www.mywokingham.co.uk
march 2024
Helping residents to vote by post at upcoming elections
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esidents who wish to vote by post at upcoming elections are being reminded to read about recent changes to absent voting. New rules around postal voting are coming into effect this year, including how often you need to apply and how your vote is handled. These are as a result of the Elections Act 2022, which has seen a number of changes to elections and voting. Local elections are taking place on Thursday 2nd May, with all 54 seats up for contention on Wokingham Borough Council. On the same day, there is also a Police and Crime Commissioner election for the Thames Valley and there may be parish council elections if any seats are contested. Absent voting allows you to vote in an election by post or by proxy if you are unable to vote in person at the polling station on the day. For example, you may be unable to vote in person if you are at work, on holiday or have a medical condition or disability that makes it difficult. The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the May elections is 5pm on Wednesday 17th April. If you decide to vote by post, you will receive a pack that includes your ballot paper. This must be completed and returned in time for your vote to count. Andrew Moulton, Returning Officer at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We know that a decent proportion of
Terrific Times Tables Gain confidence in how to support your children with learning their times tables and the fun ways you can support them at home with a free course. Terrific Times Tables takes place on Thursday, March 21st from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Ambleside Children’s Centre in Woodley. Discover the different methods taught in school and expectations for each year group including the Year 4 national times tables test. Apply here
WADE’S fashion fun
WADE brings you an exciting evening of fashion and fun hosted by Travelling Trends on April 25th from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. As well as a live catwalk show, there’ll be plenty of time to try on and buy this season’s high street and branded fashions at bargain prices. Tickets are £10 available from secretary@wadecentre.org.uk or calling 0118 978 7025.
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MyWokingham
the borough opts for postal voting and with lots of changes coming in this year we want to make sure everyone understands them and is prepared for the May elections. “Choosing to vote by post is a convenient option for many and allows residents who would be unable to attend a polling station in person to have the same rights. Make sure you are registered to vote and read about the changes to postal voting to ensure you are ready for the elections in May.” If you are a postal voter, once received, you should complete and return your ballot paper pack as soon as possible using a Royal Mail post box. If you miss the post, you can hand it in at the council offices at Shute End in Wokingham, or at your polling station on election day. However, choosing to hand in your postal vote will mean that you must complete an additional form with an authorised member of staff. If you do not, your postal vote will be rejected. Wokingham Borough Council is therefore urging residents to act
promptly and ensure postal votes are returned using a Royal Mail post box. In addition, voters will not be permitted to hand in more than five postal ballot packs in addition to their own. Political parties and campaigners will be banned from handling postal vote packs. It is now possible to apply for a postal vote or proxy through a new central government portal. You will need to provide your national insurance number when you apply, whether you decide to use the website or a paper application. For security reasons, all postal and proxy vote applications must include a handwritten signature, date of birth and national insurance number. This is the case for both online and paper applications. The new legislation means postal voters must reapply to vote every three years instead of every five years. Current postal voters do not need to re-apply and will be contacted by January 2026. If for some reason your ballot paper is spoilt, do not throw any part of the pack away. Instead, you can return it to the council and a replacement will be issued up to 5pm on polling day. To receive a paper application form for either a postal or proxy vote, you can contact the electoral services team by email or call (0118) 974 6000. This form can be returned by email or by post to Shute End in Wokingham.
Continues from pg1 Andrew said: “It was such a difficult time; it was so tough. It had been a complicated birth and we nearly lost Seb. We were dealing with being new parents and then we had to face Liana’s diagnosis.” Receiving treatment from Basingstoke Hospital, instead of revelling in the joy of being new parents, they received the devastating news that an operation was not an option. Following chemotherapy, Liana was eventually admitted to St. Michael’s Hospice. Andrew said: “They were absolutely brilliant. Seb was a little celebrity. He was a real ladies’ man and he just kept getting whisked away. And towards the end, they arranged a small wedding there for us, just three days before Liana died.” As a planner for the Open University, Liana was a meticulous planner. And as she faced the biggest fight of her life, together the couple made plans for Andrew and Seb for when she was gone. “She was able to plan for Seb’s future which most people don’t get to do. I have been following her guidance and trying to stick as closely to it as possible. But I’m running out of the plans we made together now. I try not to
put stress on myself, but I hope Liana would be happy with the decisions I’m now making.” Sebastian is now following in his dad’s footsteps, attending Willowbank Preschool. “Liana and I visited the school together and she was happy with it, so I am glad to have been able to follow through on her wishes.” Andrew and Seb are now living in the family home with his dad who has been a tower of strength and helps out all the time. The business started as a way for Andrew to save to buy his first home. “I wanted something to do to keep me busy and the business has really been my saviour. It was a coping mechanism and as Seb is as obsessed with cars and trucks as we were, it feels like a real family affair.” Andrew is now ready to have a launch event to really put his business on the map. He added: “It feels like the right time to remember those we have lost as well as look to the future. Liana was a very private person and didn’t tell many people about her illness. It was a shock to some when we lost her so it will be nice now to celebrate her life.” He is planning a launch party for Woodley Radio Controlled in the next few weeks.
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Brewery anniversary Siren Brewery is celebrating its 11th anniversary on Saturday 16th March from 11am to 8pm. The brewery, in Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead, is selling tickets for the event, which includes a souvenir beer glass. For more information, visit www.sirencraftbrew.com or call 0118 973 0929.
Join the run
Wokingham 5&10k takes place on Sunday 17th March at Dinton Pastures. Organised by Barnes Fitness, the flat, multi-terrain course with gorgeous lake views and wildlife to spot en-route features amazingly friendly and supportive marshals to keep you smiling. Suitable for all abilities of runner, the run is Chip timed so your result will be available instantly as you cross the finish line and there are fantastic bespoke event medals or option to donate to charity. For more information, visit www. barnesfitness.co.uk
Easter craft market Sindlesham Court is staging an Easter Craft Market on Saturday 23rd March from 10am to 4pm. There will be lots of various stalls selling lovely gifts, a tombola, a cafe on site, free parking and free entrance.
First concert of 2024
Join Trinity Concert Band for their first concert of 2024 at All Saints Church, Wokingham on Sunday 24th March from 6pm to 8pm. They’ve got great things planned for their spring concert at the beautifully renovated All Saints Church in Wokingham. This is a concert you won’t want to miss - a musical delight for performers and audiences alike. So, whether or not you’ve experienced the thrill of the music, be sure to book your tickets for this spectacular concert. A portion of concert proceeds will go to the band’s chosen charity for 2024, Stepping Stones - supporting children and young people with Down syndrome to fulfil their potential.
Club’s Easter party On March 23rd from 1.30pm to 3pm, Crowthorne Sports and Social Club will be holding a children’s Easter party for members and their guests. There will be a DJ and games as well as a children’s raffle.
