The Wokingham Paper, June 4, 2020

COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

£100,000 given to residents in emergency grant funding EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CHARITY that provides emergency grants to borough residents has now given out more than £100,000.

Wokingham United Charities, the oldest fund giver in the borough, has been offering the special assistance since April 1, and this week passed the milestone.

The charity says it has seen a 400% increase in the number of requests for emergency grants since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

The majority of the referrals have come from the One Front Door initiative organised by Wokingham charities including Citizens Advice in conjunction with Wokingham Borough Council.

Tracey Hedgecox, operations manager for Wokingham United Charities, said: “We have always given individual grants to help those in need but have seen a 400% increase in the number of requests during Covid-19.

“We have funded a bed for a terminally ill person, cookers, microwaves, fridges, washing machines, Chromebooks to help children with their homeschooling and even a lawnmower.”

She added: “We have also been offering small emergency grants to Wokingham charities who are still operating and are struggling with a loss of income and/or increase in demand for their services.

“These range from craft packs for children given out by The Cowshed, Wokingham Foodbank, Sue Ryder hospice care and laptops for Clasp so that more people with learning disabilities can take part in their online Zoom sessions.”

The charity’s grants are usually made in conjunction with housing and social services at Wokingham Borough Council and similar organisations. � Continued on page 2

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

WALKIES WARNING Owner forced to put pet to sleep after suspected poisoning

Thursday, June 4, 2020 No. 264

70p

THIEF GIVES CLUB A HELPING HAND P6

SCHOOL CREATES SPOON VILLAGE P3

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A DOG owner has issued a warning over walkies after he had to put his “shadow” to sleep following a suspected poisoning.

And his experience has been echoed by other dog owners across the Woodley and Earley area.

At least another four cases – with some dogs losing the ability to use their back legs – have been reported in the past week.

Last Thursday evening, Phil Hind was walking black Labrador Archie with his daughter. Instead of taking their usual route along the River Loddon behind the Harley Davidson site – as the steps down were closed for maintenance work – they crossed over and walked along Loddon Bridge Road.

He said: “We never noticed anything unusual with Archie apart from the dog being inquisitive and sniffing things as dogs do. He was never off the lead.”

The next morning, Mr Hind said that he noticed that Archie was off his food, but wasn’t going downhill. However, as the day progressed, “he was screaming in pain and violently sick”.

“Dogs are quite resilient really,” he added.

“It didn’t make sense. I tried to give him some sips of water. � Continued on page 4

TRAFFIC WARDENS BACK ON BEAT P24

DOORSTEP PICS HELP CHARITY P29 ROYALS PREPARE FOR RETURN P40

2 | NEWS

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by emailing us Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Editor • Phil Creighton Reporter • Jess Warren Sports reporter • Andy Preston

From the editor This is the first 40-page edition of Wokingham.Today since the lockdown started, however, we are also still running a reduced service.

We thank you for your understanding during this time, particularly our advertisers who are sticking with us through these strange and difficult days.

Although businesses are starting to reopen again, we are aware that it is not always easy to buy a copy of Wokingham.Today from your supermarket, newsagent or petrol station.

One of the ways we are helping is by offering a free digital version of the paper, which will be available on Friday evenings.

And our website is updated seven days a week, visit Wokingham.Today for the latest news.

At times like this, it is important that the community has a local voice and we are proud to be yours. The best way for you to support us is to buy a copy each week.

Please note, our offices remain closed to the public for the time being.

Thank you for your support.

THE Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokinghampaper.co.uk, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

Communists blamed for virus outbreak EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PUBLISHERS of a newspaper that has been delivered through doors across Wokingham borough say that the title “contains important information”.

Wokingham.Today has been contacted by readers concerned that The Epoch Times had been sent to their homes via Royal Mail.

Its cover story is headlined: “How China’s communist regime endangered the world” and its editorial claims that “the Chinese regime covered up the (coronavirus) outbreak”, adding that it was “known for its violence, deception and corruption” … “Sending fake masks and substandard ventilators to the rest of the world is another fitting testament to the (Chinese Communist Party’s) total disregard for lives”.

Another article is headed “Where ties with communist Chinas are close, the CCP virus follows” – the way in which the newspaper refers to the coronavirus.

The Epoch Times claims to be “the fastest-growing independent news media in America” and “nonpartisan and dedicated to truthful reporting”. It also says it is free from influence of any government, corporation or political party.

It adds: “Our goal is to bring our readers accurate information so they can form their own opinions about the most significant topics of our time.”

There are concerns that the publication is linked to the Falun Gong movement, something which the

publication denies.

There is also a section on online web resource Wikipedia headed “Misinformation campaign on COVID-19”, outlining concerns that others have had over the content of the newspaper that has been distributed.

The article says that the “minisformation tracker NewsGuard characterised The Epoch Times as a ‘superspreader’ of misinformation for European and American audiences”.

And people within Wokingham borough have been concerned that Royal Mail has delivered the publication to their homes.

One told Wokingham.Today that the pamphlet was “trash” and felt it was “the printed rag of an anti-Communist (Chinese) far right Falun Gong movement”.

There have been similar concerns shared on social media, with many saying their copy “went straight in the bin”.

Others have said “(It is) disgusting that this can be distributed”, “total rubbish”, and “conspiracy theory propaganda”.

However, not everyone disagreed.

One said: “(It) just said what

we already know..that it started earlier than China admitted to..and they tried to censor any information.....and they are a totalitarian country...what's new?”

Responding to the concerns, The Epoch Times published a lengthy statement on its website, which can be read in full at: bit.ly/2yRbSQm. It said: “The Epoch Times was founded in the United States in the year 2000 in response to communist repression and censorship in China. Our founders, Chinese-Americans who themselves had fled communism, sought to create an independent media to bring the world uncensored and truthful information.”

It adds: “Our special edition is actually telling readers that this pandemic is not the fault of the Chinese people, but rather the fault of the Communist Party …

In differentiating the CCP from the Chinese people, we are truly standing up for the Chinese people, or Asian people generally.

“Some reporters have asked us about the relationship between The Epoch Times and the spiritual discipline Falun Gong.

“The founders as well as some staff members are Falun Gong practitioners. But this is an issue of personal belief and is unrelated to our business.

“The Epoch Times is nonpartisan and values-based. We believe true journalism is based on moral principles.”

And Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Royal Mail is strictly neutral on political issues.

“The company and our employees do not endorse the views contained in any material that we deliver.”

Video appointments for GPs take off VIDEO appointments are now available from the vast majority of surgeries across the borough.

Over the past few months, the NHS has accelerated its Digital First programme aimed at making it easier for patients to receive a consultation with their doctor without having to leave their home.

The service also allows patients to book and cancel appointments, receive a referral and obtain a prescription.

Sarah MacDonald, director of primary care at NHS England and NHS Improvement, South East, said: “Safe and secure video appointments are an important way for the NHS to ensure that it is still there for the people that need it during the coronavirus pandemic.

“As many people are becoming more confident with using video calls to chat with friends and family, this service has really taken off in primary care too.

“The many benefits for patients in terms of convenience and reduced travel mean that video appointment will continue to be there as an option for them in the future too.”

Melissa Ream, Artificial Intelligence Adviser for Kent Surrey Sussex Academic Health Science Network and National AHSN said: “We knew we had to respond to coronavirus rapidly, and very quickly had an understanding of the size of the challenge with how many GP Practices needed support with infrastructure, training, resources and workforce needs, and we were able to address any barriers promptly.

“The number of video appointments has risen each month since the social distancing guidelines across the South East came into effect. Verified baseline data from the beginning of April showed video appointments were available in 89% of GP practices in the South East.

“As of last week, 99% of practices had video appointment capability. Bringing many different parts of the NHS together across the region, the NHS has delivered an objective planned for 2021 in just a couple of months.”

The NHS says that video appointment technology helps patients to continue to access general practice services remotely while they are social distancing unless a face-to-face appointment is necessary. Benefits include minimising travel, supporting isolated communities and reducing the spread of infection.

Video consultations are just a part of the digital offer available to patients. Patients can also use online consultations to ask questions, report symptoms and upload photos securely online and their GP practice can respond by phone or email or, in some cases, arrange a video consultation if the GP feels it is needed.

£100,00 grants given out � Continued from front page

It also runs the Wokingham almshouses at Westende in Wokingham town centre.

“We receive referrals from Citizens Advice all the time, and we have been offering a maximum of £500 in grants to the individuals involved.”

Covid-19 has created a unique set of challenges for Wokingham United Charities.

“It has completely changed the way in which we work,” Ms

Hedgecox said. “It’s not great working from home, but we can help people within 24 hours. When people have no way of cooking or storing food, it’s quite crucial.

“From the feedback we’ve received from people, we know it has made a difference.

“If any charity is still operating in some form, they can contact us to apply for an emergency grant. Ping us an email and we will consider it.” � For more details, log on to wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk.

Right story, wrong roundabout LAST WEEK, we featured a story about Shinfield’s roundabouts. Your editor, returning from furlough, got confused.

Cllr Jim Frewin was airing his concerns over the Black Boy Roundabout, which he says “simply cannot cope with the volume of traffic and regularly ‘gridlocks’. There are also multiple examples of near misses.

“There is little that can be practically done as the Black boy is a major link point for all local routes. This means that any bus routes are stuck in these pinch points. queues. This is also true of the Eastern Relief Road and Arborfield Cross Relief Road, all they will do is direct traffic on to the Black Boy roundabout, M4J11 or Lower Earley Way.”

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Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

A diamond celebration – just not quite the one they’d planned for EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOKINGHAM couple are looking forward to celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary next week, but it won’t be the occasion they’d hoped for.

Bernard and Jean Jones had planned a lavish event with friends, before heading off on a once-in-alifetime luxury cruise.

But the coronavirus has meant that everything they’d planned has been put on hold.

The couple are familiar faces to many Wokingham residents, keen dancers they have been stalwarts of the Sunny Saturdays programme for years as well as inspiring others to get on the dance floor with lessons and also keep-fit classes.

It should come as no surprise that the couple met at a dance.

Mrs Jones was with the Royal Ballet Company when she slipped out with a friend to enjoy a night out.

“I was training with the Royal Ballet Company and it was forbidden to go to the dance hall across the road, ballet is a discipline,” she said.

But she has no regrets about going to the jive club: “We took clothing to change into,” she recalled.

“The club was amazing, and my husband asked me to do a jibe. We had our flirtation over the ballroom floor.”

The rest is history.

And the pair have even been dancing around the world – Mrs Jones recalled a holiday to Venice where they started doing a waltz

Bernard and Jean Jones are looking forward to their diamond anniversary

around St Mark’s Square.

“We danced around the whole of the square, until the Blue Danube had been played to the end, we have some fantastic memories,” she said.

And it is this love of dancing that has seen them through thick and thin: “We both have the same interests,” Mrs Jones said.

They are still madly in love with each other. When asked if she has any regrets, she said they hadn’t: “I would do exactly the same thing again. He’s a treasure, he’s been devoted to me all these years.”

The couple married on June 11, 1960, and they had planned to make

next Thursday a very special day.

But this year has not gone to plan: they were involved in a car crash which saw them have a hospital stay. Now recovered, they’d hoped to treat friends to a riverboat cruise on the Thames.

Coronavirus means the plans are very different. The party is off, their son is in Scotland and unable to travel down and their plans for the luxury cruise, which would have started in Athens and ended in Venice is on hold.

“Our friends can’t come here, instead of it being a fantastic day, we’re looking at an afternoon tea in

Court order sees home closed A POLICE order has been granted, closing a new home built in Emmbrook.

Reading Magistrates Court ordered the three-month closure when it met on Friday, May 29.

It is in pursuant to section 80 of

the garden,” Mr Jones said.

“With the cruise, it could be on hold for another six months, we’re really upset about that.

“2020 has not been a sparkler for us. It started rubbish and it’s got worse and worse.”

But Mrs Jones is full of praise for the support around her during the pandemic.

“We have used Keep Mobile (during lockdown) they have been excellent and we do appreciate them,” Mrs Jones said. “In lockdown, we’re unable to get around as we’d like to. We’re very sociable, and we just have to get on with it.” the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing act 2014.

The address, in Langman Close, off Queen’s Road, has been closed to all but police officers, emergency services, Wokingham Borough Council officers, housing officers and council employees involved with offender management.

The order applies to the whole premises.

For advice and assistance on Family Law matters including: THERE’S another Spoonyville. Pupils and staff members of Emmbrook Infants and Junior schools have been busy created some colourful characters that are now on display outside the school gates.

Pictures: Phil Creighton

• Divorce and separa�on

• Property/financial settlements

• Child arrangements

• Family disputes

• Cohabita�on agreements

• Prenup�al agreements

Contact our Family Law team today for a free 1 hour consulta�on

Evolu�on House, 53-59 Peach Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XP Tel: 0118 978 1017 Email: Michele.Jenno@star-legal.co.uk

www.star-legal.co.uk

NEWS | 3

WokinghamLovesMusic EVERYONE enjoys listening to music, so we’re delighted to introduce a great new playlist for you to tune in to.

Curated by Chris Hillman from White Star Records, it features music being played, created or promoted in Wokingham.

You can find it on Spotify, search for Wokingham Loves Music or log on to https://spoti.fi/305panN We’ll bring you some new tracks every week, giving you the chance to discover local talent, new songs and even new genres.

Here’s the first selection from Chris, happy listening!

1. Bradley Watmore – Rock Bottom – Local Singer / Songwriter with his first single as featured in a recent edition of Wokingham.Today 2. Kyros – Rumour – First Single from the forthcoming album ‘Celexa Dreams’ on local record label White Star Records as featured in last week’s edition of the paper 3. Katrina & The Waves – Walking on Sunshine – Katrina from the band who had this huge hit in the 1980’s will be appearing live at Wokingham Music Club at ESSC on Friday, November 6.

4. BlueTouch – Everybody Knows – local band based at and recorded their latest album 40 Miles... at Wokingham’s No Machine Studios.

5. The Salts – Fifteen Men (John Mitchell Remix) – the track was originally recorded for the band’s Brave album on local Braccan Records label.

The track was remixed for this single by renowned producer John Mitchell at his Reading based Outhouse Studios.

6. Mordecai Smyth – Billywitch – Wokingham musician who records in his own studio and had his The Mayor of Toytown is Dead album released on Wokingham Record Label, Mega Dodo Records.

7. Harriet – Reach – Harriet will be Live at Wokingham Music Club at The Whitty Theatre on Monday, November 23.

8. Crooked Shapes – Wicked Ways – Up-andcoming Wokingham based rock band with track from their Fallout EP 9. Curved Air – Backstreet Luv – Classic Rock legends who will be at Wokingham Music Club at The Whitty Theatre on Friday, October 2 10. Flutatious – Acid Rain – Track From their Festival album on local Magick Eye Records label.

4 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

Dinton Country Show to be held in 2021

Home of the Bees in doubt as rink moots possible closure

Don’t be blue, but the green fair is not happening

ANOTHER event has been cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Dinton Pastures Country Show was to be held for the first time on Sunday, August 9.

But it has now been delayed until next year.

It is hoped that with an extra 15 months’ preparation time, the event at the popular Hurst park will be bigger and better than it is currently planned to be.

Attractions include falconry displays, dog agility demonstrations and live music.

In a statement, Wokingham Borough Council said: “Dinton Pastures is working with its suppliers to discuss postponement and refund options and would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time.

“Ticketholders have been contacted and can opt for a full refund or to move their tickets to 2021.”

Tickets are already on sale, and available from the Dinton Pastures website, booking.wokingham.gov.uk/ book/add/p/270

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A POPULAR summer event has been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Earley Green Fair is a popular annual celebration of family-friendly ethical living.

Even though it takes place outdoors, Earley Town Council has decided it is safer not to go ahead.

The event was due to take place in August, and feature a host of local environmentally-friendly groups and community initiatives.

It attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

In a statement, Earley Town Council said it was sad about the decision, which was made with a heavy heart: “We appreciate this will be a great disappointment for many people and it is the first time in over 20 years the Green Fair has not taken place.

“Please be assured we are determined this very popular community event will return next year, so remember to look out for more details in January/ February next year.

“Until then, we look forward to seeing everyone at the Green Fair in August 2021.”

The Bracknell ski slope and ice rink run by John Nike Leisuresport.

Based in Binfield since 1985, it could be at risk of closure Picture: Phil Creighton

MORE THAN 10,000 people have signed a petition launched in a bid to keep a popular leisure centre and ice rink open.

Last week, it emerged that John Nike Leisure Sport is consulting on potential redundancies at its site in Binfield.

The centre has been closed since March as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning people have been unable to skate, or use the ski slope. The Bracknell Bees, who use the rink as the Hive, have been unable to train.

John Nike Leisuresport said that the centre needs to replace a chiller plant, that makes the ice, and the permasnow snow surface on the ice rink by the end of 2021, and the projected cost of £500,000 is enough to potentially tip the site over the edge.

Employees were also told that over the past four years, the centre had lost more than £1 million and had spent £350,000 over the past three years in an attempt to turn the business round.

The statement said: “The JNL Bracknell Complex operated by

John Nike Leisuresport Limited are about to commence meaningful statutory consultations on potential redundancies as the company cannot continue to finance the losses of the business”.

It continued: “The increased uncertainly in these unprecedented times, together with an already strained financial situation prior to COVID 19 these risks are compounded by the future capital requirements of replacing the Chiller plant and the Permasnow surface on the main slope in the next 18 months, requiring half a million of capital investment above the normal capital required to keep

the site moving forward, has forced us to consider closing the complex permanently.”

The Bracknell Bees said that they had been notified of the decision and that a 30-day consultation on the plan was now under way.

Its statement said: “Just to reassure those fans who have already purchased season tickets for the Bees 2020/21 NIHL National campaign, that full refunds will be given should the club be unable to participate, in the sad event that the ice rink was unable to reopen.”

The petition has been launched by James Rayburn. In his introduction, he writes: “As everyone knows John Nike

Leisure sport complex are going to be making redundences and potentially closing the rink permanently due to this.

“Please sign this petition to keep the rink open!

“This venue is used for a variety of events such as ice hockey, pantomimes, etc!”

The company also runs rinks in Chatham, Llandudno, Plymouth and Swadlincote. It was launched in 1985 by local businessman John Nike, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 81.

The petition can be seen at www.change.org/p/john-nikeleisure-sport-complex-keepingjohn-nike-leisure-sportcomplex-open

‘No explanation’ for pet’s death � Continued from front page

Mr Hind continued: “There’s no explanation, it all happened so quickly. The deterioration was so quick it’s hard to understand.”

Mr Hind took him to a vet to be assessed and was told that Archie was dehydrated. He was given an anti-sickness injection along with some tins of food to gradually rehydrate him and sips of water.

However, Archie remained week and on Sunday, Mr Hind took him to a second vet where his health declined so much he lost the use of his legs. His heartbeat was also erratic.

“He couldn’t stand up, he couldn’t walk. The vets put a drip on and his heartbeat was 240 – twice what it should be,” Mr Hind said.

“Sadly we had no option. The vets did everything they could to try and boost him but his heart beat was up and down and unstable.

“We will never know what made him so ill and by then only a slim chance of pulling through this with any treatment if it wasn’t already too late by then.

“It is so devastating to see my daughter and upsetting for us both to say goodbye to Archie when only days earlier full of life and years of companionship and love ahead of us.

“My home is so empty without my shadow by my side

in every move I made.”

He added: “It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made and I only hope that all other owners never experience our pain.”

Since sharing his story on social media, other owners have come forward with similar stories.

Another dog owner said that their pet had been very ill after walking around the same area.

There have also been reports of similar cases in Highwood, Woodley and around nearby South Lake.

One commentator wondered if someone had been putting poison down, with rats in the area near the cinema cited as a possible cause – however, the cinema has been closed during the pandemic.

In one case, it is suspected that the dog ate something laced with a slow-acting rat poison and they lost the use of their rear legs.

Two other known cases of suspected poisoning have been identified.

Wokingham.Today understands that Wokingham Borough Council has not been carrying out any works in the affected areas.

As a result, the cause of Archie’s death, and the illnesses of the other dogs, remains unexplained for the moment.

There have been reports

elsewhere in the Thames Valley of poisoned meat being left out which dogs have consumed, but there is no indication that this has happened here.

However, a spokesperson for the RSPCA said that any dog owner who thinks their pet has been poisoned should take quick action “If anyone suspects that their dog has been harmed they must contact a vet for advice immediately,” they said.

“If possible and safe to do so, they should take along what they think has harmed them.

“Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

“The signs of poisoning can include one, or several, of the following: Vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

“People should also take extra care when using any potential dangerous substances, such as antifreeze or slug pellets, to ensure that animals are not affected and that substances are stored appropriately and properly disposed of.

“For more information, visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/ pets/general/poisoning”

Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

Birds of a feather ...

THE CHURCH marked its birthday last Sunday with some special celebrations.

Although the buildings are still closed under the Government’s lockdown rules, most churches are holding online services.

And its most recent was to celebrate Pentecost, a period known as the birth of the church.

To mark the occasion, parishioners of St Paul’s Church in Reading Road were asked to decorate some papers doves.

These were then displayed in the building for its webcast service.

Father Richard Lamey, rector of St Paul’s, said: “We had nearly 70 doves and they are all hanging up in the church, binding together the church and its community”.

