COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, July 1, 2021 No. 319
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‘Town councils are asleep’ EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
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THE LEADERS of two town councils have defended their work over the pandemic.
At a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s ruling executive last Thursday evening (see page 14), leader Cllr John Halsall had accused Earley and Wokingham town councils – both run by Liberal Democrat administrations – of being asleep for 18 months, with “no evidence that either body has done anything material in that time”. But this has been angrily denied by Cllr Clive Jones from Earley Town and Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey from Wokingham Town, who felt that the comments were unprofessional and unwarranted. Cllr Halsall was disappointed with the opposition’s behaviour during last Thursday’s executive meeting, which saw some angry exchanges, including his comments about the town councils being asleep. He told Wokingham.Today that he was unhappy with the opposition as they “keep telling lies and they’re dangerous lies” about the borough. Instead, Cllr Halsall felt they should be praising the surge programmes. “It’s been a huge exercise, every member staff who gave their time, unpaid and paid, helped mount this exercise. “We got the go ahead for the vaccinations on the Friday evening and it was up and running on Monday morning. That’s a fantastic, leading the way. Many councils would not have been able to do that. “Were questions at the Executive on that? No, absolutely not, they were absolutely balderdash, cobblers. They were negative points from an opposition who keep on decrying what we’re doing.”
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COUNCILS HONOUR ARMED FORCES P4 GREAT TIME: Thousands of punters returned to the Stanlake Meadow festival over the weekend, in what has been dubbed the “best Twyford Beer Festival ever”. Organisers estimate the £10,000 fundraising total of 2019 has been surpassed. Full story P9. Pictures: Steve Smyth
Charity thanks mystery donor EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A HURST charity has a mystery donor that knows exactly what stock is needed and when.
First Days Children’s Charity noticed anonymous deliveries began arriving six months ago, after moving to its new donation centre on Molly Millars Lane. Founder and CEO, Emma Cantrell said she wants to thank the mystery
donor for their support. “Whoever it is just wants to give quietly,” she said. “That’s what’s so moving about it. People like this keep an organisation going — those behind the scenes. “It’s similar to those who have a monthly donation set up.” Ms Cantrell said she has asked all staff and volunteers if they are the mystery buyer, as items have been arriving when they’re in need. “Things just keep arriving at opportune moments,” she said. “We
were packing our summer fun bags the other day and a delivery of frisbees, skipping ropes and outdoor games arrived. “It must be someone who keeps an eye on our social media and website — they seem to always know what we need.” Ms Cantrell’s team are preparing 250 summer fun bags, to be delivered to families for the six-week holidays. “We wanted a way to get sun cream into people’s homes,” she said. � Continued on page 3
SCHOOL UNVEILS P8 MEMORIAL ART COVID RATE PASSES 100 PER 100,000 P11
MRS MAY OPENS NEW CHARITY P13
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2 | NEWS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
Thieves raid Boots
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Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Jess Warren, Charlotte King, Laura Scardarella Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson
THIEVES made an early morning raid on a Wokingham town centre store last week. Police were called just before 4am on Friday, June 25, after being alerted by an alarm in the Boots pharmacy in Market Place. Officers attending the scene found that one of the store’s two entrances had been broken in to, and the raiders had smashed cabinets. At this time, it is unknown what the value of the heist was. Now, Thames Valley Police
are appealing for witnesses to come forward. A spokesperson said: “At around 3.55am on Friday 25 June, Thames Valley Police received an alert from an intruder alarm at Boots Wokingham on Market Street. “Upon arrival, officers found the front door of the store had been forced open and glass cabinets inside had been smashed. “It’s unclear how much was stolen. “No arrests have been made at this time.” They added: “Anyone who
CLOSED: The store was cordoned off by police officers Picture: Ian Hydon
may have information on the offenders or may have witnessed the incident is urged to call police on 101 quoting reference number
43210279346. “Alternatively, they can make a report online, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Woman arrested after man stabbed at home
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By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
A MAN was stabbed in a Wokingham town centre home following an ‘altercation’.
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Now, Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward, although a woman has been arrested. The incident took place between 12.30am and 1.30am on Saturday, June 26, in Norton Road, which is just off Denmark Street and close to Elms Field. Officers say that a disturbance took place at the home and a 37-year-old man was assaulted. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries in hospital, where he remains. A 40-year-old woman from Wokingham was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and has since been released on conditional police bail until Saturday, July 17. Investigating officer Detective Constable David Hill, of the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit based at Reading police station, said: “I would appeal to anybody who was in the vicinity of Norton Road or Denmark Street at
CORDON: Police and the forensic team at Norton Road in Wokingham after the incident Picture: Steve Smyth
around 1.30am on Saturday morning and who witnessed this incident to please contact 101, quoting reference number 43210281084. "Alternatively, you can make a report online or call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100%
anonymously on 0800 555 111. “I would also ask anybody who was driving in the area to please check their dashcams and contact police if it has captured anything that can assist the investigation. “Similarly, if anybody has
any CCTV footage, again, please get in touch with us.” “This was very much an isolated incident and the offender and victim are believed to be known to each other, and there is no wider threat to the local community.”
Armed robbers steal £280 cash from man in Shinfield
A MAN was robbed by three men, one of whom was armed with a knife, in Shinfield last week and police are appealing for witnesses. The incident took place between 5.30pm and 6pm on Thursday, June 24. The victim was a man in his forties and was not injured. Thames Valley
Police said that three men approached him by Shinfield Road Recreation Ground, opposite Cedar Road – the area straddles the Wokingham and Reading border. The men threatened the victim with a knife and stole £280 cash. The men then left in the direction of Linden Road. The main offender,
who was carrying the knife, is described as a man aged in his late 20s, light-skinned with a shaved head. He was wearing a grey hooded top and jeans, with no mask. The second offender is described as a white man in his early 20s wearing a T-shirt. There is no description for the third suspect.
All of the offenders were on mountain bikes. Investigating officer PC James Packman, based at Reading police station, said: “We urge anyone who might have seen or heard this incident to get in contact with Thames Valley Police. “Fortunately, the victim did not sustain any injuries however,
we take robberies and community safety extremely seriously and are investigating the incident thoroughly. “If you have any information which could help the investigation, please call 101 and quote reference number 43210279405 or make a report online. “Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”
Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Anti-bullying campaigner wins national award for service By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy from Wokingham has been awarded The Diana Award for his anti-bullying work.
Charlie Kristensen has been recognised with the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts. It was granted for his mentoring, campaigning and fundraising on a local, national and international level. The award is given out by the charity of the same name and has the support of The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex. In 2019, he came up with the #CheerUpCharlie campaign, after being mentally and physically bullied severely for over 18 months. It was partly due to his love of performing. As part of this, hundreds of performers and creatives from the West End, Broadway and Hollywood identified with Charlie’s story, and inundated him
Wellington student wins Diana Award A PUPIL was honoured with an award for supporting disadvantaged children this week. Wellington College student, Ishan Kapur, was presented with The Diana
with video messages of support including backstage invitations. From this, Charlie was inspired to train as an ambassador for The Diana Award, and now gives more than 100 hours each month to others. “I never dreamed two years ago, going through what I went through, that I'd now be in the position I'm in,” Charlie said. “To receive a Diana Award is just a dream come true. “I hope I really can become the change maker for my generation that I want to be.” Tessy Ojo, charity CEO, said: “We congratulate all our new Diana Award recipients from the UK and all over the globe who are changemakers for their generation. “We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens. For more than 20 years The Diana Award has valued and invested in Award at a virtual ceremony on Monday, June 28. The 15-year-old boarder from New Delhi raised £5,000 to give digital devices to underprivileged children in India. He was honoured for going the extra mile in his work with Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama New Delhi. Through the campaign,
“Suncream can be a huge expense,” Ms Cantrell said. The packs also include games to play outside in parks or gardens, as well as art and craft activities for rainy days. As the charity prepares for summer, it is calling on parents to donate any good-quality school uniform, to help others in the return to school come September. “We have donation points across the borough, where people can drop their out-grown uniforms,” Ms Cantrell said. The charity accepts school uniforms for any school aged child, winter coats for ages four to 18, shoes and trainers for the same ages, sports equipment and clothing, as well as stationery and school bags. Donations can be dropped into orange bins at St Crispin’s School and Tesco in Wokingham, Sainsbury’s in Winnersh and Morrisons in Woosehill.
Literacy charity ABC to Read given £5,000
BOOK WORMS: Volunteers help a student improve their reading skills Picture: ABC to Read
HONOUR: Charlie Kristensen has received a Diana Award Picture: Paul Nicholas Dyke Photography
young people encouraging them to continue to make positive change in their communities and lives of others.” Award recipients are put forward by adults who know them in a professional capacity.
Charlie was nominated by his publicist, Alison Duguid, who had to demonstrate Charlie’s impact. Last spring,Charlie launched a YouTube series called Musical Chairs with #CheerUpCharlie. They featured weekly interviews
Ishan collected almost 100 laptops and tablets for teachers and students and made sure they had access to internet connection during the national lockdown. Ishan said it felt “amazing” to win The Diana Award. He said: “When covid hit, I wanted to do as much as possible to help the
pupils at Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, especially the children in the older years who had missed a whole year of school and had important exams. “They have been so grateful for the tablets and it has helped them to focus on their studies.' Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, added: “We know by receiving this
Charity thanks mystery donor � Continued from front page
NEWS | 3
Ms Cantrell said she was very moved last week, when a family donated a bed to the charity. It had originally been donated to them in 2017 by First Days. “The mum came, and she said we had really helped during their time of need,” Ms Cantrell said. “They are doing really well now and wanted to give back to the organisation that helped them. “It was so moving for me, as a charity we live by this idea of things going from one family to another. The fact they brought it back after they’d outgrown it means everything to me, and what this charity is about.” Each time an item is approved for use, a First Days volunteer attaches a sticker, and signs it off with a date. “It was really nice for Ian, one of our volunteers, to see his name on the bed he signed four years ago,” Ms Cantrell added. � For more information about First Days Children’s Charity, visit: www.firstdays.net
with high-profile entertainment industry guests, who shared their experiences of bullying. Last November, Charlie released a fundraising charity single on National Anti-Bullying Week in aid of The Diana Award. honour students will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens. “For more than 20 years the award has valued and invested in young people encouraging them to continue to make positive change in their communities.” THANK YOU: The mystery donor knows what the charity needs, says Emma Cantrell Picture: First Days Children’s Charity
A READING charity will start tackling the education gap caused by the coronavirus, thanks to a donation from Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF). ABC to Read has been granted £5,000 to address literacy in primary school-aged children following the pandemic. According to BCF, one in four youngsters left primary school in 2019 unable to read to the required standard, and unemployed adults are twice as likely to have weak literacy skills. Now, the Reading-based charity will use the funds to continue mentoring children to improve their reading abilities, following fears the virus prevented children from keeping up with their classmates. Marcia Rowlinson, CEO of ABC to Read, said: “It is absolutely crucial to address the education gap caused by Covid-19, to improve the future prospects of our local youngsters. “Our volunteers are a critical part of the recovery process at this difficult time, bridging that gap and inspiring a love of reading, and we are ever grateful for the ongoing support of BCF in helping us impact as many Berkshire children as we can.” On average, the charity supports 360 children and invests 12,000 hours into helping them read each year. � To find out more about ABC to Read, visit: www.abctoread.org.uk
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4 | NEWS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
Drinkers urged to take it slow this summer DRINKERS are being encouraged to “take it slow” as lockdown restrictions end. Cranstoun, which supports people with drug or alcohol use, warned many people’s tolerance for alcohol may have changed over the pandemic. “So much has changed over the last 12 months, in every aspect of our lives,” a spokesperson said. “This is particularly true when it comes to use of alcohol or drugs. Many people saw their use of substances increase during lockdown. “On the other hand, there are those whose substance use decreased or stopped during lockdown. “As things reopen old temptations might re-emerge. But tolerances are likely to have changed. For those who haven’t used for a while, smaller quantities
of drugs or alcohol may have a far greater effect than expected.” The organisation is urging people to start slow with small amounts. It also offers advice about substance use. “Give Cranstoun a call if you have any questions or concerns about your substance use, or someone else’s,” they said. “We can provide one-off advice and information sessions to anyone who wants to know more. “If you feel that now is the time to take control and address those bad habits you gained during lockdown or continue the good progress you made – we are here to offer support and motivation to reach whatever goal you want to achieve.” � For more information, call Cranstoun Wokingham on 0118 977 2022 or email: wokinghamreferrals@ cranstoun.org.uk TAKE IT SLOW: Cranstoun says people’s tolerance may have changed over lockdown Picture: U3144362 via Wikimedia Commons
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SUPPORTING THE SERVICES: Borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker with deputy mayor Cllr Abdul Loyes, and armed forces veteran and Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without, Angus Ross Picture: Stewart Turkington
Borough council honours armed forces with flag A FLAG was raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day on Saturday. Wokingham Borough Council marked the day by paying respect to servicemen and women, past and present. Raising the flag is an annual, national event celebrated on the last Saturday in June. It is observed by local authorities, government departments, businesses and Number 10 to show support and pay respect to the nation’s armed forces. It was scaled back for the second year due to the pandemic. In attendance were borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker, deputy mayor Cllr Abdul Loyes, and armed forces veteran and Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without, Angus Ross. Town mayor Cllr Tony Lack also marked the occasion. Cllr Baker said: “We are proud to fly the flag as a mark of respect to UK Armed Forces servicemen and women, and former service personnel. “We thank you for the outstanding service and dedication in protecting and defending our country and its interests. “On behalf of Wokingham Borough Council, we salute you.”
BUGLE CALL: Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack UP: Borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker raises observes the day Picture: Steve Smyth the flag Picture: Stewart Turkington
Steam engine fans trespass onto tracks for better views DON’T GO loco following locomotives this summer. That’s the warning from Network Rail, which wants steam engine fans to enjoy them from a safe distance. The company, which runs tracks, says vintage vehicles will be travelling on the railways until mid-Spetember. And while most people admire the steam engines from afar, some have gone on to the tracks. Last month, some trespassed on to the trackside to get a better view of the Flying Scotsman as it went through Berkshire and Hampsire. The company says that trespassing can cause delays – 179 incidents have been reported, causing trains to be delayed by almost 97 hours. Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “It’s
great that so many people have an interest in the railway and that they want to see historic trains such as the Flying Scotsman, but it’s vital for them to stay safe. Those acting irresponsibly not only put their own lives in jeopardy, but the safety of trains, their drivers and passengers too. “The railway is extremely dangerous if people misuse it. It’s full of both obvious and hidden dangers, which carry risks of catastrophic injuries or even death. “It is never acceptable to go onto the track for any reason. Come and enjoy the spectacle of these iconic trains, but please do so from a safe place.” Trespass on the railway is a criminal offence with up to a £1,000 fine. Train obstruction is punishable by up to two years in prison.
Inspector Andy Jackson, embedded BTP officer, said: “Seeing the Flying Scotsman and other steam trains can be an exciting event for many people and we want everyone to be able to have a great day out. “Our priority is the safety of everyone viewing and travelling on the train, and our officers will be along the route and at stations to ensure everyone can enjoy the event without putting themselves or others in danger. “Please remember to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line, and do not risk serious injury or death by trespassing on the tracks. “Those caught trespassing or obstructing trains can expect to be prosecuted,” the inspector warned.
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Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Bracknell MP joins call for sixth form at Bohunt EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today ONE OF the borough’s MPs has declared his support for a sixth form at Bohunt School.
James Sunderland, whose constituency includes Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Wokingham Without, is supporting the school in its ambitions to provide post-16 education. The Arborfield school currently serves children in villages in the south of the borough. It opened in September 2016 to Year 7 pupils, who are now in Year 11 and looking at their next step. With no sixth form in the south of the borough, students in this area tend to go to a sixth form in Finchampstead, or close to Wokingham town centre. Mr Sunderland told Wokingham.Today he believes the issue is simple. “Demand for places is exceptionally high,” he said. “My loyalty is to my constituents, and not a single person here thinks it's a bad idea. This is a new, exceptional school. It was
made clear when it was built the intention was to have a sixth form bolted on. “But for reasons I don’t understand, Wokingham Borough Council does not seem to support it.” The MP said many of his constituents are faced with long car drives to and from sixth form each day, with some travelling to Reading or further. “They should be getting sixth form provision on their doorstep,” he said. “My wish is that Wokingham Borough Council starts focusing on what can be achieved at Bohunt, rather than what can’t. The cost is a drop in the ocean” He added: “I would be delighted to take a business case to the Department of Education.” Last week, Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead North posted a video on Twitter declaring his support for a sixth form at Bohunt. In the video, he said: “Finchampstead residents should not have to have their children faced with a choice of going to Farnborough or the far side of Wokingham
for sixth form school. “Bohunt has put together a coherent and sensible offer. It’s prepared to pay 75% of the cost itself. All it’s asking is of Wokingham Borough Council for an investment to provide a decent sixth form facility for the south of the borough. “We’re calling on Wokingham Borough Council to do that.” The video also featured his wife, and new Conservative councillor for Finchampstead South, Cllr Rebecca Margetts, and Mr Sunderland. Cllr Charles Margetts told Wokingham.Today he is calling on people to work together on this project. “There was a constructive conversation last week with the education executive and Bohunt School,” he said. “I want to encourage colleagues to work towards providing better sixth form provision in the south of the borough.” Cllr Margetts said this September, more than 200 students will leave the school. Only 15 applied to secondary school sixth forms in the borough, and seven were not offered places, as their chosen school was full.
Cllr Margetts said while there are some spaces at Emmbrook and The Forest, this means students would have to travel to “the other side of Wokingham”. Cllr John Halsall, leader of the borough council said he recognises the need to expand post-16 education in the next few years. “The need for places is likely to be most felt within the southern areas of the borough and so we will be actively working with schools on the potential for developing sixth form provision in the local area,” he said. He said the council will ensure Bohunt are “key contributors” to the consultation in the Autumn. “We are keen to develop provision that serves the needs of all young people as they move on from their secondary school experience into their post-16 learning and will be commencing a Post 16 Strategy Consultation in the new academic year,” he said. In the spring, parents of students at the school launched a second petition calling for a sixth form to be built.
Age Concern given helping hand with garden THE GARDEN at Age Concern has been redesigned with help from two Bracknell care homes. Green-fingered team members from Bickerton House, on Warfield Road and Mountbatten Grange, in Windsor joined the Age Concern team to help paint outdoor furniture, plant flowers and spruce up its day centre garden ahead of its reopening last month. The team at Bickerton House said they were keen to support the charity, which supports people
with dementia, to reopen. Erika Smith, home manager at Bickerton House, said: “We understand just how important services like Age Concern Bracknell are to older people and their families living in the area. “The community has shown us a tremendous amount of support over the last year, which is why we’re delighted to be able to give something back as our way of saying thank you.” Andrew Eltham, CEO at Age Concern Bracknell said the charity was incredibly
FROM LEFT: A volunteer joins Tracey Van Zyl, community relations manager at Mountbatten Grange and Joanna Anderson, of the same role at Bickerton House
grateful for the support from Bickerton House and Mountbatten Grange. “As a charity, we rely on the kindness
Students benefit from school streets SCHOOL STREETS have been launched in Reading, to make it safer for students to walk, scoot or cycle to and from school. Lucy Prismall, transport planner and lead on programme at Reading Borough Council, said the worthwhile initiative brings tangible benefits to pupils, parents and nearby residents. “Temporarily closing streets outside schools to traffic at drop-off and pick up times completely alters the
street space, helping to lower congestion by encouraging people to change their travel behaviours, improve air quality, improve safety and leads to improved mental and physical health,” she said. Closures last for 45 minutes, during term time. Only eligible vehicles can access the road during the closure, such as residents and visitors to properties. The closure point is supervised by marshals.
and generosity of local people to ensure we can continue to provide muchneeded support for those living in our
“The initiative is new to Reading with our first trial in April, and two further school street trials have opened in June,” Ms Prismall said. “We recognise the safety of the children and other users in the street is paramount and this is the responsibility of the schools, especially the marshals, who are all volunteers as they are responsible for ensuring the roads are closed safely in accordance with the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order.” Marshals were trained
community, and so I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their help over the past few months,” he said.
with help from road safety training company TTC. Andy Wheeler, from the company, said the initiative supports their ethos of protecting people on the move. “Everyone involved has enjoyed working on the project as we can all appreciate the benefits,” he said. Schools must meet criteria to become eligible and complete an informal consultation with nearby residents and businesses before applying.
NEWS | 5
6 | NEWS
Council to fly the flag for NHS and keyworkers A SPECIALLY designed flag will be flown on Monday to celebrate the NHS and keyworkers. Wokingham Town Council is taking part in the inaugural NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day, which has been set as July 5 – the day that the National Health Service was founded. Since that day in 1948, everyone in the UK has had access to free healthcare. The town council said that the nation has treasured the service ever since, particularly since the pandemic gripped us in March last year. The flag will help show Wokingham’s gratitude to all NHS and front-line staff, while also offering a chance to reflect in remembrance of those who have sadly lost their lives. Cllr David Lee, town councillor for Evendons West, said: “NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day is an important moment to mark the service and sacrifice of the NHS and health workers, as well the amazing community spirit of our town which has come together to help one other. “We would like to show our appreciation of everything the NHS staff and key workers do for our town and country. “We thank you all.”
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New sewage system causes a real stink for Hurst villagers EXCLUSIVE By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today RESIDENTS are furious about a new unauthorised sewage treatment system, which would discharge into a waterway circling their 22 homes.
