokingham Citizens Advice � You can get help and advice by calling 0300 330 1189, visiting citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk, or email: admin@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk
28 | LEISURE
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National Trust open for bookings THE National Trust says it is able to stay open to allow residents to access its parks, gardens, countryside and other outdoor sites during the new lockdown. However, houses, shops and holiday accommodation in England are closed until December 2. A pre-booking scheme will be in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Sites in the region include Stowe, Hughenden, Cliveden, Basildon Park, Greys Court and The Vyne, and countryside car parks will also stay open. The charity’s director general Hilary McGrady said: “We follow Government advice and guidance at all times, in each of the nations we serve. “We know how important access to green space, nature and fresh air are to people, and we’ll do everything we can to provide them during the next phase. Our priorities will remain the safety and wellbeing of visitors, staff and volunteers.” The Trust said, where possible, visitors would still be able to get takeaway food and drink and that outdoor play areas would remain open in line with Government guidance. The Trust’s online shop will continue to offer customers gifts, garden and homewares, books and clothing. “We know this month is going to be tough for everyone and we want to give members and visitors as much pleasure, rest and enjoyment as we can,” Hilary adds. The Trust was forced to make spending cuts and redundancies last month after the crippling financial effect of the coronavirus and has said it is likely to use the Government’s furlough scheme again to avoid further redundancies. For further information and to pre-book tickets visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Theatre takeaways
Debbie to bring some festive cheer with panto
S
TRICTLY Come Dancing favourite – and local legend – Debbie McGee has joined the cast of Cinderella. The Theatre Royal Windsor pantomime will be going ahead, just a couple of weeks later than originally planned. The show also stars Kevin Cruise, Steven Blakeley and Basil Brush. Sadly, Britt Ekland will no longer appear due to a pre-existing medical condition that prevents her from travelling to the UK at this time. Debbie will be starring as the Fairy Godmother, a role she has performed in other pantomimes in recent years. She is excited about joining Windsor’s show, which will include traditional comedy capers, a sprinkle of fairy dust, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes –
all adapted to meet the latest coronavirus restrictions, meaning audiences can have confidence that the theatre is safe. Also joining the cast for their very first Windsor Panto will be Alice Fillary in the role of Cinderella and Dominic Sibanda as the handsome Prince Charming. Joe Thompson-Oubari returns to play Dandini and Rhiannon Bacchus, Billie Hardy, Sarah Kacey, Jamie Corner, Milo Quinton and Nathan Vaughan-Harris complete the lineup. Cinderella’s co-directors AnneMarie and Jon Woodley said: “Sadly, Theatre Royal Windsor has had to close its doors once again, but The Show Must Go On. “We have been working hard on plans to reschedule this year’s pantomime. “The culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, has confirmed that rehearsals can go ahead during the
lockdown period, so we are aiming to be back open just as soon as possible ... the curtain will rise once more and Cinderella shall go to the ball.” The safety measures include socially distanced seating with a limited number of seats available. Audience members will be required to wear masks throughout. Staggered arrival times and oneway systems will be in operation throughout the building, as well as an in-seat service allowing audiences to order drinks, snacks and merchandise all from the comfort of their seats. The show will run from Thursday, December 3, through to Sunday, January 10, with a relaxed performance at 1.30pm on Tuesday, December 8. � For more details, or to book, log on to theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk � Look out for our interview with Basil Brush next week
Debbie McGee – yes, she really is lovely – will be the Fairy Godmother in Windsor this Christmas
Those good folks at home
NORDEN FARM is offering takeaways from its cafe bar during lockdown. The Maidenhead-based arts centre, like the entire industry, has had to bring the curtain down on live performances for a while, but it is inviting supporters to pick up a meal to enjoy at home. Its Cafe Bar launched the scheme in September with a Friday night fish supper. It was so successful it expanded, both in hour and menu choices. It is open for orders between noon and 8pm from Wednesday to Saturday. Menu choices include lunchtime meals such as hot baguettes, sandwiches and gluten-free vegan soup. A lunch time meal deal includes a sandwich, baguette or salad with a packet of Tyrell’s crisps and either a tea, regular coffee or a soft drink is £6. Main courses include winter warmers Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry; Boeuf Bourguignon and Slow Cooked Ratatouille. Farm favourites Beer Battered Haddock (or Vegan Fish) and Chunky Chips or Beer Battered Haddock and Chunky Chips remain on the menu. Special offers include a main and dessert for £10. People can even collect a takeaway hot drink and afternoon treat – plus locally draught beer. For more details, log on to norden.farm/pages/foodto-take-away or call 01628 682566.
