The Wokingham Paper, April 23, 2020

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Thursday, April 23, 2020 No. 258

FAMILY CRITICISE HOSPITAL FOR LACK OF COMPASSION P9

A&E still open says RBH chief THE Royal Berkshire Hospital’s emergency department should still be the first port of call for serious illnesses.

That’s the call from the chief executive of the Reading-based centre.

Steve McManus is reassuring residents that the hospital is still a safe option for medical care during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Medics fear some people may be nervous about attending ED leading to serious medical issues, like strokes and heart attacks, slipping through the net.

This can seriously reduce recovery rates and even prove fatal.

The RBH said it has reconfigured its layout and is operating a ‘hot‘ and ‘cold’ ED system so people brought in with suspected coronavirus symptoms are taken through the hot ED route leaving cold ED to operate as usual and deal with other serious medical cases.

The hospital is also seeking to reassure parents with very poorly children that they must still consider taking them to ED for swift and safe treatment.

Figures show the number of local people accessing ED last week was halved with 1,158 attending and 462 being admitted compared with 2,288 attendances and 687 admissions for the same week last year.

During that same period, there’s also been a steep drop in the number of children being seen in ED from 479 in 2019 to 183 last week.

Steve McManus, Chief Executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re keen to reassure people that our ‘cold’ ED is open for businesses and should be the first port of call for anyone who becomes very ill with things like stroke, heart or serious breathing problems.

“Please don’t worry about catching coronavirus or being a burden on our staff. We are all still here for people who need our help. The same goes for parents and carers who are worried about a child who is very unwell and needs quick medical assessment.” � Continued on page 3

70p

HAIR SALON FIGHTS INSURER OVER PAYOUT P3

PUPPY LOVE: French Bulldog Pebble forgiven for midnight feast P17

VIRUS TESTS NEEDED FOR CARE HOMES Covid-19 rife in borough warns Cllr

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

RESIDENTS in care homes across the borough are dying due to the coronavirus.

This week, Wokingham.Today has investigated the challenges care homes are facing, and what

can be done.

The report inside focuses on the difficulty with using official statistics and the sources, supply and use of PPE. Wokingham.Today has analysed how Covid-19 entered the homes, and how they are tracking cases. � Full story on pages 12-13

VILLAGE SHOP GIFTED £2,000 P5

THE TEEN LEADING CLAP FOR CARERS P20

INSPECTOR’S HOMES APPEAL VERDICT P4

2 | NEWS

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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 Your Wokingham Paper continues to appear in a reduced form as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We are limiting our pagination as a temporary measure.

We thank our advertisers who are sticking with us through these difficult days.

Your favourite local newspaper continues to be printed and sold as normal. There is also a digital version of the paper, which will be available on Friday evenings.

And our website is updated seven days a week, visit Wokingham.Today.

Thank you for your support.

FAMILYNOTICES WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK

Sian Louise DYER Passed away peacefully at the Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading on Thursday 9th April 2020 at the age of 48.

Sian is a much loved Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and Aunt, and a friend to many.

Forever in Our hearts.

A private service will be held for Sian at Easthampstead Park on Wednesday 29th April at 11.30am.

A celebration of Sian’s life will take place when conditions allow and at which all will be most welcome.

Donations in memory of Sian can be made for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, Reading or Cancer Research UK via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/siandyer Enquiries to A. B Walker, Tel: 0118 978 4040.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

CORONAVIRUS: Branches closes or on limited hours as a result of pandemic

Staff shortages see rural Post Offices offer reduced services EXCLUSIVE

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

SEVERAL Post Offices across Wokingham Borough are now closed due to staff shortages amid the Coronavirus pandemic. A number of others are currently running at reduced capacity and opening hours.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “The majority of Post Offices in the Wokingham area are open as Post Offices are designated as an essential retailer by the UK Government.

“Some branches are operating revised hours.”

Embrook, Maiden Place and Finchampstead Post Offices are temporarily closed due to staffing issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and underlying health issues.

Their spokesperson continued: “It is not known at this stage when these branches will reopen. In the interim there is a wide choice of alternative Post Offices.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these temporary closures as we know how important Post Offices are to communities.

Customers are advised to visit www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder for the latest information.”

The Embrook Post Office, based inside the One Stop store in Reading Road was closed, until further notice, last week.

Gowtham Karunakaran, the store manager, said: “We closed on Wednesday as there were not enough staff.

“We normally have four people covering both the shop and the Post Office but now we are down to two, so we had to shut the Post Office.

“After lockdown, when everything is back to normal, the Post Office will be open normal hours again.

“At the moment we are re-directing people to the Post Office in WHSmith in Market Place.”

Mr Karunakaran added that the One Stop store gets very busy and it is hard to ensure social distancing is taking place outside the shop when people are queuing to get in.

The shop has enforced a three-person limit, to avoid overcrowding in the store.

“We are busy like Christmas, it’s hard to manage social distancing when people are queuing outside. With only one of us working, we can’t keep control.”

The Wokingham Post Office, located inside WHSmith in the town centre is open but with reduced opening hours.

The service has imposed a six-person limit, and staff have reported many people queuing outside and that the service is “busier than expected”.

Chris Taylor, a staff member at Wokingham Post Office, explained that there are health and safety measures in place to keep employees safe: “It’s not been much tougher than usual.

“We’ve got precautions in place, we have plastic screens between us and customers, hand sanitiser, regular hand-washing and obviously social distancing.

“We’ve switched off our self-service machine to

avoid having people crowding around the machine.”

Opening hours of local branches: Information correct at time of going to press � Wokingham Post Office, WHSmith, 26-28 Market Place: Monday to Friday: 9am-3pm; Saturday: 9am-12.30pm � Barkham Post Office, 50 Bearwood Road: Monday to Friday: 10am-2pm; Saturday: 10am-noon � Binfield Post Office, Southern Co-op, Terrace Road South: Monday to Friday: 9am-3pm; Saturday: 9am-1pm. � California Post Office, Midcounties Co-op, 420 Finchampstead Road: Monday to Friday: 9am-5.30pm; Saturday: 9am-12.30pm. � Hurst Post Office, The Street: Monday to Friday: 9am-5.30pm; Saturday: 9am-12.30pm. � Lower Earley Post Office, McColls, 5 Chalfont Way: Monday to Friday: 9am-5.30pm; Saturday: 9am-12.30pm. � Shinfield Post Office, 7 School Green: Monday to Saturday: 6am-7.30pm; Sunday: 6am-2pm. � Spencers Wood Post Office, Basingstoke Road: Monday to Friday: Noon-5pm; Saturday: 9am-12.30pm. � Swallowfield Post Office, The Street: Monday to Friday: 9am2pm; Saturday: 9am-12.30pm. � Three Mile Cross Post Office, Basingstoke Road: Monday to Saturday: 6am-7.30pm; Sunday: 8am-5.30pm. � Twyford Post Office, 17 London Road: Monday to Friday: 11.30am-5pm; Saturday: 11.30am-12.30pm. � Wheelers Green Post Office, 6 The Parade, Coppice Road: Monday to Saturday: 8am-6pm; Sunday: 9am-5pm. � Winnersh Mobile On Sherwood Road, Winnersh: Open Monday and Thursday: 9-10am � Wokingham Road Post Office, Reading: Open Monday to Saturday: 9am-6pm. � Woodley Post Office, McColls, 141 Crockhamwell Road: Monday to Sunday: 7am-10pm.

Police jail people for deliberate coughing at others SINCE THE introduction of new powers, Thames Valley Police says it has arrested people intentionally coughing at others, and issued 219 fines to those breaking lockdown rules.

Between Friday, March 27, and Monday, April 13, members of the

public have been fined and even jailed for breaching new legislation.

Chief constable, John Campbell said: “This is an unprecedented public health emergency and an extraordinary national effort is needed to fight this virus.

“Since the new measures were introduced we have had thousands of positive interactions with the public and the overwhelming majority of people have had either a legitimate purpose for being out, or have listened to the advice given by our officers.

“However, on some occasions we have had to enforce the legislation.

In the last three weeks we have fined a total of 219 people of the 2.3 million population in the Thames Valley.

“Most of the fines we have issued have been to groups, inappropriately gathering together in public places, or driving together in a car, for example 10 fines were given to one group alone.

“We have also made a number of arrests which have led to people being jailed for breaching coronavirus restrictions or coughing at officers or members of the public.

“Some of these breaches have been identified by patrol officers but a significant number have been reported by the public.

“In particular over Easter weekend, as with many Forces, we had a significant increase in these types of calls.”

CC Campbell explained that the Police will continue to engage with the public, explain the restrictions and encourage people to stay indoors.

But will take enforcement action if people are not listening to the

advice and are putting others at risk.

“The restrictions are in place to protect the public and protect the NHS.” he added.

“The great majority of the public have been staying in and stopping the spread of the pandemic, and I want to thank them for their ongoing cooperation and support.”

Police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, said: “We entirely support the approach of Thames Valley Police in engaging with the public, explaining why the new rules are so important, encouraging people to follow the rules and, as a last resort, enforcing.

“Some of those issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were also charged with other serious offences not related to coronavirus.

“As one of the largest forces in the country covering one of the largest populations, and also the force with the largest roads network, I would expect Thames Valley Police to issue more FPNs than most other forces.

“We have found that compliance within the Thames Valley is extremely good and I’d like to personally thank members of the public who are doing their bit and staying home.

“We will monitor the situation closely as the pandemic progresses and have every confidence in John Campbell and his team.”

NEWS | 3

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Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

RBH emergency unit still safe to visit reassures CEO � Continued from front page

Hospice helps care homes cope with Covid-19

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

HOSPICE STAFF have offered care homes access to their community services in a bid to support residents.

Last week, Thames Hospice chief executive Debbie Raven offered help to care homes across the borough, as concerns grow about the impact of the coronavirus on the sector.

Ms Raven said: “We have seen across our entire health system that organisations are having to continually change and adapt in the face of this unprecedented situation.

“At Thames Hospice we reviewed our existing services and made the decision to expand our Community Team to be able to support and care for more patients facing a terminal illness in their own homes, to help reduce the risk and spread of infection and, where possible, to avoid admission to hospital.

“We also felt it was critical to reach out to our fellow local health care partners and offer them access to our community services to help them continue to provide the highest level of care and support to their residents at this uncertain time.”

Local care homes will now be able to call the Hospice’s telephone advice line on 01753 848925

for support and advice if they are concerned about a resident’s health and well-being.

The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is managed by a team of clinical nurse specialists.

If required, the Hospice says it can also arrange for its clinical team to visit a care home resident and provide medical support, as well as admission to the Inpatient Unit for symptom management or end-of-life care.

Ms Raven added: “One of the most humbling aspects of the coronavirus so far is the willingness of so many people who work in health and social care to risk their own health and well-being to give the care, support and treatment urgently needed by so many people across the UK. “Together, we can – and we will –beat this.”

Salon owners ask Theresa May to help £500,000 insurance claim

Mr McManus added: “We’ve changed the layout of the hospital so the areas treating coronavirus patients are completely separate from other public areas of the building and no one is being put at any undue risk.”

The hospital is still advising anyone with coronavirus type symptoms of a new, continuous cough or temperature of 37.8ºC (100ºF) should follow guidelines and go to 111 online or, if they don’t have online access, to ring NHS 111 and self isolate for seven days.

If their symptoms worsen or don’t get any better then they should ring their GP who will advise them on the phone and may refer to one of our new PC Hubs for further assessment.

And people are reminded about the range of other health care facilities including local pharmacists and minor injuries units.

For more details, visit www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk

For the latest news visit

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

HAVING paid more than £43,000 to their insurer for coverage of human diseaserelated incidents, a local hair salon company has been left frustrated after their insurance claim was rejected.

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The four Giamattei brothers; Bruno, Simon, Aaron and Marcus with their father Bruno Giamattei Snr (centre) smile as they pick up their trophies at the British Hair Awards. Picture: courtesy of Julie Giamattei

The claim team at Hiscox had told her the Business Interruption Cover would not cover a claim relating to the coronavirus.

They said cover can be triggered under two sections of her policy: Non-damage Denial of Access and Public Authority.

“These sections only cover Business Interruption losses where those losses result solely and directly from an interruption to your business caused by a denial of access or an inability to use the insured premises due to restrictions by the Government or a public authority.

“Unfortunately, the loss for which you have claimed is not covered by your Hiscox policy.”

But Mrs Giamattei believes that the salons are now covered, having closed due to the Government restrictions.

“We didn’t voluntarily close,” she said.

“The Government officially closed us on Monday, March 23, to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“We’re covered for an occurrence of notifiable human disease — it’s there in

black and white.”

A spokesperson from Hiscox said: “We understand these are incredibly difficult times for businesses and we are paying claims that are covered by the policies we issue fairly and quickly.

“We review every case individually, and if any customer has concerns about the application of their policy, we encourage them to get in touch with us directly.”

Having been in touch with Hiscox, Mrs Giamattei is now appealing for help from Theresa May, MP for Maidenhead — who has visited the Woodley salon for her haircut before.

“She lives at the end of our road and a friend recommended us to her, so she has a connection to the salon.”

She hopes that the former Prime Minister may be able to help her business receive the payout she believes they are owed.

She said she is determined to fight for the insurance payout, otherwise they may have to take out an expensive loan.

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Marc Antoni, which has five salons across Woodley, Henley, Caversham, Bracknell and Fleet were told on Friday that their claim to Hiscox had been refused.

Julie Giamattei, director of the 50year-old family-run business was told that the five salons would not receive the £500,000 insurance payout, despite being covered for 'an occurrence of notifiable human disease'.

Mrs Giamattei had been preempting the financial costs of the coronavirus in early March, and was in regular contact with her insurance broker, Ben Caspi from Direct Business Insurance about the possibility of making a claim.