Grub Club grateful for thief who caused them to enjoy a blessing EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ORGANISERS of a group that helps feed the community have a lot to thank a thief for.

Last week, a visitor to the Grub Club, which runs out of Norreys Church in Wokingham, stole a cash box containing donations for the food.

But a fundraising appeal to replace the lost money has been a massive success, raising hundreds of pounds more than was taken.

And the response has prompted the team behind the initiative to think about where they go from here.

Claire Revie, a member of the church in Norreys Road, explained that food is donated from supermarkets and cash and carry outlets and people can come and collect it.

The items donated can be random, with items including catering packs of cola syrup, salad dressing, packets of peanuts and even empty blue buckets. There have also been donations of shortlife goods such as bread, sandwiches and fruit and vegetables.

“It is stuff that going to be binned, but it was all usable,” she explained.

“People can take the items and make

The Grub Club shares surplus food with the Norreys community

a donation for it, but there is no price attached to anything.

“We have this resource, lots of people are pleased it is there and it’s a low-cost option (to feed your family during lockdown).”

The theft occurred on Wednesday, May 27. A note on social media said that the church appreciated that money is tight for many, and that the donations help the Grub Club further its work within Norreys and further afield: “taking the donation box is detrimental to this work which we are all doing voluntarily”.

But from the bad came good: an appeal was launched on Facebook to replace the stolen money, which was thought to be around £100 – the average amount of daily donations given for the food on offer.

Instead, generous Wokingham people gave more than £700.

Mrs Revie said: “Sadly someone took it, we’ve no idea who did it.

But I can’t complain too much – I’m blown away by the kindness of people. It’s been phenomenal.

“We’re all helping each other, the community has come back and said we want to support you.”

With the lockdown starting to ease, Mrs Revie said that the Grub Club now needs to think about its future. It is using space in Norreys Church that is only available because the church family are meeting online during lockdown and that will change.

And the entire scheme stems from a lunch club that the church ran last summer to help families who were struggling to feed their children while schools were on holiday. It is hoped to offer some kind of similar scheme this year, subject to social distancing.

“The whole intention of the Grub Club is the church showing love in a very practical way,” Mrs Revie said.

“But the church will have to come back at some point.

“We want to find a way to make the Grub Club sustainable, we can’t keep it here. We need the resources to work together to meet supply and demand and we welcome suggestions for this.

“We’re looking towards doing something this summer, we’ll be having a chat among the team as to what that will look like with social distancing. It will look a little different to what we’ve previously done.” � The appeal is running until the end of June. To donate, log on to: www.facebook.com/thegrubclubwoky

Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

NEED HELP? Call 0300 330 1189 (entering 0118 978 7258 if prompted) 9am-5pm Mon-Sat

Charities and council keep the hub’s support coming EXCLUSIVE

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE Wokingham Borough Community Response group is continuing to work hard to meet the needs of the community during the coronavirus crisis.

Charities and organisations working together to form the group include Wokingham Borough Council, First Days Children’s Charity, Citizens Advice Wokingham, Link Visiting Scheme, Wokingham Foodbank, the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and Involve Community Services.

Over the last 10 weeks, Citizens Advice have helped more than 1,980 households through One Front Door, which signposts people in the appropriate direction to get the help they need. Of those households, 593 are classed as extremely vulnerable.

The organisation, which has 85 volunteers working from home, offers guidance and support on a range of issues from benefit and employment enquiries to food and prescription requests.

Jake Morrison, the charity’s chief executive, is encouraging people to contact Citizens Advice if they are in need and emphasises that their core service is still available, as well as One Front Door.

The charity is continuing to work with the council to map out plans to support people when lockdown is eased further.

The council has agreed that the One Front Door service will be available until the end of July at the very least – for more see page 9.

Mr Morrison said: “We will continue to

be here throughout the ever changing realities of dealing with the pandemic, to ensure that our communities get the right support.”

Citizens Advice has also created a supermarket list – available on the website – detailing opening times, when the dedicated slots are for specific groups of people, limits on purchases, and more key information.

And Wokingham Borough Council has compiled a list of meal delivery services, also available on the Citizens Advice website.

Anyone who needs support should contact Citizens Advice on 0300 330 1189 (entering 0118 978 7258 if prompted) Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Alternatively, email admin@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or visit citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/ coronavirus/ and complete the online form.

Wokingham Volunteer Centre The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is helping vulnerable people get their prescriptions from pharmacies. With approximately 20-30 active volunteers across the borough, the organisation is working hard to ensure clients receive their medication as quickly as possible.

Staff report the centre has seen a reduction in requests to only 10 a day, as more people are turning to their local COVID-19 groups for help.

The service has delivered more than 777 prescriptions since they started and volunteers are now doing between one and two drives a week.

Helena Badger, volunteer development coordinator at The Wokingham Volunteer Centre, said:

“There are quite a few smaller local community groups now collecting prescriptions, we’ve had less pressure on our service as Citizens Advice are now referring more people to those.”

In addition to delivering prescriptions, the Volunteer Centre is slowly reintroducing other ways of supporting shielded individuals.

This week its gardening service, Green and Tidy, started back up again.

Mrs Badger said: “It went really well, the volunteers were happy and the clients were very pleased.

“Our volunteers are very keen to get started with the transport scheme again.

At the moment we are in discussions to get everything in place and make sure we have all the PPE, initial conversations have been very positive.”

The centre is working together with Wokingham Borough Council and reports that most referrals come from Citizens Advice, with some from the council, The Link Visiting Scheme and others through self-referral.

For updates on specific roles that are needed, visit: wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk, and see more on pages 22 and 23.

The Link Visiting Scheme The charity is currently running a telephone buddy system offering social support and friendship over the phone, and is encouraging anyone who is feeling lonely to give them a call.

The organisation currently has more than 1,900 people on their records for a fortnightly call and 315 on their telephone buddy system for calls two or three times a week.

Staff at The Link have said they will

still need many telephone volunteers in the coming months, DBS checks are required.

Volunteers making fortnightly welfare check calls have said how appreciative shielded individuals have been.

One volunteer said: “Some of the direct feedback I get from the 10 phone calls I make has been so positive, appreciative and heartwarming.

“You are all working so hard but you are making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Another said: “People appreciate the calls and most of the people have the same comment ‘Everyone is being great.’

“It is a pleasure to be part of the scheme, such a small effort for such a big reward.”

Staff at the charity are coming up with alternative ways to help ease loneliness in the community. Various local groups have set up virtual gatherings online and Link is encouraging anyone who is feeling lonely to sign up to one and get involved.

If you are aware of an online group that welcomes newcomers, please contact the charity, details below.

The charity is in need of help with its Goody Bags, introduced to help cheer people up.

The Wellbeing Goody Bags are being put together for vulnerable older people and families who seek support during social isolation.

People can support their community by putting together a bag of goodies and treats in supermarket bags for life.

Anyone can nominate someone to receive a Goody Bag by visiting the Link website.

Donations can be delivered to the Wokingham Borough Community Hub in the outside bins at St Crispins

Leisure Centre Monday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm and at Lower Earley, Twyford and Woodley libraries on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and noon.

They will then be safely distributed.

The charity asks that those donating make up a full pack and label the type of household it’s most suitable for, such as a family, lone person, older couple, teen household or new baby.

Suggested donations for older people include hand wash, sealed hand cream, puzzle books, jigsaws, magazines, handwritten notes/ letters, wool, colouring books, pencils, hamper style goodies and sweet treats.

And for families: Hamper style goodies, colouring books, pencils, jazzy pens, magazines, drawing paper, sketchbooks, sweet treats including gluten free and vegan treats, puzzle books, educational books and little games.

To refer someone for support or to apply to be a Link volunteer visit www.linkvisiting.org or call 0118 979 8019 on weekdays from 9am until 5pm.

Wokingham Community Hub The Wokingham Community Response’s distribution hub, which is run by First Days Children’s Charity, has fed more than 2,300 people, making 4,091 deliveries to 872 households over the last 10 weeks.

They have 438 households on their repeat delivery books, with 165 staff and volunteers working six days a week on this service.

Based at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, London Road, the hub is taking donations of both fresh and non-perishable food, toiletries and other living essentials and delivering them to people unable to leave their homes.

NEWS | 9

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Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

CORONAVIRUS: WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COMMUNITY HUBS

Staff report they are currently running low on: cereal/porridge, tea, coffee, sugar, long life milk, dairy free

alternative milk, oil, pasta, rice, noodles, flour, pasta sauce, long life ready meals/tins, custard, rice pudding, jams/spreads (not

homemade), tinned vegetables, tinned tomatoes, tinned pies, tinned fish, tinned meat, squash, biscuits, shop bought cakes, snacks, cat and dog food, cat litter, soap, bleach and washing up liquid.

Food must be unopened.

The hub is currently in need of the following for their Wellbeing Goody Bags: Puzzle books, puzzles, sealed hand creams, wool and magazines.

The hub cannot currently accept books or DVDs. Donations can be left in boxes outside St Crispins Leisure Centre, Monday to Saturday between 9am and 3pm and at Lower Earley, Twyford and Woodley libraries on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and noon.

To contribute to the response visit justgiving.com/campaign WokinghamBoroughCV19 Money raised willfund food parcels and any funds left over will be distributed to the voluntary sector organisations involved in this combined response.

For more information visit: f a c e b o o k .c o m / w o k i n g h a m communityhub And the Wokingham Lions Club, who have raised over £3,190 for the Wokingham Community distribution hub, hold a virtual pub quiz every Thursday at 8pm.

To take part, visit www. facebook.com/WokinghamLions.

Council pledges that hub will continue to support residents

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM Borough Community Response (WBCR) are continuing their vital work to support residents across the borough, adapting to the changing situation during this crisis.

The WBCR is meant to be a one-stop shop for those needing help during this crisis and are without friends, family or trusted neighbours who can help.

As we have reported over the last few months, residents have received help in the form of food and other essential supplies, prescription pick-ups and a friendly chat over the phone for the lonely.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The Wokingham Borough Community Response has been vital to our residents during this crisis, and we will make sure it stays in place for as long as it is needed.

“As the government restrictions gradually ease, we know that many people will worry that support could

disappear just when they need it the most.

“Rest assured, the community response will continue to provide support while our residents need it.”

Citizens Advice Wokingham will continue as the One Front Door for people across the borough to access support from local charities, but a number of aspects are being adapted:.

He added: “Supermarkets have recently come up with some new ways of getting shopping to their customers, so people are able to access a wider range of groceries.

“Get in touch with the WBCR for help to find the best way for you.

“If none of the new ways work for you, food parcels will still be available for those who need them.”

There will be some changes to the scheme in the coming weeks.

The community distribution hub will be relocating in midJune, in order to free up the current location for the gradual reopening of St Crispin's School, with years 10 and 12 coming back to lessons first.

Wokingham Borough Council

says it is continuing to organise the umbrella effort of the community response and council staff will remain embedded within the voluntary organisations for additional support as long as they are needed.

Hundreds of volunteers signed up to help at the start of the pandemic, but as many will now be returning to work, they will no longer be able to volunteer as much time.

As a result, local voluntary organisations are putting out the call for new volunteers, and the Volunteers Corner column returns this week for the first time since March. It can be read on page 23, along with a piece from Citizens Advice about its volunteers and the difference that they make to the borough.

For more information on how you can get involved visit The Volunteer Centre’s website at www.volunteerwokinghamboro ugh.org.uk.

And to help raise awareness of the hub’s work in recent week, the council has made a video. To find it, visit youtube.com and search Wokingham Borough Community Response – Covid-19.

10 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

Got a business story? Email news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk. or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Coffee shop available to rent

Businesses invited to apply for discretionary grants

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW discretionary grant scheme to help specific types of small business during the Covid-19 crisis has been launched for the borough.

A COFFEE shop in Wokingham town centre is available to rent.

Barista Lounge, in Broad Street, had opened in May last year, but has been closed since the end of March as the coronavirus lockdown started.

It had specialised in coffee, sandwiches and bagels, but the offering

failed to attract a following.

The property is now being marketed

by Reading-based Hicks Baker with a rent of £28,500 per year and has a rateable value of £31,500.

The coffee shop area is 609sq ft and the equipment and fittings are available by negotiation.

Improve your mindset virtually BUSINESS owners in Woodley are invited to join in a virtual breakfast meeting on Tuesday.

Organised by the Woodley Business Club, the group will learn about the importance of a mindset as a tool to help you get what you want in life.

It will be led by Gill Wright from The Mindset Team.

She says that at the end of the talk, audience members will come away with steps to take and hints and tips on how to create a positive mindset.

The meeting starts at 8am and can take place in the comfort of your own home.

For more details, or to book a place, email info@woodleybusinessclub.org.uk

The support is targeted at those small businesses with high fixed propertyrelated costs that were not eligible for the earlier grant schemes that the council has been offering and will initially be funded from the same Government pot as earlier schemes.

The grants are primarily and predominantly aimed at: � Small and micro businesses (as defined in Section 33 Part 2 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and the Companies Act 2006). � Businesses with relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs � Businesses which can demonstrate that they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis � Businesses which occupy property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000.

The Government has asked local authorities to prioritise the following types of businesses for grants: � Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces. Examples could include units in industrial parks, science parks and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment; � Regular market traders who do not have their own business rates assessment; � Bed and Breakfasts which pay Council Tax instead of business rates; and � Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates

Japanese opportunity BUSINESSES who want to go global are being invited to pitch to participate in a Global Innovation Forum this October.

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce is working with its Japanese partner, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to offer places to two advanced technology start-ups or entrepreneurial businesses.

Relief or Rural Rate Relief.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and Wokingham Borough Council’s decision making executive on Thursday, May 28, approved a policy that will allow flexibility on what eligible businesses and self-employed people to support and those who believe they fit the criteria are encouraged to apply.

Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing at the council, said: “We know businesses and the selfemployed have been hit hard by this crisis and want to provide as efficient and flexible support as we can.

“There has to be eligibility criteria to make sure the support goes to those who truly need it, but within the government guidance, we will take as broad a view as we can.”

Applications to the new discretionary grant scheme close on Friday, June 12.

Money will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis until the allocated funds have run out. � For full details on who can apply and how, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/businessand-licensing/business-and-growth/ coronavirus-advice-for-businesses/

It is a fully sponsored opportunity is open to businesses who meet any of the following conditions: Startups with advanced technology in AI, IoT, Digital Health, VR/AR, Mobility.

Startups with test pilot models that are almost complete and able to provide demonstrations.

Startups interested in collaborating with Japanese or overseas companies The programme will provide

successful startups with an opportunity to showcase their business and demonstrate your products have B2B meetings with Japanese companies as well as network with likeminded start-ups from around the world.

To find out more about this opportunity, register interest or request an application form send an email to: annewhite@tvchamber.co.uk Applications must be received by Friday, June 19.

Home care service grows A WOKINGHAM home care provider has announced a 40% rise in its live-in care customers, writes Taz Usher.

Bluebird Care, who look after individuals across Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead and Bracknell, reported the increase following a significant rise in customers both in recent years and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Live-in care concerns a fully trained carer living in the home of and providing services such as personal and medical care to those in need of 24 hour help.

Alex Witten, the company’s live-in care manager, said: “Live-in care in particular is still relatively unknown to so many within our communities but is likely to be the safest way to protect you or your loved ones.

“One of the reasons why is

because it only involves the support of a single or pair of rotating live-in carers.

“Live-in care is also great value for money compared to residential homes.

“It allows customers to have a tailored plan to suit their needs rather than be dictated by strict times.”

And commenting on Bluebird Care’s services, which allow individuals to stay with loved ones, pets and home comforts while receiving care, one customer said: “I cannot praise (our carer) Fatima highly enough for her outstanding professionalism, duty of care, genuineness, patience and dedication she has shown my father particularly under these extreme circumstances we now find ourselves.”

“She has diligently built up a successful daily routine

which has had a positive effect on my father’s well-being and is always thinking of ideas as to how to improve his quality of life.”

Another customer added: “We have been supported by Bluebird Care’s live-in care services now for over a year and the support and high standards of care has made a huge difference to our lives.

“Shiellah and Vera have performed their duties consistently well and in a totally professional manner, this combined with their warmth and compassion has contributed so much to maintaining my wife’s health and welfare.” � For more information about Bluebird Care log on to www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

NEWS | 11

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Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Lockdown sees dads team up for charity calendar fun EXCLUSIVE

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Church leaders with Earley Town Mayor Cllr David Hare and staff from Austen House care home

Care home teams up with hub for gifts

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHURCHES in Earley and Lower Earley are working together to help those most affected by the Coronavirus.

With support from Earley Town Council, the Earley Help Hub links volunteers with vulnerable people in the area.

The hub currently has more than 30 volunteers, who are mainly from across the churches, and help with practical and social support, such as collecting shopping and prescriptions or a friendly chat over the phone.

If the service cannot help with a particular matter, they are able to signpost people to the most appropriate agency who can.

Churches involved in the project include Trinity, Brookside, Lower Earley Baptist, Earley St Nicolas, Bright Hope, Our Lady of Peace and Earley St. Peters.

Staff at Austen House Care Home in Earley worked with the Earley Help Hub last week to brighten up the afternoons of local elderly residents with a special cream tea surprise.

Stacey Gardiner, customer relationship manager at Austen House Care Home said: “We had a visit from the Earley Town mayor, David Hare, and two ladies from the Earley Help Hub. They loved what Austen House were doing and presented us with some goody bags, with chocolates and bubble bath etc.

“They’re such a big part of the community, we thought we wanted to give something back by delivering afternoon tea to the elderly.

“I knew how much people would

appreciate it, everyone loves afternoon tea.

“The chef made 40 homemade scones, we got little jams and creams together, Twinings tea bags, printed out wordsearches and included pens, and put it all into little bags.

“The Earley Help Hub was amazing, they got together 40 people who they thought would really appreciate it.

“We were given names and addresses and six of us went out in our cars and did doorstep deliveries.

The cream teas were well received by all, Ms Gardiner said: “I delivered to a few ladies, they were literally blown away.

“One lady said ‘Oh my! What a lovely thing to do!’.

“We’d like to do it again soon for people who missed out this time.” � To volunteer for the Earley Help Hub or access the service, contact 07493 784 091, email

Homes celebrate lottery win THERE was some good news for five Finchampstead residents yesterday – they had each scooped a cash prize of £1,000 in a lottery draw.

The Reading Road neighbours had success in the People’s Postcode Lottery daily draw, scooping the cash prize.

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt sent her well wishes to the winners.

She said: “A big congratulations to all those who have picked up a prize today in Wokingham.

I hope the win will help lift their spirits and I hope they are

able to treat themselves to something special with the cash.”

The Lottery says that a minimum of 32% of its ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £500 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond.

This draw was promoted by Postcode Animal Trust, which provides funding to charities promoting animal welfare and conservation.

For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery, log on to www.postcodelottery.co.uk

FATHERS of a local junior rugby team have stripped off in the name of philanthropy to create a nude calendar, raising urgent funds for their club.

Reading Rugby Club’s Naked Tackle Charity Calendar features 14 months and 14 glorious rugby dads at home taking shots of a different kind.

The idea was born at the start of lockdown when Mike Rice, whose son Harvey plays for the under 15s team, found himself working at home in the altogether one morning.

Mr Rice, director of Circle Creative, a digital media company, decided to try and tastefully capture the moment with an appropriate selfie.

Setting up his iPhone camera on timer on an adjacent wall, he snapped away and soon envisioned a few more varied shots making a whole calendar.

He said: “I came up with the idea while working, naked, and then thought how we could raise the spirits of our Under 15 rugby community at the club during lockdown.

“I needed recruits, I looked no further than the dads of our U15 sons’ rugby team, Reading RFC. “I knew these dads would see that we could raise money for our club, who have been

hugely affected by the COVID crisis.

“Some dads were a no when the idea was put to them, but most jumped at the chance to tastefully show off their (rugby) balls.”

The calendar boosted community morale, but also vital funds for the rugby club, which has suffered financially during the pandemic.

“Our income is through memberships and training sessions and we’ve had an incredible loss of revenue during lockdown,” Mr Rice said.

“This is giving something back, we’re helping the club.”

The cheeky chaps who took part embraced getting their kit off and made it a lockdown family activity: “We had the best time doing it, we made a memory and generally raised the mental health of all, for me

that’s the win,” said Mr Rice.

“The fun that was had by all dads, with their wives taking photos and children getting involved ridiculing their dads.

“It brought so many laughs and smiles during what is a very difficult stressful time for those with families in lockdown, and for a dad like me who has limited time with family.”

He said that the calendar has been a real hit, and not just because people are desperate to turn their back on 2020 as a year.

“Now, these are flying off the shelf and in turn supporting the club who have offered our children so much over the years,” Mr Rice said.

“Some of the boys have been there since they were six, and now they’re bigger than their dads. They love this club. It’s more than just a

game, it’s a lesson in life.”

The dads’ ballsy antics are proving popular, as more than half of the 100 printed calendars have been sold: “We’ve raised £1,000 for the club so far, who have been hit hard by Covid-19 – much of their money comes from general attendance at the clubhouse for training and match days.”

Not all reactions were positive, some sons and daughters were less than impressed: “My son Harvey, who plays for the under 15s said it was a great idea, he was very supportive,” said Mr Rice.

“Most of the boys were horrified.”

The club age groups range from under 6s through to adults, Mr Rice said: “There are 50 boys in the Under 15s, it’s a very strong squad.”