IT project manager Andrew Wilson was horrified to discover the end of the discharge pipe on his land and without his permission. The pipe had been installed under his boundary fence and hanging over the waterway which runs through his garden. He and other residents of Bonhomie Court in Broadcommon Road, Hurst are battling to get the sewage system removed. The equipment is part of a barn conversion, about 400 yards away, to create a home. Valerie Tester has told Wokingham Borough Council’s planners: “I strongly object to the work ……to install a septic tank with a pipe discharge into a stream which is in the grounds of Bonhomie Court and very much part of our lovely gardens. “I have had no notification of this
OUTLET: A discharge pipe has been installed in Bonhomie Court without permission Main picture: Andrew Wilson
work. This is appalling and surely cannot be allowed to happen, with effluent pouring into this stream which in high rainfalls extensively floods, overflowing into our gardens and in dry periods the stream dries up which would leave this sewage in the ground. “This is an environmental hazard… I strongly urge this work to be stopped.” She felt that the Broadcommon Road mains sewer should be used instead. The council has approved planning details of the barn conversion in Islandstone Lane. But it’s been revealed the permissions didn’t include the sewage system. Mr Wilson couldn’t understand
how planning permission was granted without questions about sewerage. He praised Hurst Village Society’s fantastic support for the residents’ case. The residents took their complaints, including safety concerns about wild ducks and geese, to the council’s planning enforcement team. On Monday council development compliance specialist Marcus Watts told Mr Wilson and John Osborne of Hurst Village Society he had seen that a “small sewage (package) treatment plant”, rather than a septic tank [as had been suggested by residents], was being installed. He understood the installation works were now complete. The
plant was unauthorised development. If an application for permission was refused “further action would be taken to enforce the removal of the offending treatment plant.” Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said the conversion planning application did not include any works relating to a septic tank or waste water system. “Following complaints from local residents, the council’s enforcement team were on site within 24 hours and are now investigating. The applicant has been told that any septic tank or waste water system works require planning permission,” he said. “The applicant indicated that they will submit a planning application for this work. Once the council has received an application, local residents will be consulted and have the opportunity to comment.” A spokesperson for the application's agent, mm3 Design, said that “the necessary applications have been submitted for the water treatment plant". The spokesman would not comment on the residents’ complaints.
Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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It’s the hottest console in town – and it’s yours to be won EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM tech wizard has launched a new giveaway competition in a bid to “give something back” to his customers following the pandemic.
Rory Pratt, owner of Pratts Pods based on Elms Walk, is giving away a PlayStation 5 for free — and it’s worth approximately £450. Pratts Pods, which offers a range of services to customers across Wokingham borough and beyond, including fixing broken tech and selling a variety of gadgets, launched its latest competition last week. “It’s one of the devices everyone is after at the moment and no one can get hold of,” Mr Pratt explained. “So, it’s going to help someone out. Hopefully it can give somebody a very happy child.” Since starting the contest on Friday, June 25, he said customers have already been flooding in to try and bag the prize to make their lockdown days that bit more exciting. To be in with a chance of winning the games console, people need to spend £20 in store for automatic entry. “You can also enter up to five times,” the company owner added.
FIVE ALIVE: Rory Pratt has a PlayStation 5 games console to giveaway to customers of his Pratts Pods tech repair business Picture: Steve Smyth
“So if you spent triple figures, your name would be entered multiple times. It’s for every single customer that comes in.” Mr Pratt launched Pratts Pods seven years ago after realising he had a knack for fixing broken gadgets. “I broke an awful lot of stuff when I was younger,” he explained. “When I got my first job, my parents said they wouldn’t fix my things anymore so I had to figure it out for myself.” Over the years, he has moved from repairing devices in his
bedroom and kitchen, to opening an office and then finally a shop in the town centre. “I saw an opportunity to open a store and I took it,” he said. According to Mr Pratt, demand has been on the rise during the pandemic as more and more people rely on tech to work and learn from home. “People are on their devices all the time and they are a lot more essential for us now,” the tech whizz explained. “It used to be a case of if you broke something you could deal
with it, but when you rely on it for work or school you don’t have a choice but to get it fixed straight away.” Alongside fixing broken gadgets, Pratts Pods also sells refurbished products, including charging cables, wireless earbuds and phone cases. The company owner said his firm prides itself on “honesty and quality” when repairing and selling devices. “This is what sets us apart from the rest,” Mr Pratt explained. “The industry is not very well regulated and we always strive for the highest quality. “We also do a lot of fixes for other repair shops too, so people can cut out the middleman by coming straight to us.” Pratts Pods works with a range of devices, from laptops to phones, and tablets to consoles. Using quality components, it fixes gadgets in a quick turnaround and offers three months’ warranty. “We do everything,” the owner added. “Anything you can throw a screwdriver at.” The Wokingham firm is running its giveaway competition until Saturday, July 31. It will announce the winner in a prize draw on Saturday, August 3 at 6pm. � To find out more about Pratts Pods’ services and how to enter the contest, visit: www.prattspods.co.uk
NEWS | 7
New code club awards its first certificates A CODING club for children awarded its first batch of certificates last week. Code Ninjas set up camp at St Crispin’s School on London Road, Wokingham, in April. The after-school club presented the While Belt award to its students on Saturday. The club teaches children up to the age of 14 how to code while building their own video games, improving their problem solving, critical thinking and STEM skills. Naveen Khapali, owner of Code Ninjas Wokingham, said the club has had a “really great start”. He said: “It’s been two months since we opened and we have had quite a number of kids already signed up. “Every week we see kids coming earlier than their usual time as they just can’t wait to come to Code Ninjas and start coding, learning game development and other STEM activities.” Code Ninjas will also be holding summer holiday camps. For more details, visit codeninjas.co.uk
Be Marvellous and help A MUSIC festival in Hurst is on the hunt for more volunteers this month. Marvellous Festivals, which takes place at Dinton Pastures, is looking for helpers to ensure the weekend event runs smoothly. The event runs from Friday, July 16 to Sunday, July 18, and volunteers are needed throughout and on Monday, July 19, to help clear the site. Volunteers are required to work between six and eight hours and will be provided with a meal and drink voucher. For any over 16s who sign up for more than two shifts will get a free camping site. To register interest, message the Marvellous Festivals Facebook page. For more details, visit marvellousfestivals.com
8 | NEWS
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Holt School pupils unveil mural mosaic in memory of teacher EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today STUDENTS at The Holt School unveiled a mosaic to celebrate their former teacher, James Furlong.
On Tuesday morning, pupils at the school spoke about creating a permanent memorial to the former history teacher, who was killed in the Forbury Garden terror attack last June. It was unveiled on Monday to the school community, and Mr Furlong’s immediate family with a ceremony. Tamanna Steven, 18, led the project as part of her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Mr Furlong had been her original supervisor, and after his death, she wanted to create a piece of art in her memory. “He had such a massive impact on my life, I wanted to create some kind of permanent memorial,” she said. Edie Sudlow, 14, who spoke at yesterday’s unveiling, described Mr Furlong as a “light of the school”. The project raised £12,300 in donations, quadrupling the initial target to create a memorial. With the money, the school commissioned Gary Drostle, an international award winning artist with more than 30 years experience with mosaics. “It was a real privilege to be asked to create this,” he said. “When I found out about the project, I knew it was a big responsibility, after such a tragedy. “There was a lot to think about to make it meaningful and positive,” he added. “Students have a lot of love for Mr Furlong.” The mosaic depicts a golden heart, surrounded by symbolic images. “For me, the golden heart in the middle is James,” Mr Drostle said. “The mirror represented the spirit of the students, reflecting them in the mosaic.” There is a circle of hearts, created by students and staff, which is then surrounded by a mosaic rainbow, to represent Mr Furlong in the LGBTQ+ community. The words passion, courage, dedication, kindness, integrity and humour then surround the shape, each chosen by students as a representation of their teacher’s values. The mosaic also includes hunky
punks, typically seen on Late Gothic churches, much like gargoyles. It is surrounded by a small garden with benches for reflection. Mr Drostle added: “Mosaics are a nice medium for public work, they’re very accessible as people can see the amount of work that has gone into it.” The design was shaped by student input, with workshops organised to help fine-tune the artwork. Students new to the school in September last year did not know Mr Furlong, but Ms Steven said she wants to ensure his legacy lives on. She will be creating a recurring “thought of the week” to introduce the former teacher to students, and explain the significance of the mural. “I want to make sure his legacy lives on through everyone,” she said. She spoke at yesterday’s event, and at the memorial service for all victims in Forbury Gardens last week.
FINISHED PIECE: Award winning artist Gary Drostle created the piece, and Tamanna Steven led the project as her Extended Project Qualification Pictures: Jess Warren
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT: Edie Sudlow, Holly Mackinnon and Daniela Bertolino were involved in shaping the design
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Villagers raise a glass as charity beer fest returns By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THOUSANDS of punters braved the rain for the “best Twyford Beer Festival ever” last weekend, writes Charlotte King.
On Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26, people came out in droves to take part in the annual event on Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground. Organised by Ian Wisdom, more than 3,500 residents enjoyed beer, live music and dancing across the two days to raise money for charity. “It was a really lovely atmosphere on both days,” the organiser said. “People walked around with big smiles on their faces, which is pretty much what I had hoped would happen. “Even in the rain, people just put chairs over the tops of their heads and were dancing.” The 11th Twyford Beer Festival continued its tradition of raising
funds for male cancer charity Orchid — and the organiser said 2021’s donation will be bigger and better than ever. “[In 2019] we raised £10,000 for Orchid, but I’m reasonably certain it’s going to be better this year,” Mr Wisdom explained. According to the organiser, the two representatives from the charity were “absolutely made up” with the reception from everybody who attended the event, too. “All of [the musical acts] thoroughly enjoyed it too,” he added. “They loved being able to get back out there and play in front of the public again. “All the brewers also pulled out the stops to give us some well presented beers.” Mr Wisdom will present Orchid with its donation in London in the future, once the team has calculated how much it raised this year.
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10 | BUSINESS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
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Shoppers regaining confidence say Woodley market stall holders EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today BUSINESS is picking up in Woodley town centre, market stall holders have said, as shoppers regain their confidence post-pandemic.
Despite the Government postponing the end of lockdown restrictions, the town’s retailers said business is booming. Kathy Osborne, owner of Kathy at Shedkraft, has been selling at Woodley Market for more than two years and believes it is faring better than other places where she trades. “Woodley is one of the nicest markets I do,” she said. “It’s not heaving, people feel comfortable, and it’s full of regular, local people.” While footfall is down compared to pre-pandemic shopping, Ms Osborne said Woodley town centre has “a great mix” of retailers to draw customers in. “It’s really diverse,” she said. “It’s not only fruit and veg but there are a lot of craft stalls — it’s a great mix and it’s keeping people like me going.” Sarah Zeneli, founder of Sparkle Vegan Events, said the Vegan Market has seen many “supportive
PRAISE: Shedkraft’s Kathy Osborne says Woodley market is one of the nicest she visits
visitors” in recent weeks too. “As we have measures in place such as social distancing and hand sanitising, we understand that residents have felt confident enough to return to the markets,” she said. “I think the main effect of the pandemic is that people have less disposable income so are thinking more about where they should
spend their money and, luckily for us, are choosing to support small businesses.” But she said a few stallholders have closed their businesses due to coronavirus. “However, with the final lifting of restrictions, we expect that customer confidence will build even stronger, more new businesses will start-up and join us,
Businesses called to join net carbon zero campaign WOKINGHAM businesses are being urged to lead the fight against the climate emergency, following a new Government campaign. It has launched the UK Business Climate Hub to encourage small businesses with 250 employees or less to commit to going net carbon zero by 2050. Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVBLEP) is backing the new scheme, which also urges companies to halve their emissions over the next nine years. Tracey Rawling Church (pictured), board director at
Water firm’s commitment to nature THE ENVIRONMENT is on the agenda for South East Water, which has become the first UK water firm to make a 25 year nature plan. The supplier is creating a roadmap to help ‘create and maintain’ the resilience of the environment in the future.
TVBLEP and co-lead of the LEP’s Net Zero strategy, said: “Getting greener will look different for every business, but there are steps you can take whether you are starting out or further along the road to zero emissions.” Strategies include switching to LED bulbs to adjusting heating systems and installing charging points. TVBLEP has also commissioned a study of the
net carbon zero strategies of Berkshire’s six local authorities, businesses and institutions. “[This will] identify and agree the actions needed to ensure Berkshire plays a leading role in the race to net zero,” Ms Church said. The report will be published in the summer. To find out more about UK Business Climate Hub, visit: www.businessclimatehub.org /uk
Last month, it held two workshops with a range of groups including NGOs, local authorities and housing developers to create a shared vision for the plan. It will hold smaller workshops with employees and customers between now and November, before publishing the final strategy later this year. Emma Gooddard, head of environment at South East Water, said: “Water and the
environment are intrinsically linked and we recognise that an important part of this is making sure we consider the environmental impact of our operations. “But for us, it’s about more than just continuing to supply water — we care deeply about the environment and want to protect and enhance it for future generations.” The plan will be reviewed and updated every five years.
layouts can be adapted to allow even more stalls, and markets will eventually return to ‘normal’,” Ms Zeneli added. Brian Fennelly, Woodley town centre manager, also agreed that the town’s Saturday markets have come back stronger — but he said he is not confident “[covid] is over until it’s all over”. According to the town centre manager, there are currently more market stalls than there were in March last year. “This summer, we’re getting decent footfall,” Mr Fennelly said. “But it’s too early to tell [what will happen in the long term]. “There’s still a bit of nervousness which is not helped by the Delta variant, so it’s been a bit stop-start understandably.” He said some of Woodley has reacted to the latest change in lockdown restrictions in a similar way to the rest of the nation, with a few residents lacking the confidence to come out and shop. “The effect [of the pandemic] is more psychological,” he said. “The [lockdown] date has been pushed back for a reason. “We are looking ahead with confidence and optimism but we’ve got to be realistic.”
What’s next for furlough? A THAMES Valley law firm has questioned whether the furlough scheme will be affected by the lockdown extension. Following prime minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that lifting lockdown would be delayed until later this month, Andrea Corr from Blandy & Blandy has looked at whether changes could be made to the programme. Following the lockdown extension last month, a whole host of bodies called for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which is in place until September, to be extended further into the year. But Ms Corr said support will remain available for workers, even if the scheme is scrapped sooner. “Specialist advice relating to the furlough scheme, for both employees and employers, is available from our Employment Law team,” she said. “We can also advise on areas including workforce restructuring and redundancies, unfair dismissal claims and any other aspect of employment.” According to chancellor Rishi Sunak, the furlough scheme has supported more than 11.5 million jobs since it was launched last spring. Until yesterday, the Government was paying 80% of workers’ salaries for hours not worked, up to £2,500 a month. Now, employers must cover 10% of wages for those hours not worked.
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CORONAVIRUS LATEST
Vaccinations go on the move to ensure nobody is left behind By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today VACCINATIONS are going on the move to make it more convenient for people to get their covid jab.
Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is co-ordinating visits across Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire boroughs. Anyone is welcome to visit the specially adapted vaccination van, and they don’t need to be registered with a GP. Healthcare professionals and wellbeing teams will be on board the Health on the Move van to answer Covid questions and offer the vaccination. Details of where the van will be visiting will be published over the next few days. Wokingham residents are asked to keep an eye on Wokingham. Today’s website for updates to find out when it will be in their area. Katie Summers, director of partnerships for the CCG, said: “We know that for some people it’s not easy to get to a vaccination centre which is why we’re bringing the van closer to you. “And we know some people still have concerns about the safety of
QUESTIONS: Health professionals will be on hand to answer queries about the vaccine Picture: Berkshire West CCG
the vaccine so we’ve got local, trusted medical professionals on hand to help, answer questions and deal with any concerns that are making people feel anxious.
“We’re working in partnership with our voluntary and community sector and faith leaders to build vaccine confidence and focus on ensuring everyone is protected and no one gets left
Long covid symptoms helped through singing DOCTORS at the Royal Berkshire Hospital have teamed up with the English National Opera (ENO) to help patients suffering from symptoms of long covid. The musical and medical venture has singers and therapists from ENO running online coaching sessions with patients at the hospital’s long covid clinic. The holistic online programme teaches selfmanagement tools for patients experiencing breathlessness and associated anxiety. In the weekly group sessions, patients are given the tools and techniques used by
singers to help them focus constructively on their breathing. Patients are taught to retrain their breathing through singing. Lullabies are used as the musical starting point as their purpose is to calm. Last year, 90% of those involved in the six-week pilot reported definite improvements in symptoms and wellbeing. Participants also said it reduced how isolated they felt. Now the programme is being rolled out to 1,000 patients across the country. At the Royal Berkshire Hospital, it’s being led by Dr Deepak Ravindran, lead
Whole class isolation is risk aversion gone mad says MP ON MONDAY, one of the borough’s MPs raised his concerns about whole classes of pupils having to self-isolate after a positive covid case. James Sunderland, whose Bracknell constituency includes Finchampstead, Crowthorne and Wokingham Without, said it is risk aversion gone mad. “Current covid policy
dictates that if a single child tests positive for coronavirus at school, the entire class is sent home and forced to isolate for 10 days,” he said. “We owe it to our children to get back to normal.” Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees Mogg replied, stating: “While in some cases a whole class might
clinician for Berkshire Long Covid Integrated Service. He oversaw the creation of the long covid clinic, one of the first in the country to establish such a venture. “The success of the ENO pilot last year is showing good results and proving that breathing through singing can help those suffering with breathlessness,” he said. “The programme provides vital physical and emotional support to those experiencing the effects of long covid and it’s great to see the ENO working with the NHS on such creative measures to help people with this illness.” be required to isolate, we know that many settings are using seating plans and other means to identify close contacts and minimise the number of individuals that need to isolate.” Mr Rees Mogg said it is not an “absolute rule” but a matter of judgement. He added: “I hope people will use their judgement wisely.” � For more information about self-isolation guidance for school pupils, staff and families, visit: www.gov.uk
behind in the vaccine roll out,” she added. “Please pay us a visit because the quicker we all get jabbed the quicker we can all get back to doing things that we’ve missed so much.”
Covid infection rate exceeds 100 in borough THE RATE of infection in the borough has exceeded 100 cases per 100,000 people for the first time since February — during the second wave. On Tuesday, June 29, there were 36 positive cases, and the infection rate was 104, higher than 72.5 last week. It brings the total case number to 9,086. This is lower than the national rate of infection at 145.4 per 100,000 people, which has risen 72.8% in the last week. On the same day, Bracknell Forest saw its rate per 100,000 rise to 102 from 77.5. There were 22 new cases on Tuesday, June 29. The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are higher than in Wokingham again this week, with an infection rate of 156.4, higher than last week’s 141.6. On Tuesday, Reading reported 66 positive cases – it had 88 on Monday. Windsor and Maidenhead had 34 new cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 has risen from 46.9 to 99.7 this week. West Berkshire recorded 19 positive cases, and its infection rate is 67.5, up from 56.2 last week. Slough’s infection rate is 89.6, up from 62.2 last week. It recorded 33 covid cases on Tuesday. Nationally, 44,581,771 people have been given their first dose of a vaccine in the UK, and 32,721,762 people have had their second dose. In England, this is 37,382,390 first doses and 2,522,043 second doses. On Tuesday, there were 23 deaths in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test. There were 265 patients admitted to hospital with the virus.
12 | NEWS
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Pride of Reading awards reveals new sponsors By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THREE new sponsors have been announced for this year’s Pride of Reading and the focus is on celebrating frontline heroes.
The annual awards celebrate achievements of ordinary people and organisations across the greater Reading area and are hosted by television celebrity Chris Tarrant. Reading-based Jacobs Jewellers will present a Special Recognition Award which will be revealed on the day. Company partner Adam Jacobs: “We’re thrilled to be supporting the 2021 Pride of Reading Awards. Having been established in Reading for almost 75 years, it’s a real honour to sponsor the Special Recognition Award, a category that’s incredibly meaningful to our community – maybe even Pride of Reading’s jewel in the crown”. Solicitors Boyes Turner will sponsor two Business in Actions awards, one for under 50 employees and one for more than 50.
CELEBRATION: Host Chris Tarrant with awards presenter Mel Bloor of ITV Meridian Picture: Pride of Reading
A spokesperson for Boyes Turner said: “In an extraordinarily challenging year businesses across
Reading stepped up during the Covid-19 crisis to support their communities. The Business in
Action category, which Boyes Turner is sponsoring, gives us a chance to recognise those efforts and say thank you to the businesses and people who make a difference to people’s lives.” Berkeley Homes is to sponsor a photograph competition, with the theme to be announced shortly. Sally Swift, who chairs the awards, said: “We are delighted to welcome Boyes Turner and Jacobs Jewellers to our sponsors. “It shows that local companies want to thank our frontline heroes who have done so much for us during the pandemic. “And we are so pleased to run another photograph competition with Berkeley Homes.” The new sponsors join McDonalds, Reading Football Club, Macbeth Insurance, Broad Street Mall Reading Buses, The Oracle, M&G Real Estate, Qwerty, AB Walker, Green Park, IQVIA and Cream Design. Supporters include ITV, ITM.AV, Reading Borough Council, BBC Radio Berkshire, Berzerk Productions, Reading FC Conference and Events, Electric Hair, Starlet Dance School. The awards will be held on Friday, December 3, at the Madejski Stadium. Nominations will remain open until early October. � To nominate someone, visit www.porawards.co.uk
High Steward of Wokingham becomes Deputy Lieutenant FOUR Deputy Lieutenants have been appointed for Berkshire. The Lord Lieutenant James Puxley, has chosen four people to help him represent the Queen in the county. Lindsey Beard JP, Carol Jackson-Doerge, Lucy Zeal and Geraldine Lejeune OBE were selected. Mr Puxley said he was delighted to welcome four new Deputy Lieutenants, who are encouraged to support public and emergency services and the armed forces. “I congratulate them on being awarded this honour and I look forward to working with them in the future,” he said. Deputy Lieutenants are expected to promote a spirit of co-operation by supporting charitable and voluntary organisations and to take an interest in the commercial, social, civic and spiritual life of Berkshire. The Lord Lieutenant is now supported in his work by the Vice Lord Lieutenant and 31 Deputy Lieutenants. Ms Zeal is also the 20th High Steward of Wokingham in 2018, a life appointment. She sits on the Wokingham Civic Awards selection committee, and is a patron of WADE. Ms Zeal volunteers for Browns Community Services and supports other charities. She was the High Sheriff of Berkshire between 2019 and 2020.