Now, the director of insurance, Maurice Geller will be taking up Marc Antoni’s case in a bid to help the company survive the pandemic.

“Their response is complete nonsense and Maurice is going to involve the Financial Conduct Authority,” explained Mr Caspi. “Their wording clearly covers the situation.”

Mrs Giamattei said: “Ben phoned me and told me his boss — who has been in insurance for 45 years — says we’ve definitely got a claim, and that their response to us is complete rubbish.”‘

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4 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

What secrets did this tree have?

IT’S A piece of Earley’s history, and a local landmark, but it’s no more.

Around 2.30am on Easter Monday, a 300-year-old oak tree came down.

Residents reported hearing a loud noise as it came down, but thankfully it fell into the road and no one was injured and no homes were damaged.

The historic oak marked the start of Luckmore Drive at its junction with Betchworth Avenue, which is off Wilderness Road.

It is thought that the tree’s old age was enough to see it come down, with its base starting to rot away as a result of extensive cubical brown rot.

A team from Wokingham Borough Council’s contractors, VolkerWessels UK, arrived in the morning to help with the clear up.

A note of the council’s Facebook page said: “The incident was dealt with swiftly, the road was cleared and the remains of the tree will be soon moved to a country park in the borough.”

Cllr Tahir Maher, Liberal Democrat councillor for Maiden Erlegh, said that he was relieved no one had been hurt.

He said: “Having discussed this with Wokingham Borough Council they assured us that they had assessed the other trees in the area of equivalent or similar age and

The oak tree that fell in Luckmore Drive, Earley Picture: Wokingham Borough Council

discussed their finding with local residents.

“It’s sad to see a great oak like this fall and is swept away on the winds of time.”

The Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association said that residents that expressed sadness that they could no longer say ‘turn right just before the old oak tree’.

A spokesperson said: “We are saddened at the loss of this tree. It is the third very large oak tree that has fallen or broken since the start of this year.

“We have not had as many

winter casualties since we started recording the local trees over 12 years ago.”

The group said it would like to see a replacement tree planted at the site if it is safe to do so.

“Street trees which have been lost recently have not been replaced,” they said.

“The council’s Climate Emergency plans includes planting 250,000 trees over the next few years. We would like some of these to be replacement street trees at sites like this one where a significant tree has been lost.

“We would very much like the wood from the tree to be used, possibly to make a sculpture for the nearby Maiden Erlegh nature reserve.”

They added: “The other significant large oak trees that have suffered major damage this winter are a 6.62m girth tree – one of the very largest we have recorded in the borough – in the fields near Ludgrove School which snapped in half in Storm Chiara and a 5m girth oak close to Barkham Manor which lost several very large boughs in March.”

Council wins appeal over Nine Mile Ride homes plan

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE COUNCIL has won a planning appeal meaning that 118 homes will not be built.

Welbeck Strategic Land II LLP had wanted to construct the houses and create a greenspace, known as a SANG, on land north of Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead.

The hearing was held in early February and saw Government inspectors visit the proposed site.

The judgment, confirming that the council’s case had been successful, was released earlier this month.

Wellback had said that half of the development, close to Park Lane, would have been affordable housing, and 5% would have been for self-build or custombuild plots. It would have been between Finchampstead North and the Arborfield Garrison Strategic Development Location (SDL).

Wokingham Borough Council had rejected the scheme for 10 reasons, including ecology and biodiversity and the absence of a legal agreement relating to local employment skills.

In her report, inspector Christina Downes felt that the proposal would not have had any adverse effect on the gap between Finchampstead and the SDL.

She also raised concerns over the woodland, which was originally part of the Royal Forest, saying that 8% of the trees could be lost but given the lack of management of the area, which is privately owned, this could have “qualitative benefits”.

“I observed at my site visits that the quality of some parts of the woodland on the northern part of the site was in poor condition … I noted a sense of neglect and this has arisen from a lack of proper management,” she noted.

And while the homes would be built around the remaining trees, “in my opinion it would essentially be a suburban estate of considerably higher density than its surroundings,” Ms Downes said.

In making her decision, Ms Downes noted that the council believed that it had given approval for enough homes for 6.39 years – it only needs to demonstrate a five-year land supply. However, Wellback argued that the council only had a 4.75 year supply.

Ms Downes said: “The evidence suggests that the Council has often been overly optimistic with its forecasting and that performance has consistently lagged behind prediction”, while also saying that it had been putting more rigorous processes in place to ensure “improved accuracy” with the numbers.

She also noted: “The market can only absorb a certain amount of new housing and developers are unlikely to build houses if they think they will be standing empty for a long period of time. This is clearly an issue that is very dependent on the buoyancy of the local housing market but also the number of outlets competing for the same slice of the market.

“Since the inquiry the world has been afflicted with the Coronavirus pandemic and this is likely to result in economic repercussions at least in the short-term.”

Ms Downes concluded that the council can demonstrate a 5.2 year supply of “deliverable sites” once the anticipated economic downturn caused by coronavirus is taken into account.

And it was felt that the development would rely on cars for most journeys and this outweighed some of the benefits of the scheme.

Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr John Halsall said: “We’re delighted. We fought appeal with the best team available - a really good team of officers and the QC, Sasha White, is absolutely stunning.

“I hope the victory is the first of many.

It is excellent news for those residents, for the borough council, for our planning policies.

“Hopefully others will think twice about trying to appeal.”

Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Wargrave community make grand gesture to village shopkeepers EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE Wargrave community surprised owners of their village shop with a cheque presentation for more than £2,000 on Saturday, April 18.

On Friday, April 3, local resident Jim Sneddon launched a fundraising campaign to show shop owners Praba and Murthy Sreemurthy how much they are appreciated by the villagers.

Speaking to Wokingham.

Today, Mr Sneddon said: “We’re really pleased with how much we raised, we couldn't believe it. They’ve always been supported by the community, more now than ever.

“We want to ensure people keep using them once out of this.”

When Mr Sneddon launched the fundraiser, he hoped to raise enough to thank the couple for their hard work with a weekend break of some kind.

On the fundraising page, he wrote: “Heroes come in all forms, so we wanted to show

appreciation for some local heroes.

“Praba and Murthy at the village shop have been working tirelessly to provide us with the essentials during this difficult time. So we would like to do something not only in recognition for what they are doing now, but also for what they have been doing in the community for years.

“I am sure that like me you have gone into the shop recently and seen how shattered everyone in there is through working all hours to provide for us.

“If you would like to say thank you, but are not sure what to do, then donate a few pounds here and we will try to get enough together to send them away on a relaxing weekend – or whatever they choose – to recharge their batteries when all of this is over.”

Overwhelmed by the community response, Mr Sneddon had closed the fundraiser on Tuesday, April 7 after reaching £2,000 in donations – but they were still flowing in on the day.

They were also presented with flowers.

The Sreemurthys were presented with a £2,000 cheque and flowers as a means for villagers to say thank you for their kindess and hard work throughout the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Phil Creighton

He said: “The response to this has been nothing short of incredible and it just goes to show how well thought of the people in the shop are.

“The amount is amazing and will really allow Praba and Murthy to do something special.

Mr Sneddon presented the couple with a cheque at 1pm on Saturday, joined by local resident Chris Cordrey, who came up with the original idea.

As they presented the thank you gift, residents

across Wargrave beeped their car horns and clapped in appreciation — a thank you from afar.

Mr Sneddon managed to maintain the surprise before the event, only asking the Sreemurthys if he could visit on Saturday to deliver a card of thanks and they were visibly stunned by the turnout, the kind words and the car horns, which could be heard across the village.

A stunned Mr Sreemurthy said that he was bowled over by the gifts.

“We’re very grateful for the support over the years,” he added. “When I came to Wargrave I never expected to be here for more than 20 years, I thought five years maximum.

“I’m still here because of the people living in Wargrave, it’s like a close family.

“It doesn't feel like I’m here to run a business, it’s like a family here. I’m enjoying it.

“I have to thank everyone who is living in the village.”

NEWS | 5

Kebab van hearing THE OWNER of a popular kebab van has been given a hearing date, as he battles the borough council over his trading pitch.

Kenan Nursalson, who has run the BBQ King kebab and burger van for the last 29 years, will be appealing the refusal of his street trading licence renewal on Friday, May 1, via a virtual meeting.

Mr Nursalson has been trading from the Wokingham Youth and Community Centre car park since 2017, after being given permission by the borough council.

But earlier this year, the licensing team at the borough council refused his licence renewal.

Next month, the Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee — which consists of Cllr Chris Bowring, Cllr Sarah Kerr and Cllr Malcolm Richards — will review Mr Nursalson’s appeal.

On Thursday, November 28, the borough council estates manager, Irene Kearns contacted Mr Nursalson stating: “The council does not feel that the location of your van in the grounds of the Youth & Community Centre is compatible with the activities of the Youth & Community Centre and we will therefore not be able to support your application for a renewal of your street trading licence.”

However, Mr Nursalson’s lawyers have argued that no clear explanation or evidence has been provided to explain why the trading spot is no longer compatible with the activities of the Youth & Community Centre.

They said: “As to whether there is nuisance or annoyance, this is a matter of evidence that should be provided. As matters stand, the only information provided is the suggestion of ‘reports’ of unacceptable behaviour.

“None of these appear to have been investigated, as far as has so far been disclosed.

In view of this, the ‘allegations’ should be considered to carry very little weight, if any.”

Mr Nursalson subsequently appealed the decision, and has been trading from the centre with temporary permission.

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6 | NEWS

Council meetings to resume, virtually FORMAL council meetings start again tonight, but the councillors may not have any trousers on.

No, it’s not another bedroom farce that would be more at home at The Mill at Sonning’s famous stage – the councillors will be meeting virtually over the internet.

And, as the old joke about newsreaders goes, you only see them from the waist up, so you have no idea what they’re wearing underneath.

However, these virtual meetings are still a work in progress and it will be difficult for members of the public to tune into.

They can register for a link, which will provide an audio feed, and the session will be recorded and uploaded to the internet afterwards.

Council leader John Halsall said: “Although Thursday’s executive meeting will be our first public virtual meeting, ever since the lockdown started, I’ve been in virtual meetings from dawn to dusk, as have all senior council staff.

“We know these are not ideal ways to meet.

The public will be able to listen in to the system, and we hope to publish a recording rather than a video.

“It’s far from ideal, but it’s the best we can do at the moment.”

Although the executive can meet virtually, it is harder for the full council meetings – with 51 participants, council officers, legal advisors, and the Wokingham.Today team all tuning in.

“We don’t really have a system to make the council virtual at the moment, closed meetings are possible, but it would be a step too far,” Cllr Halsall said.

He added that the annual council meeting, usually held in May and includes the mayor making, is postponed for the moment.

“Cllr Bill Soane will continue as borough mayor until the first meeting we can hold, hopefully in July or September,” Cllr Halsall explained, adding that it was expected that Cllr Malcolm Richards would take over at the point. � Wokingham.Today will be reporting from the Executive meeting – full reports will be printed next week, and also on our website

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

Scrub up! Sewing fairies team up to help kit out NHS workers EXCLUSIVE

By DAISY HANSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A TWYFORD teacher is using her skills to hand-stitch scrubs to donate to the NHS.

Andria Edworthy is directing a team of volunteers as they devote their time to creating as many scrubs for hospital staff as possible.

She normally spends her time teaching textiles at a local secondary school and running her business, Oh Sew Creative, where she creates hand-sewn party decorations and hosts crafting events.

Now, she has taken the skills from her career to turn donated fabric into hospital-ready clothing for doctors and nurses fighting coronavirus in the borough.

Ms Edworthy started this on her own but quickly felt wide support.

Speaking to Wokingham.Today, she said: “I reached out to my local community in Charvil and Twyford asking for fabric donations because it was getting too costly to buy.

“I have since had customers and complete strangers volunteer their time to cut scrub bags and others to sew them – that means that I had more time to sew a few scrubs.”

She added: “I am just one person doing my bit, much like hundreds of people nationwide”.

Last week, in a social media post, she thanked people for the support she’s received.

“I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated fabric, old bedding, their time, or offered to buy drawstring tape,” she said.

“This afternoon I have been

working flat out on scrubs using a donated flat sheet.

“I have a team of ‘cutting fairies’ cutting up all the donated fabric that is too pale for scrubs – instead it can be used for scrub bags.

“I have a team of ‘sewing fairies’ lined up and ready to sew the bags together.

“It is quite the production line — albeit working independently of each other — and very different to what I normally do at Oh Sew Creative.”

Ms Edworthy went on to share another group, For The Love of Scrubs, which also creates vital clothing for the NHS but on a national scale, she said: “It’s people like you and me, working their socks off making scrubs, scrub bags, headbands with buttons on — to stop sore ears from the elastic of the masks — and the newest post I have seen is crocheting, knitting, or hand sewing hearts to pass on to NHS workers and people who have lost loved ones and can’t say goodbye.”

To support Ms Edworthy, visit her Facebook page www.facebook.com/ OhSewCreativeUK/; and search ‘For The Love of Scrubs’ on Facebook to find out more.

Andria Edworthy smiles in the scrubs she has been making, with help from cutting and sewing ‘fairies’ across Twyford and Charvil.

Pictures: Oh Sew Creative

Wargrave teams up for pandemic response VILLAGERS across Wargrave have been putting their community first, with a coordinated approach to help those self isolating.

On Monday, March 16 concerned residents created a social media group to help organise help for the most vulnerable members of the community.

Now, the group has coordinated a mass effort to support residents on 48 streets across the village.

Paul Owen, one of the group admins explained how the village residents have pulled together.

He said: “The strength of this really is in everyone doing their thing.