12 | POLITICS

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EXECUTIVEMEETING Traffic surveys at village black spot TRAFFIC speed surveys have been conducted at an accident black spot.

Cllr John Halsall confirmed that Thames Valley Police had carried out the surveys following an accident outside a house in Grazeley in January, one of five serious incidents in the past seven years.

He was responding to a question from resident Simon Cooper who wanted to know what timescales and progress had been made on improving road safety in the village.

Cllr Halsall said that the council: “may not see the outcome of either of these investigations until reports are passed to HM Coroner”.

He added: “It would therefore be inappropriate to take any specific action with regard to infrastructure improvement, until the outcome of any inquest is known.

“Notwithstanding this, you have been informed of the Council’s investigation into the potential for average speed enforcement cameras, at appropriate locations along Mortimer Road, which has now concluded and I can advise you that we will be seeking both the support of the police and the local community through a formal public consultation process, once the outcome of the Coroner’s Inquest is known.

“The Council’s programmed resurfacing work for Mortimer Road is now scheduled to be undertaken in June, following which road markings will be reinstated and this will reinforce the traffic safety measures already in place.”

No decisions yet on cycling cash NO DECISIONS have yet been made as to how the borough council will spend funding on walking and cycling improvements.

Central government has announced a £250 million pot for councils to make the changes. Resident Darryl Campbell has asked the Executive Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Pauline Jorgensen how this money will be spent.

She replied: “Officers have been discussing a number of plans as well as considering ideas put forward from the public, businesses and elected members and once we know the level of funding available we will be able to determine what we can achieve.

“We want to continue this excellent track record and continue to provide the skills needed as well as the facilities such as our greenways and the London Road Cycle route, currently under construction. I am sure we will be able to utilise this funding to make a difference in the short term but also I hope that there will be a legacy too.”

Crime levels queried RISING CRIME rates was a concern for resident Sam Turvey, who asked the executive member for finance and housing if the Executive is satisfied that recent increases in Council Tax bills for policing and crime prevention

has been money well spent.

Cllr John Kaiser replied: “Policing is not a direct responsibility of this Council and the costs associated with the police force does not sit within the Council Tax for Wokingham Borough Council, these costs fall within a precept we collect on behalf of Thames Valley Police.

“We do however work in partnership with the police and other agencies to reduce crime where we can, so my answer is provided in this context.”

Virus impact on finances THE WAY in which council’s finances have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic was raised by Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey. Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing, said: “It is likely that there will be some delays in the capital projects within the programme, as the Covid-19 pandemic will undoubtedly affect the supply chain for the Council’s various contractors. However, the early signs are that the economy is starting to move again and the construction industry is returning to work.

“The Council’s senior leadership team are currently reviewing the capital programme with a view to considering any impact of Covid-19 on resourcing and potential changes to service requirements.”

He also pledged to report back any changes to the Executive.

Cllr DuBey wanted to know how the money lost by the coronavirus pandemic would be recouped.

Cllr Kaiser replied that he didn’t know the extent of the problem, if S106 money was lost it would be a deferral and they council would try and forward fund schemes, such as roads, before the developemt “We will have to borrow that money, at a decent rate, until we get the money from the developers,” he said.

“I would hope that we don’t stop anything, but we may find ourselves in as situation where we have to delay something.”

Query on care “CARE HOMES have worked tirelessly through this extremely difficult time to help support their residents and I would like to voice my thanks to all of them for this.”

That’s the view of Cllr Charles Margetts, the executive member for adult services, who was responding to a question from Cllr UllaKarin Clark about the way in which care homes have done all they can to limit the spread of coronavirus.

“Last month the Borough Council took the unprecedented decision to go against Government guidelines by refusing to take patients discharged from hospital into some care homes unless it was certain they did not have coronavirus,” he said.

“At the same time, the Council and partners across the health service set up a ‘task force’ of specialist to work with care homes to make sure they were ready to cope with patients who had the virus.

“The task force has now worked with all care homes but 14 intensively in order to make sure they can start to

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

PHIL CREIGHTON reports from the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s ruling Executive held on Thursday, May 28

Leader’s praise for borough response to coronavirus CLLR GRAHAM HOWE wanted to congratulate officers and executive members for their “dedication and action” during the pandemic.

“It is three months almost to the day that I was first notified of a Covid case in Wokingham Borough – it has been a long three months,” Cllr John Halsall said in reply.

“All our officers have been exemplary during this period prepared to turn their hands to anything. The voluntary sector has worked with our officers to achieve the unachievable. I am hugely grateful to both.

“Residents have volunteered in huge numbers and largely espoused the conditions which have been forced upon them.

“There have been innumerable local volunteer groups supporting each other.

“Councillors of all parties have contributed massively to our efforts and suspended political activities, though I note they are creeping back.

“A big big thank you to you all.”

He added: “The impact of Covid-19 on council services has been profound. It has affected all aspects of the Borough.

“We have focused on the very immediate matters, supporting care homes and working with our valuable partners on our community response.

“We have sought to deliver our universal services in the same way as far as possible.”

Other ways in which the council has helped included redeploying staff throughout the council to ensure officers were in the right places, waste collections had been maintained, and road improvements had been made.

“This has included ‘hard to do’ works including Showcase Roundabout. Works started on a

take hospital discharges again. As with care homes across the country, those in Wokingham Borough have been coping with a very difficult situation during this crisis.

“People have died of Covid-19 in our homes and our thoughts are with them, their loved ones and the staff who are care for them.”

The council had also lobbied MPs and the local resilience forum for increased testing in the borough’s homes.

“Despite this lobbying and support, Government guidelines continued to allow the potential discharge of patients with coronavirus into our care homes, so we took the decision to stop hospital discharge into our care homes unless the patient has tested negative and been without symptoms or our task force had made sure the care home could cope with positive cases.

“This task force has now visited 14 care homes and we are now at the place where discharges from hospital can take place more safely into some of these homes.

“I would like to personally thank all

programme of 17 accelerated carriageway resurfacing schemes on April 6, and should be completed by mid-June. And at the same time, we quickly suspended Civil Parking Enforcement,” Cllr Halsall said.

Other initiatives included keeping country parks open – although car parks had to close during the early weeks.

For day-to-day services: “We are largely paperless and can access most of the information we need electronically. We have only stopped those services such as wedding, citizenship ceremonies and birth registrations where the government has requested that we do so.”

For homeless people, “we acted fast” on providing emergency accommodation he said.

Going forward, he praised the council’s investment in digital technology, and “We’ve also learnt that we are able to flex and adapt fast, and that our vital relationships with key contractors, such as our waste and highways contractors are strong, and have enabled us to keep delivering when some other authorities have struggled”.

The council intends to expand its range of online and telephoneassisted services and ensure reception areas maintain appropriate social distancing measures.

He added: “As we are still very much in the midst of our response, we are not in a position to have identified all the lessons, we will do this in the coming weeks and months.”

Cllr Howe thanked Cllr Halsall for his reply, but warned: “As unlocking and understanding the new normal evolves it would be easy to slip back to old ways and lose momentum in making learnt improvements for all of Wokingham Borough’s residents.

“What will you be putting in place to avoid any such slippage?”

Cllr Halsall replied by saying that his administration had been in the post for just 12 months, but its can-do attitude has helped.

“We will not go back to our old ways. We will build on this to create a Council where officers are proud to serve our residents, who in turn are proud of their Borough council.

“I am pleased to announce that we have created a new post within the directorate, Keeley Clements, to focus on our resident services and localities, who started this week.”

Cllr Halsall also pledged that the council would build on the co-operation established with the voluntary sector, the GPs and NHS and also with blue light services.

Following on from this, Cllr Diane King asked Cllr Charles Margetts about the community response to Covid-19.

The Executive member for health, well-being and adult services, said: “I can confidently say that I have been amazed and humbled by the speed and quality of the response the Council and all of its community partners have delivered at this difficult time.

“It is a real credit to Wokingham that we have supported our vulnerable so well and I would like to personally thank all those many people involved.”

This response centred around the One Front Door approach, spearheaded from Citizens Advice Wokingham, and a partnership between The Link Visting Scheme, Wokingham Foodbank, Wokingham Volunteer Centre and First Days Children’s Charity, among others.

“You find out what a community is really like at times like this,” Cllr Margetts said. “It’s something I’m really proud of.”

care home staff for the immense effort they are putting in to keep people supported in the most difficult of situations.”

Other ways in which the council had helped was an improved funding deal for care homes, help with supplying PPE, offering regular advice and guidance and tested more than 250 staff members.

There has also been an emergency and infection control hotline.

mitigation of risks, visited affected families, used technology and remote working to maintain social distancing.

“We are focused on keeping children safe, staff safety and our statutory duties. This is a delicate balancing process,” she said.

“All Child Protection visits in the borough are ongoing and are face-toface using all safety precautions as required. Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews are taking place remotely via conference calls.”

Cllr Grandison wanted to know more about virtual schooling, and Cllr Clark said that the council was providing appropriate lessons, and one-to-one tutoring where appropriate.

Social care work receives praise THROUGHOUT the coronavirus pandemic, the council’s Children’s Social Care department has been working hard to protect workers and the youngsters they work with.

That was the view of Cllr UllaKarin Clark, the executive member for Children’s Services who was responding to a request for an update from Cllr Guy Grandison.

She added that the department had undertaken risk assessments and

Local plan update updated CLLR Angus Ross wanted to know the status on the local plan.

The leader of the council, Cllr John Kaiser, said that work was continuing on the new local plan, but the council did not currently know what damage

Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEWS | 13

EXECUTIVEMEETING the Covid-19 pandemic would cause to the five-year land supply.

Other issues that affect the plan include changes to the emergency plan action zone from AWE in Aldermaston, which has recently been “extended well into our borough and encompasses what was included in the plan as the Grazeley settlement”.

He added: “The Coronavirus emergency has completely changed the economic environment.

“Because of replies received and the changes in the paradigms, we shall need to review our plan update and hope to be in a condition to publish ~ a revised plan as soon as possible.”

Mind the gap HOW social distancing can be maintained in the brough’s country parks was a question posed by Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey.

“The Council has undertaken full risk assessments in advance of reopening the car parks at the country parks and these have focused on the ability to maintain social distancing to protect the safety of our residents and staff,” said the Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, Councillor Parry Batth.

“Measures to secure this include only a partial opening of all car parks at our main sites to keep visitor numbers to a manageable level, and a combination of social distancing marshals patrolling the parks, give way signage at pinch points, keep left posters on bridges, and one way routes on narrow paths and boardwalks.

“Where social distancing can’t be maintained, facilities such as the park toilets will remain closed.

“We hope these measures will be enough to maintain social distancing.”

Cllr Shepherd-Dubey said that people who were in Dinton weren’t following social distancing rules, citing family picnics and teenagers walking hand-in-hand together.

Cllr Baath promised more marshals on busy days.

Pupil support HOW the council can support pupils who have fallen behind during lockdown was a concern expressed

by Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh.

“Initial advice is that primary schools utilise the period from June 1, to provide a greater focus on pastoral support that enables pupils to reengage with the process of class based learning,” said Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services.

“This will also afford teachers the time to assess the level of impact that home learning will have had on each individual pupil, and thus create a broader learning curriculum that allows for children to return to their pre-Covid expectations in relation to development and attainment.

“Where there is a need for specific targeted responses to particular schools or individual students, we will be working with schools, and other services, to identify the best way to meet such needs.”

Cllr Mickleburgh replied by saying: “Many parents are very grateful for this support, thank you.”

Cllr Sarah Kerr admitted that she was feeling quite nervous about sending her children back to school

and wanted to know how Wokingham Borough Council was approaching this issue.

“It is up to the parents as to whether they want to send their children back to school or not,” Cllr Clark said, adding that schools would be supported by the council.

Unfortunately her internet connection failed and she was unable to complete her reply at that point.

Cllr John Hallsall stepped in to say “We have very competent teachers and governors. Our role is to support them to do their job.

“We have a massive job in indentifing the children who may be falling behind and helping them”.

Financial forecast CLLR Tahir Maher’s tie was praised by Cllr John Halsall as he introduced his question looking at the financial forecast as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing, replied: “The direct costs for 19/20 were £104,000, and these were offset by the first tranche of grant funding from the Government which was received before the year end.

“Indirect costs were absorbed by the services as these were minimal for the last weeks in March, and these figures are also in the outturn figures already.

“The main impact on the Council will be in the current financial year (2020/21). The grant funding, less that used in 19/20, has been carried forward into the current year; even with this and the second allocation from central government, the Council will still face a pressure on its 2020/21 budgets as a result of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Although our Financial Management arrangements remain sound we have unprecedented challenges as a result of this crisis and therefore we must continue to ensure our resources are targeted to those in

our community most in need.”

Cllr Maher wanted to know if there was anything to be cautious about.

“We feel we’re on top of the numbers,” Cllr Kaiser replied, adding that he was reporting to party leaders on a weekly basis and he hoped to have a clearer picture later.

Rubbish question HOW Wokingham Borough Council had marinated its weekly waste collections during the pandemic was a question asked by Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons.

Responding, Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “This has been a real testament to the strength of partnership working. The Wokingham Borough Council waste collection service is delivered by Veolia who have worked with the Council throughout the crisis in an adaptable, flexible and pragmatic way to ensure that the best possible service is delivered to our residents, while following government guidelines to ensure the safety of the workforce and the public.”

As part of this, Veolia had used a range of operational changes to protect staff, and where staff had to self-isolated, agency staff had been used.

Cllr Batth said: “I would like to thank Veolia for their magnificent efforts which epitomise our partnership working with them since 2012.

“I would like to thank our Customer Delivery Team and the Community Transport Unit who worked together to continue the deliveries of blue bags and garden waste sacks to residents following the closure of the Council’s Libraries and Community Hubs.”

He concluded: “We will continue to do our utmost to support this service and are aware of how much residents appreciate the service being provided during these difficult times.”

Cllr Helliar-Symons: “Please can you assure that contractors know how much we value them”.

Colin’s van message EXCLUSIVE

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk BORIS JOHNSON may have wanted the nation to move on from the Dominic Cummings lockdown saga, but he probably didn’t expect one angry voter’s message to keep moving on.

For a man in a van has taken to Wokingham’s roads to share his perspective on the controversy, caused by the Prime Minister’s adviser taking a 260-mile trip up to Durham with his sick family, and then taking a 60-mile round trip to ‘test his eyesight’ before driving back to London.

Like many across the country, 72-year-old Colin Ballard is angry that over the situation, and has been letting people know.

He has been visiting the borough’s supermarket car parks this week to showcase a sign attached to the side of his blue vehicle.

The message on the notice is: DOMINIC CUMMINGS ADVICE ON DOUBLE STANDARDS, HYPOCRITE TIPS, DURHAM TOURS, TAKING THE P*SS, References from Downing Street.

Since creating the sign on Sunday, May 24, Mr Ballard has shared it with customers of major stores including Aldi (Molly Millars Lane) and Asda in Lower Earley, where he parks before placing the sign on the exterior of his van.

Colin said: “I created the sign to highlight the hypocrisy of the situation. I have a strong opinion on the issue and was spurred to do something about it after reading an article on the topic in The Wokingham Paper.

“It might seem like a tiny incident in the overall situation to some people, but this man was not adhering to the guidelines set out by his own government.

“As someone who is retired and in the vulnerable age group, I have been restricted in who I can see and where I can go so it frustrated me to hear that Mr Cummings had broken the lockdown rules.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns into a case like that in 1999 with Jonathan Aitken and 2004 with Jeffrey Archer.

“It would just take one thing to come out.”

Mr Ballard, who has so far spent 12 hours touring his sign, added: “The response has been very positive.

“I’ve had lots of thumbs up, smiles, toots and some people have stopped to talk to me from a suitable distance.

“I’ve only had three or four people signal their disagreement with the sign.

“I want to stress that this isn’t a party political statement.

“It is a case of common humanity and morality.”

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A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK 1-7 JUNE 2020 Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.

It’s a time for us to recognise and pay thanks to all the volunteers who give their time and energy to benefit others. It’s also a time to share experiences and open the doors for more people to become a part of this rewarding world.

During this crisis, more than ever, we have seen the true impact of volunteering in the Wokingham Borough.

Megan Fitter Volunteer with Age UK

Ruth Volunteer at Link Visiting Scheme

“My last New Year’s resolution was to look for something to do as a volunteer in my community. I discovered on the Age UK Berkshire website that they were advertising for Befrienders to prevent loneliness for those that cannot get out of their homes on their own.”

“I was furloughed from my IT job in April and volunteered for a couple of things. I wanted to find a useful way to spend my unexpected free time.

I decided to try this and have to say that I absolutely love it. I visit a lady in her 50’s who is housebound due to mobility issues. We get along so well and now that we are in lockdown and I cannot visit her for coffee, I take her dog for a walk. She really appreciates this and her dog is very important to her. I look forward to the time that I am able to go and have a coffee and a chat with her again.”

Rosie Creedon Volunteer at Home Start “A couple of years ago I retired from working as a Reception teacher in a small, friendly village school, a job which I’d loved because of the delight of interacting with young children and seeing them develop and blossom.

With retirement came some free time, and I responded to an advertisement for new volunteers for Home-Start. The training offered to new volunteers is helpful, interesting and fun as you get to know other volunteers, who are as varied a bunch as the families we support. I am motivated by the desire to play a tiny part in supporting parents to give their young children a good start in life, and also find the building of a relationship with the family I am partnered with rewarding and fun! Under the current restrictions due to the pandemic, we are limited to phone and messaging contact for now, but I’m looking forward to when we can get back to face to face meeting again.”

I am really enjoying it. To be honest I think I get more out of it than the shielded people I call. Every welfare call is different, some calls are just a couple of minutes and others take a bit more time. This week someone told me he was looking forward to my call and a couple of people told me that the calls have been helpful. It’s great to feel useful so I would definitely recommend volunteering with Link. ”

Emma Volunteer at Link Visiting Scheme “I wanted to contribute to the efforts being made to care for and encourage those who were isolated in Wokingham. I’m fortunate - I’ve had company and comfort of my family with me.

Volunteering with The Link, offering a listening ear and a friendly voice to those who find themselves alone or in difficult circumstances has enabled me to give something back.”

Hellen Johnson Domiciliary Carer and Befriending Volunteer “Whilst out working, I noticed how lonely certain elderly people are in the community, and that their domiciliary carers are often the only people these clients see in a day. I decided to try to make a difference by joining Age UK’s Befriending team in Berkshire.”

I have been visiting a 96 year old lady. She only had her carers visiting her but now she has me as a friendly face too. Although she is living with dementia, she always recognises my face and is so happy to see me. She only sees her carers at the moment due to lockdown, but I am really looking forward to seeing her again when when this is over.”

@volunteersweek @NCVOvolunteers #VolunteersWeek #VolunteersWeek2020

@volunteersweek_2020

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VOLUNTEERS

#VolunteersWeek #VolunteersWeek2020

THE COWSHED During the Corona virus crisis, we have continued to operate a full service throughout, often on a 7 day a week basis. We have had to cut back on volunteers assisting due to social distancing and are prioritizing the delivery of our most urgent referrals. In total since the lockdown in March we have provided referrals for 861 people. We have also seen a huge increase in demand and in the last 5 days alone we have processed 59 emergency clothing referrals supporting 72 individuals. Since the lock-down started we have delivered 229 emergency clothing referrals (as at 22 May) supporting 261 individuals ranging from new-born to 94. In order to try and relieve some of the pressures on our staff (only 1.75 FTE) we are currently exploring additional premises to enable us to set up both a socially distanced sorting area and a socially distanced craft area so that we can increase the volume of volunteers able to work each day.

In addition to our standard service we have also been providing craft packs for the children of families in poverty that cannot afford to buy items to occupy their children and to date have processed 389 referrals providing individual packs for over 600 children which was assisted by emergency grants from the national lottery, Berkshire Community Foundation and Wokingham United Charities.

Anna Volunteer at The Cowshed

Vicky Newland Volunteer at The Cowshed

“It is a very humbling place to work, we are helping people who are experiencing financial hardship, some who have lost everything through no fault of their own and some who have had to walk away from their entire life and possessions because of domestic abuse. Occasionally if they are able to the clients come in and choose their own clothes and they all leave with huge smiles on their faces which is fantastic to see.

“I first heard about The Cowshed last March when a request was sent out for people wanting to sew. As it was a new charity that I knew nothing about and I had time on my hands I went along to see if I could be of any help. I discovered the most amazing charity and some of the nicest people you could ever imagine meeting. At the heart of the charity, and all its volunteers, is the wish to help those in need in our community. The love and compassion that shines through is shown by all it achieves - whether its providing clothing, toiletries or toys and games to families in need, or the craft group that recycles everything it can to provide bags or items to sell to create funds for the charity. Initially I went along to sew bags, but now I have also helped with sorting donations and washing and ironing. I find volunteering with this charity as satisfying as it is clear that they are really making a difference to the world and I can be proud with myself for playing just a small part in that.

I absolutely love being one of the team and we all muck in with whatever is most important on the day. I enjoy giving my time for a cause I really believe in but the biggest thing is what volunteering gives back to me.”

Gay Lewis Volunteer at The Cowshed “I have been volunteering for the Cowshed for a year now. When I was investigating volunteering options I was struck by the charities aims and objectives in providing comfort and practical help to those families who have been unfortunate in finding themselves in a state of crisis. I love being part of the volunteering team and I’m aiming to increase my sewing skill so that I can also be involved in the craft group which is awesome.”