PEDAL POWER: Paul Busby being given the latest advice on E-Bikes by Rob Bowen and Dave Llewellyn of A W Cycles Picture: Pride of Reading
Cycling of tomorrow, today
WOKINGHAM residents enjoyed being told to get on their bikes on Saturday, thanks to the town council. It teamed up with My Journey Wokingham to give people a chance to try ebikes from the Shute End car park. Specialists AW Cycles and Velospeed had a range for people to try out, while youngsters could have a go at balance bikes.
Nursery goes platinum A FINCHAMPSTEAD nursery has received a top accreditation for quality improvement. Waverley Nursery, on Waverley Way, has been awarded a
Dr Bike was on hand to offer free bike checks, while clothing, accessories and helmets were on sale. And people could take part in a bike challenge run by Urban Limits. A spokesperson for the Wokingham My Journey Team said: “Ebikes are particularly useful for older adults or those with disabilities who need a little help up the hills.
Quality Counts Platinum Accreditation from the National Day Nursery Association (NDNA). Lianne Costello, head of nursery provision, said: “I am very proud that we have achieved the highest grade for this
“Using an ebike does not mean being lazy as you can get all the health benefits from pedalling normally for much of the journey and, with better weather on its way, why not get in the habit of ditching the car for short journeys and improving air quality. “In the last year, bike shops have been selling out of e-bikes for all ages, even more quickly than children’s bikes.”
accreditation, and this reflects the quality of our care and provision Waverley Nursery provides. “We constantly reflect on our nursery to ensure we are second to none and the children are provided with high
quality educators to not only care for them daily but also provide them with achieving their very first milestones in education.” Mrs Costello said Waverley Nursery has a child-centred, selfguided curriculum.
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Looking to the future: charity branches out
Berkshire Vision launches wellbeing programme
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
A COUNTY-WIDE sight-loss charity has been given a funding boost by David Wilson Homes. The housebuilder gave £500 to Berkshire Vision, to help pilot its Real-eyes programme, which is designed to support people with sight loss struggling with their confidence and mental wellbeing. Laura Mitchell, CEO of the charity said they were delighted to be chosen for the Community Fund donation. “Since the start of the pandemic, the number of people with sight loss we’re supporting has increased by more than 20%,” she said. “Sight loss takes away more than just vision; it takes away independence and confidence and leaves those affected isolated. “Many of us have struggled through successive lockdowns, but for many blind and visually impaired people this has been intensified as the world around them has changed in ways they cannot see to navigate.” This includes one-way systems and signs noting limited numbers of purchases, while having to socially distance from others they don’t know are there. Two days after lockdown was announced, Berkshire Vision launched a programme of remote activities and introduced a telephone befriending service to
A NEW project designed to help young adults with disabilities to explore their ambitions was launched in Twyford last week.
Former prime minister, and local MP, Theresa May cut the ribbon to open the offices of Building For The Future Plus at Bell Corner. She was joined by Wokingham Borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker, as well as supporters of the charity. Builing For The Future Plus’ Jane Holmes said it is a very exciting project that bridged a gap to help young adults find opportunities to help them with their work, hobbies and socialising. Each of the charity’s projects would be unique to the applicant. “We believe that young people can work towards achieving their ambitions, they just need support and someone to source the opportunities, which are absolutely everywhere,” she said. “We’ve been blown away by how many opportunities have come our way and how many we can create. “We’re so excited to start working on this. Our young people with disabilities are so important to us, to our community and to society as a whole. We are so very grateful for all of you for your support.” Cllr Baker said that he understood the need for the charity, as he had been a governor at The Addington School in Woodley for more than 10 years, and had
FORWARD THINKING: Theresa May (second from right) helps launch Building For The Future Plus at Bell Corner in Twyford on Thursday Picture: Phil Creighton
also worked with Ms Holmes while he had been borough council leader. “For some time, there has been a gap in provisions for young people with disabilities who have left school or college in our borough. Building for the future plus aims to add to the existing provisions and help ease that transition to add uphold,” he said. “I have no doubt this will be a resounding success.” And Mrs May praised Ms Holmes and her colleagues for their “incredible enthusiasm”.
“I have every confidence that with Jane’s verve and enthusiasm, and all the supporters that have been involved in this and in the future, that this is going to be a fantastic service and a fantastic support for young people with disabilities.” The service is now open for youngsters to make use of and wants businesses and organisations who can help to come forward. The charity also welcomes donations. � For more details, log on to www.btft.org.uk
ensure its most vulnerable members were supported, understood what was happening and did not feel alone. A few months later, it launched a pilot Tech Buddy programme, where people with sight loss were trained as Tech Buddies to help their technologically excluded peers to use devices to reduce their isolation. Paul Crispin, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern,the charity’s work throughout the pandemic has been admirable. “Ensuring those with sight loss regain their confidence and wellbeing as restrictions ease is of utmost importance and it’s a pleasure to help the charity offer much needed support,” he said. � For more information about Berkshire Vision, visit: berkshirevision.org.uk
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EXECUTIVENEWS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
PHIL CREIGHTON reports on the executive meeting of Wokingham Borough Council, held on Thursday, June 24
Row over leisure Leaders praise council’s centre price rises THE INCREASE in costs for leisure centre users was raised by Cllr Sarah Kerr. She said that for some groups there had been a four-fold rise. She wanted to know who was involved in the decision making process. Responding, Cllr Parry Batth, the executive member for environment and leisure, said that the proposed price increases were not deemed to be core pricing sessions, and the changes in cost related to legacy membership inherited by operator Places For People when they took on the contract. “The legacy memberships were honoured for over three years while refurbishment and improvement works were carried out across all Wokingham sites,” he said. “Racket sport hire price has not increased from 1st June 2019, instead the booking structure for members has been reviewed and amended in June 2021, the headline membership rate of £41 a month unlimited use has not been increased this year, and there are no plans to review this until 2022. “On average, members book a racket court 1-2 times weekly. This frequency of use ensures their membership is still excellent value.” He added that affected members were transferred to a “more suitable” membership, for over 60s, at a rate of £29 per month, and a 50% reduction
on the cost of courts. “Recommendations are also encouraged those members split the price of a squash court with their playing partner, rather than paying for the court in full themselves, reducing the racket usage costs by half.” Cllr Kerr said she was surprised by the answer, and they had crunched the numbers and sports club Wellington College was cheaper. Cllr Halsall wanted Cllr Kerr to stop making a point and instead ask her question. Cllr Kerr responded that she was truing to frame the question. “I'm making the point there's a much better facility in Wellington health and fitness club is actually cheaper than St Crispin’s,” she said. “Why are you pricing people out of using facilities once supposedly for public benefit?” Cllr Batth said that these were legacy prices. “Squash is a fantastic game. Unfortunately, we have to be competitive ... WBC is the lowest funded authority in the country. “We want to use these funds wisely to provide sports facilities that are the best in the country, all our residents can use these facilities at competitive prices.” Cllr Kerr said she would send an email detailing the cost of the prices to prove that Wellington was cheaper.
financial position THE results of the local elections showed “a demonstration of our residents’ faith in this Conservative administration” according to the leader of the council. Cllr John Halsall made the comments at the start of the Executive meeting held in Shute End and broadcast online on Thursday, June 24, pointing out that the party’s vote share went up and held their majority. “I am delighted to see that we are now not only the healthiest local authority but also the most prosperous, having for a long time been one of the most desirable places to live,” he continued. “This is despite being the lowest funded with the lowest level of deprivation. A huge testament to this administration but not a moment for complacency. Whilst I am Leader of this Council, the Executive will strive every day to make this Borough the greatest, safest and happiest place to live, work and bring up a family.” He praised council officers and staff for their efforts, particularly on two elements of its “huge, ambitious programme to deliver for residents – the local plan and neighbourhoods and communities”.
Cllr Halsall felt that opposition criticism of the council’s finances was “was to ensure that on gaining control the opposition could disingenuously claim that magically the finances had instantaneously been fixed. Let me repeat there is nothing to fix. “Our finances are strong, transparent and in rude health.” He accused the opposition of looking both ways at the same time, and not having a great plan for the future, it was “disingenuous” to pretend house building policies were new, when it was in both the Lib Dem and Conservative manifestos for the 2019 general election. And there was no conflict between housing and the climate emergency: “We must do both”, Cllr Halsall said. He added that the council’s work on the local plan was essential. “Failure to develop a local plan as the opposition suggest will ensure that decisions are not made by local residents and communities by developers, the planning inspectorate and (the government). “Wokingham Borough Council’s opposition leader will ensure that homes will be dumped near you.” Cllr John Kaiser, the deputy leader
and executive member for finance, said that “it had been frustrating listening to the lies and rumours about the council’s finances at a time when people have many fears, illnesses, loss of jobs and income”. “Statements to scaremonger at such a time is not only irresponsible but lacking any sense of feelings or respect for all those who benefit and rely on the many services delivered by Wokingham borough council in addition it destroys the morale of the staff battling through this tough time,” he said, adding that the council had come through the pandemic under budget, with a general reserve of £10.4 million. “The only area where we have seen an increase of costs is the dedicated school grant this reflects the increase in cost for children with special needs.” He concluded: “As we come out of the shadow of Covid-19 you will see other initiatives, we are financially well placed to pursue the goal to eradicate poverty and provide high quality services for all the residents of the borough and at the same time and will continue to do so. After all, it is the residents’ money.”
Parties clash over council’s covid recovery plan THE COVID recovery strategy was discussed by councillors. During members questions, Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey said she had trouble seeing what the council was doing over and above business as usual. “Even Wokingham Town Council has managed to find funding for advertising and banners promoting businesses in Wokingham Town Centre, but at this critical time, we have seen no wider help at all from WBC,” she said. Responding Cllr John Halsall said: “Rather than just hang up some bunting and banners we will continue to regenerate the Town Centre in the context of Business Recovery at a total investment of approximately £150m. This will involve working hard with our resources to bring in attractive retailers by encouraging them this is a great place to come and set up business. We have already been successful in doing this during the pandemic.” There would be additional staff members to reach out to businesses to offer appropriate support. He also pledged that creating vibrancy would create the right environment and events to draw people in. “You will also be aware from this agenda that we are even investing sizeably in a boxing hub in the town centre, which we are expecting to be of great appeal across age ranges and genders,” he added. Cllr Shepherd-DuBey felt this wasn’t an answer to her question, pointing out that there had not been money allocated in the recent budget and wanted to know what the cost of the
covid recovery plan was, saying that the recovery plan report had been “dumped on us”. But Cllr Halsall disagreed, saying: “It’s all in the budget, we’ve been working on the covid recovery plan for the 12 months”, adding that Earley and Wokingham town council officers had been asleep during the pandemic “having delegated all the functions of the officers. “There is no evidence that either (Earley or Wokingham Town Councils) had done anything material in that time”. He added that it had been “appalling” that Earley Town Council had not been able to finish the transfer of Sibley Woods from Persimmon Homes “while suggesting they should be custodians of more land”, while the Lib Dems had been against the redevelopment of Wokingham town centre. “We Conservatives had led in Wokingham town, Woodley, Earley, Twyford… every improvement had been opposed by the Lib Dems. The Twyford Library was completely devoid of any Lib Dem involvement, it is a story of achievement of which I’m proud.” Cllr Lindsay Ferris, the Lib Dem leader, said that there was no mention of the recovery plan in his budget speech and he couldn’t see any budget commitments. “Is this document nothing more than an afterthought?” Cllr Halsall said: “The only way in which I would refer to this document and the huge work that sits behind it, as an after-thought, is that
throughout the pandemic it has been the thought we had after saving lives, communities and businesses”. He added that the budgets were set out in the council’s medium term financial plan released in February, and that the Lib Dems were “missing the fundamental point of this this strategy. All of the Council’s resources will be utilised with these Pillars in mind as these Pillars are considered to be the most significant areas that need attending to in delivering successfully on our Council Plan.” And the council would “not be shy in seeking additional budgetary resources if and where it is needed.” There was an angry exchange afterwards. Cllr Ferris bemoaned what he felt was the lack of an an answer to his question. “I think you’ve missed the point of what we’ve been saying about the recovery, because what you’ve mentioned mostly this evening is our activities which have been going on for three, four or five years. Cllr Halsall pushed Cllr Ferris for a question, who then asked: “What is it extra that you doing due to covid?” Cllr Halsall said the party had been offering good financial management and that the party would live within that envelope. “I've always been rather appalled by the financial illiteracy with the opposition,” he said. “We will come back to the the executive or council if we need further budgetary additions to that envelope.”
Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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EXECUTIVENEWS
‘Asleep? Far from it!’ Town council leaders hit back at leader’s criticism � Continued from front page
Cllr Hallsall said: “They’ve done nothing.” “We (the borough council) were up and running (with a covid strategy) in May last year, long before anybody else. Wokingham Town Council is sitting of £750,000 to £1 million in reserves none of which have been used to protect anybody or do anything during the pandemic. All they’ve done is produce some bunting.” And Earley Town Council, he felt, have shown “the height on incompetence” for failing to transfer land from developers to the town council in a two-year period. “They haven’t been able to do it because they’ve been shut down for covid. They mothball the whole operation.” He also said: “All they’ve done is use council taxpayers’ money to maintain an organisation that was effectively shut down. That really is irresponsible financial management.” Cllr Jones said that Earley Town Council had been very active throughout the pandemic. “Residents have been able to email or telephone the town council and receive a response,” he said. “We have kept the Help Shop open when we have been allowed to, we provided services for the borough such as allowing residents to collect blue bags and waste bins from our offices. “Interestingly, they were not able to go to Shute End offices as Wokingham Borough Council had closed them.” The town council had also kept parks up, work on its maintenance programme including nature reserves, and upgraded some facilities. This included a new fire alarm system and completing an upgrade on the town council’s IT equipment. “They have not been kept up to date by the Conservatives,” he said. Other activities included sending youth outreach officers to the
community, and kept a schedule of council meetings. He challenged Cllr Halsall to check the town council’s website for agendas and minutes. “How can he be unaware of what's been going on in such a large part of the borough?” Cllr Jones said. “His comments, remarks, whatever, are very unprofessional and unwarranted and shows a complete lack of understanding of what town councils do. And he has shown himself to be totally unfit to be the leader of the Borough Council.” A similar view was made by Cllr Shepherd-DuBey, who felt it was a “politically motivated attack from the Conservative leadership of Wokingham borough council”. “They have, more recently been making up nonsense accusations against our Liberal Democrat Councillors – usually in an attempt to cover up their own failings. In this instance, both Earley and Wokingham Town Councils are both Liberal Democrat-led, but these accusations do a disservice to the staff and the Councillors or all political colours who are members of the Town Council,” he added. “Throughout the pandemic Wokingham Town Council has continued to provide as many services as possible. In addition we were able to promote businesses that were still able to operate. “For instance, many of the local restaurants were still able to make food for takeaway, some businesses were able to deliver products and groceries - we promoted these for free via local social media outlets and on our websites. “Now that the Town Centre businesses are open again, we have put up banners and advertising promoting Wokingham as a destination.” She added that Wokingham Town Council switched to virtual meetings
and allowed staff to work from home where possible, while keeping parks, allotments and the market ticking over. It also organised a virtual children’s book festival and a socially distance theatre event in Howard Palmer Gardens, among other initiatives and ensure the Christmas tree was decorated. Other activities included a virtual Wokingham In Bloom contest, a Living Advent Calendar, Heritage Day events and a science for school lecture programme. The town council also welcomed nominations for civic awards, recognising achievements from within the community. And at Christmas both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and their partners went on Christmas Day to thank the volunteers who were going out visiting the isolated with gifts and food. Letters to Link Visiting Scheme clients were sent out to ensure people were thought off. And the Town Council said that its officers had been easy to contact, working with residents on their concerns. “None of our staff were furloughed there was no need - and they were still continuing with their work, responding to phone calls and emails,” Cllr Shepherd-DuBey continued. “Later in the pandemic, some of our staff were redeployed to working at the vaccination clinics etc and we continued to pay them to do that work throughout.” She concluded: “To accuse Wokingham Town Council of 'sleeping' through the pandemic is an absolute ridiculous notion that shows how out of touch the Conservatives at WBC are. “If anything, Wokingham Town Council has stepped up to meet the challenges and have gone beyond that to make the pandemic more bearable for our residents.” � Letters page 23
NEWS | 15
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
Summer Fun
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T WON’T be long until this strangest of academic years is over and the cry of ‘School’s out for summer’ rings across the land. With it comes the eternal cry of ‘what we can do?’ in the bid to beat that other eternal cry of ‘I’m bored!’ It’s even harder to organise events this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Not everything is running and not everything is running at its usual capacity. However, given that we know it’s safer to enjoy the big outdoors, there’s never been a better time to explore activities on our doorstep. For a memorable day out, why not head to the river? Paddleboard Maidenhead offers rivertrips, lessons and hire all year round, but what could be nicer on a summer’s day that just enjoying a day on the river? Children of all ages are welcome, and can ride on their parent/ guardian’s boards or, if they are eight or older, use their own. Beginners are welcome, parties are available, and there’s also opportunities to try yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Sessions run from Wargrave, among other places. For full details, and to see the extensive range of activities, log on to www.paddleboard maidenhead.uk
If paddleboarding seems too exhausting, then how about pushing the boat out? Sonning River Charters offers a private charter on luxurious chauffeured boats, all based in Sonning. Its launch can carry up to 12 passengers and an experienced skipper will take care of everything. All you have to do is relax and enjoy one of the most picturesque stretches of the River Thames. You can order hampers, afternoon teas, aperitifs and sparkling wines to enjoy while on the river, it’s all very civilised. The company can offer special occasions, pre-lunch excursions, romantic afternoons and an evening sunset cruise. Perfect for family day trips, ideal for transport to and from restaurants, theatres and hotels, it’s a day that will be remembered for many years to come. Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre has moved to a new home within Moss End Garden Village, and continues to offer its amazing Bird of Prey experiences including Half Day Sessions, Family Falconry Experiences, Family Owl Encounters, Educational Talks for Brownies and Scout groups, School Talks and Group Meetings. The new centre now boasts a beautiful new gift shop and a brand-new centre with all the family favourites including Barn Owls, Snowy Owl, Peregrine
Falcons and Harris hawks. To enjoy these awesome birds close up Feathers and Fur Falconry is offering readers 10% off all their experiences by simply entering the code ‘Summer’ when purchasing a gift voucher via their website www.feathersandfur.co.uk See its website for opening times. And for fun for younger ones all through the summer, Ultimate Activity Camps is a perfect summer smash hit. It provides Ofsted-regulated activities for ages four to 14 from a variety of locations, including Luckley House School in Wokingham and Crosfields School in Shinfield. It aims for a very high level of care and welfare for all the children it looks after, through a range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods. These include archery, badminton, basketball, climbing, fencing, handball, nature trail, netball, tag rugby, yoga and zorbing. New activities this year include combat archery, a combination of Dodgeball, Laser Quest, and Archery. Children aged 8+ are put into teams and fire at their opponents with large safe foam tip arrows and score points for their teams. Whatever you do to enjoy summer this year, ensure it’s covid safe and have a brilliant time.
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Rail bridge reopens WORK to restore Wokingham’s historic railway bridge has been praised. Members of the Wokingham Society have said this week that the Grade II listed landmark should be cherished. The bridge was closed last November after stair treads and metal work deteriorated. Network Rail has been working with Wokingham Borough Council and local groups to ensure the restoration of the bridge was completed carefully. This included using like-forlike timber on the stair treads and trying to match the original colour of the paintwork. The project cost just over £300,000 according to Network Rail, and reopened earlier this week. Peter Must, from the Wokingham Society, was thrilled. “The Wokingham Society is delighted that Network Rail has completed its renovation of the footbridge,” he said. “Together with a number of concerned enthusiasts we were able to collaborate with Network Rail staff to initiate this project and to share design objectives. “We hope the many local people who cherish this Wokingham landmark will feel that Network Rail has restored the footbridge with the care and attention to detail that it deserves.”
NEWS | 17
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New SEND school opens … in Slough By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
LESSONS: Upton Grange is for early years and Key Stage 1 children with autism and is accepting Wokingham referrals
WOKINGHAM pupils can be referred to a new SEND school in Slough.