“It started as a Whatsapp group of volunteers but we quickly realised that wouldn’t be suitable with hundreds of people.

“Ultimately, we are trying to ensure there is a group of people on each street. Now we have a team of volunteers for each road and a street coordinator. It’s about helping the community in a village-wide effort.”

As part of their coordinated response, village volunteers have been helping older people with their

weekly shopping, collect prescriptions and have organised regular telephone calls to people self-isolating alone.

Mr Owen, who has lived in the village for 16 years felt that the crisis has also helped bring people together.

“Walking down the street as part of our daily exercise, there’s a huge sense of community spirit. People smile and say hello to others, even from a distance.

“We’re a village that looks out for each other but it’s brought people even closer.

“It makes me proud, not just of Wargave but of the whole country.

So many groups like ours have set up across the UK. There’s something in British culture about having to do something.”

Mr Owen explained that volunteers are prepared to continue supporting their community for as long as necessary.

“Of course, we’re all hoping to start moving about and doing stuff, but not if it might cause harm to others,” he said.

“There will be an end to this, but until then, let’s do what we can.”

Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WHAT WE ARE DOING DURING THE CRISIS Our Customer Delivery team are the first point of contact for customer enquiries coming into Wokingham Borough Council and provide a responsive service to residents, customers and businesses in a number of different areas.

INCLUDING: Planning • Waste Council Tax • Benefits Business rates Housing • Registrars Car parks • Blue badges

An insight from Jackie Whitney Lead Manager, Customer Delivery How have you adapted your services during Covid 19?

Our service has continually embraced technology and smart working to make sure that we can still deliver services to residents at times like these. We are largely paperless, and can access most of the

What extra challenges Which new services have you started doing are you facing and how as a result of Covid 19? are you overcoming them? • Offering accommodation to anyone welfare checks. Any that need We had to close our front desks, where we see residents face to face. However, we are able to maintain support for our residents by delivering these services in a different way - maximising the use of phone, online forms, email and web chat so we can still provide support, advice and guidance to people who need it.

Despite the current crisis, the team are still up and running and successfully delivering services as normal, with only a few exceptions. In some cases we have adapted the way we deliver services so that they can continue, whilst adhering to government guidelines. There are services we have been directed by central government to stop, and so where we can, we have redeployed resources to help deliver key services in other areas.

information we need electronically. Thanks to technology, all team members have the ability to work from home and as a result, when lockdown came, there was minimal disruption to the services we deliver.

We’ve redeployed people to cover the increase in frontline work, where we can. With some areas that are more complex, the same people are covering the frontline as well as giving advice and guidance and processing our normal work load. This is challenging, as we have to balance the need of being there to help our residents, versus processing work in a timely way.

Central government communication is presented in national news briefings and the public are aware to look to the Council to provide the missing information. Whilst we are not always able to provide the fine detail until we receive it, we try to advise as best we can.

we find who is street homeless in the borough. We are currently accommodating 21 households under the new Covid-19 provision.

•

The homelessness team are contacting all people we have accommodated in B&B’s and our own stock (almost 100 households) every 2 weeks to complete

additional support (food/medicine deliveries) the team are being referring to the Hub.

• Housing Services are contacting all known vulnerable tenants (existing residents) to complete a welfare check. Once complete these are passed to Localities.

What are you are especially proud of?

I’m really proud of the resilience of the whole Customer Delivery team, they have moved seamlessly into a different way of working, so we can serve our residents.

The team have managed unprecedented amounts of contact and demand on the frontline and are doing our very best to ensure calls are answered quickly and work is continuing. They are amazing in the way that they have pulled together and found innovative ways to deliver services in a different way. It’s been really challenging, particularly when we don’t have all of the answers but the team try their very best to serve our residents and we have received great feedback for keeping services going.

CALLS AND WEB CHATS ACROSS CUSTOMER DELIVERY:

W/C 23rd March – Calls 5119 Web chats 293 (lockdown week) W/C 30th March – Calls 4950 Web chats 301

TO GET HELP, CALL: 0300 330 1189 Enter 0118 978 7258 if prompted We continue to work with the voluntary sector to provide a response service, including Citizens Advice, who are organising this helpline.

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

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

‘Give NHS workers an MBE and £1,000 for fighting Covid-19’

By DAISY HANSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A KILN Green resident is urging the Prime Minister to award NHS workers with medals for their work tackling coronavirus.

Simon Chapman has called on Boris Johnson to grant an MBE to every doctor and nurse who has put themself at risk, and a bonus of £1,000 to all NHS workers for each day they helped combat the outbreak in hospitals.

Mr Chapman, age 70, issued the appeal from his home near Wargrave, and said the bravery of the NHS made them the modern day equivalent of war heroes, and they should be honoured as such.

“No words, no medals and no

amount of money can settle the debt we owe to our NHS heroes,” said Mr Chapman. “But there is a clear sense that the British people need to see some tangible recognition of the selfless service they have given us during this terrifying ordeal.

“I have asked the Prime Minister to do the right thing, that’s all.”

In his official appeal, Mr Chapman said: “Dear Prime Minister, I am delighted that you are recovering well from your virus and I hope that you will see sense in my proposal.

“I want you to award all NHS front line staff an MBE. In a conventional war they would surely have qualified for a medal.

“Then I want you to give

them a pecuniary reward: £1,000 for every day they spent on coronavirus duty.

“I’m sure there will be myriad reasons why neither of the above is practicable but I want you to cut through all that and just do it — if the rest of us have to pay more tax to do it, so be it.

“I have no friends or family who work for the NHS and I have fortunately never had to stay in a hospital.

“But we were all in their care during this pandemic and we marvelled at their bravery — as did you.

“Please do the right thing.

You will be advised not to, but just do it because it’s right.

“The British people will applaud you for it, as will the NHS.”

Heart disease drugs Cyber criminal scams most prescribed DRUGS to prevent heart disease are being dispensed more than any other medication, according to new data from NHS England, writes Daisy Hanson.

Earlier this month, the NHS Business Services Authority revealed that across England, 1.12 billion prescriptions were dispensed in 2019, costing £9 billion — both of these numbers have shot up from the year before.

And the total costs for prescriptions had risen by 2.81%, meaning that people paid £248 million more for their medicine last year compared to 2018.

Since 2014, the total number of drugs dispensed have increased every year, with medicine for cardiovascular issues the highest prescribed.

Atorvastatin — a statin used to lower cholesterol and to prevent heart disease — was the most prescribed product in England in 2019, at 45.8 million items.

And these drugs had an amplified cost of £119 million, a 10% increase from 2018.

The NHS Business Services Authority reported a decrease of 1.9 million drugs that help the skin, but the greatest dip was in the cost of prescriptions for central nervous system medications, such as depressants and stimulants — a decrease equating to £55 million.

This has steadily decreased in cost between 2014 and 2019, an overall cost decrease of £417 million.

Hurst Show cancelled for 2020 THIS YEAR’S Hurst Show and Country Fayre is the latest event to be cancelled as a result of the coronavirus.

Organisers said that it was an incredibly difficult decision to make, as the show raises thousands each year for good causes.

“However, in the current climate, we have to keep the safety of our visitors, and all those involved in putting the show on, paramount,” they said in a statement posted on social media.

Although the show won’t go on, they are still planning to hold some fundraising events.

“Please rest assured that even without a physical show, our commitment to bring the community together and raise

money for local good causes will continue,” they added.

“We have instead decided that this year our efforts are better focused on supporting the Hurst community through this difficult period.

“We’ll be providing updates over the coming months on the actions that we’ll take on this, and would love to hear any fundraising ideas that you might have.”

Although this year’s show is off, there are plans being made for next year’s event.

Organisers said: “Hurst Show and Country Fayre will return in 2021, bigger and better than before, celebrating how this great local community has pulled together in tough times and come out stronger as a result.”

A WARNING has been issued over cybercriminals targeting households during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wokingham Borough Council says people are being contacted by the scammers offering people fictitious medical supplies.

They are also preying on people who are looking for Covid-19 health advice or playing on people’s good nature by soliciting donations towards fake charities.

The warning states: “The Covid19 pandemic is being increasingly exploited by malicious cyber criminals.

“They are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police.”

Tips to help prevent scams include: � Do not: open the door to anyone you don't know or anyone calling ‘out of the blue’. Stay safe by only speaking to people you know and trust. � A genuine bank or organisation will never ask you for details such as your PIN or card number over the phone or in writing.

Before you share anything with anyone, stop and think. Unless you’re 100% sure who you’re talking to, don’t disclose any personal or financial details. Instead, hang up and contact the organisation using the number on the back of your bank card or on their website. � Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your

name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

Criminals will use a range of techniques to get your details and may even say you’ve been a victim of fraud to scare you into action. � Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or another trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account even if they say it is for fraud reasons.

They will always let you call them back on a number you know is real – if they try and stop you doing this, it’s a fraudster and you should hang up. � Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations.

Remember that it’s OK to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it. � Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. � Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud - Contact them on 0300 123 2040. � Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Man’s death is unexplained POLICE were called to a home in Finchampstead on Saturday morning after a man died.

Residents reported seeing officers from Thames Valley Police and ambulance crews at an address in Orbit Close, off Nine Mile Ride.

Officers said that the death was unexplained, but not suspicious.

A spokesperson said: “Thames Valley Police was called to an

address in Orbit Close, Finchampstead, on Saturday, April 18, where sadly the body of a man aged in his fifties was located.

“The death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“The man’s next of kin are aware.”

Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Family condemn Wokingham hospital for ‘lack of compassion’ over seriously ill Dad EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THERE is no outbreak of coronavirus, say bosses of Wokingham Community Hospital, despite the family of a Winnersh resident claiming that he contracted it while staying there.

Keith Sutherland — who is being treated for a fractured spine — has also been given a do-not-resuscitate order and has tested positive for Covid-19.

His daughter, Julie West said: “Dad was tested for the virus before being admitted to Wokingham Community Hospital, and was negative. But on Monday, April 13, they called us to say he had tested positive for Covid-19. And that the rest of his ward had too.”

Mr Sutherland was confirmed as positive for Covid-19 17 days after being admitted to the community hospital.

However, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, says that due to its “exceptionally high levels of infection control” there has not been an outbreak on the ward Mr Sutherland is staying on.

Mrs West said that, on Wednesday, she was told her 74year-old father would be sent home on Friday last week, as he was medically fit enough.

But she said she was contacted by the hospital to say he was no longer deemed medically fit to return home.

“We don’t know if this means his symptoms have become worse, or if they’ve changed their mind after the government briefing,” she said. “In less than 24 hours they’ve turned around their decision.”

At the time of publication, Mrs West and her family said they had not received clear answers as to why this decision had changed.

‘Putting family at risk’ She was concerned that by discharging her father, her 73-year-old mother would be put at risk.

“If they send him home, he will infect my vulnerable mother who has not left the house in five weeks,” she said.

“They told mum to self-isolate from him, but how can she do this when he is bed-bound with a fractured spine?”

She was also frustrated with the care package suggested for her father.

“He is very unwell now and has pneumonia, and cannot get out of bed without two people assisting him,” Mrs West said.

“We had been told even if he is alone at home — and my mum moves out of the house to protect herself — they would discharge him with carers four times a day, and an alarm

around his neck overnight.

“He can’t move, he’s diabetic and insulin-dependent, is vomiting without warning, but will be left to wallow in it until carers get there. That’s not living or recovering — that’s torture.

“They don’t care. They expect him to deteriorate. They haven’t shown any compassion or consideration for our family.”

Do Not Resuscitate Order placed without consent Mrs West found out last week that doctors at Royal Berkshire Hospital had taken the decision to put a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) on her father when he arrived at the A&E on Sunday, March 22.

She said RBH told her this was because of his underlying health conditions. But she says her father did not consent to it, and is looking to overturn the decision.

“The consultant at Wokingham Community Hospital basically said to us ‘in these times, you don’t have a choice’, but we’re trying to challenge this.

“There’s pressure for a certain group of people to have DNRs. But we feel he has a good few years ahead of him,” she said.

“If the NHS was at capacity, I could understand the decision to look at two people and decide which to save. But it’s not. Look at the Nightingale Hospital they built in London for 4,000 people and there’s half a dozen patients inside. ”Why can my father not be given a chance? Until four weeks ago my dad was well, although living with diabetes and is six years post-heart surgery.

“He has basically been told his life isn’t worth saving and is not being cared for.”

‘No focus on rehabilitation’ Mrs West was also frustrated that the suggestion to move her father home did not focus on rehabilitation — even more important after Mr Sutherland fell again at the hospital.

“When he moved into Wokingham Community Hospital, the plan was for him to remain there and learn to walk again,” she continued.

“But they wanted to discharge him without an occupational therapy visit. He needs the best chance possible.”

After receiving the news from the hospital, Mrs West reached out for advice on social media.

Intervention from borough council Winnersh councillor Paul Fishwick said: “I read Julie

Keith Sutherland tested positive for Covid-19 after being treated for a fractured spine.

Picture courtesy of Julie West

West’s post on the Winnersh Community Facebook page and this required urgent intervention by Wokingham Borough Council’s Adult and Social Services team.

“I made contact with that team and very much appreciate the swift response that they have given to assist the family at a very difficult time.

“It highlights a major issue in the government’s system that patients are being sent from hospital into the community with Covid-19 and impacting on other vulnerable people.

“This situation must stop now and patients must not be released from hospital until they have been tested and do not carry the Covid-19 virus.”

‘Pressure to discharge patients with Covid-19 home’ But Mrs West said that both Royal Berkshire Hospital and Wokingham Community Hospital are under pressure to discharge patients with Covid19.

“We feel like they’re hiding something,” she said. “We see the coronavirus death rate decrease in hospitals, not because it’s actually decreasing but because these people are being sent back into the community.