Miranda Sykes will give a YouTube concert on Monday evening
TWO virtual gigs will be presented by Nettlebed Folk Club, enabling people a chance to enjoy the music from the comfort of their own homes. Nettlebed Village Club’s hall is still closed but Miranda Sykes, from the band Show of Hands, has agreed to perform on Monday, November 16. The live concert can be watched via a private YouTube link. The acclaimed singer and bassist is, the folk club says, returning to her roots. After a career spanning more than 20 years, during which time she has played with many of the top musicians and singers within the folk world, she is performing this show as she started out: one woman, one bass, and one guitar. Miranda will perform a full concert on YouTube, followed by an optional ‘meet and greet’ session afterwards using Zoom. The performance will start at 8pm on YouTube and Miranda will perform two 45-minute sets. There will be a short interval of about 10 minutes after the first. Tickets are £15 plus small booking fee and Nettlebed Folk Club asks, for those who can afford it, to buy the appropriate number of tickets to reflect the people who are going to watch the show – like all
venues, its revenues have been hit this year by the inability to stage concerts. The club is also planning to hold some festive shows. The first to be announced will be given by Chris While and Julie Matthews from the group St Agnes Fountain. Their Christmas show will feature a mixture of their usual act and some additional suprises. It will be held on Monday, December 7, from 7.30pm. Tickets are also £15. The dup say: “In the very sad absence of a St Agnes Fountain tour this year we’ve decided to bring our seasonal repertoire to your living room featuring many of our Aggie classics. “We even have some surprise ‘appearances’ lined up for the interval.” And a spokesperson for the club said: “We hope that everyone will enjoy these shows which will also be helping both the Artists and the Folk Club in these difficult times”. � To book for Miranda, log on to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/firebrandmusic/t-zmypnr � And to book for Chris and Julie’s show, visit www.whileandmatthews.com � For more on the folk club, visit www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
30 | LIFE
wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
G
OOD music lasts. It resonates and it’s something special. This week’s chart topper is one such piece. Will Wilde is our new entry, with his tribute to the legendary musician Peter Green, who passed away earlier this year. It’s just one of 10 great tunes chosen by Chris Hillman from White Star Records for 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 – all you have to do is log on and sit back. You can listen for FREE via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic Will Wilde – Love That Burns Here’s a wonderful tribute to legendary blues musician and Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green, who sadly passed away earlier this year. It’s a song originally recorded on a very early Fleetwood Mac album, Mr. Wonderful, and this is an excellent new version recorded by contemporary blues artist Will Wilde for his ‘Bring It on Home’ album. Check out that guitar and harmonica.Will has visited us a few times, appearing at Wokingham Music Club and the Festival – www.willharmonicawilde.com/ Picture: Andrew Merritt The Honey Pot – Walk A While This week we have another new single from Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records. This time from the band formed by musicians, Icarus Peel and Crystal Jacqueline, who was due to play Wokingham Festival this year. The psych pop-folk single was originally released as a limited edition lathe cut 7in single but that sold out quickly. However, you can hear the track on our playlist – www.facebook.com/thehoneypotband Quantum Pig – Dirty Old Engine From the Progressive Music Award nominees debut album, Songs of Industry and Sunshine on Wokingham based White Star Records – quantumpig.net Moth Man – The Water A new Reading and Manchester-based band on a new record label called Billywitch Records, an offshoot from Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records – www.facebook.com/mothmanbandpage/ Split the Dealer (Feat. Deva St. John) – XV Recommended by Wokingham rock photographer Andrew Merritt, this track is an example of modern indie pop at its best – www.facebook.com/ splitthedealer www.facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn Mother Vulture – Tell Me This ‘hectic blues punk’ band from Bristol featured at the recent ‘Jamma Presents: The Everyman Everyjam’ event – www.facebook.com/ MotherVulture Kepler Ten – Falling Down This prog-rock trio have just released their new single on Wokingham based White Star Records and it’s a melodic, uplifting and powerful rock anthem. www.keplerten.com/ Astor Wolfe – Emerald Green Psych chamber folk from Sweden as featured on a compilation album called From A Distant Shore released on Wokingham record label, Mega Dodo – www.facebook.com/astorwolfemusic The Veras – Paper Cup Telephones A wonderful pop singalong from this local band, that you may have seen in their other guise as Small Faces tribute, The Small Fakers – theveras.co.uk/ Marc Woosnam – Unspoken Marc is a local acoustic singer/songwriter who plays gigs in music venues and festivals across the South East of England – marcwoosnam.com/
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 12, 2020
plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK
How to start a zero waste lifestyle
A
T Plastic Free Home we’re often asked, “Where do I start?” when people decide that they want to work towards living a greener lifestyle. For example, whether you choose to focus on reducing your plastic consumption or the amount of waste you produce overall, knowing where to begin can be daunting or somewhat overwhelming. Our advice is always to narrow things down in one of two easy ways: � Select a point in your daily routine � Select a room in your house Taking the former first, as an example, you may decide to concentrate on breakfast time. Imagine that your go-to breakfast is a box of big brand cereal, covered in shop-bought milk, followed by a banana from the same supermarket and a cup of tea. After assessing the brands and products you are currently using, you might decide to swap the above for cereal in plastic free packaging or refilled at a local zero waste shop, milk delivered (in glass) by ‘the milkman’, a banana bought loose from a local greengrocer, farm shop or market and a cup of loose leaf tea, cutting out tea bags containing plastic. If you instead decide to focus on a particular room in your house; say your bathroom, you might opt to
rethink the brands and products you are using when cleaning, when bathing and showering, loo roll, and for personal hygiene and grooming purposes. Depending on your choices, work your way through researching and assessing the changes you could make and identify potential swaps that work for you, when it comes to your needs and tastes, availability and cost. Remember to only order replacement products once you’ve used and exhausted those you already have at home, whatever they are.