Upton Grange is Hillingdon Manor School’s new provision for early years and Key Stage 1 specialist education for threeto seven-year-olds with autism, complex communication and sensory needs. It has space for 35 pupils and will be taking referrals from Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell Forest, Slough, Buckinghamshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Surrey, Hillingdon and Hounslow. The school was opened in response to growing regional demand for specialist education. There are in-house speech and language and occupational therapists, as well as psychologists and music and drama therapists. Classes will be for six to 10 children, supported by a teacher
and two teaching assistants. Abigail Davis, head of education, said, “For a child with autism, entering a new environment can be a challenging experience, can impact their behaviour and trigger dysregulation. “We provide our children with autism-appropriate education and support at key developmental stages that enables them to gain essential social skills and prepares them for life beyond school and in society. “Our multi-disciplinary therapy team that works across Upton Grange, Yiewsley Grange
and Hillingdon Manor enables us to share consistent knowledge about a child as they progress through our Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 provision, and to provide them with the tools to selfregulate and prosper.” Each child has an allocated pastoral care worker who looks after their needs and regularly updates parents or carers on progress. The school is five minutes away from Slough town centre. � For more, visit: www. Hillingdon manorschool.org.uk, email referrals@optionsautism.co.uk, or call 01753 971090.
Summer Fun Advertisement feature To appear in our next feature call 0118 327 2662
Help track down helpful bus driver A FINCHAMPSTEAD brewery is hunting down a helpful bus driver. Siren Craft Brew is looking to thank a driver from Reading Buses that helped direct visitors to the brewery, The Marino Way site is slightly tougher to reach at the moment, due to a road closure on Nine Mile Ride. The Leopard 3 bus took a different route due to the diversion, but told visitors the best stop to get off, and how to reach the brewery. Tim Pritchard, content creator at Siren Craft Brew said it was great to see drivers being so helpful. “Reading Buses have always been brilliantly supportive of us and we're grateful for that,” he said. “We want every single Tap Yard visitor to have the best day possible and it’s great to hear that even the local buses are helping to make that happen.” He said the brewery wants to find the bus driver, and give him a small reward. “As we’re currently celebrating the one-year anniversary of our Flagship session IPA, Lumina, if we can find out who that bus driver was, then there’s one of our incredible Lumina Lightyear bundles on us.” � For more information, visit: sirencraftbrew.com/ luminalightyear
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
Super scarecrows take over Bearwood PTA trail
HEROES and villains appeared across Winnersh over the weekend. The Bearwood School PTA scarecrow trail followed the fantastical theme to raise money for the school. From Saturday to Sunday, families spotted familiar characters across the area, carefully created by residents. Scarecrows included Darth Vader, Miss Trunchbull from Matilda, Batman
and Fireman Sam. Families could buy a map of all the locations for £3, which went to the PTA. Afterwards, photos of each scarecrow were shared on the event’s Facebook page, with people voting for their favourite creation. � For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ BearwoodScarecrowTrail
FIREMAN SAM: The cartoon hero was at Bearwood School
COMIC CHARACTER: Batman was spotted along Bearwood Road
I’M BIG AND YOU’RE SMALL: Rebecca Mackenzie, 13, Isla Fisher, 13, and Abi Jackson, 13, with Miss Trunchbull
I AM THE MASTER: Chloe, 8, and Sophie Johnstone, 10, with their Darth Vador scarecrow Pictures: Steve Smyth
Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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20 | NEWS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
Nellie knows
Nellie Williams nelliewilliams.co.uk Nellie knows
All good things …
POPULAR: JAC’s Elderflower cordial was made from flowers on its Rehoboth site
Sold out? We’ll drink to that
A
LL good things come to an end and as a regular columnist of this paper since day one I couldn’t sneak off without saying goodbye.
Originally writing weekly, then twice monthly to writing one column for the first Thursday of the month I am now retiring my column and this is it, my final column. When editor Phil Creighton first asked me if I would write for the new local paper as he liked my writing, blogs and ramblings I was flattered, so gingerly I did indeed start writing, deleting and then with my eyes closed and fingers crossed emailed it across. That first morning with trepidation I opened the brand new paper and there it was along with all the local news. Over the years I have rambled and told yarns, shared local information and made the Welsh diaspora yearn for home with my Wales adventures. That’s hiraeth for you. Adventures continue and I’m now working with four ex-Wales and Lions players (James Hook, Lee Byrne, Mike Phillips and Shane Williams) who have started a coffee company called FabFour Coffee as well as a gin company The Collective Spirits. They’ll hopefully be here next year at some stage during Wales Week Berkshire (February 19 to March 6, 2022) as will other familiar Welsh faces. Oh, and some more news hot off the press … Wiltshire and Hampshire have recently joined Wales Week Worldwide. So there you are then. That’s me signing off and I’ll see you after. Thank you Phil for trusting me with a column, and thank you to everyone who has read it and taken the trouble to get in touch. Wishing Wokingham.Today all the very best for the future, if I don’t see you around here I’ll see you in Wales. � Nellie writes articles and blogs which can be found at www.nelliewilliams.co.uk. Details of next year’s Wales Week Worldwide (including Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire) are there too
Editor writes: We are hugely grateful to Nellie for her columns over the past few years, and we will miss her contributions. She is a valued part of the Wokingham community. However, we know that this won’t be the last time that we’ll see Nellie in our pages, and we look forward to that. Thank you.
A WOKINGHAM organisation that supports young people to make good choices launched a new summer drink last month, which sold out in just a few weeks. Just Around the Corner (JAC) is a Christian charity based on Forest Road. Founded in 1998, it offers learning and development therapy for children and young people in Wokingham borough. In June, the charity launched a new Elderflower Cordial to raise funds to support its work, made from fruit growing naturally on its site. “The elderflower was collected and turned into cordial specifically for last weekend’s Hurst Show,” says Robbie Forsaith, office manager at JAC. “We have now consumed all the elderflower on site so won’t be able
to provide anymore until it grows again in the spring.” The cordial was part of a range of local produce at the charity’s online Rehoboth Shop, which also includes homemade jams and chutneys, and honey made from bees on site. All the money raised through sales is fed back into the charity to support mentoring for young people struggling with school. “We run all our sessions at a loss to keep them accessible and affordable to schools and parents,” Robbie adds. “So donations and fundraising are vital in allowing us to continue to work with young people to provide a safe environment to explore their personal challenges and encourage positive choices.” � Find out more about JAC and visit its online store here: www.jacoutreach.org
Have a care? You will if you live around here … READING is one of the country’s most caring places, according to a new app that connects people with trusted, vetted companions. The town came second place, after Bristol, for the highest proportion of people helping others on the Companiions app, when the figures are adjusted for population size. Users of the befriending network can book a visit from a companion for themselves or a loved one. Organisers can select the companion most suited to their loved one’s needs, picking from profiles that detail experience levels, occupation, and skills like first aid. Costs start at £12 for an hour visit, and companions can donate any or all of their fee to charity if they wish. Lisa Robinson, CEO of befriending network Companiions, says: “We’ve been amazed by the number of compassionate people across the country who have come forward to be companions.
“The residents of Bristol, Reading and Manchester have really led the way, and it’s a testament to the community spirit in these cities. “The last year and a half have been immensely difficult for many people, and lockdown has seen loneliness and anxiety levels soar. “The enforced separation we endured during the pandemic revealed what a difference simple things, like having someone to chat to, can make. “Our research shows four fifths of us are now more conscious of the loneliness of others.” She said the company is on a mission to end loneliness by bringing easy-to-arrange companionship to all. “If you know someone who will still be lonely or unable to cope with everyday tasks when life returns to normal, wherever you live, you can organise a little bit of help or companionship securely and affordably via Companiions,” she adds.
Light, fa SUNDOWN: Wokingham-based photographer James Singleton has captured this stunning image of
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
at sunset from a bird’s eye view. He took up drone photography as a hobby three years ago, and now ENJOY the town centre in a new light, snaps scenic shots from points of thanks to Wokingham borough drone interest across the borough. photographer James Singleton. He says getting a good sunset The owner of photography firm photo is all in the timing. JS Aerial Solutions, James has been “Generally, my best shots are taken busy capturing Wokingham about 10 minutes before the sunset,
Max and Sue really WOKINGHAM borough’s first big wedding in more than a year saw Mr and Mrs Knott finally tie the knot last month. Love was in the air on Monday, June 21, as Sue and Max Knott celebrated their marriage in front of 70 family and friends — the first day when weddings no longer had to restrict numbers. Sue, a pilot, and Max, a bicycle mechanic, held the ceremony at Stanlake Park after dating for two years. “We would often cycle from Wokingham to Henley and one day we went into Stanlake Park for a drink and saw they do weddings and thought let’s do it,” Sue says. “Max couldn’t propose the way he wanted to because of lockdown, so he proposed to me after a meal at home instead.” The new bride says arranging their wedding during the pandemic was initially a breeze, but everything turned upside down when the Government announced it would extend coronavirus restrictions last month. “It was all a bit frantic,” Sue explains.
“Everything went amazing but the last week was a bit stressful.” The pair ended up celebrating their love in outdoor gazebos, playing games with friends, and even held their first dance in the rain. Sue says while they could have
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All things bright and beautiful have Roots By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM plant nursery has lent a helping hand to Alexandra Grange Care Home to support its entry in a company-wide gardening competition.
antastic the town centre at dusk using drobe photography Picture: JSAerial
just before the sun dips over the horizon,” James explains. “At this time, you generally get all the best colours coming out. “You really need there to be some clouds over the horizon to catch the light as the sun goes down: glowing iridescent pinks, oranges and yellows.” The photographer says aerial
photography gives a great perspective of places you already know. In May, Wokingham.Today spoke to James about the regulations drone pilots have to follow. He uses a 250g device, meaning he can fly it responsibly near public spaces. � To see more of his work, visit www.jsaerial.co.uk
y did enjoy a big day SO IN LOVE: Max and Sue Knott held one of the first big weddings to take place under current covid restrictions, using Stanlake Park for their special day Picture: Kirsty Mackenzie Photography
Alex Curran, managing director at Roots Plants, donated an array of flowers to the home last month to help it create a community garden. Roots Plants is a new, sustainable gardening firm which launched during the pandemic to support local growers and businesses. It gifted the greenery to support Alexandra Grange’s entry into this year’s Hallmark in Bloom competition, which challenges care homes to create quality gardens for residents. Sandra Patricio, customer relationship manager at the home, says people’s eyes lit up when they saw the plants for the first time. “When residents heard Alex was making the donation, they were delighted,” she says. “One resident, Sheila, loves the garden. She was very involved in planting the flowers and is keen on maintaining them.” This is the first community project Roots Plants has supported since its launch, and Alex says he wants the firm to take on more programmes as it grows. “I really wanted to get involved with a care home this year as I know plants can bring a lot of joy to their elderly residents, after such a tough year or so,” he says. “It was great to see how happy [the plants] made [the residents], and as a Wokingham-based business, it was great to find a home in our community that we could support.”
POETRY CORNER Fathers’ Day
“You’ll never get an atmosphere like that again where everyone is finally together after all this time. “The whole event was absolutely fantastic, and even the registrar said it was lovely to hear so many people cheering as we kissed after so long.”
Early summer morning
Fathers’ Day for me this year Took place a little late As for our family gathering This was a better date.
barely a breath of a breeze, a mere whisper of wind caresses the last of the tulips, prettily faded in purple and pink.
For me the highlight of the day Is to have our children here With grandchildren, great grand ones too The family grows each year.
a flash of grey-white-blue, a striking jay swoops above watchful garden robin, proud, tiny, territorial, red breast puffed.
They are so good to treat me In the special way they do. T’was a time I gave THEM guidance Now they tell ME what to do!!
dusky, slender fox ambles into the warm glow of the garden sniffs, gazes languidly, then settles lazily beneath tall pine trees.
It’s good to get together. To have all the family here. To realise, just once again, How much we have to share.
postponed the big day until next year, there was no time like the present. “After a terrible year of covid restrictions and not being able to see each other, everyone really needed a good party,” she adds.
Roots Plants gifted an array of flowers of all different heights, shapes and colours, including foxgloves, geraniums and dahlias. Sandra says it took staff and residents an entire morning to arrange them in the garden. “It’s beautiful”, she says, “and we want to say a massive thank you to Alex and the team at Roots Plants for caring about our garden as much as we do. “With covid and the restrictions, and how much money businesses have lost, it’s nice to see someone wanting to give as much as they receive.” Alexandra Grange was one of last year’s Hallmark in Bloom competition winners, taking home the Best Recording of Gardening Memories award. And Alex hopes the flowers will not only help make a lovely garden and win the competition, but will support the residents’ wellbeing too. “[Plants] allow you to connect with nature, which is calming and for many people, deeply therapeutic,” he says. “They give you something to care for and something to focus your energy on. It’s quite likely to distract residents from the monotony of lockdown. “They [also] brighten up your outdoor spaces, making them feel more enjoyable which encourages you to spend more time out in the fresh air. “I think it’s a big reason people get into gardening and during the pandemic it was amplified.” He adds: “It brings people together and we want to get involved in more projects so people should get in touch if they want help.” The Hallmark in Bloom competition is being judged today.
Jim Horsnell
soft wind gathers, playful, teases a light murmur from carved wooden chime, a soft moan of sheer pleasure for the sunshine day. Welcome summer. Tina Cathleen MacNaughton
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
We’re not out of the covid woods yet THE covid rate per 100,000 in Wokingham borough has passed 100 again. This comes on the back of three weeks of surge testing and vaccinations, and is similar – but not as bad as – neighbouring Reading. One of the flash points appears to be on the Earley border that straddles the boroughs. Covid is not going away without a fight. It is concerning that journalist Andrew Marr admitted that despite having both injections, he had caught covid while covering the G7 summit in Cornwall. While both jabs offer greater protection, they do not ensure immunity. It is also concerning that evidence suggests it is the under 44s that are most at risk of catching covid at this time. We have been here before, last autumn and at Christmas. Rates were starting to climb up just as it was hoped restrictions would be eased again. There is a tension between wanting to do the right thing and wanting to see normality restored. Sometimes we have to sit tight for just that little bit longer. At this moment in time, it feels a bit foolhardy to be talking of removing all restrictions from the middle of this month because we want to, rather than following the science. Yes, the wait seems eternal, but the virus is mutating and spreading. Caution is needed and there needs to be a safe way to reopen without letting the virus run out of control. We’re not out of the woods yet, however much we want to be.
CHURCH NOTES
Masks off and dog collars on
D
URING the pandemic we had to accept that things would not be as we had expected or looked forward to. This is certainly the case for students completing the courses. Their final year was hugely disrupted and lost many celebrations and rituals. Those fortunate enough to get employment straight away will also find that learning their new job, getting to know colleagues and others will be greatly affected. Disappointment increased when it proved impossible to lift restrictions on 21 June. One of the principal times the Church of England ordains new clergy and sends them to parishes is the end of June. Last year this was delayed by some months and eventually took place with only a fraction of the normal attendance, a great disappointment to families and friends though better that nothing. This year the ordinations of 31 new deacons will be spread over four services, and they will then be able to start wearing their “dog collars” and serving among us. We hope very much that it will not be long before the necessary restrictions on meeting people face-toface without masks will be removed to allow us to get to know each other. More importantly we look forward to our new colleagues’ sharing the message of God’s love for the benefit of our whole community. Colin James is an honorary priest at All Saints’ Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
Support our market I believe every town should have a market. We have a good one in Wokingham and arguably the most popular stall is the fruit and vegetables. I have in the past seen that particular stall operate from the Plaza down by the lifts. Bitterly cold conditions in a wind tunnel and the only way he could have survived that is through the love of what he does or determination to succeed. Thankfully he eventually moved up to Market Place and is a very important part of the Town Centre at the end of the week and on Saturdays. Two weeks ago he disappeared. After a few enquiries we discovered his van with all the produce had been stolen. I was delighted to see him back this week. A much smaller van and fewer items for sale but clearly he is not giving up. I just wanted to bring this to the attention of Wokingham shoppers. I don’t know him personally but he is always upbeat and cheerful and I hope we can rally around to support him. He certainly deserves it. David Lee, Wokingham
Hancock’s right to resign It is before time that the public that vote for MPs had some trust in these people that we put in power to represent us. Up to now there is no trust and they do not live up to moral standards and lack credibility and turn out to be hypocrites. It also happens with my MP too. In my view it was right that the secretary of state resigned. Victor Rones, Bracknell
Speeding in Bellfoundry Lane I read with interest Charlotte King’s article on speeding in Bellfoundry Lane (June 24), and would make the following comments: 1. There has been no serious accidents. The whole dynamic if Bellfoundry Lane has changed and will
You can’t beat our country parks for great views, and that’s exactly what we have here – a view of White Swan Lake in Dinton Pastures on a tranquil and pleasant summer’s evening.
get worse with the opening of the section of NWDR connecting Warren House Road. I find the remarks from our Councillors and the council officers (highways) and the police who supply the information very negative. So someone has to be killed or injured before we take action. I would like to see a proactive response to what is a problem resulting in some positive moves like a zebra crossing. The council seam obsessed with lets keep the traffic moving with disregard for safety. I have experienced similar problems on Toutley Road pre-pandemic and got into a long battle with council officer (highways) one in particular I found very negative . I was told there was no problem they had done a survey on Queens Road. I got the survey on a FOI and took a look. I believe this survey to be corrupt in a lot of areas especially were and when it was done. I raised this with WBC and they did not comment. Two useful bit of information did come out of it the high percentage over 30mph this were diluted by a low number of slow moving vehicles.
National security and spy cameras
T
I took this to be vehicles entering a leaving sight cars going slowly past parked vehicles waiting to get into site. This did not occur at weekends when sites are closed. The Test was carried out between two site entrances. The following was recorded highest speed you will see below east and west bound and is measured in blocks of 5mph so for example the recoding of 70mph has the possibility to be 74 mph East Bound on Queens road highest speed was 70mph on February 19, 2019, at 2.25 pm West bound: 55mph on February 9, 2019 at 1.25pm. I asked what was the cost of a survey and one on Toutley road no reply came back. If reasonable I considered funding this from my own pocket. The Pandemic arrived and so I did not pursue further. There are thing that can be done I would urge all councillors and council officer (highways) to take a proactive response to what is a problem within the WBC area. Rod Needs , Wokingham
Road closures As I sit here waiting for the next edition of Wokingham.Today to see if WBC
Westminster That was the week Diary Tony Sir John Johnson Redwood
HERE have been two bad stories about national security over the last week.
There was the surprise arrival of top secret papers at the BBC via bus stop, and there was the revelation that someone had been able to place a spy camera in a ministerial office without the minister knowing it was there. I did not defend Mr Hancock’s conduct and thought he had to resign because he had broken rules and guidance which he told the rest of us to obey. If the recordings of his meetings and activities in the office was confined to photos revealing his unwise decision to kiss an adviser then there has been no harm to national security. The spying could also have been used for other purposes, and could give people the idea that maybe they too could place a camera to learn more of government decision making and thinking.
Ministerial offices should be secure enough so ministers and senior officials can think the unthinkable aloud, discuss a range of options, ask themselves what a worse case looks like without every more extreme case appearing in the newspapers. They should also be secure in case matters of national security or commercial confidentiality come up in their talks. In return for having secure offices secretaries of state should, of course, keep their romances for private rooms elsewhere, and conduct any family or private business to the extent allowed away from government buildings. The dumping of important papers in Kent and the decision of the BBC to tell us much of their contents even though they were confidential and in one case had a special top secret designation is extremely worrying.