“People aren’t dying in hospitals, they’re getting them out and they’re dying in care homes and the community. And we can’t be the only family affected by this.”

Trust deny outbreaks of virus at hospital A spokesperson from Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust disputed some of Mrs West’s claims.

“We are not able to respond about individual cases in order to protect the privacy of our patients,” they said.

“However, we can confirm that to date, we have had no outbreaks of Covid-19 on either of our wards at Wokingham Community Hospital – an outbreak is defined as two or more patients having had a transmission from the ward.

“This is down to the exceptionally high levels of infection control that our staff follow day in, day out.

“The low number of cases we are managing are patients who have already contracted the virus before coming to the hospital, either directly or as a transfer from another hospital.

“We do not accept any new admissions unless we are aware of their status and this is monitored daily.”

The Trust is also ensuring that health and hygiene guidelines are being followed closely.

“Staff wear PPE for all patient

interactions, with gloves and aprons being changed for every new patient contact.

“Masks and goggles are also changed every time a member of staff leaves a bay,” the spokesperson said.

“The wards are also completely segregated into areas for patients with Covid-19, a separate area for those with

suspected Covid-19, and another area for patients who do not have Covid-19.

“In terms of discharge, we treat every patient on a case-bycase basis. But we have good availability of beds, and we do not currently need to carry out fast-track discharge despite the Covid-19 situation.

“We are only discharging

patients when they are medically fit to return home, working alongside their family and any other professionals involved with their onward care.

“We do however follow a ‘home first’ model as we know that patients prefer to be at home wherever possible and recover better in their own environment.”

10 | BUSINESS

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

Business awards entries open

Covid-19 grant scheme open

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE COUNCIL’S business grant scheme is open for business – and if companies haven’t been contacted to take advantage, they should get in touch.

Nominations are weclomed for this week’s Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards BUSINESS events organiser Elcot Media & Events Ltd has announced the return of the Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards, writes Taz Usher.

The annual awards – which recognise profitability, innovation and contributions to the local economic community – are open to every company in the Thames Valley.

There are a range of categories to enter including Charity of the Year, SME of the Year and Management Team of the Year. The awards are a great opportunity for local businesses to be recognised for their hard work and efforts of the past year in addition to the contribution they are making towards the local community.

David Murray, managing director at Elcot Media & Events Ltd, said: “We are delighted to welcome back the Thames

Valley Business Magazine Awards in November, showcasing the Thames Valley’s very best businesses.

“These awards recognise the outstanding successes of large global brands and smaller, disruptive startups across the region and we are looking forward to celebrating on the night and crowning our next winners.”

The Thames Valley boasts some of the most dynamic and successful companies in the UK and is the hub of the country’s high-technology industries, the home of many manufacturing companies and a base for a wide variety of excellent service and professional organisations.

Nominations close on Monday, August 24. � For more information or to enter the awards, visit businessawards.co.uk

The Government-backed scheme has introduced a range of measures for a host of different sectors.

They include a £10,000 Small Business Grant for small businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief with an rateable value of £15,000 or less.

There is also cash available from the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Businesses Grant Fund.

And the same sector can also enjoy a business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the 2020-21 tax year.

Applicants can complete a form on the council’s website to be considered for the funds.

Council leader John Halsall wanted businesses to take advantage of these funds. His team

had been writing to businesses, but with some temporarily shut the directors may not have received the information.

“We do need to know if anyone is missing – there are some gaps,” he said.

He felt that his fiance team were well placed to help with applications, and said that there is a process for the allocation of requests.

And if all else fails, “anybody should get in touch with me, or Cllr John Kaiser, my deputy who is in charge of finance.

“And they can talk to Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and finance.

“We will make sure the businesses are placed in the system – we want people to get in touch and get the help they need.”

For more details, or to see the application form, log on to: www.wokingham.gov.uk/businessand-licensing/business-and-growth/ coronavirus-advice-for-businesses/

Thames Water will not furlough 6,000 staff

By DAISY HANSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THAMES Water has announced it will not be furloughing any of its 6,000 employees.

The company will be redeploying its staff into new roles to tackle the pressures it is facing with coronavirus instead.

It is joining with water companies across the country as they prepare to keep up with demand over the next few weeks.

The company’s central control rooms, field teams and contact centres have been completely transformed in an effort to maintain social distancing regulations while providing its services.

Lynne Graham, Thames Water’s HR director, said: “We’re continuously looking at the impact of coronavirus on our business and adapting, but it’s clear all of our people have an important role to play as water and waste maintenance does not stop.

“We’re following Government health advice to make sure our customers and our people stay safe, and the absolute focus throughout this extraordinary time remains fixed on maintaining essential services to our customers.”

Contact centre staff will be working from home where possible, and employees who are caring for others full-time and cannot continue their work are receiving full pay.

Kitchen designers move to virtual planning meetings A WOKINGHAM-based home company says it is adapting to social distancing measures by taking their services online.

Zara Kicthen Design company normally operates from its Peach Street showroom, but new regulations meant they have closed the store’s doors to the public.

However, it is still open and operating a full design service, just online.

Its staff have been crafting and fitting bespoke kitchens

for eight years under the ownership of Rubina and Simon Hughes, and are now using Zoom to meet customers and help existing clients to finalise design plans for their dream kitchen.

Mr Hughes said adapting to digital is difficult: “We’ve seen a dip in new customers because no one can come through the door anymore.

“People can’t see or touch surfaces, or open cupboard doors now, so we are finding it

hard to work with fresh clients.”

“And a lot of them have had their building work delayed, so they are apprehensive about going forward despite being part-way through renovations.”

He added that as many plumbers and electricians have been furloughed or are only doing emergency work, nothing can be installed at this time.

For more details, or to book a virtual appointment, visit: www.zarakitchendesign.co.uk or call 0118 977 2856.

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Community urged to keep donating EXCLUSIVE

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

CHARITIES and organisations across the borough are continuing to work together to support the community during the coronavirus crisis.

Over the last three weeks, Citizens Advice have helped more than 1,000 households through One Front Door, which signposts people in the appropriate direction to get the help they need.

The organisation 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: “We want to make sure people know they can contact us if they need support. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll connect you to someone who does.”

The charity is continuing to map out their plans to support people when lock-down is lifted, Mr Morrison said: “We’re taking the opportunity to look at using the service in a completely different way now, using technology.

“We’ve been in regular contact with John Halsall, leader of the Council, about our role in the recovery period, to ensure we keep supporting people.”

Anyone who needs support should contact Citizens Advice on 0300 330 1189 (entering 0118 978 7258 if prompted) Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Or visit citizensadvicewokingham.org. uk/coronavirus/ and complete the online form.

Volunteer Centre The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is focusing on helping vulnerable people get their prescriptions from pharmacies.

With approximately 55 volunteers across the borough, the organisation is working hard to

ensure clients receive their medication as quickly as possible.

Staff report the demand for prescription collection has increased over the last few weeks: Christine Knox, centre manager said: “It’s been amazing. We had our busiest week ever last week, we had over 80 new jobs. It went absolutely mad.”

The centre currently has enough volunteers and are able to respond to demand efficiently, but are aware their service will be required more and more as people run out of their medication. Volunteers are currently doing between one and three drives a week.

“We’re trying not to overload any one person. A lot of people are busy and contributing.” said Ms Knox.

Clients have welcomed the service and many have expressed their gratitude: “I was talking to a lady this afternoon, both her and her husband are unwell and have to stay isolated, she was so delighted at the service and absolutely amazed at the community spirit.

“People really appreciate the importance of what we are doing. Delivering things like insulin for people with diabetes, serious pain relief medications, other more general medications for older people, it takes the pressure off knowing that someone is going to get it to you.

“We’ve had so much lovely feedback, and this is great for our volunteers, they really appreciate it.”

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 selfreferral.

For updates on specific roles, visit: wokinghamvolunteer centre.org.uk

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. Link is still experiencing an increase in calls and will need more telephone volunteers in the coming weeks — although DBS checks are required.

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.

Marjie Walker, manager at Link said: “I think people are finding life a bit harder. We’re finding many of our volunteers are shielded themselves and are really struggling at the moment with loneliness, they’re starting to feel quite low.

“It would be great if people could have some human contact online, and good to get something in the diaries.”

The Wokingham Lions Club are holding their next virtual pub quiz tonight at 8pm – visit w w w. f a c e b o o k .c o m / WokinghamLions/ for more information.

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

Wellbeing Goody Bags The charity is seeking help with its new Goody Bags, introduced to help cheer people up.

The Wellbeing Goody Bags are being put together for vulnerable older people and

Leader praises council staff THE LEADER of the council has praised the way his team has come together with the voluntary sector to help launch the borough’s response to the coronavirus crisis.

From the last week of March, charities and council teams have been working hand-inhand to help protect some of the most vulnerable residents through its community hub.

Known as One Front Door, the approach has seen residents able to call one number to access everything from advice to emergency food parcels.

It has now helped more than 1,000 residents from a base set up in the council-owned

Crispin’s Leisure Centre, while members of Wokingham Citizen Advice answer phone calls from their homes.

“My team has down a superb job,” he said. “The strategy has been to harness the voluntary sector – and they have been absolutely marvellous. It has worked so well, everyone working together rather than against each other.

“We’ve just got on with it. It’s fabulous.

“We have deployed a load of staff into the hub, and we will have to do more that, as the economy starts to go back to work, we will still need to maintain the service, and find different types of volunteers.”

He added: “In this unprecedented crisis, everyone in the council has risen up to the challenge in ways I couldn’t possibly have imagined.

“I’m extremely proud of them.”

And Cllr Halsall also wanted residents to let them know of any vulnerable residents so they can get help.

“We have been ringing around our vulnerable residents every week, but we are not a police state and we can’t be sure we’ve got everyone on our lists.

“If anyone is missed, my apologies, but we also need to know so we can intervene and help.”

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.

Ms Walker said: “We need Goody bags more than ever, people really do need cheering up.”

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-Saturday 8.30am-4.30pm and at three of the borough’s libraries: Lower Earley, Twyford and Woodley, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-noon. They will then be safely distributed. (Note no library services are available – open for donation drop-off only.)

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, new baby.

Suggested donations for older people include hand wash, 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.

Wokingham Community Hub The Wokingham Community Hub has fed 1,166 people over the last four weeks and has approximately 500 households on their repeat delivery books.

Based at St Crispins 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.

The Wokingham Borough Community Hub is a partnership between the borough council, charities across the borough, local churches and others.

Staff report they are currently running low on washing up liquid, tinned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, biscuits, crisps, sweets, gluten free and vegan treats, hand soap and nappies, specifically size

5/6/7.

Any food donated must be unopened.

Donations can be left in boxes outside St Crispins Leisure Centre, MondaySaturday between 8:30am and 4:30pm and at three of the borough’s libraries: Lower Earley, Twyford and Woodley, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-12pm. (Note no library services are available – open for donation drop-off only.)

To contribute financially to the response visit the Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/ c a m p a i g n / Wo k i n g h a m BoroughCV19 All money raised will go to fund food parcels and any funds left over once the food hub has closed will be distributed to the voluntary sector organisations involved in this combined response. � For more information and the latest updates visit: www.facebook.com/ wokinghamcommunityhub

12 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

NEWS FOCUS

Care homes in crisis as Covid-19 deaths climb, but remain unreported in statistics As the coronavirus spreads across the UK, care homes have been left in crisis. Testing is at difficult to reach centres, deaths aren’t recorded in Government data and PPE causes financial strain.

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE CORONAVIRUS is spreading through care homes across the borough, warns the deputy leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats.

understands that there have been other care home deaths within the borough.

Last week, Wokingham Borough Council confirmed there were multiple cases of Covid-19 across care homes they work with.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, well-being and adult services, said: “There were 16 confirmed Covid-19 cases in borough care homes, between 26 March and 6 April according to Public Health England.”

Care England estimated last week that the number of deaths across all care homes could already be as high as 7,500

Cllr Clive Jones told Wokingham.Today that an Earley care home has five cases But these numbers do not of Covid-19, and one person include privately run homes — there has died with the virus. some of which are not testing And Wokingham.Today residents for Covid-19.

And Public Health England does not reveal information about the number of Covid-19 deaths in care homes.

Cllr Jones added: “The national coronavirus figures don’t include care homes, and the Government is being very open about that. But one of the worrying things is that two weeks ago the Government insisted care homes take in people from hospital to free up beds.

“But people weren’t being tested and could have had coronavirus. And in a care home setting, they’re being placed with 10 or 20 vulnerable people, most of which could be over 80 years old.”

The National Care Association — who describe themselves as the voice of the independent care sector — confirmed that people entering care homes after being discharged from hospitals contributed to the rise in Covid19 cases.

Speaking to Wokingham.

Today, NCA executive chairman, Nadra Ahmed said: “Covid-19 entered care homes, not really because of the lack of PPE, although it could be a contributing factor. “But it’s people coming into care homes who have Covid-19 — symptomatic or not — and transmitting the virus.

“People were being discharged from hospitals into care homes, and that has been a challenge.”

She also warned against estimating the number of deaths in social care settings.

“It’s dangerous to estimate the number of Covid-19 deaths in care homes,” she said.

“Because testing hasn’t been happening and so they are just numbers.

“The Health Minister has now said they think 25% of all care homes across the UK have cases of Covid-19. So that also means 75% of them don’t.”

On Tuesday, the ONS confirmed there have been 24 Covid-19 care home deaths in Berkshire up to Friday, April 10 “In terms of the number of deaths, the figure is probably high. But care organisations are estimating anywhere between 4,000 and 7,500. We don’t have the exact figures.”

Latest data from the Office of National Statistics shows that up until Friday, April 10, 20% of Covid-19 deaths across the UK have occurred in the community, including in care homes.