On a more selfish level I have met some of the nicest and most caring people that I now call friends and who, even during the recent lockdown, have been busy sewing, washing, sorting, supporting and helping others.”

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Hundreds of volunteers signed up to help at the start of the pandemic. Many of those volunteers will now be going back to work or have other obligations that mean they may soon not be able to volunteer as much time as they have been.

If you want to get involved and volunteer, check The Volunteer Centre’s portal for recruitment posts www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk You can also stay up to date with the latest information, which is available on our social media sites, news website and through partner organisations.

Make sure you stay up to date with the latest accurate information @wokinghamboroughcouncil @wokinghamBC www.wokingham.gov.uk

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The gasman cometh … furlough help for foodbank EXCLUSIVE

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CHARITY that is helping to feed the borough says demand has soared four-fold on last year.

The Wokingham Foodbank says it has seen a huge increase in referrals received from households since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Over the last 10 weeks the Foodbank has fed more than 1,500 people: an increase of almost 400%.

And it says it is routinely distributing a ton of food every week to households who cannot afford to buy food.

The organisation, based out of Wokingham’s town centre, is currently receiving a number of referrals for individuals who have been furloughed but struggling to make ends meet on 80% of their normal salary.

There has also been a rise in referrals from local schools where families are finding it difficult to pay for extra meals when their children are at home during the day.

Foodbank manager Annette Medhurst said: “While Wokingham is known to be a wealthy area, it is also a very expensive place to live and not everyone has an income that lets them

Volunteers from British Gas have been helping Wokingham Foodbank during lockdown

manage their household expenses easily.

“All it can take is a broken boiler or a period of ill-health for some households to be forced to make very difficult choices about how to spend their income, including whether or not they can afford to put food on the table.”

Wokingham Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network, which has partnered with British Gas. The energy firm has allowed a number of its furloughed engineers helping to deliver food parcels “One of our biggest

challenges at the moment is getting food to people who need it,” said Mrs Medhurst.

“We have moved over to a delivery model to distribute food parcels because we want to minimise groups of people attending the Foodbank.

“The support we have received from British Gas is fantastic, the team of drivers are incredibly enthusiastic and supportive of our work.”

Open four days a week, the Foodbank has approximately 10 volunteers a day collecting donations from supermarkets, dating and sorting the donations, making

up food parcels, processing referrals and preparing food parcels for delivery.

Many of the Foodbank’s usual volunteers are unable to work as they fall into vulnerable categories. The organisation currently has a team of approximately 35 active volunteers in total, but are unable to take on more due to social distancing rules and limited physical space.

Anyone struggling to buy food should contact Citizens Advice on 0300 330 1189 to talk through their situation and if appropriate receive a referral to the Foodbank.

Call for action over online child grooming THE NSPCC is urging the Prime Minister to create some social media regulation as online child grooming offences increase in Thames Valley.

The charity wants Prime Minister Boris Johnson to publicly commit to having worldleading online harm legislation on statute book within 18 months.

It says that more than 10,000 online grooming crimes have been recorded by police under a new law that made it illegal to send sexual messages to children. It adds that in almost two-thirds of cases, Facebook-owned apps were alleged to have been used.

New figures show that 10,119 offences of sexual communication with a child – 441 in Berkshire – were recorded by police in England and Wales –up almost a quarter.

But the NSPCC is warning there could be a sharp increase due to coronavirus.

NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless said: “Child abuse is an inconvenient truth for tech bosses who have failed to make their sites safe and enabled offenders to use them as a playground in which to groom our kids.

“The Prime Minister signalled to me his determination to stand up to Silicon Valley. He can do this by committing to an Online Harms Bill that puts a legal Duty of Care on big tech to proactively identify and manage safety risks.

“Now is the time to get regulation done and create a watchdog with the teeth to hold tech directors criminally accountable if their platforms allow children to come to serious but avoidable harm.”

Work has begun to tear down Carnival Pool so a new leisure centre can be built on the same site, it will include a library Picture: Stewart Turkington

Carnival Pool on its way out IT’S GOING, but it’s not quite gone yet.

Work to demolish Carnival Pool is well underway, meaning it won’t be long before the new leisure complex and library starts to appear at the Wokingham town centre site.

The project is the final part of the regeneration scheme and is expected to open in summer 2022.

Contractors Pellikaan Construction Ltd, who built Bulmershe Leisure Centre, is to build Carnival after being selected

by Wokingham Borough Council.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration, said: “As we enter this last phase of the regeneration it’s fantastic to be able to look back at how much has been achieved in the last few years.

“The regeneration is all about making sure we deliver great facilities for our residents to enjoy and we are sure everyone will love the new complex when it opens in 2022.”

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18 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

Getting to grips with the new normal THE BIG reopening is starting.

Too early? Almost certainly.

Will it lead to a second wave? Remains to be seen.

Managed to buy some hand sanitiser yet?

It’s still hard to get hold of.

This week, we have finally been able to visit friends and family and mingle in groups of up to six. As long as we keep two metres apart – and keep washing our hands.

Those of us who have been stuck indoors since March are now able to go for some exercise.

Later this month, more shops will start to reopen and, hopefully, lessons resume for some secondary school pupils.

Relaunching some of our daily lives, with social distancing measures added in, requires us to wear masks, wash our hands, stand in lines and keep calculating two metres.

It should not mean going out for the day, leaving our rubbish behind or just leaning past someone to get that lettuce in the shop.

It is going to take some time to mentally adjust to this new way of living. But we need to, for the risk of a second and third wave remains.

There is so much we still don’t know about Covid-19.

Crucially, we don’t know if it is mutating, or whether it is fading away, a victim of its own success.

While the government deserves much criticism over its recent decisions, and its very mixed messaging, it has to re-start our everyday lives at some point.

Cautiously, thoughtfully, generously, we step out of our homes and into the daylight.

New normal, here we come.

CHURCH NOTES

A lesson in the chalk

T

HIS lockdown period has been strange and difficult for us all, but one small positive is the daily walks that many have been able to enjoy.

In the houses near where I live, people have displayed rainbows as signs of hope, and teddies have appeared in windows to cheer passers-by.

On the pavements where I go for my walk someone has chalked words such as “love”, “kindness” and “honesty”, so as I walk, I can gather up these positive attributes and ponder on them, and I might resolve to put them into practice in my life.

Many of these virtues are what Christians describe as the “fruit of the spirit”.

St Paul wrote a list in his letter to the church at Galatia, citing “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol”.

Christians seek to put these into practice in their own lives, but many others do so too, and it is obvious to me that any society which puts these values at its heart will be happier and healthier as a result.

There has been a lot of kindness, goodness and love shown in our local community during this time of lockdown.

Neighbours have looked out for one another and offered practical help, and community groups have worked together to ensure that the vulnerable have what they need.

I hope that these virtues will continue to be demonstrated when we emerge from lockdown.

And I thank the pavement writer for encouraging me to be positive and giving me hope.

The Revd Catherine Bowstead is minister of Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together Wokingham

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Here was wrought a miracle – the miracle of Dunkirk They headed for the beach and huddled on the sand, bedraggled and war-weary, an heroic khaki band.

Midst the screaming of the bombers and the whining of the shell, waiting for their rescue from a living hell.

Engineers, infantry, gunners and the 'jocks' holding on amongst the sand dunes and the rocks.

Until the cry went up, 'They're here, the ships are here!'

T'was then the very bravest were seen to shed a tear.

Craft of every kind and size, manned by men and boys, waited in the shallows, midst the chaos and the noise, until the khaki columns reached their rolling decks, the freezing, oil-fouled waters, lapping at their necks.

Defiantly the little ships turned and headed home leaving friends behind them, who in death were not alone.

This company of heroes, bloody and unshaved, the horrors of the battle, had faced and shared and braved.

History speaks with honour the name of this brave place, of the glory and the pain, time cannot erase.

Here the price of peace was paid, with courage and in blood, by those who live in freedom now let this be understood.

In the peace and silence where names in stone are worked, here was wrought a miracle — the 'Miracle of Dunkirk'.

JW Blaney, Wokingham

Memory is an awful thing in a post-truth world Millions are livid over Mr Cummings’s lockdown violations because they remember the government’s simple instruction to “Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives”.

The fact that the government and the area’s Conservative MPs line up behind such deliberately outrageous lies about “judgment” and “eyesight tests” shows their utter contempt for the public they serve.

It’s only important to keep the loyalists on side, and they choose not to remember.

Tragically, my MP has written that his stance is mainly based on loyalty to the Prime Minister, with barely a mention of the public health or public trust.

Will we remember the breach of public trust come the next General Election?

Will we remember the handshake bragging, March’s Cheltenham Festival, the lack of PPE, the PM in hospital “for tests” and the woefully late and inadequate test/trace programme?

Will we remember the 38,000 dead (or is it 60,000)?

Messrs Johnson and Cummings, backed by their press baron friends, are certain they can distract us from remembering.

A simple three-word slogan gave the Tories a thumping win despite a decade of austerity, food banks, Windrush, Grenfell and other scandals.

I understand it is easier to quit when power refuses to be held to account.

But sadly, I remember the inevitable outcome of authoritarians. And, I cannot quit because I remember.

Tom Ross, Wokingham Without

within the last few months.

He didn't mind rules being broken then. He did everything he could to get the Blue Badge rules overturned.

I hope that Cllr "Cowangate" Cowan will be resigning from the Council very shortly, to set an example. Thereby sending the clear message to us all that NOBODY, not even him, is above any rules.

Why do we have to put up with this egotistical, holier than thou councillor?

Paul Clarke, Wokingham

Hypocrite councillor

I have long thought that the UK planning process was broken, with an almost total bias towards the big developers.

This view was enormously substantiated by the Government’s Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick’s recent decision to overrule Docklands Council, and the Planning Inspectorate,

What a hypocrite Cllr Gary "Cowangate" Cowan is. He accuses a Goverment adviser of abiding by a different set of rules to himself. (Your Letters, Wokingham Paper, May 28).

I think that Cllr "Cowangate" Cowan needs reminding about the Blue Badge incidents that he has been involved in

Biased view Your correspondent, Dr Peter Hornsby, gave a considerably biased and negative view of our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The majority of the country obviously completely disagrees with his assessment of Boris as a “compulsive liar and adulterer” and “treating the entire country with contempt” and he should reflect that our Prime Minister was elected by a very large majority of our countrymen and is having to deal with the biggest crisis since the Second World War. Instead of taking such a negative view of life Dr Hornsby and others should be seen to act in his own words “as if we are all in this together” and support each other and the government to successfully move on and defeat this virus.

Likewise, we have elected John Redwood who devotes his life to supporting his constituents – if we didn’t think so, we have not re-elected him so often.

David Lumsden, Wokingham

Broken process

to authorise the building of 1,500 properties in Docklands.

Not only did Robert Jenrick agree the housing he also put the boot into the local council’s plan to get £40 million in developer contributions to improve the infrastructure and deliver affordable homes by authorising the housing plan just before the council’s new policy on Community Infrastructure Levy (Developer funding) became live.

A huge saving for the developer and its shareholders. A huge loss to the community.

This decision ignores residents, communities, local council, planning officers and even the planning inspectorate. In simple terms forget the planning process, forget consultation, forget local plans. It’s one rule for all of you and one (different) set of rules for us, when it comes to looking after our friends.

This seems to be a bit of a current trend. The concrete and bulldozer threat to all of Wokingham’s Southern Parishes greenfield has increased enormously by this decision of 1,500 properties in Docklands.

What does the future hold for Wokingham when Tower Hamlets Council and the Planning Inspectorate say no to 1,500 houses but are simply overruled?

We are looking at as many as 15,000 houses in Grazeley alone plus the continuous and ongoing development of Shinfield, Arborfield and some, but not all, other parts of Wokingham.

When the Planning Inspectors, who we all love to hate, actually say no, (a rarity for them not to back developers) and are overruled, then what hope do we have for any green fields in our area?

Is the planning process simply an expensive smokescreen?

Is it one set of rules for us and one for them?

Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield South, Wokingham Borough Council

Another form of hypocrisy Over the past few weeks, I have only made the odd comment about what has happened during this pandemic, as I felt it was not appropriate to make political comments.

I have praised borough council officers and other local people including local councillors, who have run and manned the Local Hub based at St Crispin's School and I have particularly welcomed the Care Home Protocol put together by the council to protect our vulnerable residents from discharges without testing for the virus from our local hospitals.

However, I do now feel I need to make comment. I refer to the front page article titled “Government accused of breaking Covid Cash promise” (May 28).

At the start of the pandemic in March, the Conservative Government's Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick MP committed the Government to covering the financial cost of Covid-19 incurred by all Local Councils (in England). He even said , “We will do whatever it takes”. Now, in early June, this commitment is no longer worth the paper it was written on. The Government has back tracked.

Not the only issue that they have done, I hear people saying to themselves.

This has meant that local councils, including WBC, have committed funds to actions to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic on the premise that they would be financially covered. Now councils will not be able to cover all the costs (unless there is a change of Heart) and as a result this additional increase in costs will fall on you the local Council Tax payer. This is grossly unfair.

If no commitment had been made then councils will have been much more cautious. Imagine how you would feel if your employers said they would cover your additional costs, only to find that after the event, they would not.

The Government has however provided some income to WBC. The first tranche was I admit rather

disappointing, but the second tranche was much more significant, in fact the Leader of the Council said he was rather pleased with this amount of financial support. The total monies received by WBC was close to that received by a number of our neighbouring councils. So I query whether WBC has been treated as badly as he is making out.

No, what I believe is happening is that the Conservative leader of the Council is starting to shift the blame for the poor financial position WBC is going to be in over the next few months, when in fact the local Conservative administrations of the past four-five years have built up a massive debt.

Back in 2017, when I first highlighted concern about the levels of debt being accumulated by WBC Conservatives, the debt level stood at around £350 million, now in 2020, this figure has jumped to an eye watering £700 million.

Remember it is you the Council Tax payer that picks up the bill should anything go wrong, and with a worsening economy anything could happen. This level of exposure equates to around £10k on average per WBC Council Tax payer.

Many projects including Wokingham Town Centre Regeneration now have contracts signed (i.e. WBC is committed to pay) that have used borrowing to fund them based on the premise that WBC will receive income in the future. One source of income are the new houses on Elms Field. At the time of writing

this letter, no house has sold. Also no one knows how the Housing market will perform over the coming months/ year. However if I were looking for a new property now, I would be asking for a sizeable discount. So where is WBC going to get its income from to cover these costs? It is clear that WBC will now need to review all its programmes of work to assess what is now affordable and what is not.

The mismanagement of Wokingham Borough Council’s budget will rest fairly and squarely with the local Conservatives, but added to by the Conservative Government since it reneged on its promises. Again, it will be you the local Council Tax payer who would end up picking up the shortfall.

No, Cllr John Halsall, you cannot have your cake and eat it. The blame rests largely on the various Conservative Administrations who have wracked up these massive debts over the past few years, and many local people know it.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wokingham Borough Council & Member for Twyford

Apology first Our Editor has high standards and does not expect untruths, so I have to plead guilty to an unintentional error in my last week’s letter.

Firstly, I am grateful to Michael Story for being kind enough not to accuse me of lying about my cat insurance. Since that letter, it has been reduced to a little over £40 per month NOT per week, but I am still unable to

get an answer as to why an increase at all (he is a lovely cat).

Insurance companies are a law unto themselves, and by writing a ‘book’ of T&Cs – every company’s written individually – appear to want to avoid liability to pay out anything. Another business I would like to see operating to a national standard not written by them. Lawyers please note, I provide my view from personal experiences.

Changing the subject, I am gravely concerned with the escalating crime rate, and include Road Traffic offences in many cases. I witnessed a BMW leaving Wokingham town centre last week, which luckily had green lights at the Station Road junction, proceeding at between 50mph and 60mph towards Reading. In a 30mph area.

Speeding is now rife in our area, just as is hooliganism; rubbish including glass bottles thrown around; property damaged, and so on.

All of these aspects of our lives are of course down to the lack of police.

Last year we were promised 20,000 more police officers. In keeping with the level of incompetence in government these days, it needs to be noted that a requirement (by the way I do not accept the figure mentioned) must be multiplied by three in order to allow for three shifts (assumption) per day. Using the government’s promise that means 60,000.

Given the decline of our society, I would like to see 100,000.

A final and necessary comment: Some time ago I challenged the Wokingham councils to provide a way of removing traffic from the town

centre. This is due to the unacceptable and dangerous level of atmospheric pollution, especially throughout the summer and or under the climate conditions pertaining recently.

There is now a government recommendation that such action should be taken, although based on virus avoidance, our need should be based on that, plus the pollution caused by traffic. An answer is still awaited from the Councils.

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

I want a kebab When I moved to Wokingham in 1982 one of the pluses was that I lived within 200 yards of the Kebab Van. Open seven days a week it was very popular. Since then I have lived in Finchampstead, but last August we moved for the last time and now are living even closer to the Kebab man.

Its location has varied, sometimes within the car park of the Youth Centre and sometimes outside, at the moment it's outside but whatever the weather the Kebab man is a constant.

I walk my dog every night past the stall and I am impressed with the way the customers organise themselves into social distancing queues.

Now I understand that there is a meeting at Shute End next week to determine whether it can continue to trade.

It would be a great shame if it was forced to close after 27 years, doing harm to no one and providing outstanding service to all.

Philip Houldsworth, Wokingham

TONYJOHNSON

I

Governors disown bunker mentality The death of African American George Floyd last week led to initially peaceful protests in Minneapolis.

But as the protests turned to arson, an Atlanta police car was torched, a New York police dept van was abandoned and set on fire and crowds set fire to three police vehicles in Illinois.

Within days, the George Floyd protests spread to more than 250 locations across all of America’s 50 states, becoming the most significant riots the US has ever seen.

Social media giant Twitter hid one of Trump's tweets, with a warning that the inflammatory posting violates the rules about not glorifying violence.

This was the second alleged ‘attack’ on the president by Twitter in less than a week.

The president declaimed that he was defending free speech before going on to say that “my executive order calls for new regulations under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to make it that social

media companies that engage in censoring or any political conduct will not be able to keep their liability shield”.

And it’s a jolly good thing too, because it saved a world leader from having to ask if anyone would rid him of this turbulent trouble-maker, before he went on to blame State Governors for the riots, after he’d emerged from hiding in the presidential bunker (rather than watch a peaceful protest outside the White House).

Oh look, a squirrel As the comings and goings of SpAdman Cummings continued to making the headlines, coverage had grown from circa 20 pieces on Friday, May 22, to 40 on Saturday, 100 on the Sunday, 160 on Monday, and 230 on Tuesday.

Tuesday saw the protest resignation of the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland and the daily schlep-on saying that he’d “take away” the question about lockdown fines.

By Wednesday, things were getting serious as a news report indicated that more than 60 Conservative MPs were defying Boris Johnson’s calls to “move on” from SpAd man - with 44 of them actively calling for Dominic Cummings to go.

Crikey. The majority is only 80, so something had to give.

On Thursday, the PM decided to put the health of the nation at the forefront of the debate, announcing that the lockdown would be lifted on Monday.

NELLIE KNOWS Nellie Williams www.nelliewilliams.co.uk

Leave nothing but footprints

I

have been giving it some thought and as a family of five we can have one more person in our garden or we can sit in someone’s garden, how do you choose which child to make up the six?

Well much like the driver awareness course “it’s a limit not a target” but after seeing the same five faces during lock down my lot will be happy to see someone, anyone, just one.

Top of the world, Ma!

NTERNATIONALLY, it was a week when Trump tweeted while America burned.

In the UK, it was a week when government deployed schlep-ons of mass distraction.

Locally, it was a week when we learned that Wokingham Borough had led the world during lockdown.

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Among the beauty Well, not quite.

But it was the nearest he could do while still claiming with a straight face to be ‘following the science’.

Meanwhile, in an increasingly disunited kingdom, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland had each decided to do something different to ease the lockdown, and we showed our feelings at the weekend by ‘using our judgment’ on the beach (not).

‘Following the science’ got debunked too, as scientist after scientist publicly said that they considered the easing too much, too soon. Shows what they know about politics.

But the Cummings distraction did start to taper off …

The curate’s egg A mixed bag of an Executive Meeting finally revealed that during the lockdown WBC had taken a decision to tell government and the NHS that we wouldn’t accept any more untested or Covid-positive patients being discharged from local hospitals into Wokingham’s care homes.

So I’d like to give a cheer for the Adult Services director and his team.

Standing up for what’s right on behalf of our citizens (junior as well as senior) as well as their families and carers.

At the other end of the spectrum, we learned that the government is reported to have dialled back Coronavirus funding from ‘pay all the bills’ to ‘needs based payments’.

So, everyone in unison now, in your best Matt Lucas voice, “we ARE the

lowest funded council in the country”.

Given what else is going on, this looks more and more like code for “we’re in fiscal hot water”.

Still, among the questions put to the council’s Executive last week, there was a corker as to “what the Council has done well, not done well” and “could the Leader outline lessons that have been learnt”?

The answer that followed was a panegyric of epic proportions that haven’t been seen since Gilray’s 'Voluptuary' of 1792.

The praise was lavish, the results were great, everything’s going fabulously well.

Lessons? There weren’t any.