Planning make any effort to respond to my criticism of the closure, again, of Nine Mile Ride I note a Public Notice stating that Barkham Street will be closed for a month at the end of July and early August to lay internet cables. Barkham Street was resurfaced recently. Well done WBC, digging up resurfaced roads again. The alternate route mentions several roads but not Commonfield Lane. Fact, to get from the Reading side of Barkham to the California area can only be done by using the single track Commonfield Lane when Nine Mile Ride is closed at the junction of Park Lane, unless taking the long way round via Wokingham town or Evendons Lane. I fully understand the need for high speed internet cables in this area but this work should be delayed until NMR is reopened. Disgruntled Motorist
Domestic abuse Many thanks for publishing your article last week highlighting the change to domestic abuse services in Wokingham. Specialist provider Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA), who have a strong track record of supporting victims, are
Only a very limited number of ministers and top officials would have access to such papers. They were very recent, as we are told one went into detail about the recent voyage of a naval vessel close to Crimea. There must be a successful investigation to find out who removed these papers from a secure location or who copied them. We should also expect a better statement from the BBC about why they did not simply return the papers to their rightful place in Whitehall. It can only damage the UK to put out some details about the sensible arguments in government about the conduct of defence and foreign relations. The correct democratic approach is for the government to explain its policy without offering up secrets or counter arguments to opponents, and for the Opposition when it judges it necessary to offer an alternative strategy or to criticise the policy and execution. An Opposition saying a foreign policy could go wrong or is not well done is democratic. A government expressing its own inner doubts about a policy it is still defending is unhelpful. A government with no doubts about its policy is arrogant or foolish. Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham
being replaced by Cranstoun, an organisation which has developed and delivered a number of programs around the country, aimed at perpetrators with a view to changing behaviours. While this work should be commended and is important, so is the provision of services to victims of domestic abuse. Berkshire Women’s Aid are a specialist provider of this support and have been providing services to victims in Wokingham for many years, with support from council funding supplemented by their own fundraising. My understanding is that Cranstoun have very limited experience of providing refuge support and indeed, do not currently have refuge spaces available locally. This is of significant concern for the continuity of this critical service, which has become even more important over the lockdown period. It is also of concern that Cranstoun would not answer the question on the provision of same-sex refuge centres, something of importance for the victims and the children impacted. Fortunately, BWA will continue to provide these services in Wokingham, paid for through their own fundraising. Given Cranstoun will be receiving £1.5 million over five years from July 1, to provide these and other services, I have asked the council when they will be providing refuge for victims of domestic abuse locally. I have yet to receive a response. In the meantime, should readers wish to help support BWA, you they can do so through the BWA website: berkshirewomensaid.org.uk Louise Timlin, Branch Lead – Reading and Wokingham Women’s Equality Party
Why can’t I keep it? According to your report (June 24), Wokingham Borough Council has decided it will not now collect up all the black refuse bins used for recycling. After receiving my new green bags, I continued to use the black bin to protect my blue bag from vermin. A few weeks ago, on collection day, I had to rush outside but both the bag and the black bin were thrown into the lorry. I was told this is now the policy. While I protested, several other black bins also ended up in the lorry. I was advised to buy some spray repellent instead, though in my experience these products are fairly useless. On two occasions since then, my blue bag has been ripped open by vermin. The council should make it clear
The perfect conditions last Thursday meant that hot air balloons could be seen over Woodley and Earley, both in the morning and the evening
to the contractor that the bins have reverted to the householders. I note that the black bins are still in use in other areas of the town. Trevor Edington, Wokingham
Party time To be a Conservative councillor at Wokingham borough you need to be a member of the Conservative party. You must make monthly donations to the Conservative party and agree to follow the rules of the Conservative party both nationally and locally for else. The benefits are you will have use of all the Conservative office staff and our MP’s to fight your corner and support you at local election time. As there is no such thing as a free dinner, what the downside? The downside is you have to toe the party line or risk expulsion. Wokingham’s ruling Conservative borough councillors is run by a leader and a politburo (sorry ruling executive). The downside of this dictatorial structure is all our residents get is what the Conservatives decide is best for us which is not always what residents see as being best for them. Conservative councillors just obey the three-line whip. Lollypop Ladies is just one simple example of whats best for them. They shout say no to houses as the house building numbers continue to creep up and up. They keep quiet about the new planning laws their Conservative counterparts at Westminster want to introduce which will give carte balance to all their developer mates to build on just about any green field they want to provided its not in their protected northern parishes. Nothing to do with them gov. Looking back on house building its interesting to see that only 4% of the borough’s house building has gone in the
From the chamber Cllr Jim Frewin
Are we being served?
A
S PART of modern day life in the UK, we have come to expect that we get clean water from taps and that our waste can simply be flushed away, never to be seen again.
Not it would seem in Shinfield.
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Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Residents across Shinfield are regularly experiencing water supply pressure issues and sewerage flooding. Water pressure, or no water at all, are regular events and it seems every time it rains heavily, homes in Three Mile Cross and School
northern parishes meaning 96% has has been built in the rest of the borough and expect no difference (probably not even 4%) in the next emerging local plan. They shout climate emergency yet secretly allow about 500 mature trees to be cut down at Bearwood Lakes with no plan to replace them. They shout climate emergency yet do nothing in the planning area to stop development that allows for trees to be cut down and over capacity roads to take more polluting traffic. If it were a European football match it would be more Houses 10-Protecting the Environment 0. Residents can end this by putting their X next May anywhere but Conservative as the only thing the Conservatives understand is where you put that X. Residents Action Groups need to grasp the opportunity to put more independent candidates in their respective Wards/Parishes to fight this insidious Conservative party which has but one and that is to stay in power so they can concrete over all our remaining green fields as long as its not in the north of the borough. As an aside I did by letter ask the executive member for planning how many houses has got planning permission in his parish of Hurst vs planning permissions inShinfield, Arborfield and Winnersh. He declined to reply. I rest my case. Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council
Rattled cages If last week’s Wokingham Borough Council Executive meeting is anything to go by, the Conservatives locally seem to be rather rattled. Conservative councillors ranted at the Lib Dems, and even tried to blame us for housing
Green suffer from raw sewerage flooding. On each occasion the supplier, Thames Water, schedule a visit and engineers come to look to confirm that it is indeed sewerage in people’s gardens and in local fields. They then schedule (in some cases) clean up help and then further schedule (if pushed) engineers to look at the issue, who’s reports have been known to include statements along the lines of ‘it’s difficult to see what the issue is as the water has subsided as its stopped raining, or, we are no longer in the rainy season’. They are however consistent in reminding residents that they should not use their gardens for a period (usually 20 to 28 days) after a flood as there might be a health risk. What does not seem
development. Of course, it’s the Conservatives who are in power and who are, for example, planning to “dump” (to use their word) more than 4,000 houses in the countryside between Sindlesham and Arborfield, squash in 130 houses and a care home next to Toutley Depot, and build 100 houses and flats on council land at Winnersh Farm, together with an access to open up the fields behind for hundreds more. All the decisions on housing sites have been made by the Conservatives for the last 19 years. And that is their problem: they know that they can’t escape the blame for the relentless building across the borough. But why these sudden signs of panic? Well, the Conservative government intends to “reform” the planning system by introducing what is being called a “developers’ charter”. And that is one of the reasons why there was a 25% swing from the Conservatives to the Lib Dems in the Chesham and Amersham by-election on June 17, turning a Conservative majority of 16,000 into a Lib Dem majority of over 8,000. In Wokingham constituency the Lib Dems only need a fraction of that swing to win, and we are moving in the right direction, gaining three seats from the Conservatives at the last Local Elections. As our victorious candidate Sarah Green said after the by-election, if Chesham and Amersham can have a Lib Dem MP, so can anyone else. And that explains why you can confidently expect much more Conservative ranting about the Lib Dems over the next few months. Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat councillor for Winnersh ward, Wokingham Borough Council
to happened is any form urgency to actually fix the issues. Some have been regularly ongoing for years, yes that is years. As a local councillor I have pushed to try and get some urgency. Our MP Sir John Redwood has also urged for a solution. Residents have masses of emails, texts and standard response letters but no solution. Thames Water have even intimated that residents will need to learn to live with the situation as solutions may be difficult and/or expensive and possibly both. Where does that leave residents? Some would say deep in it. Residents are left with one big question, ARE WE BEING SERVED, BY THAMES WATER? Cllr Jim Frewin is an independent councillor for Shinfield South on Wokingham Borough Council
Towards the Local Plan
Cllr John Halsall
The crisis in affordable housing Part one in a series on the Local Plan “People are struggling to afford good homes in in the right location: house prices are too high and the possibility of owning a home seems remote for many people; the private rental market is expensive and insecure; and there are not enough homes for social rent to meet demand. We need to build 300,000 homes per year just to meet current demand, but are barely building half that amount”. Lib Dem manifesto 2019 No-one can claim that there isn’t a problem of younger people being able to afford to buy a home in Wokingham Borough. We’re the victims of our own success – the Borough is one of the healthiest, happiest and most prosperous parts of the country, and everyone wants to live here. So the prices of homes continue to climb ever higher, forcing those who have recently grown up here to leave in search of a more affordable place to live. We must get young people on the housing ladder. We all know someone – a child or grandchild, niece or nephew, neighbour or relative of a friend – who is struggling against an environment that makes it almost impossible to get somewhere to live in Wokingham borough. Housing developers are gaming the system to maximise their profits, which prejudices hardpressed young people and families.
Pushed They are hording planning permissions, while failing to build out at a fast rate, and so are restricting the supply of new homes – which has the effect of massively increasing their value. So owning a home gets pushed further and further beyond the reach of aspiring home owners. There have been some fantastic initiatives to help ease the problem, not least the Government’s Help to Buy policy. On its own, these are not enough. That is why I believe that the council has a duty to act. We will step in to deliver new affordable housing, and make sure that developers are meeting solid targets for delivering affordable homes. As the democratic body for our local area, we need to help everyone in the community, not just those who already own their own home. We’ve already had great success with housing companies, wholly owned by the council, delivering a steady stream of new affordable and social homes. There is more to do, however. The Local Plan provides an excellent opportunity to tackle the crisis in affordable housing. One of our key focuses as we produce a new draft of the plan is to make sure that we are able to deliver new homes that will be truly affordable. With a clear programme of new housing in place, with delivery controlled by the council, and the pace and place for new homes set by us, we can ensure that we are getting more affordable homes exactly where they are needed. We owe it to those who are struggling to get onto the housing ladder, especially younger people, to enable them to be able to buy a home. We don’t want to drive people away from our Borough. Our communities will be so much weaker if talent and enthusiasm drains away to other parts of the country. NEXT WEEK: What is the Local Plan, and Why Does it Matter? Cllr John Halsall is the leader of the council and Conservative councillor for Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe ward at Wokingham Borough Council
24 | NEWS
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CROWTHORNE&FINCHAMPSTEADNEWS Call to help shape Finchampstead’s future A BRIGHTER future for Finchampstead residents has been promised as improvements are being planned. Residents were told about the Neighbourhood Development Plan earlier this year. This highlighted summaries of the proposal. They were asked to give feedback on the policies suggested to help with developments in the Parish until 2036. The parish council says that 350 people took part, offering much support for most of its proposals. The plan was created as part of Wokingham Borough Council’s
(WBC) own wider local plan update. Aiming to adapt the plan from the resident responses, the parish council has passed it to Wokingham Borough Council to progress through the next stages for approval. Part of WBC’s plan was the development of a new garden village near Grazeley, delivering 15,000 new homes in the borough. Around 3,750 of these were expected to be delivered in the period to 2036. Earlier this year, a decision to extend the Burghfield AWE emergency planning zone caused
the withdrawal of plans to develop Grazeley. The council now needs to find alternative locations for these homes. Most homes will be in large developments, but they have warned that additional housing will need to be spread across the borough, including Finchampstead. Finchampstead Future and the parish council have said that the Development Plan remains the “most important thing” they can do to ensure a brighter future for the community.
Allan Gibson, chair of Finchampstead Future, said this was not the news he had wanted to share. Mr Gibson explained in an open letter that he is frustrated by the Grazeley decision. He said: “Ultimately, the plan only becomes the plan after you have voted for it, so you still have the final say on what we propose. “We will bring you further and more detailed updates as soon as we can as we continue to work on your behalf for our neighbourhood.” � For more information, visit finchampstead-pc.gov.uk
School finds that gardens grow with a little help from friends
DIG FOR VICTORY: A ground force day has helped transform the gardens of Nine Mile Ride Primary School
By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today DIGGERS came into force to improve a primary school’s garden space this month.
Nine Mile Ride Primary, in Finchampstead, were treated to a Ground Force Day thanks to the schools’ charity, Friends of Nine Mile Ride. The organisation’s aim is to raise money for the school so more equipment and resources can be provided for the pupils. The team hosted the event on Saturday, June 19, where parents and pupils spent the day cutting trees back, clearing and digging out certain areas. Aiming to plant more flowers, shrubs, pear and apple trees in its outdoor area, the school
hopes to create a more attractive space for its pupils. Groundworks contractor Kyle Smith, from K.Smith Field Services, also provided his assistance on the day by bringing his digger. He brought his digger to help remove a large amount of bamboo from the schools’ grounds. Mr Smith usually offers his support within the community by assisting people and their cars, cutting back hedges and helping where he can. Headteacher Ali Brown said: “Friends of Nine Mile Ride are always keen to help by organising Ground Force days and on Saturday, the team cleared a large area of the grounds so that it can be repurposed into a new learning area for the children.” Mrs Brown expressed how pleased she was
with the outcome. “The results are incredible, it really does show what can be achieved with amazing teamwork so thank you to everyone who gave up their time to take part in the event.” Coordinator and PTA vice chair Gemma Lee added: “The day we held on Saturday was one of five sessions we have held to date and was by far the most productive. “We have come a long way, but still have some way to go, with picnic benches being handmade by a parent and we are on the hunt for some large logs to create the outdoor classroom in the woods.” � To donate log on to justgiving.com/ friendsofninemileroadschoolpta � For more details, visit ninemileride.co.uk
Building society to close
Enjoy Pimm’s on the patio
A BUILDING SOCIETY in Crowthorne will be closing its doors this autumn. Nationwide Building Society, on Crowthorne High Street, has announced its branch will shut on Thursday, September 16. In a statement, it said that the branch was underused with 75% of its Crowthorne-based members turning to online banking services. Nationwide has also seen a 19% decrease in branch transactions
IT’S PIMM’S o’clock for Crowthorne’s older residents if they head to a retirement complex next week. McCarthy Stone is inviting residents to enjoy a glass of the summer drink and nibbles at its Birch Place development on Duke’s Ride. The event includes a performance by Andy King of Swing, and a chance to tour the complex under covid safe
from 2015 to 2020. Its research says that just 18% – almost one in five – of its Crowthorne-based members use only this branch. Once closed, the nearest branches for residents will be Wokingham and Bracknell. There are five branches that sit within a six-mile radius of Crowthorne for members wanting to make an in-person visit. For more details, visit nationwide.co.uk
conditions. Nicki Beswarick, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, said: “Traditionally our Pimm’s on the Patio gatherings are a great opportunity for local people to come and experience firsthand the fun and sociable lifestyle that comes as part of a brand-new McCarthy Stone apartment,” he said. For details, call 0800 310 0383 or visit mccarthystone.co.uk/birchplace
Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS
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‘It could take a year to protect Chalfont Copse’ By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE LEADER of Earley Town Council said it could take more than a year to “protect” Chalfont Copse.
The borough council-owned woodland was mooted for development five years ago. A plan for 43 homes was suggested for the area, but this never came about. Cllr Clive Jones, who leads the town council and is a councillor for neighbouring ward, Hawkedon, said the area would be better protected if ownership was transferred to Earley Town Council. “We have asked for it to be designated as green space in the next local plan,” he said. “We would like to see it transferred to the town council, to be turned into a nature reserve.” This, he said, could be a conversation that takes more than a year. “It’s an attempt to properly protect it from development,” he said. He is also concerned the borough council may want to build new pathways among the trees, if houses are off the cards. “People don’t use this area,” said Cllr Jones. “It should stay as it is, so the natural habitat for wildlife can continue. “Once we start messing about with it, it will change.” Instead, Cllr Jones wants walkers to use the paths in Chalfont Park, and enjoy that area.
Musicals celebration WOODLEY Light Operatic Society will be celebrating the musicals in their upcoming concert. The group has organised a cabaretstyle evening of entertainment for three dates in September, at The Flavell in
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Conservative councillor for Hillside ward, said she is working with Earley Environment Group and Cllr Gregoir Murray, who is the borough council’s executive member for climate change, to ensure it is looked after. She said she has no intention of supporting development of the woodland. “There is no need to transfer it to protect it,” she said. “Wokingham Borough Council owns and cares for lots of nature reserves and woodlands including some wonderful sites.” Cllr Jorgensen said she would like to see litter, shopping trollies and herras fencing dumped there removed. She added: “I campaigned at the borough to get Area DD removed from the list of areas assigned for development which it was on from the mid 1970s, I was successful in doing that before covid hit. “Rather than trying to take over Area DD, the town council should focus its energies on transferring the ancient woodland they have been offered behind Collins Drive to their ownership and sorting out the long term maintenance using the money they will get from the developers. “This has been waiting for more than a year following the agreement with Persimmon and Wokingham Borough Council brokered before the Liberal Democrats took control of the town council.” Sindlesham Court. Tickets cost £25 and include a ploughmans supper. The show will run from 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 8, Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11. For more information, or to book a ticket, call; 0333 666 3366 or visit: www.wlos.co.uk/tickets.html
New voices wanted for women’s choir A CHOIR for women is welcoming new members for rehearsals, which are taking place outside due to current covid restrictions. Bel Canto Ladies’ Choir is for upper voices and is based in Sonning and Woodley. Members come from the surrounding area. The group says they are friendly and sociable, and that singing in a choir has health and wellbeing benefits. Normal rehearsals are split between Pearson Hall in Sonning and Christ Church Woodley on Monday evenings during term time. Musical director Diane Prince leads a varied repertoire of classical, folk, contemporary and compositions and arrangements. No audition required and the ability to read music not essential. For more details, log on to www.facebook.com/ belcantochorussonning or email belcantomembers@gmail.com ALL SMILES FOR THE PANDA: Davina McCall with the Earley Panda at the Big Sussex Bike Ride
TV star meets Panda A HUGELY popular public figure had a brush with fame recently … TV presenter Davina McCall met the Earley Panda. The borough’s cycling friend, who creates art from the GPS trail of his bike rides, last month took part in Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride, in aid of Medical Action Research. And the Panda, whose identity is a closely guarded secret, admitted that the 40-mile ride was a big moment for him, not least as it took place on one of the hottest days of the year so far. “It was an emotional event as it was the first time I was riding with fellow amateur and professional cyclists and being welcomed in the group with open arms,” he said. He added: “The route, although scenic was remote, unfamiliar and empty. Right when a negative thought of giving up crept up, came a honk from behind, a cheerful wave of kids in the
Arts group welcomes new members WOODLEY and Earley Arts Group is taking on members from August. The club is forming plans for the next 11 months, including evening demonstrations, day workshop, exhibitions and online sessions. The club will be booking professional artists for eight evening demonstrations and six one-day workshops. There will be exhibitions in the autumn and spring, where members can sell their work. The £25 membership gives free entry to demonstrations
and exhibitions, and nonmembers can pay at the door for £6. Day workshops cost £30 and will be held in Pearson Hall, Sonning. The club usually charges £30 for membership from July through to June, but this has changed to August to June this year. There will be only one activity evening in March. The club is also experimenting with two
online demonstrations over the winter. The first inperson demonstration evening will be on Thursday, August 26, at the Oakwood Centre. In September, the first workshop will be led by a finalist from last year’s Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. For more details, email: woodleyandearleyartsgroup@ gmail.com
car and brought all those joyful memories of the streets of Earley. “The community backing Panda to be joyful and enjoy the ride empowered me to fight back pain and negativity to reach the finish line.” And he admitted that he cried tears of joy when he finished. “Some day I will be brave enough to share what it truly means to be riding in the panda suit,” he said. “Right now, gratitude is all I can feel.” The pedalling panda has raised £1,431 of his £4,000 target, and his planned London to Paris ride has been postponed to next year due to covid. However, he’s pledged to continue to cycle around the neighbourhood so he can spread joy, campaigning for safe cycling and male mental health awareness, as well as creating GPS Art. � His website is earleypanda.com
Plans for tree planting TREES may be planted on grass verges in Woodley, if approved by the borough council. On Thursday, June 10, the Maiden Erlegh Residents’ Association executive committee discussed the treeplanting proposal. Chairman Colin Mair, said it had been considered by Earley Town Council and was supported by the town clerk, with a letter. Mr Mair said Cllr Gregor Murray, the executive member for climate and officers at Wokingham Borough Council would be contacted to push the idea further.
26 | LEISURE
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NEWS | 27
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SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD&HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE Church plans to be eco-friendly
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662 BEHIND THE WHEEL: Lucy Henderson (4) pretending to drive a tractor
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WARGRAVE may soon have an Eco Church, after the parish’s church council made a pledge to become more sustainable.
Last month, the team at St Mary’s Church Wargrave applied for an Eco Church Award as part of its efforts to improve the planet. It follows on from formally recognising the global climate emergency. Mike Buckland, Eco Church lead at Wargrave with Knowl Hill church council, said the message to care for the planet can be found throughout the Bible. “Churches across the land are urged to show they take the climate emergency seriously because it’s a core part of the Christian gospel,” he said. “It’s not for us to do what we like with the Earth. We want to make it clear that we care for the environment.” As part of recognising a global climate emergency, the church has also committed to reduce the carbon footprint of its buildings year on year, to work towards the Church of England’s goal of net zero by 2030. It has pledged to: � Use renewable sources for its
supply of electricity and gas � Improve biodiversity on church land and support nature conservation � Minimise use of single use plastic and paper � Encourage action against the climate emergency in the wider neighbourhood. Now, St Mary’s Church Wargrave hopes to become an Eco Church to further solidify its commitment to the planet. The Award scheme, organised by organisation A Rocha in the UK, recognises churches which care for the environment. “It’s not about the award, but it’s about the journey we’re on,” Mr Buckland said. “We want to show we care for the Earth and that we’re doing our best.”
Broadband speed boost TWYFORD is getting a broadband boost as Openreach makes plans to extend its Full Fibre network. The internet provider is improving connections to 580,000 homes and businesses in the South East as part of a £232 million programme — and the village is one of its top priorities. Across Berkshire, Openreach will bring faster internet speeds to 135,000 homes with the majority in Twyford, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot. The firm will update 15 exchanges, and also improve some connections in Crowthorne, Spencers Wood, Wargrave,
Wokingham and Woodley. It comes after Openreach revealed last month it will connect an additional 360,000 properties in the South East, too. Connie Dixon, the company’s regional director for the South East, said: “We’re reaching more communities than ever and our team of highly skilled engineers, alongside our build partners, are working hard to deliver some of the fastest and most reliable broadband anywhere in the world.” The scheme forms part of the Government’s target of delivering ‘gigabit capable’ broadband to 85% of the UK by 2025.