In the South East, there have been 170 deaths in care homes, 24 of which were in Berkshire.

But the figures are two weeks behind.

And the Local Government Association has called for

quicker testing to provide transparency on the death statistics.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the LGA Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Council social care staff and care homes need … increased rapid and comprehensive testing.

“Data on all deaths from Covid-19 needs to be published promptly and accurately, so we can have full confidence and transparency in these figures as part of our plan to defeat this deadly virus.”

Covid-19 in The Berkshire Care Home Wokingham resident, James Piggott contacted Wokingham.

Today after his relative living in The Berkshire Care Home, was diagnosed with Covid-19.

“On Friday morning, they were sent to Royal Berkshire Hospital with a high fever and slight cough,” he said.

“On Saturday it was

Thursday, April 23, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 13

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NEWS FOCUS kit has left many terrified they’ll spread this deadly virus or become infected themselves.

“There’s still widespread confusion among workers and their employers over what equipment they should have.

“Some staff are being told off for wearing masks, while others can’t even get hold of hand sanitiser, according to reports still coming into UNISON's PPE alert hotline.

"The government has got to get its act together if we are to prevent more lives being needlessly lost.”

Covid-19 testing to begin in care homes

confirmed that they had contracted the coronavirus.”

Mr Piggott said he was concerned that staff at the Barkham Road care home were not wearing PPE for a number of weeks, and have only recently been wearing face masks.

This, he said, has led to an outbreak of the virus with multiple residents in hospital.

Brighterkind, which manages The Berkshire Care Home, disputes there was ever a lack of PPE. “I am unsure if any residents have died,” added Mr Piggott.

“However the home manager was not transparent when I asked her if they had any cases — only to be very aware of one first hand.

“My friend rang the care home, and a staff member confirmed multiple cases over the phone,” he added.

A spokesperson for Brighterkind confirmed that, in common with other care homes, it had sadly seen some residents across its 21 sites die with symptoms of the coronavirus — but Wokingham.Today understands that none of the homes are testing residents for Covid-19.

They said: “With deep sadness, we can confirm that a number of residents who were displaying symptoms associated with coronavirus have passed away in our homes across the country.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these residents and we are providing them with ongoing support at this difficult time.

“We are providing daily updates to care authorities on all confirmed and suspected cases of coronavirus among our residents and colleagues.”

On Monday, April 20 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) announced they have been contacting adult social care providers to book appointments for their staff to be tested for Covid-19.

But information about testing in homes has not yet been provided.

A spokesperson from the

Four Seasons Healthcare group — who oversee multiple homes in Wokingham including The Berkshire Care Home — said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to increasing testing capacity.

“Testing will enable a proportional response, as without a clear picture of who is infected and who is not, we are erring on the side of caution and practicing barrier nursing and isolation to protect our residents.

“Knowing who has had the virus will allow us to provide residents with a higher quality of life and make better decisions about individualised care.

“Giving our colleagues access to tests is just as important as testing our residents. It means that we can reduce absences caused by precautionary isolation and therefore reduce pressure on our teams. This is also a very anxious time for our colleagues, testing would ease this and make them feel more confident about the health of themselves and their families, as well as their ability to safely care for their residents.”

Sourcing PPE equipment To begin with, PPE was prioritised for NHS staff working on Covid-19 wards in hospitals across the UK. Now, it has become clear that sourcing PPE for healthcare sectors has put care homes in crisis.

However, Brighterkind said that their homes always have PPE supplies due to their infectious disease protocols.

And this stock was in place before the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Ahmed explained the types of equipment care sectors were using before the virus.

“PPE was already in care homes,” she said. “As part of infectious disease control measures, homes already had aprons and gloves.

But masks only really came into our vocabulary regarding PPE when the pandemic started.

“And as care providers began ordering masks, they were told they were being requisitioned for the NHS. Later there became issues sourcing gloves and aprons too.

“We are sourcing PPE, but the issue is how we source it.”

A spokesperson for Brighterkind added: “All of our homes have received deliveries of PPE with more on order and we are working closely with our suppliers to access further supplies to be distributed where needed, updating our teams daily on these efforts.

“Our strict protocols on infectious diseases are in place in all of our care homes, including social distancing and barrier nursing, and we are closely monitoring the health of the other residents and colleagues.

“We take our responsibility to provide a safe working environment for all our colleagues very seriously and we will continue to put all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes.

“Some staff are being told off for wearing masks, while others can’t even get hold of hand sanitiser” “We would like to thank our colleagues, who are working tirelessly to support our residents under difficult circumstances and we will continue to put all our resources and energy into supporting and protecting everyone in our homes.”

Unclear guidance with PPE usage But not all care homes are receiving clear guidance on PPE. UNISON, the UK’s largest union, who represent 1.3 million workers have warned of national confusion over PPE use.

UNISON South East regional secretary, Steve Torrance said: “The ongoing lack of protective

confirmed that there have been a number of Covid-19 cases in care homes, but that all care homes and care providers are being fully supported by the borough council.

He added: “PPE supplies are currently adequate, and all social carers have equipment required.

Responding to Matt Hancock’s statement, Cllr Halsall said: “We need the Government to build on the announcement that social care staff and care home residents will be tested, by ensuring adequate, consistent and guaranteed supplies of PPE are made available to help those working on the frontline can be kept safe and well.

“We continue to raise with Government the issue of support to address cash flow issues and additional costs councils are facing.

“We continue to plan for the number of cases to rise within the Borough and we are expecting this to continue.”

Cllr Hudspeth, from the LGA has echoed Cllr Halsall in his call for better financial support for borough councils.

He said: “The current arrangements for accessing PPE by councils and care providers are not fit for purpose and are failing to provide what is needed on the frontline.

“It is vital that the arrangements set out in the plan are urgently translated to reality on the ground.

“There are many calls on the £1.6 billion provided by the Government to help councils with additional costs of supporting vulnerable people and delivering other services during the Covid-19 crisis.

“Councils will need access to additional resources to ensure they can continue to support care providers to deliver care and support to older and disabled people in the coming weeks.”

But Ms Ahmed of the National Care Association said local authorities should be doing more.

“We are now looking down the barrel of the gun at care provider failures where the provider was not supported by the local authority, so they are taking the financial strain,” she explained.

“They have already been given £1.6 billion, twice. And they have access to £800 million of grants too. How much more do they want?

“I understand the needs to fund homelessness and domestic abuse support.

“But local authorities cannot ignore their duty of care to older people. They need to get their act together.”

On Wednesday, April 15, Health Secretary Matt Hancock stated that testing social care workers for Covid-19 had already begun, but would be rolled out nationwide.

He said: “As we continue to ramp up our testing programme, we will test all current care home residents wirth coronavirus symptoms and all new care home residents who are discharged from hospital into care.”

However, Mr Hancock failed to address concerns about sourcing PPE for care homes.

Instead, he launched a “badge of honour for social care staff to proudly identify themselves publicly.”

The pin-badge labelled ‘CARE’ has provoked a mixed response.

And employers of care workers were advised to buy badges for their staff, so they can have the same privileges as NHS workers during this time.

The badge is currently unavailable to buy, but would cost £120 for the minimum order of 100 units.

The National Care Association criticised Matt Hancock for overlooking the social care sector.

Ms Ahmed said: “The NHS was prioritised over social care and maybe rightly so.

“But I think the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care forgot the second bit of his title.

“It was only when I started making appearances on primetime TV and on Good Morning Britain that Here at Warings Bakery we are doing everything we can we entered the to support the local community by bringing our conversation.

“We had to drag freshly baked goods and groceries direct to your door. ourselves into the game.”

We have a range of boxes available some of which

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Warings Bakery Delivers

Sourcing PPE creates cashflow issues for councils Last week, leader of the borough council, Cllr John Halsall

include a mixture of bread, buns, milk and eggs.

We will deliver for free but we’d ask you to please check that we deliver to your area before placing your order.

waringsbakerydelivers.co.uk

14 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

Working together not against each other THE spread of coronavirus through care homes has been at the forefront of national news this week.

The accurate reporting of Covid-19 deaths in care homes is complex.

The ONS are two weeks behind, the Government death toll only includes hospitals, and a lack of testing is leaving associations estimating the numbers.

Estimating isn’t good enough.

To be in with a chance of understanding the spread and control of the virus, care homes must have testing kits.

The National Care Association has warned that the country may face care provider failures if homes are not supported.

Fingers are being pointed at local authorities and local authorities are pointing fingers at central government.

This pandemic can only be tackled effectively when we work together, and not against each other.

As revelations come to light that Boris Johnson missed five Cobra meetings and the UK took the ‘political decision’ to not join EU PPE procurement schemes, questions must be asked as to whether everyone truly is.

We thank our caregivers for their dedication to the community and the country. You are certainly working together.

CHURCH NOTES

Time remembered For winter's rains and ruins are over, And all the season of snows and sins; The days dividing lover and lover, The light that loses, the night that wins; And time remember'd is grief forgotten, And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, And in green underwood and cover Blossom by blossom the spring begins.

T

HIS fourth verse of the chorus from Algernon Charles Swinburne’s Atalanta in Calydon (1865) is a favourite of mine. The words seem to have a peculiarly apt ring to them as we cope with what feels like an eternal quarantine.

It is not just lovers who are separated at the moment, but anyone with a family or friends has been, of necessity, cut off from them.

We are luckier than many generations, because of technology at our disposal, but even at its best and most stable there is, I think we will all agree, no substitute for the real thing.

Someone asked on Twitter what would be the first thing they would do when the lockdown was over and – apart from getting a haircut – meeting up with family and friends, having a hug, hit the top spot for many.

On that first Easter morning, when Mary was in the garden and realised that the person she was speaking to was Jesus, the first thing she wanted to do was to touch him – give him a hug, hold him, and never let him go.

Until we get to that marvellous physical moment with our own families and friends, we will have to be sustained with ‘time remembered’ in the hope that it eases whatever griefs we presently have to bear.

When we reach some future post Covid-19 point, whenever that is, whatever that looks like, we might be required to ‘reset what is essential’ in our lives, as Bishop Stephen, the Bishop of Oxford, said on Easter Sunday.

And for some of us an appreciation that things which cost little or no money, things which sustain us spiritually may have greater value for us in the future, because of the experience we have all been through, in this most beautiful spring.

Rev Judi Ha‫מּ‬away is associate priest for St Paul’s Parish, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

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

Skills learnt in school are never forgotten I recall, from some time ago, a Wokingham Paper reader, who was campaigning for extra funding, for Wokingham’s schools, and who stated, in the Paper, her belief, in the supreme importance, of education.

Our, current, fraught, circumstances, certainly vindicate, her position!

One of our self-isolating, members, can, at least, pass the time – playing the cello. Another, like me, is writing a book.

We have one, painting pictures, and another, more prosaically, painting her flat! Yet another, like me, passes the time – doing embroidery.

These are all skills – first learned, in school. But for those people, whose only interests are social – going out to pubs, and going to gatherings, of friends, current times, are indeed, very difficult.

We have been able to supply, from our large stock, at the crisis house, fiction books, jigsaw puzzles, and table games.

Otherwise, social butterflies’ only resort – is to watch television.

During the pandemic, local councils have been required to find, temporary, accommodation, for the street homeless – in order to help control, the spread of corona virus. This is, yet another, difficult task, for them.

One, destitute, member, was found a room – far out, in West Berkshire. He revealed, that, after his first day out there, he had, like a, latter day, Mary Jones, walked the, full, 24 miles, to us, and back, simply in order to continue accessing our coffee, biscuits, and support!. He certainly got his bit of daily exercise!

Fortunately, on his second day of doing so, another member gave him his

fare back, and he was able to obtain a month’s supply of food, from the Foodbank. I have never done so much telephoning, as in recent weeks.

It is, particularly good, to chat with our Patron, Lady Elizabeth Godsal – reminiscing, about the War, and its immediate, aftermath. Nowadays, people are, strictly, vegan. We weren’t then. We ate anything, and were grateful, for it. I recall, a particular staple, being rabbit stew, and you saw the little grey, furry, rabbits – hanging up, in the butcher’s shop.

Chicken every week? Not in those days! Only on Christmas Day; you bought the chicken – straight from a farm, and you had to pluck, draw, and prepare it for the oven, yourself.

Such early experiences, have a lasting effect. You can eat anything, make do with anything, and cope – with anything! Due to the stress caused by the current crisis, our schizophrenia sufferers, are, even more, schizophrenic, those with anxiety, are, even more, anxious, and those with depression – are, even more, depressed, but we are carrying on with our, essential work, for mental health, and every morning, on the train, a cheerful message, from the Government, is broadcast – thanking us for doing so.

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis Hous

PPE dismay I am dismayed at the government’s handling of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The World Health Organisation guidelines published on 19th March

are clear. They state that “healthcare workers providing direct care to Covid19 patients” should have: Medical mask, gown, gloves and eye protection (goggles or face shield).

This is the minimum PPE that frontline NHS workers should have.

Those in higher risk situations, e.g. intensive care, should have more extensive protection.

The government says that they are taking action. But even the latest GOV.UK guidelines released last week, still do not meet WHO standards, particularly with regard to gowns.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has spoken of the ‘Herculean’ PPE effort but this is unfortunately not being felt by many frontline workers who remain inadequately protected. 38 % of users of the NHS PPE app reported having no eye protection at all.

Many frontline staff do not have access to long sleeved gowns and have to take their potentially infected uniforms home to wash themselves, which also puts their families at risk.

These are just some of the reasons why I, along with over 738 000 others, have joined the campaign on change.org calling for adequate PPE for all frontline NHS workers.

I hope that our local MPs will be proactive, not reactive, and show solidarity with our frontline healthcare workers.