At least, not ones we heard about.

Still, it was good to see the public and councillors holding the Executive to some form of account while Full Council remained suspended and scrutiny/audit meetings hadn’t yet restarted.

What the Neighbours said Other neighbours have been saying that a small grey budgie has apparently been seen trilling away in our neighbours’ gilded and heavily guarded parrot cage. The neighbours have denied this, saying that the bedraggled bird is at the vets to recover from stress and plumage loss.

Excepting ‘que dijeron el vecinoas’, that was the 11th week of lockdown that was. caveat.lector@icloud.com

I have loved my early morning walks exploring footpaths, byways and lanes I vaguely knew, meeting people along the way and this is something I will continue to do after lockdown has ended.

At the start of lockdown all around were daffodils and bluebells, now there’s poppies and foxgloves and I will mention it again this week as it is so intoxicating, but the heady scent of honeysuckle stops me in my tracks.

When I’m deep in the countryside my mind drifts back to reading Little Grey Rabbit stories, in short I am loving this slower pace of life.

Love and memories Of course this isn’t an idyllic time for everyone.

At the weekend I heard a friend had died by suicide (and please note my terminology as it is indeed correct and anyone using the archaic reporting of such sadness needs to stop).

I hope that she will rest in peace and her family will be comforted by love and memories.

Why trash the park?

Another thing that saddened me was the amount of litter left around in a local park.

I’ll actually change that from saddened to angered.

People had taken their food, drinks, cutlery and barbecues in a bag to the park, had a Bacchanalian feast and then left their rubbish.

Surely when the bin is full it’s an indication that there is no more room left and taking it home in the bag it arrived in would be better than leaving it.

It’s not rocket science.

Take nothing but pictures.

Leave nothing but footprints.

Kill nothing but time.

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You’re never alone with a writer’s group

Where are we walking?

LOCKDOWN has seen creativity across the borough reach new heights.

Many of us have had more time on our hands – and with no one dropping in, fewer distractions.

For members of the Wokingham Writers’ Group, which usually meets at Wokingham Library, it has been a chance to put pen to paper, well, finger to keyboard, to pen some short stories.

These have all been on the theme of Isolation, and over the next few weeks we’ll print some of them for your enjoyment.

First up, we have Keith Sheppard’s entry. Keith is the chairman of the Wokingham Writers’ Group and also author of several children’s books, Wonderland Revisited and the Games Alice Played There; and Welcome to the Crazyverse are just two.

He has also written In the Kingdom of the Faireyes, a children’s novel with jokes for grown-ups too.

Keith says it’s ideal to read to your youngsters but, he challenges, will you be able to put it down after they've gone to bed?

It tells the story of Eve and Paul, who are trapped by an underground rock fall and stumble upon the bizarre world of the Fair-eyes, a subterranean civilisation whose society and foibles are curiously reminiscent of our own.

The kidnap of a princess catapults the children into a desperate and dangerous rescue mission.

But was the princess the real target or is someone playing for even bigger stakes?

All the answers are in the novel, which is available from Amazon and all retail outlets or you can request a signed copy. For more details, log on to his website, www.writerman.org.uk

Isolation

D

EREK STUBBS was going stir-crazy, and so was his springer spaniel, Lucy.

There are only so many times you can walk round the same block without wanting to scream.

He looked out of his window.

The Avenue was full of joggers again, including that twenty-something from three doors up.

OK, the weather was getting warmer but did she have to wear quite such skimpy shorts? He was sure she did it on purpose.

The sight of those firm, young thighs was playing havoc with Derek’s blood pressure.

No. A walk in the countryside was what he needed to dispel all those impure thoughts. ***** Andy Preston sat with his head in his hands, trying not to let his seven-year-old daughter see him cry. His beautiful, wonderful wife, Katie, she who made every day seem worthwhile, had COPD. They’d tried to isolate but somehow the virus had got in anyway.

Her condition had worsened these last couple of days to the point she could hardly breathe.

As the ambulance drove off, Maisie had looked up at him and said, “Mummy will get better, won’t she?”

What could he say? ***** Almost a week had passed and Derek had managed to convince himself that none of this was his fault. It certainly wasn’t his fault the ambulance jumped the lights. There was no need for the driver to be quite so abusive, right in his face. Hardly social distancing, was it?

It was certainly tragic about Mrs Preston but she would probably have died anyway. An extra half hour getting her to hospital couldn’t have made that much difference.

Derek gazed out of his window again. Probably safe now to take Lucy for another longer walk.

Problem was, he really didn’t feel up to it. He was feeling distinctly under the weather, plus he’d developed this annoying cough. © Keith Sheppard, 2020 � For more information about Wokingham Writers contact heather.dyson@wokingham.gov.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

Yoo hoo, here’s Y musicians toge

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk FOR MANY, lockdown has sparked interest in new hobbies, but for one Wokingham group pastimes are the key to keeping them on track.

For this week’s quiz, we’ve gone for a walk. But the question is do you know where?

It’s an unusual local landmark, and it’s large enough for children to use to make a den in, and adults to walk over. There are several degrees here, although it’s open to the public. It’s certainly not in the wilderness, but quite close to it. As ever, no prizes, it’s just for fun. Answer next week.

Jessica’s gone to the dogs THEY SAY that every dog has their day and that’s still true, even in these socially distanced days.

A virtual pet show has been launched and it will help youngsters unleash their musical talents.

It’s launched by Jessica Wilkins, who works for Berkshire Maestros.

The charity runs several orchestras and offers lessons for those musical youth.

It’s been running online lessons in recent weeks.

Dog lover Jessica, who has two pets herself, is organising the online fun pet show.

It’s really simple: people can enter by sending photos of their treasured four-legged friends via a Facebook page, and pay 50p per entry or 25 entries for £10. Money raised will go to the Maestros’ Covid-19 hardship fund, which aims to support families financially so they can continue their children’s music lessons during the current crisis.

There are a number of classes, including best headshot best action shot, best pedigree, best friends and the animal Oscars.

Entries are open until Saturday, June 27, at 5pm. The entrants will then be judged by a specially selected panel, who won’t be entering the categories they are inspecting.

And there are winners rosettes

for the first six places in each category and there are also awards for the best in show and a runnerup. The top prize winner will receive a hand-drawn picture of their dog, created by Jessica.

“I have two dogs myself and in normal times, I like taking them to community shows,” she explains.

“I’ve also previously organised an online show and raised £450 for the Dogs Trust.

She adds that with no physical dog shows to go to, online is the way to go: “It’s fun”.

Although entries have only been open for just over a week, Jessica has been staggered by the response.

“It’s been amazing, we’ve raised more than £200 already and the contest doesn’t close for another three weeks,” she says. “I’m quite shocked.

“We’ve have entries from people who enter online shows all the time and quite a lot of local people who have never done shows before.”

And Jessica is looking forward to getting sketching when the winner, chosen by independent judges, is revealed.

“I love doing it,” she says of the drawings. Not even the individual strands of fur? “It’s not like a chore,” she smiles. “I do love drawing them.”

For more details, search Facebook for Online Fun Dog/Pet Show By The Gifted Hand

YouTooMusic, a training programme aimed at helping adults to relearn instruments, is using technology to keep members focused throughout the pandemic.

Connected via the video call software Zoom, the group has used regular sessions to practice their music and share advice for coping with the current changes.

The catch-ups, which are a virtual alternative to the group’s workshops previously held at Wokingham Baptist Church,.

The group’s founder, Robin Scurlock, said: “The Zoom sessions are a fantastic opportunity for discussing music, playing our instruments and working on new projects.

“They also have an important wellbeing aspect by maintaining contact and keeping us motivated throughout the lockdown.”

The group’s most recent project can be seen on YouTube where Robin explains how the group have used software to produce songs remotely.

The video features snippets of the musicians’ renditions of pieces from James Bond films and by Snow Patrol.

Robin explains: “The YouTube video shows how we rehearsed, recorded and produced two of our songs.

“I outline the many stages involved in the production process and how once each member has sent me their recorded part, I am able to construct the song with the help of my contacts in the industry.”

“At first, producing the parts

YouTooMusic has continued to get together d technology to stitch individual performances

remotely was a challenge as we had to familiarise ourselves with the relevant recording software, however once we got used to it the process was rewarding.

“Members learnt the parts for each song during our group video calls, each song taking two to three weeks to perfect.”

“Initially, we tried to play our parts simultaneously however internet connections made this impossible and, at times, very amusing.

“The new process involves everyone but myself being muted so that each musician can practice their part while I play the master track on the keyboard.”

He adds: “We chose to play the

Ted’s 10 talks to help tackle the

I

N TIMES of uncertainty we often turn to loved ones for reassurance and guidance, but what if the circumstances mean face to face interaction is out of the question?

TED, an online platform showcasing free philosophical and educational videos on a range of topics, has become an information hub for an increasing number of internet users during lockdown as they search for new approaches to dealing with the present.

Since launching in 2009, the American media company has hosted close to 50,000 talks; many of which have been published on its website.

Topics range from the future of space exploration to the secret to lifelong friendship – here are 10 videos that may help during this time.

How to make meaningful connections while apart

Tackling the emotional challenge of separation, this talk presents tools for creating and maintaining relationships with family and co-workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The talk is useful for anyone struggling with loneliness and the grief of missing loved ones, as well as teachers and leaders who are seeking ways to connect with their groups.

How to be your best self in times of crisis Psychologist Susan David give her advice for building resilience, courage and joy throughout the pandemic.

She offers guidance on talking to children about their emotions, as well as how to face feelings including grief, loneliness and anxiety and understanding what they tell us about our values.

Why sleep matters more now than ever

For some, the lockdown period has included more lie-ins and sleep than could ever be dreamed of in normal life, but this hasn’t always meant a good night’s sleep. Sleep scientist Matt Walker discusses the impact of sleep on the mind and body and the relationship between getting a good night’s sleep and immune health.

How to navigate the pandemic with courage and hope

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks addresses topics including leadership, fear, death and hope.

He explains how this collective experience could help us to move towards a better future for the globe by using courage, hope and empathy to overcome the crisis and devise a more just world.

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YouToo, bringing ether – virtually Online and ready to go over the rainbow

during the coronavirus pandemic, using modern together; right: Robin Shurlock busing at home

James Bond theme tune and Snow Patrol’s Run as they are fun pieces which members are familiar with.

“The next song we are working on is Nina Simone’s I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free which is a track we can all resonate with at the moment.

“Working together to produce these pieces has reminded us how much music can lift your mood.

“This is a steep learning curve but one that has been extremely worthwhile.”

While not coaching his students, Robin has used lockdown to work on his own music, performing outside his Finchampstead home.

The busks have included special events for VE Day and bank holidays.

The violinist says: “Live on the Drive is a way of bringing the neighbours together at a safe distance and helping those living on their own or shielding to feel more positive.”

“I’ve had a great reaction to the performances and have got a lot of joy from doing them.” � For more information about YouTooMusic, including how to join the programme and get involved with upcoming virtual workshops, log on to youtoomusic.org.uk or visit the Facebook page @youtoomusic. You can also view the group’s most recent YouTube video at youtu.be/ITJIlxVjFsU.

ese socially distanced times Where Does Creativity Hide?

Distanced from our normal routines and activities, creative subjects have thrived during this crisis.

Novelist Amy Tan gives a detailed exploration of creativity and explains how hers may have evolved. Tan aims to answer the question, ‘How do we create something from nothing?’

How to ask for help – and get a “yes”

Despite the satisfaction independence can bring, it is necessary that we come together and help each other through this crisis.

Social psychologist Heidi Grant shares how we can transform our requests for help from an uncomfortable and embarrassing process, to one which is rewarding for all of those involved. This talk explores how to ask for help from a loved one, friend, co-worker or even a stranger.

What Fear Can Teach Us

Delivered in 2012, this talk uses the analogy of a shipwrecked sailor to illustrate how fear spurs our imagination to prepare for the possible consequences of a scenario. Novelist Karen Thompson Walker explains how to distinguish between fears worth listening to and those which are not.

This talk is useful to anyone struggling

to cope with what both the present and future holds.

Why we all need to practice emotional first aid

Relevant to the impact the coronavirus crisis is having on individuals’ mental health, psychologist Guy Winch draws on his experiences to explain why self-care is becoming an increasingly necessary part of our everyday self-care routines.

All it takes is 10 mindful minutes

10 minutes may seem like only a small fraction of your day, but it’s surprising how many people are incapable of doing nothing for this very short amount of time.

Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe explains how putting off texting, talking and even thinking for just 10 minutes can help to refresh your mind.

In praise of slowness

In a time when the world has been forced to stop, the slowness of this period is something we can appreciate.

Journalist Carl Honore offers his insight into the impact of speed on productivity and quality of life and how stopping to appreciate our lives can help us to live them in a better way. � TED Talks are free to watch and can be accessed at www.ted.com.

NORMALLY, the only thing that can stop a summer fete from going ahead is torrential downpours, thunder and lightning.

But this year, our fun afternoons of games, Pimms and barbecues for good causes are all on hold. Not because of the weather, but because of that wretched virus.

For many bands, it means pages and pages of empty diaries: normally they are booked across the summer to take part in bandstand performances, fairs, fetes and parties.

Not in 2020.

And with physical rehearsals also off the agenda, you would be forgiven for writing our musical inspirations off.

But never forget human ingenuity – and a bit of gumption.

Woodley Concert Band is still keen to raise funds for good causes and charities, while also ensuring the group stays in touch musically.

And what better way to do that than by performing remotely, but together?

Members have recorded, using online technology unthinkable even a year ago, a version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, which they say is in honour of those amazing staff members in the NHS.

Coronaphobia We’ve got the virus on the run Time to open windows wide Life will once again belong to us No longer will we hide But what’s this new phenomenon Coronaphobia is rife Even though the risk’s diminished Folk are fearful for their life Come on guys, we must be brave And when the time is right Go forth into the sunshine And enjoy God’s given light If we ran from every daily risk We’d soon be out of breath We’ve got the chance to live again ’Though we’ll still mourn every death Don’t be like a caterpillar When with hope the future’s bright Emerge from the chrysalis Like a butterfly – take flight Don’t fall victim to the phobia Don’t let worries manifest The greatest fear is fear itself We’ve survived – we’re truly blessed

“Recorded by 31 members of the band from their homes across Berkshire and beyond, we're really proud of this video,” says band chair Phil Graham.

“It’s been tough not being able to rehearse together for the last couple of months and as a charity and community group, we'll miss our usual series of performances over the summer, both musically and financially.

“We've been doing our best to keep in touch with each other with a virtual bowling championship, quizzes and a sunflower growing competition but we wanted to say thank you to all the fantastic NHS heroes who we know are working so hard at the moment, so we've put together this video.

“My daughter is a nurse at the Royal Surrey Hospital so I’m only too aware of the herculean efforts that these amazing people are going to currently and we really hope that everyone will enjoy our little video, and that it brings a smile to a few faces.”

The video can be enjoyed via the band’s Facebook page: search for WoodleyConcertBand.

Alternatively, log on to www.woodleyconcertband.org.uk So when Boris gives the go-ahead Let’s raise one mighty cheer And once again we’ll live and love Without Corona fear,

Honey, I Shrunk My Trousers Honey, I shrunk my trousers The top button won’t do up And now I’ve yanked them up my legs The blooming zip has stuck I’ve tried to pull them down again They’re knotted round my knees And I can’t move them either way Even with my buttocks squeezed I blame corona for the shrinkage No ifs or buts or maybes The virus shrinks our trousers Honey, pass the jelly babies, Jean Hill has supplied this week’s verses, thanks Jean. � Have you written any lockdowninspired verse? We’d love to be able to share them with our readers, email news@wokingampaper.co.uk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

News from your community groups, clubs and societies Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Opportunity Knox for Christine Wokingham Volunteer Centre AFTER MORE than 16 years at the centre of the voluntary and community sector in Wokingham Christine Knox is retiring from her position as manager of the highly regarded Wokingham Volunteer Centre.

Christine joined the Centre in April 2004 when it was housed in a temporary building on Elms Field but since then has developed the volunteer brokerage into the leading charity recruitment resource in the borough and overseen the dramatic growth of the transport scheme supporting elderly and vulnerable people.

The Green ‘n’ Tidy gardening service was added in 2011 and the Centre now supports more than 1,000 local people through a dedicated team of around 160 volunteers, nine part-time staff and seven trustees.

Christine is quick to credit the centre’s success to the hard work and commitment of the many volunteers and staff who have helped over the years and was delighted to see this effort rewarded with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the “MBE for charities” – in 2012.

Looking back over her years in charge Christine is proud, first and foremost, that the centre has touched the lives of many thousands of people in the borough through its various services, whether as direct service users, our volunteers or finding volunteers for other local charities.

She said: “This amazing organisation, like so much of the local voluntary sector, has a knack of attracting and holding onto good people, be they staff, volunteers or trustees.

“We achieve amazing results with limited resources, mainly due to the quality of the volunteers that are out there delivering our frontline services – they are active in the current emergency, just as they always have been. Once you have seen what we can achieve, it is impossible to leave.”

Helena Badger, the charity’s volunteer development manager, has worked alongside Christine for 12 years. She said: “During that time, the centre has seen many changes; members of staff and projects come and go but one constant throughout that time has been Christine.

“She has always been so passionate and dedicated to the cause, putting in the extra hours and going the extra mile

Tom Atkinson has been pedalling to raise funds for Younger People With Dementia

Tom gets on his bike to help dementia group

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk Christine Knox is retiring from Wokingham Volunteer Centre after 16 years in charge

whenever needed. This includes growing hundreds of plants and baking numerous cakes for events and fundraisers over the years.

“My personal favourite is her green tomato chutney from her home-grown tomatoes – delicious.”

Other highlights have included relocating the office over Christmas in 2013 after the roof of the building was blown off in gales, but resuming the service seamlessly on January 2, with no one noticing, and within the past two months an entirely new prescription and delivery service was set up within just three days in response to the current Coronavirus crisis, delivering more than 700 prescriptions already to local people in need.

Chair of trustees Graham Powell said: “We shall miss Christine enormously as she takes a well-earned rest.

“Christine has been the heart of the

Wokingham Volunteer Centre for so many years and is much loved and respected by clients, volunteers and community partners alike.”

Christine has been central to the volunteer community in Wokingham, developing strong links with many other local charities and chairing groups such as the Transport Forum while also providing training in safeguarding and volunteer management, among other topics, to hundreds of volunteers.

“I will miss this role and all the great people I have got to know – but I will remain involved in the Borough as a volunteer and will hope to renew some old acquaintances, as well as making new ones, in my new roles.

“I would like to wish the team all the best as they take the Volunteer Centre forward and I am really excited to see what the future holds for it.”

Have a heart and join charity appeal A CHARITY that helps people with heart conditions is urging people to take part in an online fundraiser by showcasing their talents.

The Beat The Boredom campaign has been launched by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and aims to bring friends and family together – virtually.

It is calling on supporters to host an online quiz or talent show to raise funds.

Altneratively, people could organise a grand night in with their loved ones.

The charity says that the virtual meet-ups will help keep those fed-up feelings at bay while raising funds for vital research.

The BHF has been working throughout the lockdown to support people with heart and circulatory diseases, offering advice and information via its dedicated Heart Helpline and an online coronavirus hub.

But it says that the pandemic has cost the charity around £10 million a month, so it is now appealing for help.

There are 7.4 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases including coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia.

Research suggests that people with these conditions are at higher risk from Covid-19.

Chrish Perera, Head of Community Fundraising at the BHF, said: “We’re all looking for different ways to Beat the Boredom, so why not host a virtual quiz, talent show or grand night in?

“Download our how-to guides for tips and stay connected with your families and friends by hosting a virtual fundraiser to #BackTheBHF. “Every penny will go towards helping us support those across the UK living with heart and circulatory conditions.”

For more details, or to set up a fundraising page visit bhf.org.uk/btb

AN 11-year old has completed a multiday cycle challenge to reach a total of 100 miles in aid of a charity supporting people with Young Onset Dementia in Berkshire.

Tom Atkinson set himself this challenge as a friend’s father is living with this incurable disease.

He wanted to raise public awareness and funds to help to provide more support.

And so far, donations have flooded in: Tom has managed to double his donation target.

The youngster decided to cycle 100 miles over a number of days to raise funds for a Wokingham-based Younger People With Dementia.

The charity provides working week support to people diagnosed with dementia during their working life.

In lockdown they continue to help them through digital, telephone and activity pack support aiming to reduce the harmful impact of isolation and loneliness.

Tom said: “There isn’t as much support available for young people and their families as there should be”.

It has been estimated that across the UK there are 42,000 people

Wokingham Choral Society sings on ONE WEEK away from performing two amazing works, Pergolesi's Stabat Mater and Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri, Wokingham Choral Society, in line with choirs up and down the country, had to cancel

living with young onset dementia.

This dementia can mean a more rapid decline in the quality of life at a time when they are in the midst of a career, have mortgages, children in education and are supporting their families.

One of Tom’s biggest supporters is, unsurprisngly, his Mum Caroline.

She said: “I’ve been impressed with how determined Tom has been to take on and complete this challenge.

“We’ve seen the impact of young onset dementia and it’s been a real eye opener especially in terms of how a lot of the dementia support available isn’t set up for the needs of families with young children.”

The charity’s director Mark Hainy expresses his gratitude to Tom, “What he’s been able to do is to highlight a disease that many have never heard of, and to reach lots more people as a result of his cycle challenge.