Pub’s new eat out plan NEARLY one year on, Eat Out To Help Out is coming back to Wargrave with a twist. The Bull at Wargrave, on the village’s High Street, has launched its own discount scheme. Landlady Jayne Worrall said she created the programme to encourage pub-goers to get back out in the community. “Last year’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme was like a madhouse,” she said. “It was so good that I carried on doing it off my own back in September and October.” The pub, which reopened its doors in May, had previously been shut for five months due to covid restrictions. “Now we’re moving in the right
direction, but business is slower than I had anticipated,” Ms Worrall explained. “People have got into different habits and started to do different things with their spare time, but I want them to be adventurous and venture into the pub this summer.” On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, The Bull at Wargrave is running a 15% discount on food during lunchtimes (12.15pm until 2.15pm) and evenings (6.30pm until 8.30pm). The scheme launched on Monday and will run until Wednesday, July 28. To find out more, search for ‘The Bull Hotel Wargrave’ on Facebook.
CUDDLY TOYS: Martin Little, Rosemary and Sandy Hird on the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice stall
CLAY PLAY: Yvonne Milligan helping Ariella Prince (6) with her craftwork Pictures: Steve Smyth
TOP GEAR: Phil Payne with his well-kept Triumph TR6 in the Car Show
LIFT UP: Anthony Dixon giving his son, Archie (2) a ride on his shoulders
All smiles as Hurst Show welcomes visitors again By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today REKINDLING old friendships and celebrating unexpected wins were the order of the day at last weekend’s Hurst Show and Country Fayre.
On Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, residents came out in droves to take part in the annual village event to raise money for local charities. For the first time in 40 years, the Fayre was spread across the village over four key sites to support social distancing measures — and organiser Vikki Randles said people loved the new set up. “We’re really pleased with how the Show went,” she said.
“We held it in quite extraordinary circumstances, having to change the format we’ve used for the past four decades. “We weren’t sure how people would respond to it but we’ve had lovely feedback from residents and stall holders.” The organiser said one of the highlights of the weekend was the classic car competition, which reunited two former friends and supported a resident’s exit from lockdown. “The lady who won the competition has been shielding,” Ms Randles explained. “She won with her first car, which she’s had for over 50 years, so she was very chuffed for her pride and joy to win
the competition the first time she’s come out [after the pandemic].” “There were also two people who regained contact over one of the cars which had been used at one of their weddings in the past.” Now, the team is busy totting up how much money the show raised to donate to local organisations, including Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice and Just Around the Corner. They are also raising money online to compensate for free entry this year, and have received more than £1,700 so far. � For more information on the show, visit: www.hurstshow.uk � To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ hurstshow-2021 ANIMAL MAGIC: Katie Hawkes showing visitors a rabbit
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28 | SOCIETY
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
News from your community groups, clubs and societies INTHECOMMUNITY Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk New president’s challenge to Lions AT the annual 47th charter celebration and handover dinner for the Wokingham Lions Club on Friday, June 25, Andy Goffin was named the new president of the Wokingham Lions Club.
BEST FOOT FORWARD: The Bracknell Together Walk returns next month, raising funds for charity
Bracknell Together Walk THE Bracknell Together Walk is back. Sunday, August 8, is the date, and South Hill Park is again hosting the event organised by Easthampstead Rotarians for families, groups and clubs to have fun and fundraise for their favourite charity. Suitable for all ages the well-signed routes include wheelchair-friendly paths, and dogs are welcome too. Bracknell Together Walk is a fun walk of three- or five-miles in and around the beautiful grounds of South Hill Park and Swinley Forest. Raise money for your favourite charity – every penny you raise goes to the charity of your choice – and you can boost your charity fundraising with cash prizes from Easthampstead Rotary Club. You can start anytime between 9am and noon. A Welcome Pack and Finishing Certificate await every participant, and hot and cold
food and drinks are available all day. Registration costs £5 per adult or £20 for a team of five or more adults, with no limit on the size of a team. Entry is free for all accompanied children under 14. So banish those Covid blues, have some fun and raise muchneeded funds for your favourite charity or good cause in the Bracknell Together Walk. Any profits go to our Rotary charities. Recently, we have focused on supporting our local foodbanks and The Cowshed, who all provide help to local families in a time of crisis. And internationally, for years Rotary has been at the forefront in the vaccination of children against the crippling disease polio. Now, that global infrastructure is being used to fight the coronavirus. You can sign up now at bracknelltogetherwalk.org PETER VON BERGEN
The event took place at The Walter Arms in Sindlesham, with honorary member Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack and Mayoress Claire Lack in attendance. Outgoing President Nigel Page thanked the members in attendance, who were all thrilled to meet in person for the first time this year. He presented Certificates of Appreciation to several members for their contributions to the club, and acknowledged Lyn Baily with the CW Award for her work with First Days, a charity that supports underprivileged children so they can succeed at school. Mr Page said: “It has been a challenging year, especially as far as fund raising is concerned. Many charities have struggled to raise any funds during this year, yet Wokingham Lions raised more than £16,000, most of which has gone to local charities. Our most successful fundraisers were the Great Woky Pub Quizzes, organised by Ian Grange, and the Wokingham Walk, arranged by Andy Slay.” He added: “We also ran a
TASKMASTER: New Wokingham Lions president, Andy Goffin with his predecessor Nigel Page. He wants the club to raise £33,000 for charity
Woky Spring Charity Market, which helped nine other charities to raise funds. Many Lions also worked tirelessly to support volunteer driving for citizens going to medical appointments, washing and ironing clothes for First Days, and marshalling for the vaccination clinics. Our goal has been to make a difference
Charities benefit from Wokingham Walk NINE CHARITIES have received a summer gift thanks to the annual Wokingham Walk. Members of Wokingham Lions Club helped organise the event which took place on Sunday, May 23, and saw more than 500 people take part. It raised nearly £7,000 and £4,500 of this has been shared among the good causes.
Wargrave Local History Society
Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh PRESIDENT Diana Phillips recently held her first fac- to-face meeting for a year at Sonning Golf Club. Abiding by the rules we were all very excited to meet up again in person, and enjoyed a scrumptious afternoon tea to celebrate Diana’s handover to Beryl Cornell, our President for 2021/22. Sonning Golf Club is the venue for our meetings held at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month. We are hoping to meet there again in September. If you would like to join a club where friendship, fun and fundraising for local, national and international charities interests you, please visit our website www.innerwheelrme.org or find us on Facebook or email us on iwcrme@gmail.com. We welcome new members to
our active club. Our newest member joined after moving to this area from up north and reading about our activities. Our charity for 2021/22 will be The Cowshed based locally in Winnersh and Hurst. They are doing inspirational work for families in the community www.thecowshed.org We have successfully held our meetings on Zoom for over a year and enjoyed very interesting and varied speakers. We have been very proactive and energetic, working with our partner club, the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh on outdoor projects at JAC, Just Around the Corner based on Forest Road, Wokingham and also at Camp Mohawk in Wargrave. These are both hardworking and active charities working with young people and their families. TONI TRATHEN
FOR the June meeting of the Wargrave Local History Society, Keith LePage (a custodian for the Spencer Gallery in Cookham) gave a Zoom presentation about the life and work of Stanley Spencer. He described Stanley Spencer as “one of the great British painters of the 20th century, who kept very much to his own style”. As Stanley said, “In order to understand any picture of mine, it means taking a seat and preparing to hear the story of my life”. Stanley Spencer’s grandfather, Julius Spencer, was a master builder who had moved to Cookham at the time of a building boom there. He had built a pair of houses in the High Street, one for each of his sons, and it was here that Stanley was born, on June 30, 1891. His father did not believe in state education, and so Stanley was taught, with younger brother Gilbert and two other children from the village – in a shed in the garden by his elder sisters, Annie and Florence. This seems mainly to have consisted of nature walks and Bible stories - the Bible stories were to be the foundation of many of his paintings.
Berkshire Respite Holidays BRH organises specialist holidays for less-able individuals who are unable to participate in conventional holidays due to infirmity, physical or mental, without significant assistance and medical care. Particular importance is placed on transportation, the venue and provision of support. The volunteer group is a local non-profit organisation and is heavily subsidised from donations. The Jumbulance Trust (charity no. 1090731) provides specialist transport – a coach which is a designated ambulance, has large reclining seats
for our local community.” At the dinner, Mr Page welcomed Andy Goffin as the new president, who said: “My aim during my year as president is to assist Wokingham Lions Club to grow and develop in helping the local community. “To this end, I’m proposing three targets for the club over Andy Slay, Wokingham Walk organiser, said: “We were very pleased with the turnout for our sixth annual walk this year. “We had more than twice as many walkers as we had last year. “We raised more than £6,600, and are donating £4.500 to nine worthy local charities. “Since it has been a difficult time for charities to raise muchneeded funds, we decided to support each of the charities
the next 12 months: To raise a minimum of an average of £1,000 per member – currently 33 people – for a total of at least £33,000; To donate a minimum of £30,000 to local charities and individuals in need; and To increase club membership by at least five new members, to bring in new ideas, experience and expertise.” Mayor Cllr Tony Lack thanked those in attendance for their fundraising efforts, naming many of the charities supported by the Lions Club, and expressed his delight in attending his first in-person dinner with his wife Claire. The Lions year runs from July 1 through June 30. � For more information on the Wokingham Lions Club, please visit the website, www.wokinghamlions.org.uk or call 0845 833 7384. CLAIRE MANGERS-PAGE
that entered a team for the walk. “This will leave a further £2,100 to be distributed to other local worthy causes, as needs are identified.” The charities receiving a £500 donation are Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, Ollie Young Foundation, Me2 Club, Helen & Douglas House, Sue Ryder, CLASP, Headway, Sport in Mind and Dawson Can Do It.
When he reached the age of 15, Stanley surprised his parents by telling them he wanted to be an artist, but they could see that he had talent, so he was sent for a year to Maidenhead Technical College. His aptitude was again recognised, he was then sponsored to attend the Slade College of Art in London. He was an unconventional pupil, and would miss the last lecture of the day, so that he could get the 5.08 train from Paddington to be home in Cookham in time for tea. Another pupil at the Slade at the time, Gwen Darwin “took him under her wing” and, in 1911, she gave him a copy of John Donne’s works, which explored ideas about resurrection and rebirth, and these influenced Stanley, who liked to consider such thoughts and link them to a place he found in his walks around Cookham. His other work – portraiture and landscapes – was of such different styles that it is difficult to see them as the work of the same person. It is the creative work, though, that are where he “explains himself to himself”, and Keith illustrated this with examples of his work – based on his life experiences and interpreted
reflecting his spiritual thoughts on resurrection etc. Many of these, even biblical events, were portrayed in the setting of the Cookham area. The pictures Keith showed also illustrated Stanley’s somewhat unconventional personal relationships. In 1940, Stanley was made an official war artist, and was sent to record the work in the Glasgow shipyards. Once again, his images reflect his views of the resurrection. He was taken ill in 1958, and after treatment at the Canadian Red Cross hospital at Taplow, the vicar of Cookham arranged for his recuperation at the vicarage. He received his knighthood from the Queen Mother in 1958, but his cancer returned, and he died in December 1959. The Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham High Street, is now able to open again daily, during the summer, from 10.30 – 5.50. The Society’s planned programme is at www.wargravehistory.org.uk, where the latest information can be found, or email info@wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details.
and provision for flatbeds and wheelchairs. The vehicle can accommodate up to about 20 people including five wheelchairs, has a lift for those unable to handle steps and there is a toilet on board suitable for the less abled. We have had to postpone our planned holidays due to the covid pandemic. As a result, many less able members of our community have not had the opportunity to have any form of holiday over this period. Thankfully, travel is now becoming more possible and we have, therefore, decided to offer some days trips in September. These trips are specifically for individuals who are less able and require assistance when travelling. We will
provide volunteer helpers to provide support as company and to push wheel chairs when necessary. We are planning to visit Blenheim Palace on Wednesday, September 15, Marwell Zoo on Thursday, September 16 and a National Trust Property on Friday, September 17. The charge for each trip is £50 towards transportation and entrance fees and there will be suitable local joining points to be arranged. If you or anyone you know that would who has mobility difficulties or would otherwise benefit from a day out please get in touch with David Lumsden at davidlumsden@talktalk.net 01189 774951 to apply or for further details.
PETER DELANEY
Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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LEISURE | 29
WOKINGHAMLEISURE
Save the date for wedding party It’ll be the happiest day in … well, a long time, as Crowthorne Musical Players make it up the aisle and into South Hill Park. LAURA SCARDARELLA is on the guest list, with a plus one
RAVE ON: Raver Tots is returning to Prospect Park in Reading later this month
Family-friendly rave for charity
W
EDDING bells will soon be ringing for Crowthorne’s amateur dramatic society. Crowthorne Musical Players (CMP) will perform the musical comedy The Wedding Singer at South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre. The production will run from Tuesday, September 21 to Saturday, September 25. The Wedding Singer, based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film, follows Robbie, who sings at weddings, his failed relationship with his former fiancée and with a new love, Julia. Director Tom Horrax thinks it is the “perfect show” to be putting on after a difficult year. “It’s a very happy, safe and predictable story, a real feel good musical, and it’s just the kind of show that’s going to make everyone smile,” he said. “The rehearsal process has been an absolute eye opener, and I think this is going to be a very unique show because the relationships that people are building through this show are so special and that’s really going to shine
READY FOR THE BIG DAY: Members of Crowthorne Musical Players at a social distanced rehearsal for The Wedding Singer through in the performance.” With many weddings postponed or scaled back over the last year, including some cast members, the society has high hopes that the show will gear them up for their new dates. Cast member Sophie Earle, playing the role of Julia, said the musical has been “amazing” to be part of. “This is my first-ever show with CMP, I auditioned barely knowing anyone and was lucky enough to be cast as the female lead and I’m so appreciative of that,” she said.
“Everyone is super friendly and welcoming and I really can’t wait for us to put everything together and perform the entire show so support the arts if you can." Committee member Emily Boneham said the society is a “close family”. Marking its 70th anniversary last year, Miss Boneham said they are hoping to have a delayed “big celebration” of the milestone next year. She added: “We are all such close friends here at CMP and I think that’s
Night time for theatre guild ACTORS will be playing their part in an outdoor Shakespeare production this summer. Windsor Theatre Guild, a community theatre company based in Windsor, is putting on Shakspeare’s classic tale, Twelfth Night. The production, directed by Adrian Tang, will be performed at Foxley Grove, Holport, from Wednesday, July 28 until Saturday, August 7. Separated from her twin brother Sebastian in a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a boy, calling herself Cesario, and becomes a servant to the Duke Orsino. This fast-paced romantic comedy has several interwoven plots of romance, mistaken identities and practical jokes. Having started read-throughs via Zoom, the company could finally rehearse in person from the beginning of May at Windsor Football Club. The company had planned to perform Federico Garcia Lorcas’ Blood Wedding back in March 2020, which has been postponed to next year. Although the group held an online murder mystery event back in January, this will be the company’s first live theatre performance since the pandemic began. Duncan Reed, who has been a part of the company for four years,
helped us through the pandemic, we’ve all stuck together and being such a sociable group we’ve kept running social events on Zoom like quizzes which has allowed people to continue to build friendships in the society.” Crowthorne Musical Players says it welcomes new members who wish to perform or want to help backstage. � Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) and will be available to purchase on southhillpark.org.uk. � For more information, visit cmpberks.org.uk
Roll out the Double Barrel for an evening of laughs A GROUP of comedians will step into the spotlight for a special show this August. Mates Rates Comedy is set to host an evening of entertainment with its show Double Barrelled Comedy with headliner Reginald D Hunter. Taking place at the Double Barrelled Brewery, Tilehurst, Reading, audiences will enjoy a range of acts from the UK comedy scene. With both TV names and up and coming circuit comics, the night will be presented by resident Mates Rates MC Carl Richard. The show will run from 6pm to 8pm, doors will open at 5.30pm. Tickets will be available for £15, and Early Bird tickets cost £12.50. For more details, or to book tickets, visit fatsoma.com. The group also holds a comedy night every other Friday evening at the Purple Turtle’s Cellar Bar in Reading’s Gun Street. Tickets cost £12, and the bill includes headlines, local talent and up-and-coming stars.
I want you back at gig SIX MONTHS TILL WINTER: Oberon and Puck in Windsor Theatre Guild’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, back in 2019 took on the position as chair last year. Following Derek Reay, who was chair for 14 years, Mr Reed explained he is “looking forward” to representing the company in their first post-lockdown live performance. “All the cast and crew can’t wait to get back out there and perform, they’re all so excited because their natural and happy
environment is on stage”, he said. “Lots of new actors have joined us, and we’ve especially had a lot of young people come through our doors which is great, we’re always welcoming new members into the company.” Tickets cost £14 for adults and £10 for under 18s. To book, visit ticketsource.co.uk/wtg � For more details, log on to windsortheatreguild.co.uk
A MOTOWN tribute show will be making its way to Reading this Autumn. The Magic of Motown will be taking audiences on a musical journey at The Hexagon on Friday, September 10. Take a trip back down memory lane with this tribute show, featuring Motown classics from artists including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and much more. Tickets are available for £32 for adults and £30 for concessions. � For more details, visit whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
DJS ARE mixing the decks in preparations for a familyfriendly rave this month. Raver Tots, a festival for families with young children, is set to make a comeback this summer for its’ UK tour. Kicking off in Prospect Park, in Reading, on Sunday, July 25, the festival will make its way to nine other venues over the coming months. The line-up will include sets from Judge Jules, Brandon Block, Artful Dodger, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Wideboys, Heartless Crew, DJ Phantasy, Nicky Blackmarket, Jaguar Skills, and the Guinness World Record holder and the world’s youngest club DJ, DJ Archie. Activities will include free fun fair rides, soft play, crazy golf, stage shows with dancers, face painting, arts and crafts and a street food market with a licenced bar. Partnering with Brain Tumour Research, the festival will be raising money and awareness for the charity this year. Mike Pickets, founder of Raver Tots, said: “Given the enormous appetite for the return of events, we felt it was only right to use the platform to raise awareness for a good cause, and as such, we are excited to have teamed up with an amazing charity, Brain Tumour Research. “It’s been a long wait and a hard time for so many people, being able to party together and make memories through music will last a lifetime, we think it is going to feel more magical than ever.” Jason Rigby, director of marketing at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are very excited to be working with Raver Tots and look forward to a fun-filled summer. “Sadly, brain tumours affect so many young people and their families and the festival will be a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of this devastating and under-funded disease.” Tickets start at £15 and are available from ravertots.co.uk/events LAURA SCARDARELLA
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30 | LEISURE
At the theatre Due to coronavirus, performances may change at short notice. Check with box offices before heading out Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 R’n’Beatles. Thurs. Comedy Cellar in the Wilde. Wed. Amit Yahav piano recital. Fri 9. Imogen Ryall and Julian Nicholas. Sat 10. FILMS: Apples. Thurs. Nomadland. Fri-Sun. Raya and the Last Dragon. Fri-Sun. Exhibition on Screen: Sunflowers. WedThurs 8. Ammonite. Fri 9-Sun 11.
Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Honey. Fri. The House That Jackson Built. Sat. Silly Squirrel. Sat 10.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Gag House Comedy Superstars: Rich Hall, Stephen Bailey, Dane Baptiste, Ria Lina. Fri. Ballet Central. Sat. Absurd Person Singular. Tues-Sat 10. Guildford Arts’ Summer Exhibition. From Sat 10 until Jul 22.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk m01494 512000
The Bowie Collective. Sun. NEXT SHOW: Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler. Wed, Aug 25.
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals. Fri 9.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm Reading – Progress Theatre www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Pop Up Bowie. Thurs. The Good Times Tour. FriSat. Uncle Vanya. Fri. The Handlebards present Macbeth. Fri 9.
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Romeo and Juliet – Outdoor Shakespeare in the Abbey Ruins. July 1424.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 NEXT SHOW: Forever In Blue Jeans. Sat 17.
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: No Naughty Bits. Wed, Sept 22Sat Sept 25.
Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 As You Like It. Until Jul 24.
Reading – Abbey Ruins, The Forbury www.rabbletheatre.com 07917 673370 Rabble Theatre presents The Last Abbot. Until Sat.
Reading – South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Kerry Godliman. Fri, Sept 3-Sat, Sept 4.
Reading – The Hexagon
Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Relatively Speaking. Until July 30. Magic: A Kind of Queen. Fri. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sat. The Bourne Again Shadows. Sun. Sounds of the 60s Show with the Zoots. Sat 10. The Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand Show. Sun 11.
Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Ian McKellen in Hamlet. Until Sept 4.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 September in the Rain. Wed-Sat 17.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 1, 2021
Join Iggle Piggle for a Busy Day A MAGICAL puppet adventure is coming to Reading’s The Hexagon later this month. It’s pre-school favourites In The Night Garden and it’s live on stage. The show is called Igglepiggle’s Busy Day and includes all the show’s characters such as Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka. Igglepiggle looks for his friends and follows their funny sounds until he finds them all, including the Pinky Ponk, which will be flying through the auditorium. Audiences will be able to watch their favourite characters come to life with fullsize costumes, magical puppets and enchanting music. It’s almost like being in the night garden yourself. Performances will be on Tuesday, July 27 at 10am, 1pm and 4pm, and Wednesday, July 28 at 10am and 1pm. Tickets will be available for £20 for adults and £18 for under 16s for premium seats. Band A tickets will be priced at £18 for adults and £16 for under 16s and babes in arms tickets will be available for under six-months-old only. � For more details, or to book, whatsonreading.com
Wokingham Loves Music
ON STAGE: Gemma Dorsett performing at the Wokingham Festival – we hope she can return soon so we can hear her perform Hunger Picture: Andrew Merritt
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
I
T WAS great seeing live music make a return at last weekend’s Twyford Beer Festival, showing that we still love to boogie. We’re looking forward to seeing Gemma Dorsett return to our neck of the woods when covid allows, so we can hear her perform live. Hear the track that’s caught our ear with our great playlist. We also have a welcome return to Ben Portsmouth, a great Elvis and a great performer in his own right. Make sure you have a listen at bit.ly/ wokinghamlovesmusic and search for our group of Facebook to join in the music chat.