I’d like to encourage everyone else in our area to sign the petition at change.org/PPEnow Jacqueline Oversby, Reading

A possible Rembrant My husband has been in hospital for several weeks and now is going to be

transferred to a local Nursing Home.

He is going to be assessed this afternoon, by the nursing home.

They are not allowed to see him, so how can they assess him?

It's like being given a present and not allowed to open it.

He is extremely valuable to me, but how can they tell if he is of value to the nursing home?

Francine Twitche‫מּ‬, Wokingham

What is missing?

A strong Opposition is what is missing from this pathetic government!

We need to get rid of most of the Cabinet - the only decent and honest member I trust is our Chancellor.

His only error so far is to offer taxpayers’ funds to pay 80% of the wages of ‘furloughed’ staff – now a full-scale racket when the likes of Victoria Beckham will be able to subsidise her loss-making business if allowed to. know at least two other local companies who may be claiming, probably without justification. Who is actually monitoring the financial justification of claims?

Maybe in the interests of our country – not political rhetoric – we must wherever possible immediately relax the shutdown of retail or trade businesses - Builders’ merchants, Nurseries, etc., where it is possible to meet healthcare requirements of separation and control of entry, protection of staff and the like.

Examples exist, e.g. at Pharmacies, especially well-organised Boots! So why the hesitation? Although we need to get schools re-opened for a number of good reasons, I am not able to contribute a view on that subject.

WESTMINSTER DIARY James Sunderland

W

HEN I submitted my previous article for The Wokingham Paper in March, no-one could possibly have foreseen the full extent of what would unfold since then.

Coronavirus is now upon us with a vengeance, but I have been greatly reassured by how society has responded to the crisis. May I please commend everyone in my own constituency, those right across Wokingham Borough and of course beyond for the fantastic way in which our community has come together – we will get through this.

The advice from the Government is unequivocal at this stage, namely to ‘Stay at home – Protect the NHS – Save Lives’.

Please do not travel unless you must, as you will put others under unnecessary pressure and risk a further spread of the virus.

Those with underlying medical conditions have been told to self-isolate at home and will be supported.

Indeed, I have been greatly impressed by the sheer number of people who have already stepped forward to help those who are vulnerable, and it goes without

saying that everyone in the NHS and all of our key workers are doing a fantastic job.

Thank you also to our teachers and school staff, councillors, public sector staff and everyone else involved.

Volunteers continue to emerge in their thousands to lend their support.

Within Bracknell Forest, the Healthwatch Team and Involve Community Services are working wonders to cover their area and similarly in Wokingham, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Link are providing an effective focal point for the delivery of essential supplies and medicines.

I have personally had the privilege of working as a delivery driver for the excellent Wokingham Community Hub and the response from those who have received essential supplies has been heart-warming.

Thank you to everyone who works there – You are doing a super job.

And for those who still need help, please do contact the respective councils for advice, go online to the supermarket websites, ask your local councillors for guidance or in the unlikely

event you get no response, please contact your respective MP. My office alone has been receiving several hundred letters and emails per day, but we are working around the clock and endeavouring to respond personally to every query. If nothing else, we can advise and signpost accordingly.

At the national level, I am confident that the Government continues to do everything it can.

The last few weeks in Parliament before Recess were challenging but it has been a measure of necessity that all parties supported the emergency legislation through to Royal Assent.

Of course, nothing is perfect, the bill was inevitably rushed through and policy amendments continue to be developed, but this is a fast-moving global pandemic and all departments have been agile in their approach.

Although Parliament was on recess until Tuesday, MPs still have every opportunity to hold the Government to account and I have a direct line through to the Cabinet Office.

The tempo is fierce – everyone wants everything now – but I intend to keep

serving my constituents and new measures continue to evolve.

Finally, now is not the time for a debate on the extent of state intervention, police powers or the full merits of the emergency legislation – the day for this will come – but these are unprecedented times which require unprecedented measures.

I am painfully aware that not everyone fits into the bracket for state aid, whether for employers or employees, and I continue to lobby on this with respective ministries.

But many billions of pounds have already been committed by central Government to fight Covid-19 and we are seeing greater state intervention than at any time since the Second World War. So, my clear advice please is to get behind the national effort, heed the medical and scientific advice in full, notably on social distancing, volunteer where you can to help others, check out the gov.uk website for regular updates and watch the news. And above all please, let’s look after those who really need our help.

Readers may witness some blatant disregard for the current ‘behaviour rules’ to protect the NHS – our country’s saviours – but I feel the lack of sensible advice/rules, has led to a breakdown of respect, and it will get worse.

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

Respect democracy In Richard’ Sangster’s (April 16), he claims that early half of Conservative Voters agree that transition must be extended in the face of this pandemic according to recent polling by Best For Britain. A silly claim from a small poll I'm afraid. Remainers should respect democracy.

Patrick, via email

Great works of fiction I found last weeks ‘Candidate Changes Mind’ article both interesting and entertaining. This is one of a series of imaginative writings by JkR, that include ‘Intouch’, ‘The Meeting that Never Was’ and the highly entertaining ‘Resignation‘.

Regular readers of JkR may notice a change to one of the main characters (The Ministry of Misinformation) where the Shinfield South Conserv-atives have now been replaced by WBC. New readers need not be concerned as all the previous episodes have been withdrawn from public view by the publishers. Copies are however still available from a few well-respected sources. I am lucky to have copies of all episodes with the exception of the ’The Apology’. If anyone has a spare copy it would be gratefully received to complete my collection.

I look forward to future episodes

from this imaginative writer.

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

Angela Garwood

Cancer doesn’t stop

HONEST MOTHERHOOD

Isolated and highly vulnerable to infection children with cancer desperately need your help. Every day we spend in insolation during the coronavirus outbreak, young cancer patients and their families are in crisis struggling with the huge emotional and financial impacts of cancer and coronavirus. Without support during this pandemic, the strain of a child’s cancer diagnosis will push local families to breaking point.

As the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people with cancer, CLIC Sargent has launched an emergency appeal. But we can’t do that without the vital support of the local community. CLIC Sargent, which relies entirely on voluntary donations, is facing a staggering 60 per cent drop in income, but the vulnerability of the young people we support is increasing.

We urgently need readers to please donate today .

The Wokingham community can help by donating today. To support CLIC Sargent and donate today, text GIVE10 to 70025 to donate £10* or visit clicsargent.org.uk/donate.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard network rate message. To unsubscribe from texts, text NOSMS CLIC to 78866. To unsubscribe from calls, text NOCALL CLIC to 78866. (These texts will be charged at your network’s standard message charge).

Stephanie Parker,, Fundraising Engagement Manager, CLIC Sargent

A healthy dose of imagination

I There is no single accolade, nor tribute can express, The nation’s thanks for heroes for which it has been blessed.

Doctors, nurses, carers, porters, cleaners who, Our trust in which we place to see use safely through.

The emergency responders racing to our aid, Aware yet undeterred by the price that might be paid.

The forces, postmen, drivers, the girls behind the tolls, The volunteers and pharmacists delivering drugs and pills.

The binmen and the farmers toiling on the land, The stranger on the telephone offering a hand.

Unassuming ‘ordinary folk’ standing straight and tall, Seeking out no special praise for answering the call.

History will record the courage of the fight, As the world emerges from darkness into light.

Although they seem inadequate, there is no other way, No other words but ‘thank you’, feelings to convey.

Take pride you band of brothers, who took the time to care – In the hour of greatest need, ‘twas you, ‘twas you were there. (thanks also to all those others not here mentioned) J W Blaney, Wokingham

TONYJOHNSON Democracy goes online

I

N a week when the Foreign Secretary announced a threeweek extension to the lockdown, ‘Stay Home - Save Lives” remained the central message as tea-time briefings from government ministers and senior health staff continued daily.

Meanwhile, disquiet over the behaviour and abilities of individual ministers was growing.

More equal than others?

On Saturday the Minister for Communities Housing and Local Government, Robert Jenrick was leading the government’s daily briefing. It was going well until 33 minutes in, when Sky’s Deborah Haynes asked on behalf of the sans-culottes “How come you are able to claim that your house in Herefordshire is your main home when your children go to school in London and your wife also works in London?”

To the background of a slithering metallic sound, he said that “the lockdown doesn’t affect everybody equally”. As those who’ve been threatened or arrested for driving shorter distances than the minister’s 150 miles will no doubt attest.

Planning a Head?

On Sunday while interviewing Michael Gove, Andrew Marr described President Macron talking about the shortcomings of their government’s response, “including not being able to give out as many masks as we wanted to our health professionals” making the point about the adult

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approach Mr Macron was taking with the French people.

The Gove-meant response came haltingly … “this is a new virus and by definition none of us … could know quite what we’re going to be the consequences of this virus … because we hadn’t seen … anything exactly like this … before”.

Save that whether the virus is Bird Flu, Sars, Ebola, Swine Flu or Covid-19 one immediate consequence of a pandemic is a need for PPE. In huge quantities - here, not being exported.

Care for Care Homes The week before last Reuters reported that over a quarter of French deaths were in the country’s care homes.

Last week Sverige Radio reported that over one third of Swedish deaths were in care homes, with families discovering that care home staff had no PPE whatsoever.

Here in Britain, approximately none of the deaths in care homes (or in the community) were up-to-date in official daily statistics as bureaucrats were accused of dragging their heels.

Ask anyone who’s ever had to make a difficult decision as to what they wish they’d had in hindsight. Hard facts are far more important than (un)comfortable fictions.

Democracy’s back in Town Locally this last week, Wokingham’s Town Council held the first video meeting of the Planning and Transport committee under the new Coronavirus

Act – which has relaxed the rules on having councillors present in person.

With an access link on WTC’s calendar for the video meeting, members of the public as well as councillors and staff could easily join it.

The calendar was refreshingly quick to load up and logging in to the meeting worked flawlessly.

Using Google Hangouts, the meeting was well chaired with a roll call of those ‘virtually present’ being taken at the outset. As a member of the public it felt somewhat awkward to be included in this as an observer doesn’t have a voice in a public meeting.

During the meeting, it was evident who’d had experience of video calls before. At least two councillors had microphone-equipped headsets and had got their cameras and lighting set up well and could be seen and heard clearly.

For those with little experience, having a camera view from below looking up at the underside of their face, made them unrecognisable and in eresting to look at.

Later on in the meeting it was disconcerting to find that some councillors had switched their videos off and weren’t speaking. Were they there or not?

That said, the meeting was i nteresting and only the absence of policy codes from WBC’s Core Strategy and Development Delivery docs made some councillor comments on planning applications rather less effective than they might otherwise have been.

T’S not something I ever pictured: being housebound during pregnancy.

But I’m embracing the unique situation, as best I can, just like every other human at the moment.

We’re all just doing our best to, in my case, plod along, with as much humour and positivity as we can muster.

Some days are easier than others. Though I am acutely aware it could be a lot worse.

I am, after all, healthy and still able to experience all of the magical moments one goes through when growing a baby.

My partner and I get very excited every time the little one moves, and kicks have become these sacred pockets of time, where everything feels alright again.

A comforting reminder of all the things we have to look forward to after this cruel pandemic is over.

I’ve taken to making lists, whilst Maia has taken to creating artwork, every single day. And always including her new sibling.

She’s doing a bit of everything: illustrated story books (an ongoing project), the usual mould-your-own-anything from the squidgy goop, and painted rocks with googly eyes, each resembling a member of the family.

“This is you Mummy!” she says, holding up a small pebble found in the garden, with eyes.

“Gosh it’s uncanny.”

“And this is me and this is the baby. I tried to make Joel but I ran out of googly eyes.”

Resistance Also as this was the first meeting of its type, not having a summary of agreements at the end with everyone signifying their verbal/visible acceptance is something that will have to wait until next time.

All in all, it was refreshing to see local democracy getting back into gear after having been shut down for so long by central government’s social distancing and isolation rules.

Borough Democracy to come Apart from Wokingham Town Council’s P&T meeting and Swallowfield’s Parish Council Meeting with links published so that you could join - all other Parish, Town and Borough council meetings are either cancelled or only accessible by special request.

At the time of writing I’ve yet to get the access codes to be allowed to listen to WBC’s Executive and Special Executive meetings on Wednesday, but I’m looking forward to tuning in on them - just after catching up with the news on the BBC Home Service read by Alvar Lidell.

What the Neighbours said After last week’s parrot calamity, my neighbours have told me that the extra lockdown means their cat now faces three weeks of short rations.

Excepting ‘que i vicini detto’, that was week five of the lockdown - that was. caveat.lector@icloud.com

I have now adopted what one would call a rather “relaxed" approach to Maia’s schoolwork. (Otherwise known as the path of least resistance.) Mainly because I have lost the will to fight.

One must pick their battles wisely.

And I do not believe, at six-years-old, she will fall desperately behind her peers doing what I would accurately refer to as: the bare minimum.

I also currently have very little patience and would much rather see her happily painting a rock than attempt to force her into perfecting the art of subtraction.

I made this mistake a few days ago and it did not end well.

I merely tried to encourage her to persist, with my help, at something she wasn’t so confident in.

“How will you get better if you don’t practice?!”.

It was not worth the tears. Hers or mine.

In the end I gave in and turned all the minus signs into plus signs so she’d finish the exercise.

She didn’t.

Both her Dad and I have ordered enough workbooks to keep her going for a good couple of months, so she does a little every day, though not without some defiance.

“I wish you and Daddy would stop buying me workbooks,” she says.

Understandably, she’d much rather be creating humans out of rocks (or boxes).

I don’t blame her.

This, combined with regular reading, gives me some confidence that she will be absolutely fine education-wise.

While her classroom and playground learning may be at a standstill, her imagination is still as sharp as ever.