“We are incredibly grateful to Tom for supporting our charity by doing something inspirational during a very difficult time.” � To find out more or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ caroline-atkinson8 � To find out more about Young Onset Dementia and the Younger People With Dementia charity log on to: ypwd.info

their concert due to lockdown.

But thanks to the wonderful technology of Zoom, the choir is able to continue meeting for virtual rehearsals, led by Musical Director James Morley Potter.

Who knows when large groups will be able to meet again, but let us hope it is in the not too distant future. As soon as it is possible, WCS will be back at work preparing for its next concert.

ALISON SEARS

VOLUNTEERWEEK

VOLUNTEERCORNER With Helena Badger

A celebration of giving

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THIS year Volunteers Week is celebrating the work of charities and those who give their time across the borough and encouraging anyone who can to help make a positive difference.

Although usual celebratory events cannot take place, the Wokingham Volunteer Centre is recognising the outstanding efforts of every individual who has given up their time each week to support the vulnerable in their community, particularly during the crisis.

Within days of launching, the Wokingham Borough Community Response group saw hundreds of local residents sign up to volunteer.

The group comprises Wokingham Borough Council, a number of local charities and town and parish councils.

From delivering food parcels and prescriptions to those isolating, to making phone calls to individuals feeling alone, through day-to-day simple acts of kindness, volunteers have made a huge difference to people’s lives over the past 10 weeks.

Helena Badger, volunteer services manager at Wokingham Volunteer Centre said: “It always amazes me how willing people are to help and probably the only good thing to come out of this crisis is the sense of community.

“We really want people to keep this

feeling going and continue to help others.

“Volunteering really does change people’s lives; both those who volunteer and those who are helped by volunteers.”

With the gradual easing of restrictions, many charities now need support to move forward. Citizens Advice Wokingham for example, require volunteers to take initial enquiries from people experiencing difficulties with debt, housing and employment.

Problems like these have been exacerbated by the virus and the organisation requires new volunteers.

Other charities include: � ABC to Read: Supporting primary school children with their literacy. � Link Visiting Scheme: Providing social support to the elderly. � Age UK Berkshire: Providing services to those over 50 � HomeStart: Providing families with advice and practical help � Wokingham Foodbank: Providing emergency help to families.

Colin Crouch, who volunteers as a driver for the Wokingham Transport Scheme, said: “The transport scheme was there to help my parents get to

their vital medical appointments when I had to work.

“I was so grateful and impressed that I wanted to repay this help by volunteering myself when I retired.

“I started volunteering early last year and I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoy meeting and assisting the people of Wokingham.

“It gives me great satisfaction that I now can help others in their time of need.”

Many charities across the Wokingham Borough are currently in need of volunteers. Most roles are ongoing and aimed at volunteers who are able to help on a long-term basis.

A number of the volunteers who helped during the Covid-19 crisis will be returning to work in the near future and charities are still in need of extra support at this time. � If you are able to give a few hours a week and are keen to make a difference in your local community, visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website for more information on current volunteering roles: www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk or contact 0118 977 0749.

GOOD ADVICE

Thank you to all our volunteers Some of the volunteers from Citizens Advice Wokingham

T

HANK you.

Thank you to our 85 volunteers, supporting our communities across Wokingham - week in week out.

This week is Volunteers Week - another opportunity to thank and show our appreciation for volunteers.

Citizens Advice Wokingham heavily relies upon volunteers to deliver our work, providing advice and information to anyone in the borough who needs our help.

Volunteering with us comes in many different roles - the most known are those providing advice on areas such as benefits, debt, employment law, housing and much more.

We also act as a gateway, an entry point, for many of the other great charities. Our receptionists, bookkeeper, admin volunteers and others help keep the charity going, supporting the

functions behind the scenes to ensure you get the best service possible.

Through our One Front Door, where our charity has stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic to provide a community crisis helpline six days per week, our team are all working from their homes across Berkshire, providing muchneeded support.

Our volunteers – our colleagues – make me proud every single day. During this crisis they have shown resilience and grit. We are running two services simultaneously at the moment, our community crisis helpline – One Front Door, and our core advice and information service.

Our service has faced no interruption in terms of suspending the service – we continue to deliver the help our communities need, and more.

NEWS | 23

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Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

That is because our colleagues, supported by a small staffing team of five full-time equivalent staff, are prepared to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.

Every day I hear stories of how we help our communities, and it’s our volunteers who are on the front line providing that support.

Just last week, Diane, a volunteer adviser identified that her client, who contacted us about a debt problem, could claim Travel Costs on each visit to the hospital under Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, saving her £1,200 a year.

She also identified the client was eligible for Carer’s Allowance, increasing her income by a total of £4,697 a year.

Two weeks ago, Jane took a call from an elderly resident, who is shielding, who

needed help with her smoke alarm.

Although happy to purchase the battery and replace it, they were unsure what was needed. We made a referral to Berkshire Fire and Rescue service who came out to fit a new unit.

So this week, like most weeks in fact, I thank our team very publicly, each and everyone of them, for everything that they do for our charity and our communities.

We could not do it without them.

And if you would like to join them, you are more than welcome.

For more details, visit www.citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk/volunteering, or send an email to: volunteer@citizensadvice wokingham.org.uk JAKE MORRISON

� The Link Visiting Scheme supports older people who are isolated across Wokingham Borough.

They are looking for new volunteers in several areas: coaching people with IT/ phones, welfare check volunteers and telephone buddies.

More older people are looking to connect with online groups or conference calls but need a little bit of coaching to help them get started.

As a response to Covid-19 the Link is calling people on the shielded list who will need to remain at home as much as possible. We are looking for volunteers to call up to five people a week for a quick chat to check they are OK and point them in the right direction for extra support if needed.

Full guidance, help and support will be given before and during your role. To volunteer, you will need at least one hour a week on a specific day ,with calls to be completed by 2pm.

We are looking for volunteers to make regular informal calls to those in need of conversation and a listening ear.

This can be at a time to suit you. This is aimed at volunteers who can commit on a long-term basis.

Guidance and full support and training will be given. A DBS check and references are required. � Home-Start supports ordinary parents going through extraordinary times.

Home-Start has been described as ‘armbands in deep water, because it

offers a lifeline to parents who feel overwhelmed and in need of support, reassurance and friendship. Are you a parent or do you have parenting experience? Do you have two-three hours a week to visit and support a young family within Wokingham Borough?

For the time being, this will be provided by the volunteer giving remote support, via phone, Zoom etc. This will move back to face-to-face support when it is safe to do so. There will be a six-week training course in September. � Wokingham Foodbank exists to provide help to those in need. It is ooking for a long-term volunteer (minimum commitment six months but ideally longer) to help. The role is Monday and/or Friday from 10am-12.30pm.

You will need to physically fit as there will be some heavily lifting involved. Full training will be given.

We are also looking for a long-term volunteer to help collect supermarket donations. The role will be one collection every one-two weeks and can be done in the evening. The volunteer will need their own car to transport the donations. � These are some of the latest opportunities on our books. Call: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wokvol.org.uk or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more

24 | NEWS

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M4 closed for works

Traffic wardens return but give out warnings TRAFFIC WARDENS have made a full return to Wokingham borough as lockdown restrictions start to ease.

But in the short-term they won’t be issuing fines to parkers who outstay their welcome, instead they’ll be giving out warnings.

Country parks have reported a steady demand from visitors last week, often having to close some car parks due to demand from families looking to take some exercise in the great outdoors.

By introducing some soft enforcement, it will help with the pressures facing the car parks.

And the wardens – officially known as civil parking enforcement officers – will also be checking town centre car parks to prevent people from using them all day.

Wokingham Borough Council had suspended enforcement of car parking regulations, except in exceptional circumstances, when the lockdown began.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for transport and highways, said: “It was the right thing to suspend enforcement but it could only have been a temporary measure because enforcement of parking regulations is necessary to ensure roads are kept clear and safe.

“There is a financial element to this: running services, such as car parks and country parks, costs money and dealing with Covid-19 has been incredibly expensive for the council.

“The financial support from the Government, while welcome, will not come close to covering what we are spending.”

She continued: “We have to reintroduce full enforcement. But we will do so in a measured way, with plenty of signage and publicity, and a soft enforcement initially so that nobody is caught unawares.”

Wokingham Borough Council says that clear signage will be put up at car parks to make sure people are aware of parking charges and enforcement.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

Thousands flocked to Marvellous last year, it will return in 2021 Picture: Dijana Capan

Not Marvellous news IT’S the music festival that’s top of the spots, but sadly the star-spotting will have to wait until 2021.

Marvellous, which celebrates some of the greatest musical acts of all time, will not take place at Dinton Pastures next month, making it another victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

The tribute act event had been due to run at the Hurst-based country park over the weekend of July 18 and 19. Organisers had hoped that restrictions would be eased enough to allow it to go ahead, but pulled the plug last week.

And to encourage people to hold onto their tickets for next year, they are

pledging to donate a free ticket to NHS workers for every two rearranged tickets.

The event had booked a number of acts including tributes to Coldplay, T-Rex, ELO, Tina Turner, Queen and Ed Sheeran, among others.

In a note sent to supporters, they said: “We live in the sincere hope that this time next year, we will all be looking forward to a bumper celebration of Marvellous at Dinton Pastures over the weekend of July 17 and 18.

“You have paid for a show, and indeed, that is exactly what we will give you.” � For more details, log on to www.marvellousfestivals.com

THE M4 is to be closed this weekend to allow work to continue on the Smart Motorway project.

The shutdown starts at 8pm on Friday and continues through to 6am on Monday.

The road will be closed between junction 6 for Slough and junction 8/9 for High Wycombe.

The closure is to allow for the widening of the Thames Bray Bridge, which goes over the River Thames. Highways England say that it is the most challenging aspect of the project.

The work will see the installation of steel beams that will form the deck of the widened bridge. They have been prefabricated into three sections, weighing nearly 300 tonnes, so they can be installed while keeping the time that the road need to be closed for to an absolute minimum.

It is one of 11 bridges that are affected by the project and the Thames Bray Bridge is being installed by a Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture on behalf of Highways England.

During the closures, motorway traffic will be diverted via the A308M, A308 and the A355 and there will be fully signed diversions in place.

Drivers are advised to plan ahead, leave extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes if possible.

The installation is expected to be in use by 2021 and the smart motorway by 2022.

The size of the beams and the cranes required to lift and position them will also involve stopping navigation on the River Thames between Boveney and Bray locks during these weekends.

The towpath which is part of the Thames Path National Trail will also be closed during these weekends with a signed diversion along local footpaths, minor roads and via the Jubilee River to enable walkers to re-join the route past the works.

Presspack

At school? This is the page you can write! We welcome your articles, poems, pictures and stories for this page. Send your articles to news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

News from schools | Stories from pupils

HARRY’S WORLD Harry Bradley

T

mean it isn’t part of our lives.

Just as we are part of the worldwide fight against a global pandemic, another fight we’ve got on our hands is the battle against racism.

The fight for equality isn’t something we can ignore and pretend doesn’t affect us. It affects everyone, whether we’re in lockdown or not. We have to make it our fight too.

The protests and riots began in Minneapolis but that does not mean that we are not involved. We are.

We have a social responsibility to stand up, to read, to listen, to watch and to fight. I’m thankful that we have access to incredible news outlets. I’m thankful that we have a local newspaper and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Which is why this week I wanted to say that all lives matter. Black lives matter. Racism is happening all around us, and each and every one of us can get involved. Donating and signing petitions provide opportunities for change and there are opportunities for change all around us.

Don’t stay silent. Don’t stay compliant.

BENNY’S CONFLICT

By James Lomax Part 20 of 26 So things were almost running smoothly. Benny and Shana had managed to get Carlos’ parents out of their cell by controlling one of the security bots with a Freedom Cube. They almost made it back to the ship, until sirens started going off, signalling an escaped convict. Have they been caught?

B

Child-friendly face masks

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Lives matters HE world is a pretty loud place at the moment. Sure, in Wokingham, the roads may be quieter and the streets not so busy. But on an international scale the noise is increasing, voices are shouting to be heard.

George Floyd’s life ended so brutally, so publicly.

This week we saw a social media #BlackoutTuesday and worldwide protests. Covid-19 hasn’t pressed pause on everything. During lockdown, in the confines of our own little worlds, we still need to step outside of our own lives and stand up and be heard.

Just because events aren’t happening immediately around us, doesn’t mean that they don’t impact us or exist.

There was a time earlier this year when Covid-19 broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan and we looked from afar, ignorantly and naively pointing out how it wouldn’t affect us – it was too far away.

How wrong we were.

A reminder that just because something isn’t on our doorstep, doesn’t

EDUCATION | 25

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Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

EFORE we find out what happened next, we need to rewind back in time to when Carlos split up with Benny and Shana. The security bots had taken him in for processing, as the system said he was a criminal who had been taken there to be imprisoned, and the system never lied.

The processing was a long and boring experience for Carlos, but he couldn’t contain a small grin on his face as he thought about what was in store for these poor, unfortunate bots.

After about half-an-hour, he was prepared, complete with the orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. As the lift took him down to the 76th floor, he replayed his plan in his head. It all seemed flawless so far.

Finally, Carlos was marched along the corridors and into his cell. He kept looking around, but didn’t recognise anyone yet, until he was placed into his cell.

Then, at last, he saw who he was here for.

The cell block Carlos had been placed in was specifically for non-aliens who had been stirring up alien rebellion. This meant the inmates here were not only humans, but androids. And as Carlos looked across to the opposite cells, he recognised the key to his plan.

His trusty android, Carlson.

Things had been boring now, but they were about to get very interesting indeed. Carlos whistled to get the attention of his faithful android, and Carlson knew immediately what was happening.

A huge grin spread across Carlos’ face as the android began to reform himself, his arms stiffening and curling round, his legs splitting into four supports, his chest spreading outwards to form a large shield,

AS SCHOOLS welcome pupils back, a secondary school has been creating special face shields to make them child-friendly.

Since the pandemic began, a team from Leighton Park have worked in conjunction with other schools to create PPE for care workers. Now it is creating some special face shield toppers.

The school says that it was conscious that many of those seeking face shields for their staff were schools working with younger children.

Although the shields are transparent and the wearer’s face is clearly visible, it may be that some pupils would find them unusual additions to their teachers’ wardrobes.

By adding a brightly-coloured, laminated face shield topper to the headband, the face shield becomes a fun feature, akin to dressing up, an activity which many children adore.

Although the government guidelines do not specify that face shields are mandatory for school staff returning to work either in the classroom or in a support role, many Senior Leader Teams are keen to ensure their staff are confident and feel protected.

and his held folding in on itself to be replaced by a large, chunky laser. Oh yes.

You see, Carlos had planned several contingencies in case things went wrong and he was imprisoned.

On the major prison planets across the universe, he had planted several androids, by ensuring each one was arrested and taken to different prisons as he rebelled nearby. But these weren’t just normal androids, as they appeared externally. They were designed to change into a series of weapons, like the Transformer gods the ancient civilisations had worshipped. And it happened that the android in this prison was the original, Carlson.

When Carlos snapped his fingers and stood back, the laser began to loudly boot up, before a deafening explosion rattled the cell.

The prisoners started to go crazy, as Carlos noticed the large hole in the bars of Carlson’s cell, and after another fire, his cell was open too.

After dashing into Carlson’s cell where the laser stood, he lifted his handcuffs over a smaller side laser, and after a sizzle he was free.

Carlos picked up the weapon, which thankfully wasn’t heavy, and began to run past shouting prisoners as alarms blared. Immediately, a large amount of security bots began marching towards him, firing their lasers, but thankfully Carlos was safe behind the shield that was Carlson’s torso.

He couldn’t believe he was doing any of this.

He was sure he’d never been this insane before, but he loved the feeling of thrill in his stomach. He was riding the world’s fastest rollercoaster, and he never wanted it to end.

Another blast from the laser decimated the bot squadron, and hearing marching metallic feet from behind him, Carlos turned round and fired.

The bots were reduced to smoking soot, and the shouts from the prisoners were not enough to drown out his own excited yell.

He began dashing towards the lift and stairs, unsure of how much time he had left. Unfortunately, he was too late. With a ding, the lift opened, revealing more security bots, the plates on their arms open to reveal deadly lasers.

Carlos could also here stomping and clanking on the stairs. He was outnumbered.

To be continued…

The face shields are part of their efforts to reassure those staff who are anxious, without unduly worrying the children.

So far Safer Vision at Leighton Park has received requests for more than 6,000 face shields from almost 120 primary and prep schools.

“Thanks so much for organising the

masks – we really appreciated them,” was a comment received from Winnersh Primary School.

This was echoed by Sam Brasier, who is the administrator at Farley Hill Primary. schools. She said: “Thank you so much for supplying us with face shields.”

The face shields hub partnership featured in episode three of Ross Kemp’s BBC One documentary Britain’s Volunteer Army. It is on the iPlayer until June 17.

The partners involved in Safer Vision, in addition to Leighton Park School, are Denefield School, Prospect School, Bulmershe School, Reading Blue Coat, Luckley House School, Holme Grange School, Forest School, Brackenhale, Edgbarrow School, Waingels College, Garth Hill College, Ranelagh School, Little Heath School, Hurst School, St Joseph’s College, Reading College, Shiplake College and the Maiden Erlegh Group together with the University of Reading and commercial organisations Neal’s Export Packaging Ltd, rLab and Designworks, Windsor.

The face shields team are sharing the link http://tiny.cc/shieldtoppers with schools interested in adding the toppers to their PPE collections.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

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WOKINGHAM.TODAYThursday, Thursday, June 5, 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER March

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To advertise in this section, call Janet on 0118 327 2662

By SUE CORCORAN Their problems include news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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Michelle liked the sessions those trapped together in the address in Park Road, The event will be held on Morgan including cake stalls, a beer tent, being in small groups and that same home just as they were Sandhurst. remains offrom the bug trap doors Dinton Pastures there was no pressure toRecreation talk. The Ground about to separate.

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My could Wokingham borough and has at Earley. of Friday, May 22, use them take part in bug their frustration at the petty and sing-a-long session andtobrass bands, App willhunts, children. following the execution meadow sweeping and pond vandalism.

“I can tell people how DRW group set up a What’swho Crowthorne Royal British Legion. perform a selection of each music “Covid-19 has changed our may be able to help, and also put group, we all support period of a warrant. dipping., “Our education were that Organisers are team hoping such as White Cliffs of Inside the traps, wildlife such as saddened to find that a group of lives. It has created a kind of them in touch with another other.”

He was charged the Dover and We’ll Meet Again. Union villagers will save the date and also The workshop cost is £80 dormice and great crested newts people accessed the Junior Rangers intensity to parts of our lives volunteer for their view,” he said. following day with one count flags will be provided for people to to help upand and tear down lastset night smashed one and also relationships. When a of aggravated burglary Administrator Michelle including lunch and break time could often be found, as well as offerGarden wave during these proms. the site on the day, or take residents of our newly refurbished bug hotel relationship is in difficulty that Leder, 58, said DRW threw her a refreshments. The fee can be smaller visitors such as woodlice, in a dwelling.

Churches Together in Crowthorne Brendan’s andwrote.

Pinehurst Care intensity can be very hard.”

Kelly appeared at lifeline after her marriage broke discussed with the organisers. slugs, millipedes and harvestmen – of Sttrap doors,” they will lead a service of celebration, to Divorce Recovery Workshop up. The course so impressed her � For more details, callSeamus on Reading Magistrates’ Court the a type of daddy long legs. the hinged lid and Homes “They to thetore event. help mark the 75th anniversary of 07887 800521 or Jane on 07747 (DRW) runs courses for men and she’s helping run the next one. same day and was remanded in These trap doors were only the restor of to it into a fire pit.

Forturned more details, help, email Victory in Europe, and there will be women wanting to overcome custody to appear at Reading “Through the turmoil of 607861 or email installed at the country park in “We really hope that our great churchestogetherincrowthorne@gmail an act ofMarch, remembrance to honour the pain of divorce or separation separation and divorce my work reading@drw.org.uk. The website Crown Court on a date to be ahead of what would all have crested newts and other woodland those who took part and died in the no matter how long ago. confirmed. routine kept me focused. It is at www.drw.org.uk been the school visiting season. .comcreatures made it out safe.”

aggravated next week. burglary after

Fire bugs burn hotel

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Bikers stay at home to help make PPE masks EXCLUSIVE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk A GROUP of bikers have been using the stay-at-home message to help care homes by providing some specially-made protective equipment.

The Widows Sons MBA, which is based in Wokingham, has seen its PPE production line grow from a spare room with a single 3D printer to an impressive enterprise that has created more than 1,800 face shields.

It launched in April, and is still going strong, offering PPE to care agencies and hospitals across the county.

Graham Wignall, who launched the scheme, said: “I was too old to volunteer with the military reserve so I was thinking of things to do instead.

“I had a 3D printer sitting around in my spare room, and my other half has worked in the care industry for over 30 years, and it was obvious that they were short of PPE. I thought there was something we could do to help.

“There is a national group that produces PPE called 3D Group UK and they have a production facility but when I tried to get involved my printer turned out not to be suitable.”

Despite this initial setback, they managed to devise a design that he could print – just very slowly, with 10 a day being a top figure. Mr Wignall decided to contact friends within the Widows Sons MBA in a bid to scale up production, recruiting volunteers and borrowing printers.