Gemma Dorsett – Hunger Here’s the storming new single from an excellent singer who previously appeared in our Top 10 of 2020. Gemma has visited the area to play on many occasions and we hope it’s not too long before we see her here again as we’d love to see her perform this single live. It’s a well-produced rocker with great musicianship providing a solid driving backing to Gemma’s powerful impassioned voice giving another of her quality vocal performances – www.gemmadorsett.com
Ben Portsmouth – Today, Tomorrow & Always More well-produced quality musicianship and vocals, this time from an artist from the local area, who we’ve featured previously. This song, from Ben’s recent Remember Me EP, features a melodic guitar solo and is one of those emotional rock ballads that you can imagine in an arena show with lighters held aloft. Many will know Ben in his Elvis guise where he has received worldwide recognition. Watch out for his Taking Care of Elvis tour in September – www.takingcareofelvis.co.uk
Dennis Siggery & Neil Sadler – Gypsy Woman Dennis’s voice, combined with Neil’s guitar playing, go together perfectly on their new album, Higher Ground recorded at Neil’s, Wokingham-based, No Machine Studios – ericstreetband.com/
Modesty Blue – Time of Your Life Go back in time to the 80s with Ascot-based Modesty Blue who have just released this Stock Aitken and Waterman inspired track with a retro feel and a hooky chorus – www.heavytrafficmusic.co.uk/artists/ modesty-blue/
The Wave Machine – Slow Right Down The Wave Machine is the creative name for singersongwriter Angus Trott who grew up in Wokingham before moving to Brighton. He will be returning in August to perform at Wokingham Festival – www.thewavemachine.co.uk
Josh Okeefe – We’re All the Same Josh, who currently resides in Nashvile, Tennessee, has led a nomadic lifestyle and in August his journey brings him to Wokingham to appear at the festival – www.joshokeefe.com/
Reliant – When She Goes They have members from Wokingham and Reading
and appeared in our Top 10 of 2020 as well as being runners up for best band in Radio Wigwam’s Awards 2020 – www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant
Third Lung – Hold the Line It’s Third Lung with their latest single and it’s another uplifting singalong anthem. The band, who has local links, is releasing a series of singles of which this is the latest – thirdlungband.com/
Warmrain – Absent Friends Beautiful, personal and emotive melodic rock with a Floydian feel by a band that will be visiting the area for the first time to play at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday – warmrainband.com
Rachel Redman – Ready, Waiting for Me Berkshire-based singer songwriter with her country pop style which is going down well with radio shows and music listeners in the US as well as the UK – www.facebook.com/rachelredmanmusic
In the garden July
The lazy days of summer
J
ULY is the month of high summer and the garden comes alive during hot lazy afternoons to the sound of bees buzzing, gathering pollen from all the plants that you have lovingly nurtured and cared for that are now in full flower. It’s the time of year that gardens or patios become an extension of our day-to-day living space as we use them for entertaining and relaxing in. When it comes to patios, the real plus side to them is that they are ideal for masses of pots of colourful summer flowers. These pots can then be extended through the Winter and into Spring with bulbs and Winter bedding to give your patio a longer lasting all-year-round appeal. Do remember though that the more containers you have, the more watering you will have to do during hot periods and the more dead heading and trimming you will need to do – but it’s definitely worth it. A great idea for patios is a small water feature – and if you’re short on time or space then a container pond is quick and easy to make. You can create a different dimension to any small space, bringing the cool, calming presence of still water to the garden, attracting lots of wildlife and giving you the chance to grow a whole new range of interesting aquatic plants. Choosing the right pot – for your garden and for a successful water feature – is essential. You can use large sized terracotta pots, old Belfast basins and water troughs or half wooden barrels. Several types of aquatic plants can be grown in one container, but aquatic plants can be fast growers so may need thinning out from time to time. With everything in full bloom, it may now be possible to cut flowers from your garden to have in the home and Dahlias are a popular choice with gardeners for this. Their warm vibrant colours mean that they are often grown specifically as cut flowers and they regularly feature at local horticultural society shows due to their summer flowering. Originally from Mexico, Dahlias flower from July through to the first frosts in the Autumn and range from dwarf bedding varieties to the popular giant flower heads that adorn gardens around the country. They can be used as bedding plants and border plants and can be added to a mixed border alongside herbaceous perennials like Phlox, Aster and Sedum. Dahlias thrive in any well drained soil and like plenty of sunlight but will need Winter protection in most parts of the UK. The key to success for July is maintenance and good, effective watering. Top tips for this month from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)… � Check climbers are secure and pest free � Care for houseplants if away for a few days � Water containers and new plants if dry but be water-wise � Deadhead bedding plants to ensure continuous flowering � Clear algae and weed from ponds and keep topped up � Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed � Harvest soft fruits � Don’t forget to weed
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Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK
Chard, Spinach & Feta Pie
T
Serves 4 HERE’S been a glut of chard and spinach to harvest at the freely fruity site this week. If you come across some of these supergreens, here is a delicious way to eat them. The stalks of rainbow chard are too beautiful to cook so here they are quickly pickled and taste fantastic with the salty feta and filo.
Ingredients For the pickling liquor � 200ml malt or white wine vinegar � 2 tablespoons sugar � 1 tablespoon salt � 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds, crushed For the tart � 400g rainbow chard, washed and dried � 25g butter � 2-3 tbsp oil
� 2 brown onions, large dice � 5g fresh coriander, chopped � A pinch of salt � 200g spinach, washed and dried � 200g feta cheese � 2 eggs � Black pepper � 1 lemon, zest only � 4 sheets filo pastry � A pinch black onion/nigella/ kalonji seeds
Method 1. Place the pickling liquor ingredients into a medium bowl and mix until the sugar and salt have dissolved 2. Tear the stalks off the chard, slice the stalks and place them into the pickling liquor; set aside 3. Tear up the chard leaves and set aside 4. Place a large frying pan (one you have a lid for) on to a medium heat and melt the butter with 1 tbsp oil. Add the onion,
coriander and salt and fry until soft and translucent; about 5 minutes 5. Add half of the chard leaves and cover with the lid for a few minutes until wilted then add the rest. Repeat with the spinach
then uncover the pan for a few minutes and cook until any water has evaporated; switch off the heat and cool 6. In a large bowl lightly beat the eggs then crumble in the feta, mix well with some pepper and
the lemon zest 7. Preheat the oven to 185°C/gas mark 5 8. Mix the chard and spinach into the egg mixture 9. Brush one sheet of filo with oil then lay another on top to form
a cross. Brush this sheet with oil and place a third sheet on the diagonal, brush this sheet with oil and finish with the final sheet on the other diagonal 10. Use this filo star to line a 20cm / 8inch springform cake tin, letting the edges fall over the sides 11. Fill the middle with the chard mixture then fold the overhanging pastry into the middle, brush with a little more oil and a pinch of onion seeds 12. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden 13. Remove from the tin and cool a little 14. Drain the pickled stalks and when ready to serve, pile in the centre of the pie Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/
plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK
What stores are doing about peat Last week, we looked at why eliminating sales of peat is so important, here is what local garden centres and retailers had to say …
W
E want to see stores stop selling peat and swicth to more sustainable composts. To find out what action they were taking, we asked them. The weakest effort came from Sainsbury’s. “We continue to offer both peat free compost as well as standard compost options to our customers in line with the rest of the industry.” they said. “We are working really hard with manufacturers to make organic products more of a focus in our range and are aiming to move completely to peat-free compost over time.” Waitrose’s response was also vague: “We have recently widened our range of composts to offer a peat free alternative. “In addition, we are actively trialling alternatives across a number of our growers and are in the process of developing a longterm strategy to tackle this problem.” At least they did respond however, unlike Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Homebase and several other national retailers. Of the dozen national retailers I spoke to, Dobbies Garden Centres impressed the most: “We have a market leading position, as our aim is to be 90% peat-free during 2021 and 100% during 2022. We are
introducing a full range of peat-free alternatives this year with details to follow soon.” Points for effort also have to go to B&Q, which explained: “We first introduced peat-free compost in 1991, we stopped selling 100% peat in 2008 and we introduced a range of peat-free bedding plants in 2014. Over the last three years, we’ve continued working with our suppliers and have developed a new high quality 100% peat free formulation. “This year, 70% of our growing media range is peat free and offered under our GoodHome brand, as well as New Horizon and Pro-Grow branded composts, among others.” Wickes have a little further to go: “We have published our target to remove peat altogether by 2025 and we remain on track to achieve this. “Our own brand peat-free compost is now available, and we are continuing to work with our suppliers to develop alternative peat-free products in the volumes we need.” “Although the peat-free products are more expensive to produce, we are keeping the retail price equivalent to the peat based ones.” Today, there are many alternatives and the RHS is continuing its research to advise on the most effective and sustainable options going forward. These include bought peat-free composts (made from materials such as animal, food or green waste, bark, wood fibre, coir, bracken or sheep's wool), homemade compost and leaf mould.
According to The Big Plant Nursery in Twyford: “Simply banning peat would have a huge impact on the industry. Growers would struggle to produce the same quality and quantity plants that customers have come to expect, and garden centres and other retail would struggle to meet the demand for bagged compost in stores. “We are now offering four 100% peat-free composts and are looking to increase our range further.” They added: “The extraction of peat for growing media only occurs on less than 0.1% of all peatlands within the UK, and peatlands that have been extracted from are restored to quality habitat suitable for wildlife.” It depends on one’s definition of ‘quality’, I think, and many leading charities and campaigners would suggest otherwise. Peat extraction within the UK has indeed fallen from its peak in 2003 but citing such data is unhelpful as we are merely exporting much of the environmental impact by relying on sourcing vast quantities of peat from countries including Ireland. Arborfield-based Henry Street Garden Centre confirmed that all of their (95,000) own-grown Roses
and large grown shrubs have been grown in a peat free compost for past five years. They explained “We are carrying out a supplier audit of peat-free compost at the moment but with previous responses from growers, up to 80% of hardy nursery stock sold is in peat free compost. We sell a variety of peat-free and peat based products and have promote peat-free by giving away 4,000 free bags to our reward card customers to show the quality of the product.” “Like every environmental issue, it is not a simple one. All products have an environmental impact and the industry has been working hard to get a sustainable, good quality product but still the most asked question is what is your cheapest compost, not what is in it.” That is an unfortunate reality, as also demonstrated in a recent episode of the BBC’s Gardener’s World. Like The Big Plant Nursery, British Garden Centres, which owns Winnersh Garden Centre, also called for more support from the Government, including in relation to research. They said: “The reduction in the use of peat as a garden product has been very much
on our agenda for a number of years. The reduction in peat content is significant, a drop from over 70% peat content to under 30% by our main compost supplier in recent years. We offer a comprehensive selection of peat free and reduced peat composts and will continue to do so.” Spencers Wood based Laurels Plant Centre said that prior to the pandemic they had been working closely with their supplier, which has been developing peat free alternatives since 1991 to trial sustainable alternatives. They said: “We have been using and offering reduced peat products at for 40 years and from September we will also be offering peat free alternatives to our customers. They continued: “We are proud to promote re-wilded areas around all of our tunnels and growing areas and actively upkeep and maintain almost 600 metres of mixed native hedgerow on site for nesting birds, butterflies, insects and hedgehogs. “We also promote the re-use of our pots and trays and as of this year we are using trays that can be directly recycled alongside our own plant labels.”
Squire’s Garden Centre, which owns the former Wyevale in Wokingham, said: “Our policy is to offer a range of peat-free and reduced peat composts that provide outstanding growing performance. “We are actively seeking a sustainable, quality, peat free source for our own brand of multipurpose compost which we plan to introduce during 2022. “We also hope our suppliers will be able to provide required volumes of branded peat-free composts in 2024 to enable Squire’s compost offer to become wholly peat-free. Most plants will grow just as well in a peat-free compost as they would in a peat based one.” At home we garden 100% organically, using a combination of homemade compost, bought peatfree compost and seaweed feed and our garden has never looked healthier or been fuller of birds, insects and other wildlife. It’s time to vote with your feet everyone – stop buying peat based compost and let’s restore and protect our peatlands for generations to come.
Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with over 32,000 followers, that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome.com or www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk
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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 24th June 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below:
211924
The Old Bakehouse, 26 High Street, Twyford
Reasons for Advert Conservation Area
1. B3030 Mole Road, Sindlesham between its junctions with B3030 Sindlesham Road and Copse Barnhill Lane.
212012
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bearwood Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Langley Common Road, Eversley Road and B3030 Sindlesham Road or by this route in reverse.
Shinfield Infant And Nursery School, School Green, Shinfield
(Affect setting of) Full application for the proposed installation of a Listed Building Class 1 lightning protection system to the main school building.
212013
Shinfield Infant And Nursery School, School Green, Shinfield
(Affect setting of) Application for Listed Building consent for the Listed Building proposed installation of a Class 1 lightning protection system to the main school building.
211841
Land North and South of", Cutbush Lane, Shinfield
Major Application
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th July and 9th July 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00. 2. B3030 Sindlesham Road, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Reading Road and B3030 Mole Road.
Application Address
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Mole Road, Bearwood Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Langley Common Road and Eversley Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th July and 9th July 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00. 3. Odiham Road, Riseley between its junctions with Part Lane and Wokingham Borough Boundary.
Description Full application for the proposed change of use of existing office (Use Class A2) into 1 no. dwelling (Use Class C3).
Full planning permission for the Science Park Creative Media Hub comprising the erection of film stages and associated workshops and office space and ancillary uses including equipment stores, cafe, post-production screening facility. Formation of associated access, decked and surface parking, and landscaping at the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP). Application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment. Application is a potential departure from local plan.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3349 Basingstoke Road and B3349 Odiham Road or by this route in reverse.
The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 16th August and 31st December 2021
Any comments must arrive on or before the 15th July 2021. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.
The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Structural Maintenance including Prepatching, Inlay Resurfacing, Microasphalt Resurfacing and Surface Dressing Resurfacing work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times, however access may be restricted at 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.
Date: 1st July 2021
For up to date news in the borough follow us on
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th July 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.
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Dated: 1st July 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
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READING FC WOMEN
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
ROYALS RECRUIT SEASONED STRIKER
FINCH CLINCH TVPL TITLE
READING FC Women have made their first acquisition of the new season as Natasha Dowie joins from AC Milan.
Dowie, 32, has a wealth of experience of scoring goals for various clubs from across the globe and joins on the back of scoring 14 times in 24 appearances for Milan last season. A diverse career has seen Dowie play in England for Fulham, Charlton Athletic, Everton, Barnet, Liverpool and Doncaster Rovers. Meanwhile, she has played abroad for Melbourne Victory in Australia on four separate occasions, Boston Breakers in America, Linkoping in Sweden, Valerenga in Norway and has now made the move to the Madejski. A collection of individual and team accolades has come with her storied career which has seen her win the Women’s FA Cup and National League Cup with Everton, the Super League on two occasions for Liverpoool and the W-League Premiership with Melbourne.
She also has international experience having represented England 14 times, with five goals to her name. “I am delighted to bring Tash to Reading,” said Reading Women’s manager Kelly Chambers. “Tash is someone I have been watching for the last 18 months. “I wanted to bring her in last season but she had different aspirations at the time but I am delighted to now call her a Reading player. “She is going to be a great addition for us, firstly because she is a proven goal scorer where ever she has played but also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the side. “Looking over the last couple of seasons, there is no hiding from the fact we haven’t been ruthless enough in front of goal with the amount of chances we have created in games, so bringing Tash in will bring a player who is more comfortable in those areas will definitely add to the quality.”
FOOTBALL
TICKETS ON SALE FOR MOLES’ CLASH WITH SLOUGH TOWN TICKETS ARE NOW available for fans to attend Binfield FC’s friendly match against Slough Town FC.
As part of their preseason preparations ahead of a new season, the Moles will face Slough in one of several preseason matches. Binfield make the trip to Arbour Park to face Slough on Friday, July 9. Before their game against Slough, the Moles face Chalvey Sports FC on Tuesday, July 6 at the Kings
Academy (7.45pm kick-off). Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers’ side, who reached the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium last season, are keen to build on their success. The team are preparing for life at step four football having been promoted to the Isthmian League as part of the FA league restructure. � For more information, visit: sloughtownfc.net/article/2443/Preseason:-tickets-now-available
FOOTBALL
BURGHFIELD FC HOST LOCAL SIDES IN SUMMER TOURNAMENT THIS weekend Burghfield FC will host 247 teams across 37 individual tournaments in their popular summer football tournament.
After months of planning and additional measures in place to ensure its covid secure, the tournament makes a return after a one year hiatus. Over two days and across 10 pitches, just under 250 teams will compete across 37 individual tournaments, each seeded to give everyone a genuine chance to
compete no matter what level or division they play at. Teams from all major leagues in Berkshire and the surrounding counties have booked places, in age groups ranging from U7s to adults. For the first time this year, there will also be a ladies tournament, which will also see a debut for Burghfield FC’s new ladies team ahead of their inaugural 2021/22 season. The action gets underway at 9am on Saturday morning.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD finished with a flourish in their final game of the season having already been crowned as champions the following week. Finch picked up their 19th win in 26 games to complete their remarkable season with yet another victory as they put six goals past Windlesham & Chobham without reply. A cagey first-half saw the teams locked in a goalless draw at the break, but Finch came out flying in the secondhalf and smashed six past their opponents to end the season in style. Finch finished the season four points above runners-up BERKS COUNTY. Finchampstead FC are awarded the TVPL title Picture: Thames Valley Premier League
Thames Valley Division One WARGRAVE were narrowly beaten in a title decider on the final day of the season at Reading YMCA. They had the chance to snatch the title away from their opponents on the last game of the campaign as they two sides did battle. Wargrave needed a win to take the title, but suffered just their second loss of the league season as Reading secured a 1-0 win to be crowned as champions. The defeat means that they end the season as runners-up having enjoyed a superb campaign that saw them win 17 of their 20 league matches. FC IMAAN LIONS finished the season in third position after they were
awarded an away win over Cookham Dean Reserves in their final match. The Lions won 12 of their 20 league matches, finishing with 37 points.
Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY RESERVES got the better of TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE in a match filled with goals. In the 10-goal contest, Berks took the points with a 7-3 triumph. There were seven different scorers on the scoresheet for Berks as Jack Carrod, Lester Demfeh, Ano Mucherahowa, Lenny Musgrove, Lloyd Jacques, Jake Keohane and Yuri Lerman all notched for the hosts.
Meanwhile, Ben Claridge and Adam Parker netted for Twyford. Twyford end the season in eighth position, while Berks are in fifth with one game left to play.
Thames Valley Division Four FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT concluded their campaign with a heavy defeat against runners-up Reading City Development. Calvin Granger clawed back a consolation goal for Finch but they were beaten 7-1 in their final game of the season. Finch finished the season in ninth on 25 points.
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
ROYALS OPEN WITH AWAY TRIP
READING will face Stoke City away from home on the opening day of the 2021/22 Championship season.
The new campaign gets underway with an away trip on Saturday, August 7 before the Royals play hosts to Preston North End the following weekend for their first home match. Veljko Paunović’s side made a superb start to last campaign, winning their opening seven matches under their new boss and will be hoping for an equally brilliant start. Other key dates for Reading fans to put in the diary include a Boxing Day visit to Peterborough United and a New Year’s Day home match against Derby County. The final home game of the season is currently scheduled for Saturday, April 30 against West Bromwich Albion before the last match of the campaign comes at Kenilworth Road away against Luton Town on Saturday, May 7. AUGUST 7- STOKE CITY (A) 10- SWANSEA CITY (H) CARABAO CUP 14- PRESTON (H) 18- BRISTOL CITY (H) 21- COVENTRY (A) 28- HUDDERSFIELD (A)
SEPTEMBER 11- QPR (H) 14- PETERBOROUGH (H) 18- FULHAM (A) 25- MIDDLESBROUGH (H) 29- DERBY (A) OCTOBER 2- CARDIFF (A) 16- BARNSLEY (H) 20- BLACKPOOL (A) 23- BLACKBURN (A) 30BOURNEMOUTH (H) NOVEMBER 2- MILLWALL (A) 6- BIRMINGHAM (A) 20- FOREST (H) 23- SHEFFIELD UNITED (H) 27- SWANSEA (A) DECEMBER 4- HULL (H) 11- WEST BROM (A) 18- LUTON (H) 26- PETERBOROUGH (A) 29- FULHAM (H)
JANUARY 1- DERBY (H) 15- MIDDLESBROUGH (A) 22- HUDDERSFIELD (H) 29- QPR (A) FEBRUARY 5- STOKE (H) 9- BRISTOL (A) 12- COVENTRY (H) 19- PRESTON (A) 22- BIRMINGHAM (H) 26- BLACKPOOL (A) MARCH 5- MILLWALL (H) 12- FOREST (A) 15- BOURNEMOUTH (A) 19- BLACKBURN (H) APRIL 2- BARNSLEY (H) 9- CARDIFF (H) 15- SHEFFIELD UNITED (A) 18- SWANSEA (H) 23- HULL (A) 30- WEST BROM (H) MAY 7- LUTON (A)
Thursday, July 1, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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www.trademarkwindows.co.uk RESULTS Saturday, June 26
Windsor (170 all out) lost to Finchampstead 3s (171-7) Royal Ascot (208-3) beat White Waltham (207-7)
FOOTBALL Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 6-0 Windlesham & Chobham
Thames Valley Division 4A Reading 2s (150-9) drew Wargrave 2s (235-5dec) Eversley 2s (111 all out) lost to Newbury (123 all out) Falkland 2s (217-8) beat Wokingham 3s (215-8)
Thames Valley Division One Reading YMCA 1-0 Wargrave Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves 2-5 Maidenhead Town Reserves Berks County Reserves 7-3 Twyford & Ruscombe Thames Valley Division Four Reading City Development 7-1 Finchampstead Development CRICKET BCM Championship Downley (161-6) beat Shinfield (155 all out)
Wokingham & Emmbrook FC host football fun for kids (pictured left) and Sumas Ladies host open day (pictured right) Pictures: Andrew Batt
FOOTBALL
SUMAS HOST FOOTBALL FUN
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK hosted a busy weekend of football with fun football sessions for kids and an open day for their Ladies first-team.