Which I suppose, given the current climate, is exactly what one needs. A healthy dose of childlike imagination.

16 | NEWS A Week of Lockdown Now MONDAY is my usual day for cleaning round the house, I try to do this cheerfully, but more often I just grouse.

The dust piles up in corners where the Dyson does not fit.

And much of all the clutter should be ear-marked for the tip.

But with my yellow duster and disinfectant jar I whisk around the various rooms in crannies near & far, And soon the house looks civilised, (if you don’t bend down and peer,) Now it’s time to put the kettle on, or even have a beer!

TUESDAY is the food shop day, but all routine is broken, For Britain is in lockdown, and the Government has spoken, They say we must stay far apart when going round a shop, Else we’ll be fined for flouting rules by the vigilant nearby Cop. So in we go, just one by one, with many wearing masks, Scooting all around each other as we go about our tasks.

We need baked beans, but tins are short, so only two per person, But they’re not made by Heinz I see, so I shun the other version.

WEDNESDAY is another day when I usually sit and paint, Or sketch a new design but keep it really faint, For the design may be off centre and some rubbing out required To make the pretty picture in the way that I aspired.

But this year is so different with events all shelved or shut, No place to show my paintings which has put me in a rut.

Why go on painting pictures which none will ever see?

It seems a waste of effort to behave like a busy bee.

THURSDAY is the fourth weekday, though some will say day five, Whatever you might call it, at least we’re still alive!

The virus rages round the world, and it really is quite scary With deaths reported everywhere, though the numbers often vary.

So people just stay home each day, and pray we might stay healthy, For this is what all humans want; the young, the poor, and wealthy.

In this time of isolation, our computers are the king!

We can see and talk to family, and no longer need to ring.

FRIDAY comes around again and it’s really nice and sunny, The garden looks quite sparkling, and the bees are making honey.

But out the window I can see, the weeds are taking over With lots of chicory and grass each intermixed with clover.

It tells me I should be out there, digging up offenders, But other things indoors distract, and they are strong contenders Like read a book or write to friends, or actuate TV All these things will better protect my permanent gammy knee.

Today I think is SATURDAY, though it’s difficult keeping track In this endless time of lockdown; I feel I’ve lost the knack Of knowing which each day is which; my routines’ out of view, No meetings, dates, or anything which would normally give a clue.

But our family are a godsend, and all now work from home, So they set up general “meetings”, using an app. to me unknown.

We see and hear and talk non-stop on this app. whose name is Zoom, There is no better way I think, of relieving all our gloom.

SUNDAY is day one or seven depending on your diary, Some people get uptight by this, and really get quite fiery.

But believe me it’s a special day, the Lord said “Keep it free”, So off we go to church each time, and get home in time for tea!

But not in 2020, all churches had to close, Our vicars go on-line these days, which keeps us on our toes, They remind us of the wonder of the countryside around, And all the gifts from God we have; these surely do abound.

Lorna Minton, Wokingham

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Making a happy 1st birthday

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

Trio’s idea wil

By DAISY HANSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A NEW charity created by three men in Lower Earley spiralled from planting fruit trees to aiming to feed the borough.

IT WAS Emmie’s first birthday on Good Friday, but with social distancing being strongly respected there couldn’t be a party.

So to make up for it, her parents put a notice outside their house in Langborough Road n Wokingham’s town centre, inviting residents to celebrate with them by decorating their houses for her.

By 4pm many of the houses had bunting, balloons and cuddly toys displayed for her to look at and Emmie was obviously delighted.

Her parents took her along the road so she could see what everyone had done – maintaining the appropriate distances of course – and the whole road joined in several choruses of Happy Birthday from their front doors.

It was something to raise everyone’s spirits and a special occasion for Emmie on a sunny day.

Bookshelves no more! Vicky Donachie designs custom backgrounds for Zoom

Vicky zooms to the rescue IT’S THE problem of the lockdown – what do you do if you need to make a video call but your home decor is, well, more shabby than shabby chic?

Video calling has really come into its own during the lockdown as households are prevented from seeing friends or even going into the office unless they have to.

It’s all about keeping safe, of course, but for those who are more than a little self-conscious of letting workmates see all those Fifty Shades and Dan Brown novels on their bookshelves, a little helping hand is needed.

And that’s where a Wokinghambased graphic design company has stepped in.

Talented digital artist Vicky Donachie has launched a new service offering virtual reality for those online calls.

She can create some professional backgrounds that can be used on Zoom and similar services.

They can be as simple as the company logo and contact details, or more elaborate depending on the nature of the business.

Vicky founded Gravic Designs 13 years ago, and normally sees her designs on posters, business cards and stationery.

Like most of us, Vicky hadn’t heard of Zoom until recently: “I discovered it when my pilates instructor took her classes to the site – then I started playing with the backgrounds, and I came up with the idea for professional ones”.

The new service is aimed at people wanting to hide where they’re working.

Vicky explained: “You could be in your spare room, at your dining table or outside and no one would know.

“It will make you look more professional while signposting people to your company and contact details, and all the while you could be moving around the house and you would still appear the same.”

She aims to offer this service to her pre-existing clients first before taking it further.

To find out more, or to request the service, visit: www.gravicdesign-services.webs.com

Freely Fruity began with the idea to grow the trees in public spaces, but when coronavirus hit, the men decided to produce food for the vulnerable people in their community instead.

Founders Ryan Simpson, James Wittingham and Matthew Knight met up at their local pub and hatched the idea to secretly plant trees on public land, so the fruit could be available to everyone.

“We wanted to grow free food to help our community reduce its carbon footprint” said Mr Knight, Head of Sustainability and Ecology at Shinfield St Mary's CE Junior School: “But then Covid-19 hit three weeks later and it really threw a spanner in the works”.

Their plans changed when a field was donated to them — on a temporary basis — by Hatch Farm Land, which owns plots across the country.

Now with an acre of space — which conveniently backs onto Mr Wittingham’s garden — they decided to grow food for their community.

They prepared the land using equipment they had received in another donation from Kieran McDonagh, who works at landscaping and construction company, The Wroxton Group.

They began by planting potatoes, peas, carrots and onions under Mr Knight’s guidance, as he grows food daily in his school’s biodome.

A member of the community also donated strawberry and raspberry plants to them, and Mr Knight hopes they will continue to seed and produce fruit all summer.

He said: “It’s been a learning curve

as we’ve gone from planting trees to actually producing food on a large-ish scale very quickly.

“The response from the community has been amazing – there has been so many people offering to help, but because of social distancing, we’ve had to turn some of them down.”

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NEWS | 17

ll grow on you

Still friends: Chloe has forgiven puppy Pebble for chewing her spectacles

The dog ate my glasses

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

IN NORMAL times, schoolchildren everywhere have often promised the teacher that the dog definitely ate their homework.

Come the autumn, residents will be free to enjoy the fruits of this trio’s labours

As they are all working reduced hours due to the virus, they have been able to spread out their shifts on the farm and maintain isolation.

They are hoping to begin distributing the fruit and vegetables through social media and Food Banks after their first

major harvest this summer.

Mr Knight said they hope to give this food to everyone in Lower Earley that needs it, and aims to plant community fruit trees across the country. � For more information, visit www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk.

But in these homeschooling days, pooches seem to be getting more elaborate with their espionage.

Just ask Estelle Jackson, the proud owner of two eightmonth-old French bulldogs.

With the fine weather last week – and no school to get to the next day – her 12-year-old daughter Chloe was camping out in their garden with her sister.

All well and good, except she forgot to place her glasses in their protective case before going to sleep.

And quicker than you can say ‘Walkies’, puppy Pebble found them and chewed them – frames, lenses and all.

Estelle said: “Pebble had eaten the lenses out, and broken the arms off. Luckily she didn’t swallow anything, but treated them more like a chew-toy to play with.

“French Bulldogs are brilliant and adorable, but thievish and cheeky too.

“Pebble leaves everything in her wake, she’s destroyed the garden, she eats pencils, the list goes on.”

After discovering the damage, Estelle reached out to the Wokingham branch of Specsavers to see what could be done.

“I sent an email to their team, and they called me back within an hour to help. They said because Chloe’s prescription was relatively new, they could sort new glasses for her – they just couldn’t fit them in person.

“The next day, they called back to say the glasses were ready – they were so quick. We went down to the store, and handed the pair over with gloves through the door.”

Estelle then messaged Specsavers via social media to thank the team for the speed at which they helped her daughter.

“They were so friendly and helpful. I think it’s important to say thank you, especially when people do a brilliant job,” she added.

Did you get the Shepherd’s House?

The word on the street WHEN A new Banksy is posted on the streets, the world takes notice.

When Sonning’s answer to the street artists appears, they put a smile on everyone’s faces.

The anonymous artist struck again this week, placing a large rainbow heart on the roundabout that links the village with Caversham and Playhatch.

It’s a symbol of our nation’s support for

the NHS and other care workers who are tirelessly helping those who have come down with Covid-19. It’s not the only road art: in Park Lane, Charvil someone has sprayed ‘Protect the NHS’’, while a rainbow has appeared on the A4 Bath Road. Both a bit naughty, but it helps remind us to be thankful for our wonderful guardian angels.

LAST WEEK’S pub emoji quiz got many of you pork scratching your head as you attempted to decode the names from the little pictures.

We’re glad many of you enjoyed it, with many likes, shares and guesses on our Facebook page.

Here’s another teaser for you – again, there’s no prizes, it’s just for fun.

This week, we’ve got some cryptic clues for you to try and solve, courtesy of the talented Sue Corcoran.

Crack them and you’ll uncover a road name from somewhere in Wokingham borough.

For example, a season, area of land would be Springfield Park in Twyford – the answer comes from the season being spring, the area of land is a field.

You put them together and add the Park and you get the answer.

Some will be easier than others – can you get all 10?

Don’t worry if you can’t, we’ll print the answers for you in next week’s Wokingham Paper.

Road name quiz 1. Live in seclusion here?

2. Raised horses’ field 3. A fruity way 4. Catch your tea here?

5. Waterloo victor and more, to boot 6. He robbed the rich and gave to the poor 7. Get blown away here 8. Woof, sandwich meat, on your horse 9. Shrub trimming here?

10.

Thames tributary and a method to cross it Here’s the answers to last week’s pub quiz: 1. Seven Red Roses; 2. The Three Frogs; 3. Hope and Anchor; 4. The Rifle Volunteer; 5. The Ship; 6. Queen’s Oak; 7. Bar 56; 8. Two Poplars; 9. Dog and Duck; 10. The White Horse; 11. The Bull; 12. Wheelwright Arms; 13. The Chequers; 14. The Shepherd’s House; 15. Elephant and Castle; 16. The Jolly Farmer; 17. Horse and Groom; 18. Magpie and Parrot; 19. The Six Bells; 20. The Swan.

15-year-old Oliver Hitchings has made more than 150 protective masks for NHS workers

Oliver’s hardy work is in 3D A TEEN from Twyford has spent the last three weeks making hundreds of protective masks for the NHS. Oliver Hitchings, age 15, has been using the 3D printers at his house to make protective equipment for local key workers.

He is a student at the specialist engineering and computing school UTC Reading, and he has used the skills he learns in class to make more than 150 masks.

He said: “I got the inspiration from reading about people in Italy using their printers to make similar equipment in the midst of their outbreakI thought it was a great idea and decided to do the same”.

Mr Hitchings uses PVC to create the front shield and elastic to secure the masks, using the help of his mum when needed.

He added: “It’s difficult to get the printers running, but once you’re in the rhythm it’s not hard anymore, but it is time-consuming to deal with all the fiddly bits”.

He started making the masks on his own, but now shoulders the demand with two other Twyford residents – Oliver Beadsall and David Dawkins – he estimates that they have created more than 200 between them.

Mr Hitchings said he has managed to supply all the local GPs, pharmacists, hospices, care homes and chemists with masks, and is now shipping them as far as Birmingham.

His school donated around £150 to him in the beginning, which allowed him to buy the materials to make the first 100 masks.

Now he is relying on the public’s generosity to manage, as each mask costs around £1.50 to make, as the plastic is not cheap – he aims to raise upwards of £1,000 to make as many as possible.

To donate to the efforts, visit: http://gf.me/u/xxghj4.

18 | NEWS

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‘My Dad died from Covid-19 because of the lack of PPE’

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE SON of Dr Peter Tun — who died at Royal Berkshire Hospital on Monday last week — has said his death was a direct result of a lack of PPE.

Michael Tun explained via social media last week that his father died after contracting Covid-19 while working at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

He said: “My Dad, Dr Peter Tun died from Covid19 because of the lack of PPE. The day he found out there was a [patient] positive for Covid-19 in his ward, Dad told me that he had earlier complained to a manager because they took PPE away from his ward to [use it] somewhere else.

“He was told that if there was a case, they would bring it back. He replied it would be too late.

“The last he told me, there were four more positive patients with no symptoms. Two weeks later, my dad passed away and I couldn’t do anything.

“He was afraid he would give this to my Mum, and now she is in hospital also waiting for her test results.

“The thought that if only he had a proper protective mask, he might still have been able to enjoy his hard-earned retirement after a lifetime of service just kills me.”

Michael Tun is appealing for a better supply of PPE for healthcare professionals.

“Please do everything to protect the doctors

and nurses. They go in scared and for their families.

“They did not get into the profession to die a hero in battle. This is why he was a superhero to us. He was scared and still went in to help strangers, completely knowing the risk.

“My hope in writing this is that it will save more doctors and nurses lives, and avoid pain for their families. My Dad would have wanted to speak up if he thought it would save lives.

“We couldn’t protect my Dad so I want to help protect everyone else who is in the same position that he was.

Thank you for everything to all the heroes.”