in some cases take at least a few weeks. Be sure that they are right for you and products that you are happy to stick with in the longer term. If not, go back a step and consider the alternative options. If there are barriers, for example the swaps are difficult to find, less affordable to you or you simply don’t like them as much, you may be less likely to stick to the changes you have made. So take time to get this crucial step right in order to make long-term changes that have the most impact. Continue in that same fashion and you will find that even after making widespread changes to your lifestyle, there will still be further tweaks to consider making over time. After all, new brands and products come on to the market all of the time and some of these may be even better options than those you’ve already chosen.
Then, spend time exploring and hopefully getting used to those new products, which may
For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question? Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com
Some winter warmer cocktails to brighten your nights
T
HESE COLD dark lockdown nights are in need of some cheer, and what could be nicer than these two winter cocktails? The recipes are provided by Brockmans Gin, who say that the popular drink is no longer just a summertime tipple. The Hot Collins and Hot Ginger Toddy each require just a few basic ingredients but, Brockmans says, the result is anything but standard. Due to the extraordinary complexity of Brockmans Gin with its 11 botanicals including blueberries, blackberries, Valencian orange peel and lemon peel, these rinks taste intriguing. Brockmans is a 40% ABV gin made in England and packaged in stylish and tactile black glass. The garnishes involving warm spice notes that we associate with the festive season add a touch of glamour and appeal to the sense of smell right from the start. Serve with a warm smile to those with whom you're allowed to socialise, and it will be a night to remember. Both recipes are from The Black Book of Gin Cocktails.
HOT COLLINS � 50ml Brockmans Gin � 25ml Lemon juice � 15ml Agave syrup or honey � 100ml Boiling water
A Hot Collins and a Hot Ginger Toddy � Garnish: grapefruit zest studded with cloves and a Cinnamon stick Mix all ingredients and pour into small mug or thick, heat-proof glass Garnish with the clove-studded Grapefruit zest and Cinnamon stick.
� 50ml Brockmans Gin � 6 dashes of Orange Angostura bitters � Premium ginger beer - gently warmed. � Garnish: orange wedge or peel, studded with cloves, a Star Anise and a Cinnamon stick.
HOT GINGER TODDY
Mix the cocktail ingredients and pour into a heat-proof glass or glass mug.
Garnish with the orange wedge, Star Anise and Cinnamon. � Brockmans Gin is available in major supermarkets including ASDA, Co-Op, M&S, Morrisons, Ocado and Tesco, with a recommended price of £34 a bottle. For more details, log on to: www.brockmansgin.com/shop
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32 | PROPERTY
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PUBLIC NOTICES 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
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (CORING PROGRAM TESTS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020
The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application
Address
201515
Ashridge Farm, Warren Major Application House Road, Wokingham
202730 202795
202901
202908
Reasons for Advert Description Full application for the erection of 157 dwellings comprising a mix of 1,2,3 & 4 beds with associated landscaping, parking, open space, drainage; construction of a new access onto Warren House Road and Bell Foundry Lane; provision of an area of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and all other associated development works (including demolition of existing buildings and provision of temporary site sales). Update: The above is a revised description of development following revisions being made to the layout of the scheme. Updated plans are available to view on the Council's website.
3 Market Place, Wokingham
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed painting of the shopfront.
1 Farley Court, Church Road, Farley Hill
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Listed Building Consent for the erection of a single storey side extension, internal alterations to include replacement of Oil fired boiler with a ground source heat pump, loft conversion and roof works along with terrace wall repairs.
Walnut Court, Rose Street, Wokingham
Land North of Church Lane, Church Lane
Conservation Area
Major Application
Full planning application for the proposed raising of existing roof to create first floor office space, with two storey side extension to existing building, changes to fenestration and relocation of exiting shed. Application to remove condition 5 of planning consent 193248 for the proposed erection of a temporary compound to facilitate infrastructure works, including hardstanding, parking, fencing and gates, cabins and storage units (part retrospective). Condition 5 refers to the provision of bicycle/ motorcycle parking and the proposal is to remove this requirement.