“I got in touch with some friends from the Widows Sons, which is an organisation for freemason bikers.

“I was overwhelmed,” a delighted Mr Wignall explained.

And they set up a small production line, with a team creating the visors, and another cutting and attaching the elastic straps. The bagged up visors then had to be placed into quarantine for 72 hours before being distributed.

“We started out with a few hundred visors and as soon as we started phoning around, we got requests for over a thousand,” Mr Wignall said.

“We approached another one of the Widow’s chapters who donated a printer for us. Suddenly it was snowballing. We got to the stage where we were running flat out and shipping over a hundred every couple of days.

“We got to the point where the biggest challenge was getting in touch with agencies that need them.”

Members of the Widows Sons MBA with some of the face masks they made

Volunteers helped by ringing around to find out where the masks were needed.

“We’ve supplied to all sorts of places, including two or three hospitals, all the main efforts have been focused on the big targets, such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital,” he said. “It’s a bit back-tofront going at it that way round. The

ones who need it are the ones who can't get hold of it through the normal channels.

“What people don't realise is every time a patient is discharged from hospital and needs support, there is a care agency.

“There are hundreds of them and they are almost invisible.

“It’s the unglamorous end of the market. These people have never had PPE because they haven't had reason to. They don't have the resources or suppliers and if there are, then they are at the back of the queue.”

Despite a national group, which has produced more than 162,000 face shields, suggesting that demand has began to drop, Mr Wignall and his team says this is not the case locally.

“We wanted to go after the small, independent local ones and that's what we've been doing,” he continued.

“Were up to 1,800 (masks) so far. It’s just not slowing down. It's become a bit of an obsession. It's worth it when you get out there and hand the stuff over.

“We will continue for as long as people need it. 3D Group UK have about 8,000 volunteers and produced 162,000 face shields.

“They put out a message telling everyone to stand down because demand is falling. We wondered whether that was true and wanted to see what was going on in our end of the market.

“I made some phone calls to care agencies, three of which were okay and three were still in desperate need of PPE.”

Village stores up its good memories Water demands soars

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A LASTING memory of the coronavirus pandemic is being compiled by Twyford Parish Council.

Call TwyFwd, it is to be an online collection of the village’s thoughts and experiences throughout the pandemic.

Organisers hope that it will act as a testimony to this time, a celebration of the way in which the community has worked together and also looking forward to how the village can build on what it has achieved since March.

Submissions can be diary excerpts, stories, poems, paintings and drawings.

They are also welcoming songs, music and dances, as well as photographs and video clips.

A special mini-website has been set up on the parish council’s site to accept submissions.

It said: “We want to hear about your discoveries and experiences, skills you have learnt and friendships you have built”.

When lockdown is fully lifted and life is more normal, the entries will be collated together to form a celebration exhibition.

The parish council stresses that it is not a competition and no age limit is attached to the entries. The only requirement is that submissions should come from villagers.

Entries so far include photographs of the village’s natural beauty, a stop motion video of plasticine animals taking part in the clap for carers, a photo of the Twyford Ukulele Collective rehearsing over Zoom, and a song created by members of Twyford’s churches, called Twyford Lockdown.

And it came out of the cancellation of a concert held during the churches’ Christian Aid Week fundraising.

Organisers were keen for the concert to continue online, so three dads at St Mary’s Twyford – Nick Procter, Tom Green and Steven Buckley – got

A still from the lockdown video created by members of Tywford’s churches

together to come up with something a bit different that would cheer everyone up, creating a video spoof of a popular song.

“We identified Shotgun as the song to ruin and it was written and recorded by email over several nights,” they said.

“We had huge fun making it and the song has had lots of shares from beyond the churches.

“George Ezra will be delighted to hear that we have absolutely no plans to release another one.”

Elsewhere, members of the Avenue Acapella created a version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Twyford Parish Councillor Rohana Abeywardana is delighted with the initiative.

“The past two months have been an unsettling and anxious time for everyone,” he said. “Twyford Parish Council has been impressed by the resilience and support that members of

our community have demonstrated during this period of time.

“It is for this reason, that we have launched TwyFwd, a portfolio of Twyford’s experiences and thoughts gathered during this strange time.

“In months and years to come, we will look back and celebrate the strength of our community.

But, perhaps, most importantly, we are looking forward to build on the positives achieved.

“It is great to see such a wealth of interest and responses from our residents in the initiative.

“Twyford Parish Council is hoping to arrange an exhibition to showcase the entries at a later date.

“We hope that TwyFwd will become an annual celebratory event for our village.” � For more details, or to take part, log on to www.twyfordparishcouncil.gov.uk/ community/twyforward/memoryarchives/

THE LOCKDOWN has created the highest ever demand for water according to new figures released last week.

And with little rain and plenty of sunshine, Thames Water is now urging residents to make every drop count. It says that demand for water across Berkshire has soared by a record 158 million litres per day.

It says that water use has reached unprecedented levels as hoses are untangled to fill paddling pools and water plants.

As a result, the Thames Valley is, at peak times, using water faster than it can be safely treated and then pumped into the underground network of pipes.

This will mean that reservoir levels will also be reduced, however the wet winter means there is a good amount stashed away for a non-rainy day.

Andrew Tucker, water efficiency manager at Thames Water, said: “Increased temperatures mean increased demand for our water, which stresses our network’s ability to

produce it fast enough and accelerates the draw on rivers and underground aquifers.

“Making every drop count inside and outside our homes by taking shorter showers, turning off sprinklers and reusing water where possible, means we can all help keep taps flowing in our communities so everyone can still have access to water for the essentials like hand washing and staying hydrated.

“With millions of homes using more water every day, being water efficient in the garden and inside the home will really help us ensure there’s enough to go around.

“Using less water at home and reducing leakage means we can leave more for nature in our rivers and reservoirs, and give essential underground sources a chance to recover, reducing the risk of shortages in the future.” � For water-saving tips visit www.thameswater./co.uk/be-watersmart

Solictors’ NHS discount A WOODLEY-based solicitor is thanking NHS care workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic by offering a special discount.

KJS Solicitors, based in Headley Road, wanted to express its appreciation by offering a third off wills, lasting power of attorney and living wills.

Elizabeth Head, associate solicitor from KJS’ estate planning and wealth management department, said: “We are extremely grateful to our NHS staff for

For the latest news visit

their incredible front line dedication and hard-work during this global pandemic. As a thank you to their tremendous efforts, we are so happy to be able to offer a reduction on our legal fees for Wills, LPAs and Living Wills."

The company is using modern technology to offer online appointments, and wills can be witnessed without visiting the office.

For more details, log on to www.kjsmith.co.uk or call 0118 418 1000.

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Beck’s doorstep delivery helps Women’s Aid

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk FRONT doorsteps tend to be the place we find milk bottles and abandon muddy wellies, but since the start of the pandemic they’ve attracted a new type of attention.

Beck Wilcox of Little Bird Images has been visiting Wokingham driveways to photograph families as part of her FrontDoor Project Fundraiser.

The charitable initiative – of which 50% of profits are given to Berkshire Women’s Aid – sees Beck snap candid photos of her subjects in front of their family homes in exchange for a set fee of £30.

Beck said: “The aim of this project is to raise some money for charity while helping families create a little bit of history and a special addition to the memory box.

“So far I have photographed families, couples and individuals of all ages.

“I capture natural photos while maintaining a two metre distance and each photoshoot lasts up to 10 minutes.

“Customers are sent their photographs via email in both colour and black and white. So far I’ve had great feedback and it’s been an enjoyable experience for me.

Ms Wilcox added: “Getting out, meeting people and helping them to make memories is something I love about my job and this project has been no different.

“Being able to help a charity close to my heart has made it an even more special and worthwhile activity.”

Since launching the project a month ago, Beck has completed 28 photoshoots and raised £420 for her

Photographer Beck Wilcox has been taking pictures of families on their doorsteps

chosen cause, Berkshire Women’s Aid. Beck said: “I chose this charity for a number of reasons.

“Since the start of the pandemic reports of domestic abuse have risen significantly and I wanted to do my part to help the support centres do what they do.”

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and nurtured in their own home, and I admire charities such as Berkshire Women’s Aid who dedicate their time to helping women who experience neither of these things.”

Beck’s photoshoots have taken her across the borough to areas including Charvil, Twyford, Arborfield, Woodley, Winnersh and Earley where she has met a variety of people from different walks of life.

And consistent with her aim of drawing positives from the pandemic, the avid photographer has designed a unique package for Wokingham’s key workers.

Ms Wilcox said: “My key worker offer is available to anyone on the frontline: NHS workers, supermarket

staff, bin workers, postal staff and so on.

“For £60 customers will have an hour-long social distanced photoshoot in any style they want.

“I’m also throwing in five free prints as a thank you for the time they’ve sacrificed for their jobs during this difficult period.

“It’s my chance to give something back.” � For more information about Beck’s photography projects visit her Facebook page @littlebirdimages.

Make a date with Marla and support our NHS heroes

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk SOME people say a picture paints a thousand words, and this Wokingham creative is proving just that by taking photos to raise money for the NHS.

Marla White – from the borough’s St Crispin’s area – has joined the national Photographers Without Frontiers initiative to express her gratitude to the NHS and their work throughout the pandemic.

Launched by Ronan Ryle and internationally renowned photographer, Damian McGillicuddy, Photographers without Frontiers sees more than 100 photographers from all over the UK come together to offer families a chance to capture a precious image of their loved ones while raising funds for the NHS. Marla will start her quest next month, as more lockdown restrictions are eased.

She said: “With everything that has been going on over the last few months I wanted to give something back to the NHS and show my appreciation to them.

“I sometimes feel they do not get the recognition they truly deserve for what they do for us.”

Photographers Without Frontiers is run from a webpage featuring the contact details of

participating photographers.

Those interested in the photoshoots can visit the site and choose from photographers in their area.

Customers are asked to donate a minimum of £10 to the scheme’s Just Giving page which is raising funds for the organisation NHS Charities Together.

In return, a voucher for a free portrait session is provided as well as a web image declaring their support of the charitable initiative.

NHS Charities Together is a collective voice and support network for NHS charities. It offers advice, guidance, training and representations for organisations across the country as well as providing a forum for nationwide fundraising and advocacy campaigns.

Marla added: “People really recognise the importance of capturing special moments of our loved ones, children, family and pets, which is why we thought as photographers we should all come together in what is a very competitive industry and make a difference to a special charity.

“We want to give something back to the communities in which we live and work, along with raising these vital funds for the wonderful work that NHS Charities Together carries out.”

As one of the many professionals whose industry has been affected by

Marla White will be taking pictures of Wokingham residents for a donation to the NHS

the Covid-19 pandemic, Marla has been thinking outside the box to stay connected with her customers.

She said: “I specialise in images of families, children, sports games and headshots so the lockdown measures have put my usual work on hold.

“To keep my followers engaged I’ve been running contests such as one calling for customers to send in their own photos of their kids during lockdown.

“I was able to offer some great prizes

to the winners thanks to the help of small businesses such as Antique Rose, Tinkers, Usborne Books and Masters Sweet Treats.

“I’ve also shared photography tips via my Instagram story.”

Marla, who has spent five years in the photography industry, added: “The one thing I’m looking forward to the most when this is all over is seeing people.

“Being in isolation has taught us how important face to face contact is for our mental health and relationships

and I can’t wait to be able to chat with friends, family and customers again.”

“For now, I hope my involvement in this initiative will show the power of a portrait in bridging the distance and time until we are able to see and spend time with our loved ones.” � For more information about Photography without Frontiers visit donate.photographywithoutfrontiers. co.uk/supporting-our-nhs-heroes 1590011591170.

You can contact Marla at marla@marlawhitephotography.com.

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Ruchetta 6 Rose Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XU 0118 978 8025 www.ruchetta.com

Gnocci is an Italian staple

B

RINGING a luxurious dining experience to the home, one of Wokingham’s upmarket restaurants has launched a takeaway service.

Now five weeks into his new venture, Angelo Colao, owner of Ruchetta is serving up extravagant dishes to be enjoyed at home.

And each week the menu changes, to bring variety to the table.

Customers can order a two-course (£25) or threecourse (£30) meal on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. And with plenty of time to decide, orders must be placed by 5pm for collection between 6pm and 8pm.

Arriving at the restaurant, a waiter takes the customer name, and payment via card. Then — while waiting in the sunshine (it will come back) outside — the final elements of the order and prepared and packaged.

Once home, we plated up the starters and stowed the main courses in a slightly warm oven. This won’t be necessary for those ordering a main course and dessert, but for three courses, we wanted to ensure each was as close to the experience of dining in a restaurant.

Adding to that, we decided to lay the table more decoratively, with servers and candles in the hopes of replicating the restaurant feel — and it worked.

The atmosphere was incredibly relaxed as the hard work had been done for us.

First, we sampled Burrata, served with grilled aubergines, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic croutons and Genovese pesto. The cheese is similar to that of mozzarella but slightly looser in texture, creating a creamy base for the salty, bold aubergines and tomatoes. Finished with a splash of pesto, the starter was well balanced and tingling with flavour.

Next, we tried the Classic Italian Antipasto, which included Parma ham, mountain ham, schiacciata, Milano ham, mixed pitted olives, sun-dried tomatoes, preserved mushrooms and mozzarella. With a huge variety on one plate, the selection did not disappoint. Delicately sliced, the meats were a luxurious start to a dinner.

Keen to sample some of the fish starters, we also ordered the homemade salmon gravadlax — cured using salt, sugar, and dill and served with a salad and horseradish cream. With a fresher taste than smoked salmon, the gravadlax proved to be a refreshing and lighter introductory course, and the quality of the fish was evident.

The crab trofie pasta concluded the starters. Served with a tomato, basil, chilli and garlic sauce, the heat was subtle and the crab rich in flavour.

We were pleased with the portion size too, which would easily work as a main course for someone with a smaller appetite.

Having kept warm in our oven, next to be plated were the main courses.

Sticking with fish, we ordered the fritto misto — a selection of deep fried Tiger prawns, Cornish squid and Cod loin, served with tartare sauce. The cod flaked to the touch, and the tartare added a great acidic kick to

Pork belly looks like a work of art

Crab triofe

Desserts include a tirimisu ...

Fritto Misto, one of the specials from Ruchetta Pictures: Jess Warren

… And a torta della nonna

Italy, on a fork the dish. Again we were pleasantly surprised with the portion size which seemed mountainous on the plate.

We sampled two meat-based dishes next. The first was Vitello alla Milanese. A Veal escalope with a panko crust and aioli dip. We served this with sauteed potatoes and fresh vegetables. The generous portion of veal was greatly enhanced by the garlic aioli, and the potatoes were perfectly crisp and salty.

Next to be speared by the fork was the Porchetta alla Romana, a slow roasted pork belly roll with garlic and rosemary and served with a pork gravy. The fat encased meat was kept tender, and the gravy was rich, bursting with flavour.

And last to be tasted was the spinach gnocchi which was served with a mixed mushroom and cream sauce, and sprinkled with hard cheese.

A well-balanced vegetarian option, the sauce was plentiful, perfectly salted and rich with earthy mushrooms. Although the spinach was unnoticeable in flavour, the green gnocchi was visually enticing — and signified the extra vegetable hidden within the dish.

And to finish our home restaurant experience, we sampled the four desserts on offer, tiramisu, rum baba, torta della nonna and an Italian cheese board.

The tiramisu was creamy, and packed a punch with the coffee infusion. A suitable dessert for those who might opt for a post-dinner espresso. The rum baba was

delightfully light, oozing with rich, sticky rum sauce and carefully balanced with fresh whipped cream.

Sticking with a creamy consistency, the torta della nonna — a pine nut and custard cake — was like something from a patisserie. The delicate pastry was filled with a rich vanilla custard, and lightly dusted in icing sugar.

For those that don’t have a sweet tooth, the cheese board offered an interesting selection of four Italian cheeses; Gorgonzola, a salty, veined blue cheese, Taleggio, a semi-soft rinded cheese with a fruity tang, Pecorino Sardo, a firm, Sardinian cheese made with sheep milk and Fontina, a gentle buttery, nutty semi-soft cheese. These were served with red grapes, fig jam, crackers and walnuts.

Having feasted on three courses, the takeaway offering from Ruchetta is spot on for a special occasion.

And for those looking for a treat at the end of the working week, two courses may provide all the satisfaction of dining out.

This week, additions to the menu include Tagliatelle Boscaiola, a beef and Porcini mushroom Bolognese starter, a fillet of Sea bass, Beef sirloin, and a pumpkin and mushroom ravioli duo for mains.

Ruchetta is serving up Italy on a fork, just be prepared to loosen your belt after.

JESS WARREN

Horrible? Not really, this is a real treat for a Henley car park

H

ENRY VIII, Guy Fawkes and Queen Victoria might be familiar names in our history textbooks, but we didn’t expect them to be top of the list for people we can meet post-lockdown.

Horrible Histories’ Barmy Britain have announced their appearance at this year’s Drive-in alternative to Henley Festival.

The unique, live-action historical show – produced by the Birmingham Stage Company – will be performed to car park party goers as two shows on Saturday, July 11.

Manager of the Birmingham Stage Company, Neal Foster, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in this exciting, innovative and crazy venture.

“We’ve played the West End, Broadway and the Sydney Opera House so its brilliant to be able to bring our West End hit Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain back to a stage, albeit an unusual one – I’m sure we’ll never forget playing a car park at Henley Festival.

“We’re excited to see what it will be like playing to an audience of cars, so let’s get those windscreen wipers waving and emergency lights flashing.

“Britain has never been so barmy and Horrible Histories is revving up.”

The Barmy Britain edition of the renowned comedy series features Queen Boudicca, King Henry VIII, Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin, Queen Victoria and a special guest appearance by King Richard III, who in 1485 famously bought a long-stay ticket for a car park in Leicester.

Nick Mattingley, CEO of Henley Festival, said: “Being able to bring Horrible Histories to our Car Park Party in July is a true privilege.

“One wonders what gruesomeness they will reveal. Buckle up Henley for Barmy Britain.”

This year’s social distancing alternative to Henley Festival will run for three nights, from Thursday, July 9 until Saturday, July 11.

Entertainment will include live stand-up shows, an American drive-in movie experience and car park karaoke.

For more information about the event log on to www.henley-festival.co.uk. And to buy tickets at a cost of £35 per car visit www.carparkparty.com.

TAZ USHER

LEISURE | 31

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Make your garden more sustainable IN THE KITCHEN

I

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com

T’S not just in the garden where being green is important today.

But there is a lot that we can do in our own outdoor spaces to help create a healthier environment and reduce our own carbon footprints.

Now is a great time to consider your outdoor practices.

Here, gardening experts at Toro have shared five ways you can do your little bit for the environment, from your own garden.

Tapas Canary prawns

Plant choice Picking plants that are native to your area and thrive in the conditions of your climate are the ideal choice for your garden.

Deciding upon plants that are better for your area will reduce the amount of wasted plants you go through, as they will be much more likely to survive longer term.

Besides, nature has designed these perfect plants to survive in specific micro-climates. Having a wealth of plants in your garden will support the absorption of carbon dioxide emissions. Where possible opt for long-living plants such as shrubs and trees ferns or ivy as they are particularly effective.

Compost Composting is one of the single most impactful ways you increase your sustainable garden habits. By recycling garden waste, such as lawn trimmings or fallen leaves, you create less material to go to landfill and provide valuable organic material to enrich your garden.

The Toro PoweReverse features the Recycler Cutting System re-cuts the grass clippings into a fine mulch, to spread across the lawn providing an easy and fresh compost for your grass. You can also use your collected grass trimmings as added nutrients for your flower beds.

Chemicals in the garden Cutting out the use of pesticides is a great way to start caring for your garden more, especially in the long run.

Why not try using natural methods of pest control? Certain flowers and plants will emit strong odours that will discourage certain insects away from your other plants.

Use less water

Being smarter with water is ar great step towards making your garden more sustainable.

Adding mulch to your flowerbeds and around the base of shrubs and trees will help the soil

retain moisture and prevent evaporation during dry periods.

Watering at the right time of day is also crucial in making sure you do not waste water and ensures it cares for your plants rather than evaporating.

Collecting rainwater will save you using water from a hose or tap.

Consider tools Using more energy efficient gardening tools, for example, the PowerPlex range from Toro is an entirely electric range of garden power tools, all powered by a 40V lithium ion rechargeable battery.

The PowerPlex range offers a brushless blower, chainsaw, hedge trimmer and string trimmer/edger, all of which share the same battery.

A few simple changes can make a major difference to your garden, instilling a more natural balance. � For more ideas, visit www.toro.com/en.

T

HIS dish is common to the Canary Islands and is a simple and wonderful dish to share and then finish with some fresh crusty bread to mop up the garlic, chilli and prawn infused oil.

Ingredients for 2 � 200g small shelled cooked Prawns � 1 whole bulb garlic peeled and sliced in 1-2mm thick slices

� 100ml sunflower or rapeseed oil � 5-6 large dried chillies such as Kashmiri cut into small pieces with the seeds in. Any medium dried chilli will do and you could use fresh. Red chillies marry better with the prawns than green � Juice of half a lemon

Method Heat the oil in a pan on low and poach the garlic until softened and the flavour is mellowed.

Petsandvets With Michael Morrow

What should you do if your dog has a seizure?