Sumas’ football fun head coach Richard Millington said: “We run a programme for four- and five-yearolds to take their first steps into football. The focus is always on the
fun part, for them to make new friends while playing football. “We had 80 children in the programme and 40 of them have graduated into teams and will play for the U7’s at Wokingham & Emmbrook FC next season. “We want to provide the best platform in Wokingham for children to explore football, whether they have previous experience or whether it’s the first time they have ever kicked a ball.
“It’s a great thing for the club, it’s a real stepping stone. “It’s been a really successful season for us.” The Sumas are on the lookout for new players to join their Ladies first-team and hosted an open trial at the weekend at Emmbrook School for new players to tryout. The club are also seeking new players to join their girls teams for other age groups.
Wokingham & Emmbrook U14 girls are keen for new players who have previous playing experience to join. Wokingham & Emmbrook U11s are also also inviting both boys and girls to join their team as they make the transition from seven-a-side to nine-a-side football form next season. � For more details, contact pauldavies43.pd@gmail.com or mcpheas@gmail.com
FOOTBALL
COUNTY CUPS TO RETURN IN REVISED FORMAT BERKS & Bucks FA County Cup competitions are set to return for the 2021/22 season with a revamped format.
There will be a reduced program of cups available, with some changes to the entry criteria. Confirmed competitions and entry requirements for the 2021-22 season onward are: The Berks & Bucks FA Senior Cup: (Mandatory entry for clubs with first teams competing in Steps 1-6 of the National League System, with one team entry per club) The Berks & Bucks FA Women’s Cup: (Mandatory entry for clubs with first teams competing in Tier 1-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid, with one team entry per club) The Berks & Bucks FA Charles Twelftrees Trophy: (Optional entry for all other Saturday clubs with first teams competing in Regional Feeder
Leagues and below, with one Team entry per Club) The Berks & Bucks FA Women’s Trophy: (Optional entry for all other Women’s clubs with first teams competing in Tier 7 and below, with one team entry per club) The Berks & Bucks FA Sunday Cup: (Optional entry for clubs with first teams competing in the top divisions of each Sunday League, with one Team entry per Club) The Berks & Bucks FA Sunday Trophy: (Optional entry forclubs with first teams competing outside the top divisions of each Sunday League, with one team entry per club) The Berks & Bucks FA Youth Cups (U12*, U13*, U14, U15, U16, U18):
(Optional entry for clubs with mixed teams in those age groups, with one team entry per club) The Berks & Bucks FA Girls Cups: (U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U18) (Optional entry for clubs with Femaleonly teams in those age groups, with one team entry per club) The Berks & Bucks FA Disability and Futsal Cups will have a separate entry process later in the season and we will provide more information on this in due course. BBFA Deputy Chair, John Horsley, said: “We are delighted to be able to relaunch the Berks & Bucks FA County Cup Competitions for the 2021/22 season. “Last year we made the decision not to run County Competitions to help provide more time and support to our member clubs and
leagues in completing as much of their league seasons as possible. “During this time, we reviewed the format of the competitions to see how we could make them more sustainable and flexible for our Clubs while continuing to provide a high level of competition and enjoyment. “The new format considers changes in The FA’s National League System structure and reflects the strength of our local game. We hope that the new format will provide a high level of competition for our players and supporters for many years to come. “We are also pleased to announce that the U18 Youth Cup has been dedicated in memory of our late President, Bill Gosling, who sadly passed away in June last year. “The cup has been renamed and will now be known as the Bill Gosling U18 Youth Cup going forward.”
BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood (88 all out) lost to Farley Hill (91-2) Sandhurst (132-3) beat Woodley (129 all out) Welford Park (252-6) beat Twyford & Ruscombe (152 all out) BCL Division 1 Earley (171 all out) beat Warfield (67 all out) Farley Hill 2s (171 all out) tied Shinfield 2s (171 all out) Peppard Stoke Row 2s (214-8) lost to Waltham St Lawrence (233-5) Reading Lions (148-4) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (146-8) Woodley 2s (136 all out) lost to West Reading 2s (140-0) Chilterns Division 1 Emmbrook and Bearwood (111-1) beat Chalfont St Giles (110 all out) Chilterns Division 2 Pinkneys Green 2s (189-9) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (188 all out) Home Counties Division 1 Datchet (215-8) beat Finchampstead (212-8) Home Counties Division 2 Chesham (94 all out) lost to Wokingham (138 all out) Thames Valley Division 2B Eversley (203 all out) beat Hurst (172-9) Fleet (183 all out) beat Binfield (125 all out) Reading 2s (264-3) drew Finchampstead 2s (201-9) Bagshot (169-7) drew Wokingham 2s (162-9) Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning (266-5) drew Sulhamstead & Ufton (1915)
FIXTURES Saturday, July 3 CRICKET BCM Championship Shinfield v Peppard Stoke Row BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v Woodcote Twyford and Ruscombe v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Woodley v Welford Park BCL Division 2 East Earley 2s v Reading United 2s Knowl Hill v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 3s Sandhurst 2s v Shinfield 3s Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall 2s v Twyford and Ruscombe 2s Chilterns Division 1 Winchmore Hill v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Denham 2s Home Counties Division 1 Finchampstead v Henley Home Counties Division 2 Harefield v Wargrave Wokingham v Horspath Thames Valley Division 2B Thatcham Town v Hurst Binfield v Kidmore End Bagshot v Finchampstead 2s Eversley v Wokingham 2s Thames Valley Division 3A Boyne Hill 2s v Sonning Finchampstead 3s v Cove 2s White Waltham v Windsor Thames Valley Division 4A Wargrave 2s v Bagshot 2s Wokingham 3s v Eversley 2s Thames Valley Division 5B Slough 4s v Binfield 2s Thames Valley Division 6A Wargrave 3s v Kew 3s Thames Valley Division 6B Yateley v White Waltham 2s Fleet 2s v Finchampstead 4s Sonning 2s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s Hurst 2s v Aldershot 2s Thames Valley Division 7A Cove 3s v Wokingham 4s Eversley 3s v Binfield 3s
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ATHLETICS
WARGRAVE SPRINT TRIAT By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THE RACE was on in Wargrave last weekend as swimmers stepped up for the village’s Sprint Triathlon.
On Sunday, June 27, 91 individuals and teams took the plunge on Ferry Lane for the seventh annual sporting event. They had to complete a 750 metre swim in the River Thames, followed by a 20km (12.5 mile) cycle ride, before finishing the race with a 5km (3.1-mile) run. Coming in first with a time of 1:08:35 was Andy Morgan, who was shortly followed by James Waite who finished in 1:10:22. The fastest female competitor was Beverly Johnston with a time of 01:19:32, followed by Faye Bartlett at 01:21:26. And the quickest team was Team Meglio, finishing in 01:10:04, taking the top spot from Two Henleys and the Hungarian with a time of 01:12:13. The organisers of the Wargrave Sprint Triathlon said it was a fun morning. “What a day,” they said on social media. “Congratulations to all our amazing triathletes, and a huge thanks to all the volunteers.” Daisy Love supported the event with free breakfast and coffee for the competitors, who were also given a warm up session by Castle Royle. � To see the results in full, visit: www.thewargravetriathlon.org
The 2021 Wargrave Sprint Triathlon put athletes to the test at the weekend in an event that
t
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ATHLON MAKES RETURN
BERKSHIRE KEEP CUP HOPES ALIVE By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today BERKSHIRE kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the NCCA Trophy by defeating group four leaders Wales NC on Sunday.
Beaten for the first time, Wales have completed their four games on six points, and are two points ahead of Berkshire, who themselves are two clear of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire. Wales are assured of making the quarterfinals, but the placings will be decided on runrate following the final round of group games this coming Sunday when Berks face Bucks at Wargrave while Oxon take on Beds at Aston Rowant. It was a solid team performance at Newport where the Trophy holders chased down a 50-over total of 247-6 to win by three wickets with nine balls to spare. The hosts lost their first three wickets for 30 before recovering well thanks to a fine knock of 94 from Oskar Kolk and a sixth-wicket partnership of 127 between Cameron Herring (62) and Greg Holmes (47). Berkshire's strong spin department had taken the bulk of the wickets in the previous games, but not on this occasion with seamer Andy Rishton claiming the bowling honours with 3-32 from eight overs. Berks lost Archie Carter for a second-ball duck, but there were useful contributions from the rest of the batsmen, highlighted by a fourth-wicket stand of 118 between skipper Richard Morris (67) and Dan Lincoln, who hammered 55 off 66 balls.
tested their running, cycling and swimming Pictures: Steve Smyth
RUGBY UNION
RAMS STAR HOPES TO SHINE IN VARSITY MATCH
RAMS star Tom Humberstone says it will be a ‘special privilege’ when he and brother Drew line up for Oxford University in the Varsity Match against Cambridge, writes Richard Ashton.
ROWING
WOKINGHAM ROWERS TAKE MEDAL CLEAN SWEEP WOKINGHAM rowers celebrated success after they achieved a clean sweep at Marlow.
Wokingham boys, Zak Jenkins and Jacob Len, took home gold medals at the Marlow Regatta series that took place over the last two weeks. Zak and Jacob are both part of the Henley Rowing Club Junior 14 team and secured their second goal medal on Saturday at the river event in Marlow team. The Dorney final
provided a nail biting finish, meanwhile the team achieved a comfortable win at the weekend as they finished several clear boat lengths of the opposing teams at the finish line. The team can be pleased with their triumph having competed against some of the top schools and club rowing teams across the country. The junior 14 team at Henley have remained undefeated this year in all their rowing events.
Henley Rowing Club Junior 14’s celebrate a weekend of medal success
The Jesus College fly-half, who joined Rams in 2017, will take part in the fixture for the third time, while his sibling makes a first start at inside centre. And Tom said: “You have to go back 50 years to find the last pair of brothers to have played in the Varsity match together for Oxford. “It’s a special privilege and one we are certainly not taking for granted. “The reality of the situation probably won’t dawn on us until after the game, but I don’t think Mum and Dad would ever have imagined us both running out in the Dark Blue together.” With the game originally set to take place in December before it was postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, Tom continued: “It’s been a long time to wait. “The club were faced with a lot of headaches when the December Varsity was suspended, but like anything, these challenges have presented new opportunities. Tom added: “It’s been an interesting period, bouncing ideas off each other in a different environment.”
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CRICKET
CRICKET ROUND-UP
CROWS HOST CRICKET MEMORIAL MATCH
EMMBROOK LEAD LEAGUE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
BCM Championship
Crowthorne & Crown Wood CC memorial game Pictures: Neil Graham
SHINFIELD are just above the drop zone after they lost out to Downley by four wickets. Davesh Gauchwal boosted the Shinfield total near the end of the innings as he totalled 49 to help them to finish on 155 all out. Ashiq Khan and Guachwal took two wickets each but Downley hit the winning runs with four wickets to spare after 43 overs to take the win.
BCL Premier Division
A BUMPER day of six-a-side Cricket took place at Crowthorne & Crown Wood CC as the annual memorial day for the late Adrian Chatters attracted many club members and their families to St Sebastian’s, writes Dan Partridge.
The unique format allows for big shots, improvised bowling and experimental fielding positions. A four-team mini-tournament with players from Under 15, Under 17 and men’s cricket sections was the order of the day. Despite playing against regular teammates, family members and friends, there was no shortage of highly competitive action on the field. As well as action-packed cricket, the club was able to raise some much-needed funds through a busy bar and player match fees. A follow-up event later in the season is planned with the
FARLEY HILL surged up to second after they beat CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD by eight wickets. Dan Partridge top scored for Crows at the end of the innings with 22, but they were skittled out for just 88 after a stunning bowling and fielding display from Farley. James Smart bowled exceptionally to claim four wickets, while Andy Marr took 3-6 as Crows were removed for a low total. Farley backed up their superb bowling display with an equally confident batting performance as they dropped just two wickets on their way to victory. Ali Jalil (26 not out) and David Drury (47 not out) guided them over the line after 26.1 overs. WOODLEY fell to defeat at Sandhurst as they lost out by seven wickets. Woodley batted first and ended on 129 all out as Mohamed Rimzan top scored with 36. But Sandhurst batted exceptionally as they conceded just three wickets on their way to surpassing the total. TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE are one place off the bottom as they fell 100 runs short against Welford Park. Welford posted a strong score of 252 and then bowled Twyford all out for 152 after 37.2 overs, despite a half century from Oscar Woodbridge. tournament being expanded across the club to cater for all youth players plus the women’s Coyotes squad. Event organiser, Chris Emes: “It’s great to see so many club members come out in what wasn’t great weather to support this event. “We just about got finished before the torrential rain came, so we are pleased. We look forward to hosting similar events later in the year. It’s great to see the younger players making an impact and it will be interesting to see them progress into the adult teams soon. “Due to covid restrictions, the scale of the event was limited but we were pleased to make the most of it. “Adrian Chatters is a club legend and it’s good the six-a-side tournament lives on in his name. “We look forward to many events like this going forwards.”
BCL Division One WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE added 34 points to their total after a 19-run triumph away at Peppard Stoke Row 2s. Waltham batted first and started strongly as the opening pair of Ankish Gandhi (63) and andy Malliff (43) got them off to a brilliant start. Rahan Siddiqui top scored and added 83 more runs to the total as they ended on 233. In a close contest, Waltham took the points as Peppard finished on 214 after 40 overs. SHINFIELD 2s and FARLEY HILL 2s shared 20 points each after they tied in a thrilling battle. Farley posted 171 after opening batsman Bilal Hussain finished the highest score in the order with 38. With 171 to chase down, Shinfield were just one run short of achieving victory when they lost their final wicket
Emmbrook and Bearwood 1s stay at the top of the Chilterns Cricket League after another victory Pictures:
as the game ended in a tie after Chadwick Cudjoe took four wickets for Farley. A brilliant bowling and fielding display from EARLEY saw them get the better of Warfield by 104 runs. Vish Shende posted a score of 63 as Earley finished on 171. Gary Shacklady and Mike Hordley collected three wickets each as they removed their opponents all out for 67 to claim a big win. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s lost out by six wickets to Reading Lions, while WOODLEY 2s were defeated by 10 wickets to West Reading 2s.
Home Counties Division 1
Rishton (33) and Sukhmeet Kang (47) helped to build a solid total as they finished on 138 all out. Andy Rishton performed with ruthless accuracy in the bowling attack from Wokingham with his exceptional spell seeing him collect six wickets as the Oaks bowled their opponents all out for 94 to take the points. WARGRAVE added eight points to their total after they drew against Slough. Rhodri Lewis had three wickets to his name, while Sam Warren scored the most runs for Wargrave with 74.
Chilterns Division 1
FINCHAMPSTEAD stay in eighth after they tasted defeat against Datchet. Finch batted first and 95 from wicket keeper Zac Leonard added much needed runs to the score with 95, while Lewis Sharp added 61 more to finish with 212. With a solid total to defend, Sharp added to his impressive batting display by taking four wickets, while James Woodford took three. But Datchet overtook Finch with just two wickets and eight balls to spare.
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD extended their lead at the top with victory over Chalfont St Giles 2s. Four wickets from Richard Cole and James Gibbs helped to bowl Chalfont all out for 110. Emmbrook then batted almost faultlessly, as they dropped just one wicket on their way to winning the match. Alex Cobb (40 not out) and Greg Davis (51 not out) got their team over the line after 23 overs.
Home Counties Division 2
Chilterns Division 2
WOKINGHAM 1s grabbed a vital victory with a 44-run triumph away against Chesham. The Oaks were put into bat first and a determined partnership from Andy
Despite scoring a huge total of 125, Matt Booth’s century couldn’t prevent a one wicket loss for EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s against Pinkneys Green 2s.
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AS WINNING FORM CONTINUES
From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
When referees get in the way
W
: Steve Smyth
Ravi Balakrishnan starred in the bowling attack for Emmbrook with four wickets, but Pinkneys took the win with just one wicket left.
Thames Valley Division 2B FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s are in second after they drew against Reading in a top of the table clash. EVERSLEY fell down a place after they drew against Hurst. Parsons (64) and Magowan (67) both amassed solid scores for Eversley, while Smith and Roxburgh-Smith collected four wickets each for Hurst. Hurst then scored 172 as Taylor hit a half century, but Verma was clinical in bowling attack for Eversley as he took six wickets. WOKINGHAM 2s dropped down a place after they drew to Bagshot. Jarrett Bobb bowled well with 3-51, while George Horsley top scored with 47 for the Oaks.
Thames Valley Division 3A WHITE WALTHAM climbed up to second despite suffering defeat against league leaders Royal Ascot. Nikhil Jathavedan hit 94 not out for Waltham to finish on 207, but Ascot surpassed the total after 44.1 overs. SONNING moved up to fourth after they earned 10 points in a draw against Sulhamstead & Ufton.
Andrew Niblett amassed 64 not out and then took 3-51 in the second innings in an outstanding all-round display. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s leapfrogged Windsor in the table after they beat them by three wickets. Mark Lines scored 45 and then took 3-45, while Matthew Lazarczuk collected 3-33.
Thames Valley Division 4A WARGRAVE 2s top after they were held to a draw by Reading 2s. Lal (80) and Kari (68) totalled big scores as Wargrave declared on 235-5. But Reading held out for 51 overs with a wicket to spare despite a scintillating bowling performance from Clark to take 5-44. WOKINGHAM 3s dropped out of the top three after a loss at Falkland 2s. Ryan Pogson and Jayden Barson both reached half centuries for the Oaks, and Charlie Carter took 3-49 but couldn’t prevent defeat. EVERSLEY 2s are just a point off the foot of the table after they lost to Newbury by 12 runs. Ben Martin took 4-29 for Eversley as they removed Newbury for 123. But Eversley were bowled all out on 111 as they lost the match, taking six points.
Crowthorne & Crown Wood against Farley Hill pictures: Steve Smyth
hat has impressed me at the EURO 2020s is the speed of the referees around the pitch.
Premier League referees are no slouches, but perhaps it is the extra keep fit sessions UEFA have held for their top referees. Or perhaps, I’ve been taken in by the number of times the referees have had to drop the ball, after being hit by it. That’s the excuse I make whenever I get hit by the ball, at least I’m keeping up with the play. This Law is a relatively recent one, coming into force in 2019. Previously, if the ball hit the referee, it was no different from rebounding from the goalpost or the flag post, the game just carried on. There is a classic video of a penalty where the goalkeeper punches the ball out but only on to the head of the referee, from where it bounced back into the goal. The referee then had no option but to award the goal. Perhaps this is what prompted the law makers to make the change. A spectator, speaking loudly after I have twice dropped the ball at the feet of the opposition, asked, ‘why does he always give the ball to them?’ Under the Law the referee has no choice but doesn’t always have to stop the game when he’s been hit. If the ball rebounds to the kicker or a team mate, he can allow the play to continue, providing it hasn’t created a promising attack. He must, however, stop the play, and restart with a drop ball should the ball rebound to an opposing player, or of course if the ball deflects off the referee into the goal. But at whose feet will he drop the ball? It will be a player, any player, of the side who last played the ball before it hit the referee, unless it is in the penalty area. There, it’s dropped at the feet of the goalkeeper. Another change is that other players of both sides must remain at least at least four yards away when the ball is dropped.
WOKINGHAMSPORT
EMMBROOK GO TOP
MCINTYRE COMMITS ROYALS FUTURE READING FC defender Tom McIntyre has signed a new long term deal with the club. The academy graduate has made a big impact on Veljko Paunović’s side since breaking into the first-team. Having been at the club since the age of eight, McIntyre made his debut for the senior team in December 2018. He became a mainstay at the back last campaign and made 28 appearances in all competitions and scored two goals. “Tom was a young fan of Reading Football Club, he learned his trade within our Academy, he has established himself in his boyhood club’s first team and now he is a big part of its future,” said Paunović. “I’m delighted he has committed to three more years as a Royal.” Chief Executive Dayong Pang added: “I am delighted that Tom has signed a new deal with Reading – he is an ambitious young man who has become an increasingly important member of the squad in the past few seasons.”
ISSN 2634-8330
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By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD continued their storming start to the season with another victory.
After whacking willow sending stumps made of ash flying, the Bears have a healthy lead at the the top of Chilterns Division One. On Saturday, they enjoyed a nine-wicket win over Chalfont St Giles. James Gibbs and Richard Cole both collected four wickets each, which was then backed up by a ruthless batting display. After eight matches, Emmbrook have a 21-point lead over second-placed Harpsden and have played one game fewer than the two sides immediately below them.
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� Match report on page 38
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