The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page. Any comments must arrive on or before 3rd December 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. Date: 12th November 2020
Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 14 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION
For the latest news visit
Description of proposed development: Full Application for the erection of a two storey building containing 4no. one bedroom flats and 2no. two bedroom flats together with parking bays and provision of public open space
1. Redlake Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Honey Hill and Easthampstead Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Honey Hill, Heathlands Road and Easthampstead Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 24th November 2020 2. Holt Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Reading Road and A321 Milton Road. The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street and A329 Reading Road or by this route in reverse. The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road and A321 Milton Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 23rd November 2020. 3. Barkham Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with Commonfield Lane and Gorse Ride North. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Barkham Street, B3349 Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane and A321 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between November and December 2020. 4. Church Road, Swallowfield between its junctions with Swallowfield Road and Bunglers Hill. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Swallowfield Street, B3349 Basingstoke Road, Hyde End Road, A327 Reading Road and Swallowfield Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between November and December 2020 5. Church Road, Farley Hill between its junctions with Bunglers Hill and Jouldings Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bunglers Hill, Church Road, Swallowfield Road, A327 Eversley Road and A327 Reading Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between November and December 2020. 6. Barkham Street, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 Barkham Road and Barkham Ride. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane, A321 Finchampstead Road and Barkham Ride or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between November and December 2020. 7. Crockhamwell Road, Woodley between its junctions with Arundel Road and Nightingale Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Arundel Road, Wingate Road and Fosters Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 16th November 2020. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake coring program tests 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 16th November 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 12th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Proposed Development at: Land adjacent to Lysander Close (Lot 168), Woodley, RG5 4ND Take notice that application is being made by: ALM Infrastructure Ltd
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 5th November 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:
SERVICES
Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted: Wokingham Borough Council, P.O Box 157, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WR 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. Mr N.Davis (Agent) Dated 13th November 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.
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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (EVERSLEY ROAD, ARBORFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Eversley Road, Arborfield between its junctions with Swallowfield Road and Link Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road and Arborfield Cross Relief Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 30th November 2020 and 11th December 2020. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake BDUK Superfast Broadband 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 30th November 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
RUGBY
RAMS WILL BE UP FOR THE CUP SAYS REYNOLDS
Dated this 12th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BUNCES SHAW ROAD, FARLEY HILL) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 5th November 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: Bunces Shaw Road, Farley Hill between its junctions with Church Lane and Castle Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Church Lane and Castle Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 16th November and 18th November 2020. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake resolution of blockages 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 16th November 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 12th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Josh Henry trading as On Point Recovery of 91 Southmeadow, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7HP is applying to add an operating centre to keep 5 goods vehicle and 3 trailers at Tanners compound Tanners farm, Swallowfield road Arborfield, Berkshire, RG29LA. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.
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Rams director of Rugby Seb Reynolds Picture: Tim Pitfield
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk RAMS Director of Rugby, Seb Reynolds, is keen to see his side in action as soon as possible as he states his preference for a competitive league programme.
While the National One season was cancelled late last month, there are hopes a National Cup could be launched in January with the initial stages based regionally before a potential showpiece final at Twickenham. And while Rams would have preferred a league ‘halfseason’, he has welcomed the alternative. He said: “We’ve not played in a cup competition for many years – I remember the days of the Berkshire Cup and we always enjoyed playing in that – and if there is some sort of National
League Cup, that could be really exciting. “We always like to look at the glass as being half-full, and now that we know some sort of fate for the season and National One is not returning until next September. “The chance to play some sort of competitive rugby with our squad and other clubs would be a welcome addition.” He continued: “We’ll go on record as saying we were one of the clubs who were in favour of a competitive league programme of 15 games. “We felt it would have been a bit of a sprint, but it could have been brilliant to watch for four months. “It would have been a great competition with hopefully a lot of supporters coming up and making it
interesting, but with that not being the case, a cup would certainly be welcome.” The new competition would feature some adaptations including the possibility of no scrums or mauls in a bid to reduce faceto-face contact, but Reynolds admitted he is just desperate to see some kind of action He revealed: “You can see the adapted rules and how they’ve potentially worked in the women’s game, and if clubs are willing to sign up to them then we can hopefully get going. “I just hope we get some news that when we’re out of lockdown we can move to the next stage of the RFU’s Return to Rugby roadmap and look to play some rugby at the end of January.” But as the nation was plunged into a four-week
lockdown last Thursday, Reynolds believes the club remains in great shape. He said: “It’s been a long year, but in many other ways it’s flown by and I think everyone’s of the same feeling that we want to get rugby back – have our Minis section playing and when I’ve been watching the sessions on the Sunday morning, the coaches have been absolutely brilliant. “In the senior squad we’ve had so many people turning up for training. “It’s perhaps a combination of limited things you can do in society, but these guys just love turning up, seeing each other, having fun and working hard. “But the one thing we miss is Saturday afternoon with Rams and it would be great to see some games in January.”
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FROM THE KESTRELS SECURE SPONSORSHIP MIDDLE FOR SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR WOODLEY UNITED FC
With Dick Sawdon-Smith
IN THE current difficult times, Woodley United Football Club has secured a seventh season of support from K J Smith Solicitors will again continue to sponsor the team throughout the 2020/21 season.