Raise the heat to medium high and then add the prawns and chillies. Don’t let the oil get too hot and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Remove the prawns chilli and garlic to a warmed Tapas plate or small bowl with the lemon juice.

Turn the heat up on the oil for a minute and pour over the dish.

Serve with Spanish beer or wine and crusty bread.

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com

Providing personal care for all your pets

Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD

O

NE of the most stressful events for an owner to witness is their loved pet having a seizure.

Seizures can be very dramatic and often occur with no warning. A long period of normal activity may occur between the seizure events.

Even during these normal periods serious conditions may still be present as the underlying cause of seizures.

Knowing which animals are at the highest risk for such problems is helpful in planning the proper tests and treatment.

The clinical features of epileptic seizures can be separated into three components: � The aura is the initial manifestation of a seizure.

During this time period, which can last from minutes to hours, animals can exhibit recurrent pacing or licking, excessive or unusual salivating or vomiting, and/or even unusual psychic events, such as excessive barking or increased or decreased attention seeking.

Some owners even report that they know that their own dog is going to seizure days in advance by changes in the animal's behaviour. � The ictal period is the actual seizure event manifested by involuntary muscle tone or movement and/or abnormal sensations or behaviour lasting usually from seconds to minutes. � Following the ictal event is the post-ictal period.

During this time, an animal can exhibit unusual behaviour, disorientation, inappropriate bowel/bladder activity, excessive or depressed thirst and appetite, and

actual neurologic deficits, such as weakness or blindness.

One of the major challenges facing vets is diagnosing the cause of the seizures.

Like a cough signals a problem in the airway, a seizure tells us there is a problem in the brain, but not the cause.

The goals of a diagnostic evaluation are to determine the underlying cause, evaluate the chance for recurrence, and establish if medication is necessary for treatment. Idiopathic epileptic seizures are diagnosed if no underlying cause for the seizure can be identified.

Some purebred dog breeds that have a high prevalence of an inherited component to their seizures include Beagles, Keeshonds, Dachshunds, Siberian huskies, German shepherds, Border collies, Irish setters and Golden retrievers A diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is most common when a dog is between one and five years at the first seizure, is a large breed (> 15 kg), and/or when the interval between the first and second seizure event is long (> 4 weeks).

Secondary epileptic seizures are the direct result of an abnormal brain structure. Some conditions include developmental brain problems, inflammation, tumours, or strokes.

Maintaining a seizure-free status without unacceptable adverse effects is the ultimate goal of antiepileptic drug therapy.

This optimal balance is achieved in less than half of

epileptic people, and probably just as many dogs.

Prior to starting treatment, owners and veterinarians should have a realistic expectation of what to expect over the course of therapy.

First and foremost is that seizure control does not equal elimination. A decrease in the number of seizures, the severity of individual seizures and post-ictal complications while increasing the time period between seizures is the realistic goal.

Once started, you should realise that there is a daily treatment regimen with time restrictions, re-evaluations are required, and there is a potential for emergency situations to arise, along with the inherent risks of the drug.

The decision to start therapy is based on the underlying cause, seizure type and frequency, and postictal effects. Selection of the appropriate treatments is based on the pharmacokinetic properties, the effectiveness, and the adverse effects of that drug.

Over time, periodic measurements of the amount of drug present in the blood stream is necessary to determine that an acceptable level of medication is present.

At the same time, blood tests to evaluate liver function may be necessary. These periodic evaluations are important to try to maximise the benefit of drug therapy, whereas monitoring for early detection of possible complications Should you have any concerns about your pet’s health please contact your veterinary surgery for advice.

0118 979 3200

� Michael Morrow owns and runs St Vincents Veterinary Surgery, an independent, family-owned practice providing personal care to pets in and around Wokingham since 2005. For more information visit www.stvincentsvets.co.uk or call us on 0118 979 3200.

Providing personal care for all your pets Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD

0118 979 3200

SPORT | 33

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CRICKET

Oaks’ epic run helps raise £3,000

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM CRICKET CLUB says it has been bowled over with support as they have managed to raise more than £3,000 to help the club cover costs to continue running.

The Oaks’ players covered a combined distance of 1,000km (621 miles) in just seven days.

During lockdown, many sports clubs around the country have lost their main source of income, inspiring Wokingham Cricket Club to come up with an innovative way to raise funds.

The Wokingham players set themselves the task of running a combined total of 1,000km over a week, starting on bank holiday Monday.

Their aim was a quid a kilometres: £1,000 in total.

Facing high temperatures during a hot, sunny week. added to the magnitude of the task ahead – however they managed to beat the total on Sunday, with an impressive 190km (118 miles) run on Sunday alone.

Those taking part were familiar names from the squad list: Stuart Hayter, Charlie Carter, Joe Drabble, Sukhi Kang, Jake Turner, Callum Creighton, Dan Housego, Archie Carter, Jack Turner, Jacob Clark, Anthony Clapham, Iain Muirden, Will Legg and George Horsley.

The club said that Charlie Carter contributed a particularly significant effort by running two half marathons.

Having set out to initially raise £1,000, the club were overwhelmed with support and passed the £3.000 mark as their run came to an end.

Wokingham cricketer Hugh Doyle said: “The team were

spurred on by the £1,000 target being met within the first few days thanks to the generosity of donors so the target was increased to £2,500.

“Incredibly on Sunday we passed the £3,000 mark which will help the club a long way.

“All at Wokingham are touched by the generosity the community has shown to support the club so the facilities can open after this pandemic.”

Like many clubs across the country Wokingham CC is facing the prospect of a season curtailed by the current Covid-19 situation.

With no cricket, no bar, no functions and a reduced membership, the club is still faced with continuing costs of upkeep and overheads.

Doyle said: “A group of the players decided to try and raise some funds to help. In what was an extremely warm week 14 of them aimed to run a collective 1,000km.”

And the club’s chairman, Paul Hayter, was delighted with the fundraising efforts of the team and believes that the funds generated will be a huge help.

He said: “The achievement was magnificent, not only from the players point of view but for the club as a whole, 1,000kms was an ambitious target, met on the final day.

“All donations, now over £3,100, will go to the club in order to help meet our ongoing fixed costs, which for a Club our size are not inconsiderable.

“I’m sure, I’m joined by everyone at WCC, in thanking not only the participants, but those that so generously donated. It is truly heartwarming and gives a real boost to club funds.”

Wokingham CC player

The Oaks completed their ambitious target in just seven days after a superb team effort.

Joe Drabble added: “The facilities at Wokingham are as good as you could wish for as an amateur cricketer and us as players wanted to do our bit to raise some money for the club, who have been badly hit financially by the season being suspended indefinitely.

“We probably wouldn’t have chosen the hottest week of the year to go running but it made the achievement even more satisfying and we are extremely grateful to everyone who sponsored us.

“We hope to see as many people from the town at the club as possible if and when the

season gets underway.”

Wokingham player Jack Fisher added: “It was certainly hard grafting for the boys but some just kept on running.

“Stuart Hayter even got the nickname Forrest Gump, as he was running 15-20k a day.

“He was running to the point

where his foot was bleeding lots and he didn’t even realise till he got home.

“Charlie Carter also managed to run a half marathon each day back-to-back. � To find out more or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/wokinghamcc helpourclub

ICE HOCKEY

Bees bolster squad with signing of young forward BRACKNELL BEES has announced the latest member of its 2020/21 squad as Josh Ealey-Newman has committed to another year with the club.

Josh Ealey-Newman is sticking with the Bees

Bees head coach Doug Sheppard confirmed the signing of the young forward on Thursday.

The 21-year-old was a mid-season signing last year and slotted straight in to the Bees finishing just shy of a point per game.

Josh learned his hockey in Slough, putting up over two points per game in 2014/15 with the NIHL2 Slough Jets together with an

amazing 44+18 in just 17 Under 18 games.

He moved up a level in 2015/16 to NIHL1 with Oxford City Stars where he scored six points in 16 games while also recording 51 points from 20 games in NIHL2 with Haringey Racers.

In 2016/17 he transferred to Bracknell and pulled on a Hornets Jersey for the first time.

In 2017/18 he first wore the black, white and gold of the Bees with 12 appearances which saw him post his first three goals for the club.

At the same time, he scored 45 points from 25 games.

And the 2018/19 season was another productive one, with 34 points from 28 games.

Last season he was brought in to the Bees at the midway point.

The club said that he adapted quickly to the step up in leagues and his style of play made him very successful.

A tough physical attitude combined with the knowledge to be in the right place at the right time saw him net 15 times plus 14 helpers in his 30 games.

Doug said: “Josh made a big impact when he joined us last season.

“He’s a glue guy that can play up and down the line-up, Josh slots in well with skilled players but can also play a rugged physical game.

“He always seems to be in right spot on the ice and has a good finishing touch.”

Having committed again to the Bees Josh said: “I’m excited for the season ahead can’t wait to be back playing in front of the Bees fans again. Hopefully we can pick up from where we left off.”

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FOOTBALL

Women to make Madejski their home Royals games will be played at the Mad Stad from this autumn

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

READING WOMEN will play all of their home matches in the forthcoming 2020/21 season at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading Women FC manager Kelly Chambers

The Women’s Super League side had previously contested their FA WSL home games at Wycombe Wanderers’ Adams Park, but will become the first top flight women’s side to share a home ground with the men’s team as of next season.

Premiership rugby side London Irish have ground shared with Reading FC since 2003 but will move into Brentford’s new community stadium from the autumn.

“We have always wanted to be in Reading and the plan for next season is we will be there,” Reading Women’s manager Kelly Chambers told BBC Radio Berkshire.

“We’ve played there a few times this season and in previous ones and it will be a great way to build the fanbase.

“It’s a really accessible ground and I think we’d get really good support there.”

The Royals finished fifth in the Women’s Super League in the 2019/20 season after the division was concluded earlier this week due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chambers expressed her disappointment at the early ending to the conclusion, but agreed with the decision.

“Of course, it’s disappointing that the season has been brought to an end early, but I truly think it was the right decision,” she said.

“We have to look after the players, the staff and the families that they all might be going home to.

“And of course we have to look to protect the clubs as well and consider the amount of

money it would have cost for us to get football back and get the WSL season completed.”

However, the Royals Women boss is optimistic ahead of the next season where her team will play their home matches in the WSL at the Madejski Stadium.

“So now it’s a case of looking forward. Looking to the future and what is next,” Chambers told Reading FC’s website.

“We start the planning process now, thinking about recruitment, pre-season buildup and of course waiting on more information from the FA on when everything is able to start up again.

“We can start to build a fanbase in Reading. It will be nice for us as a club to have a fanbase in the heart of the town.”

Chambers spoke of the challenges that her squad has faced during the lockdown. “"But I’m extremely proud of how the girls have applied themselves.

“And when there have been difficult times, we’ve supported each other through that – whether they’ve needed a break or needed to do something different within the programme, we’ve been able to support the players and we’ve had a really good dialogue throughout.”

RUNNING

Shinfield runners celebrate achievements

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk SHINFIELD running club has celebrated the graduation of several of its members into their main pool of athletes despite being affected by lockdown measures.

It is also celebrating some new members who have joined throughout the month, as many have looked to improve their fitness, physical and mental health during lockdown.

Shinfield Running Club organiser James Suarez said: “I want to say a massive congratulations to these guys who have now all completed the C25k (Couch to a 5km run in nine weeks) and graduated to our main pool of athletes.

This achievement is, for me, very, very impressive.

“Having the bravery to come to a new club as a beginner is an achievement in itself, I know how intimidating that can be. I hope you received a warm welcome “As a new athlete it’s hard enough to complete these challenges as a team.”

The club, like many others, has faced challenges during the lockdown which has left members having to complete their runs on their own as opposed to gathering as a group.

“Due to Covid-19, the group gatherings were cut short at week three, leaving them to fend and navigate themselves through the rest of the programme alone,” continued James.

“So well done to Louisa Muston,

David Churchyard, Rianna Lillian, Rose Birmingham Jo Duffin, Samantha Porter, Nicola Vosloo, Stacy Porter and Gemma Gibby – you should be very proud of your achievements.”

He added: “The mental strength they have shown to continue in adversity is very commendable. They have supported each other every step of the way in true SRC spirit.”# He also took time to praise Debbie Clay for her help with leading the debut runners, saying she had jumped at the chance to lead the group.

“Debbie has successfully motivated, pushed them and supported them all the way through the process. So I want to thank her for giving up her time to help and support other people, it’s a special trait.”

James also paid tribute to all of the members who have competed in Shinfield’s weekly challenges, as well as announcing the club’s athlete of the month award.

“David Churchyard has completed the C25k challenge and continues to up his distance,” he said.

“Ross Simmonds continues to improve week-on-week, turning his hand to different terrains and still producing impressive results.

“Nicola Vosloo is another to graduate from our C25k group and another who is really pushing on despite it being easy to fade during lockdown.

“Court Elisha Iona Isaacs Courtenay has come back after the winter out and started to show some of the form he

departed with having to start the process again.

“Simone Mertens keeps on churning out consistent mileage week-on-week, joins in every challenge and continues to improve.

“This has never been an easier decision for me to name Dean Pearson as our athlete of the month for May. “He is very keen to help others in any way he can. He is so positive with his attitude and it rubs off on others.

“This month in particular he’s done something really commendable. He’s completely switched his training on his head through listening, and now the benefits are starting to show.”

Some of the celebrated athletes from Shinfield Running Club

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PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 28th May 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

200326

Church Cottage, Waltham Road, Ruscombe

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Householder application for the proposed single storey side extension to dwelling following demolition of existing utility area.

200327

Church Cottage, Waltham Road, Ruscombe

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for listed building consent for the proposed single storey side extension to dwelling following demolition of existing utility area.

201044

The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Householder application for proposed changes to fenestration.

201045

The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed changes to fenestration.

The Atrium, Thames Street, Sonning

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of a greenhouse.

201262

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before 25th June 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 4th June 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 LONDON ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (KING STREET LANE, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

King Street Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with Winnersh Relief Road and Reading Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, B3270 Lower Earley Way North and Winnersh Relief Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 8th June and 17th June 2020 between 22:00 and 06:00 The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake new customer connection cabling work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 8th June 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 4th June 2020

Proposed development at:

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings ) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Samual Robinson trading as Heritage Events and Scaffolding of 24 Bakers Place, Reading, RG3 4AX is applying to change existing licence as follows. To add a operating centre of 3 goods vechicles and 1 tralier at Oakwood Park, Peacock Lane, Wokingham, RG40 3YZ. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings ) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE A1 Loo hire Ltd trading as Loo hire Ltd of Sliver Birches, Highland Avenue, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 4SP is applying for a licence to use Longacres, Waterloo Road, Wokingham RG40 3DA as an operating centre for 8 goods vehicles and 2 trailers.

SERVICES

30 Barkham Ride, Finchampstead, RG40 4EU NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: A329 London Road, between its junction with A329 Peach Street and A329 Coppid Beach Roundabout.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Peach Street, Easthampstead Road, Old Wokingham Road, Peacock Lane, Vigar Way and A329 Berkshire Way. The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Berkshire Way, Vigar Way, Peacock Lane, Old Wokingham Road, Easthampstead Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Rectory Road and A329 Wiltshire Road Works requiring this restriction will take place between 22nd June to 28th June 2020, 6th August to 12th August 2020 and 17th August to 28th August 2020 between 20:00 and 06:00.

Take notice that application is being made by: Mr Ranbir Singh For the erection of a detached 3-bedroom dwelling, associated parking and hard and soft landscaping.

Submitted to: Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application should write to the Council within 14 days of the publication of this notice.

Dated: 4th June 2020

For the latest news visit

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake cycleway improvements and associated works in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 22nd June 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 4th June 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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PROPERTY | 37

Virtual tours mean that the show can go on at Buckler’s Park in Crowthorne

T

HE team at Buckler’s Park Legal & General Homes’ development in Crowthorne - has been working hard to make sure new and existing customers can continue the search for their dream home despite the extraordinary circumstances created by Covid-19.

High quality virtual tours give buyers the option to explore show homes from their sofa, with the sales team there to explain as they look around. Live chat and online meetings also mean customers can get the help and support that Legal & General Homes is known for from the beginning to the end of their homebuying journey.

Best of both worlds Set in the village of Crowthorne, Buckler’s Park consists of modern properties that draw on local design characteristics like red brick and timber façades, updated with a contemporary twist.

While exteriors reflect the character and heritage of the local area, the internal layouts are designed with modern lifestyles and contemporary living in mind.

Many properties have separate studies, and all have fast fibre optic broadband wired in from day one, meaning they are well equipped for people working from home. Gardens and balconies make them perfect for those looking for more outdoor space and to improve their gardening skills this summer. Even better, fixtures and fittings including Hive thermostats and Bosch kitchen appliances, are included as standard.

On-site amenities include Buckler’s Forest which spreads over 100+ acres with bike trails, play areas, community gardens and allotments, as well as a new site for Crowthorne C of E Primary School (rated outstanding by Ofsted).

Within easy reach of direct trains to London via Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell stations, residents enjoy the best of both worlds with countryside surroundings and easy commutes.

All buyers benefit from Legal & General Homes’ award-winning approach to customer service, which achieved the ‘Gold’ award for customer satisfaction in a recent survey by new build research and consultancy specialist, In-House Research.

Buying a home during lockdown Local couple Amy and Jamie were in the middle of buying their home at Buckler’s Park when lockdown started but, with the help of the Legal & General Homes sales team, were able to complete their purchase virtually and move in to their new threestorey, three-bedroom Ealing home when the restrictions were relaxed in mid-May.

Amy says: “As soon as we saw Buckler’s Park, we knew we wanted to live here. Crowthorne is a lovely village and has a real community feel, so it’s perfect for us.

“We looked at other developments in the area, but they just didn’t have the same wow-factor as Buckler’s Park. The homes here are of such a high quality and finish – and everything, from the Bosch appliances to the Hive smart thermostat and the flooring, is included in the price – so once we’d seen the show homes at Buckler’s Park, everything else was a bit of a let-down.”

“TheLegal & General Homes sales team were great from the get-go. We felt that some of the other developers we spoke with didn’t take us seriously because we are young buyers. However, at Buckler’s Park the team was friendly, knowledgeable and more than happy to help.

“The lockdown was coming into force just as we were preparing to reserve and could have thrown a spanner in the works, but the team was quick to reassure us and address any questions we had so we never felt stressed about it. We worked with the same person from beginning to end, which made a huge difference. Debbie was very honest and open with us and talked us through what lockdown meant for our homebuying journey. It was exactly what we needed during an experience that was new for everyone. It meant that we could continue the process, reserve the plot and complete our purchase online.

“Everything went smoothly, and in the end, we probably preferred doing it that way because it meant that we could do everything from the comfort of our own home and had digital copies instantly.

“The move itself was straightforward – we picked up our keys from a drop box, and the team were in touch with us throughout the day. We felt really well

looked after despite not being able to see them in person, and it made a big difference that the home comes with everything you need, including an iPad pre-loaded with instruction manuals. The team had also put together a welcome hamper for us filled with produce from local shops.

“All the neighbours were really keen to introduce themselves while sticking to social distancing rules. We all had a drink together while standing outside each of our front doors – it’s lovely that people are still making the effort despite the unusual circumstances.”

The Ealing benefits from a terrace off the master bedroom and a spacious garden which means buyers can make the most of the sunshine throughout the day. The threebedroom, three-storey property, which includes a separate study on the first floor, is available for virtual tours here.

Virtual tours on offer Whatever stage you’re at in your search for a new home, the Legal & General Homes team is here to support you. Booking a virtual tour will give you a detailed insight into the features, specification and feel of the home that you’re interested in, while a member of sales team will be on hand to answer all your questions, no matter how small.

For more information or to speak with a member of the Legal & General Homes sales team about a virtual tour of our homes at Buckler’s Park in Crowthorne, Finchwood Park in Finchampstead or Cross Trees Park in the Oxfordshire village of Shrivenham, call 01344 981557 or visit www.landghomes.com

38 | PROPERTY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 4, 2020

PROPERTY | 39

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Thursday, June 4, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Edneys Hill, Wokingham EXCEPTIONAL SAYS IT ALL

Hollybush Ride, Wokingham Seeing is believing

• 5/6 bedrooms • Cinema Room • Set over three floors • Private guest suite

• Five double bedrooms • Summer house • Exceptional Garden • Studio/ bar

•Over 5000 sq ft here for you • Garaging

£1,765,000

• Tranquil location • Parking for numerous vehicles

£1,350,000

Forest Road, Wokingham SEMI-RURAL CHARM

Rectory Road, Wokingham In the heart of the town centre

• Four bedrooms • Outside office • Available for viewing • Stunning gardens

• Three bedrooms • Courtyard Garden • Original features • Refitted bathroom

• No onward chain • Plenty of driveway parking

£899,950 contact our wokingham office:

phone: 0118 989 9770 email: wokingham@davidcliff.com visit: davidcliff.com A selected member of The Guild of Property Professionals

Offices also at Binfield, Mortimer and Park Lane, London

• Two Reception Rooms • No onward chain

£585,000

OAKS RAISE £3,000

Donations will help save much-loved cricket club • P33

ROYALS TO RETURN TO LEAGUE ACTION

George Puscas after scoring his first Royals goal at the Madejski – it’s hoped he’ll be back on the pitch soon Picture: Steve Smyth

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020

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