Woodley United FC, a FA Charter Standard Community Club, field 39 teams, from minikicker under 6s to their men’s and women’s first teams and K J
Smith Solicitors says that it is delighted to support something that it feels is such an important part of the community in Woodley. The club was recognised for its work last year at the annual Wokingham Borough Sports Council Community Club and Get Berkshire Active’s Community Club awards. Visitors to Woodley United’s
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC
home venue at University of Reading’s Bulmershe Pavilion will see evidence of K J Smith Solicitors support in the form of a display banner. Elliot Clark, commercial manager at K J Smith, said: “We have been involved with the Woodley United for many years, and to continue as the kit sponsor of our local club for the forthcoming season
fills us with pride. “We are delighted to continue our commitment to a club doing such great things in our community and we wish all Woodley United FC squads the best of luck ahead of the 202021 season.” � For more information, visit: www.woodleyunitedfc.co.uk or follow it on Twitter: @woodleyutdfc
FOOTBALL
GAMBIAN SUMAS CLUB’S SEARCH WIN GRUDGE MATCH FOR NEW RECRUITS WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC are on the hunt for new players to join their Development Team, new to the club this season.
‘I played the ball ref’
T
HIS is the cry that referees hear constantly: “I played the ball ref”, after a player has been brought down an opponent with a tackle.
There seems to be a belief in football that if the player touches the ball when making a tackle that makes it fair and legal. The answer is ‘yes and no’. I’m not talking about a reckless challenge or use of excessive force, just a straightforward tackle. Take a situation where the player has the ball at his feet and is running forward. An opponent comes in, from the side, and plays the ball. The player then falls over the opponents outstretched leg. That is a perfectly fair tackle. If however, the opponent makes contact with the player, before playing the ball, then that is a foul tackle. Unfortunately, it not quite that simple. An opponent, particularly tackling from behind, may well play the ball first but then bring the player down, sometimes with his trailing leg. That will be a foul. So the question a referee has
to ask himself is, Did the player fall over the opponent’s leg or was he brought down by the opponent? From a referee’s point of view it is a difficult decision to make unless you are in the perfect position, particularly for a tackle from behind. This was illustrated in the Brighton v Spurs match a couple of weeks ago. Pierre-Emile Hejbjerg of Spurs had the ball at his feet when tackled by Solly March of Brighton, who had come from behind. March played the ball before Hejbjerg, following through, kicked March on the foot and fell over, claiming a foul. The referee, Berks & Bucks FA’s only Premier League referee Graham Scott, was in the perfect position, square to the tackle and allowed the play to continue from which a goal was scored. Had March caught Hejbjerg’s foot rather than the other way round it would have been a foul. Graham looked at the monitor, which showed that in his opinion, and mine, t he player had played the ball first and therefore fairly.
ALTHOUGH Wokingham & Emmbrook will be unable to compete for the next month, the Sumas’ sister club in Gambia have been able to stay in action.
The Sumas have been paired with Junction BA Football Academy for several years. Support includes donating kit and other football equipment to their African counterparts each year.
Wokingham & Emmbrook have made a flying start to the Hellenic Division One East campaign and are unbeaten at the top of the table heading into the second lockdown while the league action pauses. However, the Gambia Sumas are still in action and their U15s recently won a home game against local side Daboe and Ceesay FC, with a 2-1 triumph.
Playing in the EBFL (East Berks Football League) Development League, home games are played on Saturday afternoons at Cantley Park Wokingham, kick off is usually between 1pm and 3pm, while training is held at Emmbrook School’s floodlit 3G facility on Tuesdays at 8pm. This opportunity could suit players from 16 to adults who would like to progress towards playing senior football at WEFC through to the club’s reserves and first teams. The Sumas are also on the lookout for a coach/manager for their Ladies team. The team play their games in the TVWL (Thames Valley Women’s League) on Sunday afternoons at either Lowther Road or Emmbrook 3G for home fixtures and train on
Wednesday evening at Emmbrook 3G from 8pm. So far this season the team has been ‘run’ by the players themselves, particularly Becky Atkins, and two of the senior Reserves players have been running training sessions on Wednesday evenings. However, they cannot regularly make the games, held on Sundays, due to other commitments, but are happy to continue to be involved with the training. They require a coach to attend training and matches to watch the game, help from the touchline and work out improved strategies for ongoing fixtures keeping the squad up to speed, and ensure that these are carried out at the training sessions in preparation for the next match. Anyone interested is asked to email wefc@wefc.club. Alternatively, log on to: www.wefc.club
RUNNING CLUB CELEBRATE WITH SPOOKY FANCY DRESS EVENT SHINFIELD Running Club has been inviting its members to take part in virtual challenges during the latest lockdown. The lockdown has resulted in sports activities being suspended, however the running club are continuing activities by encouraging their runners to complete their exercises and record them virtually. And just before the new rules came into place, Shinfield running club held a special fright night to mark hallowe’en – runners taking part in fancy dress. The event saw Andrea King and Donna Saunders take the award for best dressed female, David
Churchyard win best dressed male and the team of skeletons win best dressed team. Meanwhile, Stuart Walters, Homer Valencia, Ashley Isiacs and Katherine O’Sullivan were awarded with the club‘s athletes of the month award for October. “We’re more than just a running club, we're a running community,” said run leader James Suarez. “We love to have fun, create a happy, fun and inclusive atmosphere for the whole community to join, free of charge run by volunteers. “It was a great effort by so many to join in our fancy dress run
evening. So much effort went in to it. “Thank you to all our run leaders for providing so many sessions for everyone to enjoy. We had 11 sessions across Berkshire.”
Shinfield running club’s athletes of the month for October
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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
ROYALS FALL TO FIRST HOME DEFEAT Reading 0 Preston 3 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk FORTRESS MADEJSKI no more: Last Wednesday, Reading suffered their first home defeat of the season.
It was second half goals from Scott Sinclair and Emil Riis Jakobsen and Tom Barkhuizen that caused the Royals’ misery, and cut at the top of the Championship table. Sinclair, a familiar foe to the Royals after his hat-trick against Reading in the 2011 play-off final, opened the scoring before Jakobsen and Barkhuizhen followed. It could have been four: but thankfully Rafael saved a Daniel Johnson penalty. Preston were stronger in the opening minutes of the game and went close when Brad Potts scuffed a shot wide after Michael Morrison could only clear to the edge of the box after two minutes. Royals’ boss Veljko Paunović expressed his frustration at the referee with some choice words after he awarded Preston a free kick on the edge of the box after a challenge from McIntyre. Reading forged their first good sight of goal in the 27th minute when Aluko's inswinging cross found João who powered a header at goal which forced a smart save out of Declan Rudd. In the 34th minute, Aluko came close to scoring a stunning solo goal. He brought the ball down neatly in the box and flicked the ball one way and then the other to fool his marker but his close range
effort was blocked by Rudd. Michael Olise and Aluko had begun to stamp their creative influence on the game as the Royals took charge of proceedings late on in the half, but the team's went in to the break deadlocked at 0-0. Reading made a disastrous start to the second half as McIntyre conceded a penalty just three minutes in when he slid in from behind on Emil Riis Jakobsen in the box and didn't get enough of the ball. Daniel Johnson stepped up to the spot but Rafael, captain for the night, flew to his right and guessing correctly to make the save and prevent Reading from going behind. Lucas João had two big chances to break the deadlock. He burst away from the Preston defence and just as he looked poised for a one on one with the keeper, Jordan Storey made a superb last ditch sliding tackle to steal the ball from his feet. Just moments later Alfa Semedo curled a cross into the box to find João but he glanced his header just wide. The chances kept coming, but this time for Preston as Rafael came to the rescue again with a point blank save from Potts at the back post as he looked to bundle in a cross from Ryan Ledson. Just as Reading had looked the more likely to go in front, they fell behind as Scott Sinclair broke through the defence and finished past Rafael. It looked as if Sinclair may have strayed offside but the flag stayed down and despite Reading’s appeals, the goal stood. And it wasn’t long before
Preston doubled their lead. A long ball found Riis Jakobsen who slotted the ball past the keeper to seal a quickfire double for the visitors. George Pușcaș, Sam Baldock and Yiadom were all brought on to try and rescue something for the hosts. Tempers flared late on a a rash challenge saw players from both teams square up to each other, with Reading venting their frustrations. Pușcaș had a chance to get Reading back in the contest late on when he met Richards' back post cross but could only head it wide of the mark. Preston put the game to bed in stoppage time when Tom Barkhuizen applied the finishing touch after Potts raced forward to catch Reading on the counter. READING: Rafael, Esteves, McIntyre, Morrison, Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Semedo, Aluko, Olise, João. SUBS: Walker, Yiadom, Gibson, Watson, Tetek, Baldock, Pușcaș PRESTON: Rudd, Fisher, Browne (c), Johnson, Storey, Rafferty, Ledson, Riis, Huntington, Sinclair, Potts SUBS: Ripley, Earl, Gallagher, Harrop, Barkhuizen, Maguire, Stockley GOALS: Sinclair 64', Jakobsen 68', Barkhuizen 90+2'
Reading were beaten for the first time at home this season by Preston Pictures: Steve Smyth
WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
CHAMBERS: ‘POOR FINISHING COST US VICTORY’ Tottenham Women 1 Reading Women 1 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING WOMEN stay sixth in the Women’s Super League after they surrendered a one-goal lead against Tottenham Women on Saturday.
Angharad James had a huge chance to give the Royals the lead at the Hive after some excellent work on the wing from Brooke Chaplen who found the Welsh international at the back post, but she could only put her shot into the side netting. Kelly Chambers’ side kept persevering and were rewarded when Chaplen found the net in the 13th minute.
Jess Fishlock unlocked the Spurs defence and found Emma Mitchellwho broke into the box near the left touchline and hung the ball up in the air for Chaplen who guided the ball into the roof of the net with a header. Reading didn’t have the lead for long when they let Ashley Neville have a free header just a few yards from goal which looped over Grace Moloney and Fishlock on the line and into the net to level for the hosts. A swift counter attack followed after Moloney punched away a Spurs free kick and broke forward at pace, eventually finding Danielle Carter, but she snatched at her shot which went harmlessly wide of the target. The chances kept coming for the Royals in the second half when Rachel Rowe had a first timed shot from the
edge of the box which was scuffed wide. Twice World Cup winner Alex Morgan entered the fray to make her long anticipated Women’s Super League debut for Spurs as both sides looked to find a decisive goal in the contest. The best chance of the half fell to Lily Woodham who beat the offside trap from a long pass but Spencer kept her shot out at the near posts. Neither side could break the deadlock as they settled for a point each. “The game was intense, and so was the whole week,” said Reading manager Chambers. “I feel that we turned the game into a transitional last 20 minutes when I don’t think we needed to,
which made us stretch and have to physically work harder so I feel that’s where the game became intense. “There is some disappointment, I like to think that we could go there and get three points and I truly think we had the better chances overall to win the game, and I think that’s the story of our season so far. “We have enough chances to win games and we’re not putting them away and that is costing us. “There were some very good individual performances against Tottenham, and overall the whole team performance was positive. “But, for us, we have to be better in-and-around the penalty area and we have to start finding the back of the net, because that’s how games
are won and that’s why there is pressure on strikers to do that. “It’s frustrating because we conceded a silly corner and we should have been better prepared for second balls. “Ultimately, we feel that we should have walked away with the win.” Reading stay in sixth position after six matches in the WSL. TOTTENHAM WOMEN: Spencer, Neville, Harrop, Zadorsky, Worm, Kennedy, Green, Percival, Ayane, Addison, Dean SUBS: Leon, Davison, Morgan, Quinn, Whitehouse, Godfrey, Sulola READING WOMEN: Moloney, Harding, Cooper, Bartrip, Mitchell, Fishlock, James, Rowe, Chaplin, Eikeland, Carter. SUBS: Leine, Jeon, Bruton, Nayler, Woodham, Skeels, Childerhouse, Quirk, Harries. GOALS: Chaplen 13’, Neville 25’
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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
ROYALS THUMPED
With Olly Allen
I
have never been more thankful for the international break. Reading’s form has dropped off a cliff in the last three games and only thanks to their incredible start to the season are they clinging on to top spot. The big question on everyone’s lips is simply, why? For me, the answer is relatively straightforward. There are an alarming number of defensive errors creeping into Reading’s game. The early season form was built on excellent defensive performances. Six clean sheets in seven games speaks for itself, but the Royals were organised and assured at the back, and knew that if they were able to grab a goal at the other end, they would generally prove solid enough to see out victory. Yet that has all come crashing down in the last three games – two of which captain Liam Moore was absent for – with nine goals conceded and zero points picked up. Looking back at those nine goals, you have to say that at least six came as a result of mistakes that were avoidable. Against Coventry, Rafael should have done better with the third goal as he made a weak attempt at parrying Sam McCallum’s strike from range. It was a night to forget for Tom McIntyre against Preston as he was beaten by a long ball over the top for the second and third goals and also gave away a penalty with a clumsy challenge. Stoke were the real beneficiaries of Reading’s defensive lapses as first Tomas Esteves headed right into the path of Tyrese Campbell, then Rafael gave the ball away cheaply in the lead up to the second goal before Lewis Gibson clumsily played in Jacob Brown for the third right at the end. The number of errors is startling in such a short space of time. It is easy to look at the likes of McIntyre, Esteves and Gibson and blame a lack of experience, and this is true to an extent as they only have 26 Championship appearances between them (19 of those are McIntyre’s). They’re all still learning and do not have that knowledge of the game that is such a strength of someone like Liam Moore. But equally, Rafael has been uncharacteristically off-colour between the sticks and Andy Yiadom was nearly punished for being too complacent in possession against Stoke. Whether it is a lack of concentration or an over-confidence gained from being top, something has changed and that will concern Veljko Paunović. The good news is that mistakes are, in theory, as easy to cut out as they are to make. It is not as if Reading’s whole approach to games is wrong; they do not need to make any drastic changes to the style, tactics or personnel. The Royals have certainly not been outplayed in any of their three defeats and have arguably had worse games this season and won. I would say that a 3-0 scoreline flattered both Preston and Stoke, who simply took their chances when Reading gifted them to them, while the Royals failed to take their own opportunities. The Potters scored from their only three shots on target. Working on cutting out such silly mistakes will be crucial over the international break. Reading need to prove that the last three games have been a blip and not the start of a rut.
Reading 0 Stoke City 3 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING'S form continues to falter as they fell to their third consecutive Championship defeat on Saturday – beaten at home by Stoke City.
The Royals are still at the top of the table despite losing their last three matches. Tyrese Campbell gave the Potters the lead in the 23rd minute before Stoke capitalised on some sloppy defensive play as Steven Fletcher doubled the lead before half-time. The Royals were still without captain Liam Moore, Ovie Ejaria and Yakou Méïté as they looked to make amends in front of the Sky Sports cameras after two consecutive league defeats. Meanwhile, Andy Yiadom returned to the starting 11 for the first time this season and young defender on loan from Everton, Lewis Gibson, replaced Tom McIntyre to make his debut for the club. It was a bright start from the Royals who looked lively in the opening 10 minutes. Alfa Semedo had two headed chances at goal to give Reading the lead but was twice thwarted by Stoke goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Gunn reacted well to tip Semedo’s header over the bar after Tomas Esteves’ cross found him free in the middle as he headed the ball into the ground to try and find the back of the net. Just moments later, he had another chance with head, this time from much further out as he generated good power on the ball but Gunn was equal to it to turn it behind for another corner. Lucas João was almost given a gift when a weak headed back pass to Gunn almost allowed him a chance to sprint through on goal but the Stoke keeper reacted quickly to beat the Portuguese forward to the ball by a fraction of a second. But after their positive start to the match, the Royals fell behind against the run of play in the 23rd minute.
Esteves didn’t get enough on his headed clearance which dropped to Steve Fletcher in the box and his effort diverted towards the path of Tyrese Campbell who slotted the ball into the bottom corner to find his fourth Championship goal of the campaign. Stoke took control after going a goal ahead but Reading had a chance to level the score in the 30th minute when Omar Richards drilled a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but much to his frustration no-one gambled to meet the ball at the back post as the chance went begging. And Reading were the architects of their own downfall when they conceded again in the 35h minute. It was a poor clearance from Rafael which gave possession to Stoke deep inside the Royals half and the ball found its way through to Fletcher who beat the offside trap and guided the ball past Rafael. Reading fought to get a goal back before half-time, with the best chance falling to debutant Lewis Gibson after a free kick to the back post found him free but the ball squirmed away from him off his thigh from just a few yards out. Esteves came inches away from clawing goal back in the first minute of the second half as the
Potters failed to clear the ball and his first timed strike whistled just wide of the post. But Reading found themselves fortunate not to be three goals behind in the 48th minute when Yiadom gave away possession cheaply and Campbell curled an effort which looked destined for the corner but struck the post. João’s strong hold up play got Reading going forward again as Yiadom and Rinomhota both had digs at goal that were blocked by a plethora of willing defenders for the visitors. Esteves then had another sight of goal as he flashed a shot to try and beat Gunn at his near post but had to settle for a corner after a deflection from Danny Fox. Veljko Paunović made a double change just after the hour mark as Puscas and Esteves were replaced by Sam Baldock and Michael Olise. Olise looked to add some attacking impetus as he drove forward and cut inside on his left foot but got the finish wrong as he blazed an effort over the bar. The Royals struggled to create chances to break down the stubborn line of Stoke defence who looked comfortable for much of the half. Baldock had a huge chance to set up an interesting finish to the match but he dragged his shot wide from just six yards out
with a disappointing finish. With just a few minutes left, the hosts were looking desperate as Aluko beat his man of the by-line and cut inside and tried his luck with a powerful drive at goal which was well held by Gunn, who put in a solid display as part of a determined Stoke defence to keep a clean sheet. And Stoke made it three in stoppage time as the Royals gave away another dreadful goal. Gibson didn’t get nearly enough on his back pass to Rafael as Jacob Brown was given a gift and skipped round the keeper and put the ball into the empty net. Reading have a tricky away fixture at Bournemouth on Saturday, November 21, when the Championship resumes after the international break. READING: Rafael, Esteves, Gibson, Morrison, Richards, Yiadom, Rinomhota, Laurent, Semedo, Puscas, João SUBS: Southwood, McIntyre, Watson, Aluko, Tetek, Olise, Baldock STOKE CITY: Gunn, Smith, Souttar, Batth, Fox, Mikel, Thompson, Campbell, Powell, McClean, Fletcher SUBS: Nna Noukeu, Ince, Vokes, Brown, Oakley-Boothe, Tymon, Collins GOALS: Campbell 23’, Fletcher 35’, Brown 90+5'
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AGAIN BUT REMAIN TOP
Lossl takes the lose ball as Morrison and Puscas try to get on the end of Swift’s free kick.
Reading were beaten for a third consecutive game as they shipped three goals against Stoke City Pictures: Steve Smyth
Lucas João wrestles in the air with a Stoke defender
Tomas Esteves chases after Stoke City’s James McClean
Alfa Semedo forces a flying save from Angus Gunn with a powerful header
RAMS UP FOR THE CUP35P
GAMBIAN SUMAS WIN BIG MATCH – SEE PAGE 37 THREE DEFEATS IN A ROW ROYALS REMAIN ON TOP AND FANS JOKE:
THINGS THAT GO RUN INP36 THE DARK
STOP THE COUNT!
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� Match report on page 38
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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The club are now in the international and despite the defeats, they are one point ahead of the pack. Royals have conceded nine goals from the past three games, which has subsequently seen their sizeable lead – and goal difference – diminish. At its
The Royals will now look to regroup and recover after their blip in form, and have time to plan a return to their early season form. Their next game is away at Bournemouth on Saturday, November 21 – once again in the spotlight of the Sky Sports cameras.
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DESPITE a horrible run of form which has seen them lose three consecutive games, the Royals are still top of the Championship.
peak, the club was eight points ahead. But Vlejko Paunović’s side are still the leaders thanks to their superb start to the campaign which allowed them to amass an impressive total of points after a honeymoon period under their new boss.
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By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