A spokesperson from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “Everyone in the Trust has been deeply saddened by the death of Dr Tun. “There have been so many messages of sympathy and condolence from a wide range of staff and this shows just how popular and respected he was by all who knew and worked with him.

“Our priority has always been to keep our staff safe and properly protected and we follow the strict national guidelines on the correct and appropriate use of PPE. “We carry out thorough training with staff so they know when and where to use the kit and our managers and Matrons make regular checks on the wards to make sure staff are properly kitted out for the duties they are performing.

“We will continue to work with Peter’s family regarding the circumstances of his death.”

Jacksons Cafe on the Lake

Home delivery service Friday, Saturday and Sundays

We deliver up to a 4 mile radius of the café.

Fridays & Saturdays 9am-2pm, 5pm-9pm Last orders 8.30pm

Sundays 9am-3pm Roasts available to order from 11.45am-3pm – Adult £14.50 Child £7.95 Once they're gone, they're gone!

Please ask what meats are available when ordering or see our Facebook page for live updates.

Orders are taken on the day by phone ONLY Payments over the phone ONLY to avoid contact with deliveries. If over 3 miles there is a £25 minimum order value (4 mile radius maximum from RG40 4HT)

To place an order, call us:

0118 973 0776

Card payments only. No pre-ordering

email: tom@jacksonscalifornialake.co.uk

www.jacksonscalifornialake.com Facebook: @jacksonscalifornialake Jackson’s California Lake California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, RG40 4HT

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

Council leader hopes to find a way to safely reopen re3 centres EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM Borough Council is exploring ways in which it can see its recycling centres reopened.

Last month, re3 closed public access to its sites in Bracknell and Reading as part of the coronavirus.

The closures were announced after the Prime Minister ordered the country to observe strict restrictions on movement and non-essential gatherings.

But as people spend more time at home, they have been clearing out sheds and lofts, catching up with DIY projects and taming the wilds that are their gardens.

This is leading to a mountain of waste that people would normally take to be recycled, but with the sites shut, it’s not possible.

The District Councils’ Network has concerns that a “wave of waste” will cause problems and has urged residents to work with the

council to ensure that they help refuse collectors.

Cllr Dan Humphreys, DCN Lead Member for Enhancing Quality of Life, said: “Alongside many other frontline services, the efforts of our waste collection staff should be applauded, as they are playing a key role in helping to keep the country running during this difficult period.

“We would ask the public to play their part, too. Where possible we would ask residents to think twice about how much waste is put out – such a small step could make a huge difference.

“With millions safely staying at home, many producing more waste than normal, and a risk that our waste collection workforce suffers staff shortages, we have to be careful and prepared to manage a potential wave of waste.”

Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall said that although it wasn’t clear what the Government’s position is, it was expected that they would be expected to reopen

the sites when practical.

“They could be reopened if social distancing is maintained,” Cllr Halsall said. “I’ve asked the re3 board of directors if detailed work could be undertaken to see if the sites could be operated safely.

“At the moment, we can’t consider opening them, but we will do so as quickly as possible – I don’t mean now, it could mean sometime in May.” And he added: “Fly-tipping has not been as much of an issue as we had expected it to be. It is being watched.

“We know that sitting at home generates more waste,” he said, praising residents for helping collection teams by having blue bags ready to be collected.

“The teams have been absolutely superb,” he said.

“Residents have been complimenting them for collecting the waste.

“Again, we are relatively unique in that everywhere seems to have a reduced service, but we have maintained a weekly collection”.

Appeal for hand creams

Bus boost

A FACEBOOK group has been collecting hand creams and delivering them to local hospitals, writes Daisy Hanson.

Don’t Dump It – Berkshire and Surrey has been organising and collecting hundreds of moisturisers to give to the NHS. The furniture recycling group has banded together to deliver large care packages to Windsor Community Midwives, Wokingham Hospital, Church Hill House, Royal Berkshire Hospital and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

This is arranged by group admins who ask for the

READING BUSES has increased its contactless bank card limit to £45.

The measure will help limit the spread of Covid-19.

Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, said: “Although it was recently announced that banks would be increasing the contactless limit to £45, not all vendors have been able to take advantage of this due to software limitations.

“We have worked with our ticket machine supplier, Ticketer, to help roll this out across our network.”

donations, which are placed outside on people’s doorsteps and picked up by a collector to maintain social distancing.

Then the unopened moisturisers are allocated to different hospitals based on which has requested them and the driver drops them off with a card, thanking the staff for their work.

The group are currently collecting shower gels, face masks and hand creams for pamper packs, which will be delivered to Frimley Park Hospital.

Virus will have an impact on Draft Local Plan THE CORONAVIRUS will have an impact on future housing plans in Wokingham borough – and the new Draft Local Plan.

Before the lockdown was announced, the council had been canvassing views for residents of the proposals, which include building 15,000 homes in a new garden town in Grazeley.

But the expected economic turmoil on the other side of the pandemic may impact on the number of houses that the nation needs as people look to tighten their belts or pause plans to move up.

Cllr John Halsall, the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said that regardless,

it was important to carry on with preparing the plan to ensure that it had a five-year land supply and a plan to take the local authority through to 236. But there might have to be some substantial changes.

“It is by no means dead, the draft local plan update is a substantial document,” he explained. “However, it is clear that the coronavirus will have a huge impact on pretty much every policy that we have.

“There will be a refreshment to it, we will not bounce back as if nothing has happened. It will have an impact on the building and purchase of homes. We will have to revamp the draft local plan in terms of

those post-coronvirus conditions.

“Regardless the draft local plan consultation was designed to tease out potential problems.

If it requires a revisit, that’s what we’ll do.”

He added: “The Local Government Association has been pushing very hard to get central Government to think about these issues.

“In all these things, we are trying to do our best for our residents.”

And he also hoped that as a result of the new local plan, there will be “a higher mix of homes for people that buy. We really need to build affordable houses in this moment.”

Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SOCIETY | 19

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INTHECOMMUNITY

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

New date for annual walk Wokingham Walk IT IS with regret that the Wokingham Lions Club has decided to postpone the 5th annual Wokingham Walk, which was scheduled for Sunday 3rd May, due to the extended lockdown caused by COVID-19.

Members of the Rotary Club have gone online for its meetings

Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club and Inner Wheel The cancellation of our Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh Reading Male Voice Choir Charity Concert at the beginning of April, seems a lifetime ago.

Thank you to those who donated the ticket price to our charities instead of taking a refund. We hope to re-organise this concert.

Following other fundraising activities in the autumn of 2019 we have made substantial donations to: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS), Macmillan Cancer Support in Berkshire and Berkshire Women's Aid (BWA) following their recent appeal for bedding.

Our associated Rotary club matched our donation to BWA. Like other organisations ‘normality’ has been suspended and we are keeping in contact by telephone and email as well as updating our IT skills.

We have signed up to our new WhatsApp group and enjoy 'Zoom' get togethers and Quiz Nights. More Zoom meetings are planned.

Our members are making cakes for the amazing NHS staff at Wexham Park Hospital and the RBH to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Sewing machines dusted down, we are stitching hospital scrubs and scrub bags.

We have members who love knitting and crochet and encourage the rest of us to take up these hobbies.

They are working on fabulous blankets and shawls to include with

Chemogiftbags for patients at the RBH and also for Wokingham in Need ladies who are struggling with isolation at this time. Sewing machines to the fore, we are sewing hospital scrubs and scrub bags.

We usually support Hare Hatch Sheeplands Farm Shop at Christmastime but now we are assisting people who are self isolating to order their food parcels and help to deliver them.

We are making regular telephone calls to members of Reading Association for the Blind and the LINK Visiting Scheme befriending the elderly while they are unable to receive visitors.

Our club is a very active local branch of a worldwide organisation. We have received good wishes from an Inner Wheel member in Italy, who visited us while escorting Italian students on a stay at Reading University last year.

We’ve had contact from the International Correspondent of the Inner Wheel club in Cairns, after a member visited the International Inner Wheel Convention in Melbourne in 2018.

Our next convention is in India in 2021 where members from all over the world have an opportunity to meet. This will be an extra special event following the Coronavirus pandemic this year.

This pandemic has opened our eyes to more opportunities for us to give practical help where needed and we would welcome new members to join us in our mission. Please visit our website www.innerwheelrme.org. We have a Facebook page and an email address: iwcrme@gmail.com. It is so easy to find out more about us.

Jackie Bignell, President/Toni Trathen, Club Correspondent

Some of the food donations to NHS workers

The Wokingham Walk will now take place on Sunday, September 6.

Walkers have a choice of three routes, which are five-, 10- and 15-miles, to suit a range of different challenges for those participating.

All routes start and finish in Howard Palmer Gardens.

All proceeds will be donated to Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

Andy Slay, one of the original joint organisers of the event, said: “Obviously this a great disappointment, and we have held off postponing until now, in the hope that there would be some degree of lifting of the current lockdown arrangements, that might have let the event proceed.

“Charities have suffered enormously this spring, and I know that Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service

desperately needs the money that the Walk would have generated.”

“Let’s all hope that we will be able to go ahead on Sunday, September 6, with even more people supporting this great cause by joining us and enjoying the countryside around Wokingham, on the various routes that we have put together,” he added.

To register in advance and pay by credit card, please visit the website, www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk.

Cost is £15 for age 18 and older, £5 for age 12-17, and free for children under age 12.

There will be a free Nature Trail included, to keep the children occupied, which involves looking for nature and wildlife along the route.

For more information on Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, please visit the website, www.alexanderdevine.org.

Claire Mangers-Page

Chancellor’s funding boost for charities A £750 MILLION grant has been announced for charities to ensure they meet the increased coronavirus demands, announced Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

The government declared £360 million from its departments will go to charities providing key services, smaller charities will receive £370 million in support and £200 million will go to hospices.

Thousands of charities are expected to benefit, including St John’s Ambulance and Citizens Advice.

Mr Sunak said: “Our charities are playing a crucial

role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need.

“It’s right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time, which is why we have announced this £750 million package of extra funding.

“This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.

“They have never been more needed than they are now, and they’ve never faced such a sudden fall in their funding.”

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations said the money was “an important first step”, but not enough to stop some charities from closing.

Chief executive of NSPCC, Peter Wanless, said: “The scale of what’s required is immense, so we will remain hugely reliant on the generosity of the public to continue our vital work.

“We have taken a significant financial hit, but thanks to our staff and volunteers, we are working flat out to adapt our services to make sure we are still here for children.”

And nature and conservation charities said the money was not enough for them to continue tackling climate change during the pandemic.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “People’s health and wellbeing is paramount, so it is essential that we address the coronavirus crisis, but we mustn’t at the same time forget the very serious risks posed by the collapse of our natural world.

“Otherwise – as a society – we’ll just find ourselves lurching from one crisis to the next.”

20| NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

Firework gathering in park unwelcome

By DAISY HANSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

LATE NIGHT fireworks sparked community upset in Sindlesham after last Thursday’s Clap For Our Carers.

Police were called as a large group of people were gathered on Bearwood Recreation Ground, letting off fireworks at around 9.30pm on April 16.

Paul Fishwick, Liberal Democrat councillor for Winnersh, said he was in his house when he heard the noise — so he put his shoes on and went to find out more.

“I saw a large group of around 10 or 12 people when I walked up to the edge of the grounds. I shouted for them to stop, explaining that they were seriously annoying people and were breaking Government guidance on social distancing. But they couldn’t see there was a problem and refused to disperse.

“When they lit another firework I called the police who got to the scene within five minutes, but the group had already left and gone to their homes.

“Myself — and a neighbour who captured the final minutes of disruption on video — tried to direct the officers to

the homes we believed they had retreated to.”

In a social media post, Cllr Fishwick joined the voices of many complaining about the group, and he assured them the video had been given to the police.

He added: “I have no idea why they would do it — it’s not smart at the moment to gather in large illegal groups, especially as Covid-19 comes with respiratory problems and the fireworks cause air pollution”.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said advice was passed on to those involved in the incident.

Talented teenager helps lead neighbours in Clap for Carers EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A WINNERSH teenager is helping lead her neighbours in the weekly Clap For Carers by banging her drum.

Aayushi Chopra has been learning the dhol for three years at the prestigious London School of Dhol.

She is so committed to learning the Indian instrument that, until the lockdown started, she travelled to Watford every Saturday to attend classes.

And as the nation once again came together on Thursday evening to honour those frontline staff, including NHS doctors and nurses and care home workers, Aayushi was in the street playing the dhol to the delight of her neighbours, who joined in by clapping.

Proud Mum Shikha said: “We want to say thank you to all our carers, like the NHS, police, delivery men and so on, for all their hard work to support the community and protect us in this situation. We want to reach out to each and every carer and say a big thank you to them.”

“Big thanks to all our neighbours who have requested her play again.”

She added: “There are very few women and girls who are learning the dhol – you will mainly find men and boys learning it.

“But Aayushi has been practising, the classes are not cancelled completely. She

Aayushi Chopra with her dhol and (right) Steve Block on his cornet leading the Clap For Carers

sends videos to her teachers and they send feedback.

“She has performed with the academy in the London New Year’s parade.”

Aayushi said that as a youngster, she was always on YouTube watching videos of people drumming, and that

inspired her to try it herself.

“I liked the beat, it attracted me,” she said. “I asked my parents (for lessons) a few times.

“My Mum found a really good teacher – she wanted me to go to the best.”

She added: “With dhol,

there’s a lot of techniques to learn, such as where to hit the drum.

“If you get the basics, you can play it really well. But, three years and I still get teachers telling me how to do things.”

Aayushi was pleased that her street were in support of her leading them in the Clap For Carers.

“I’m really happy,” The Holt School pupil said.

And further down the same street was Steve Block who performed Somewhere Over The Rainbow on his cornet. Afterwards, residents gave him a round of applause for his efforts.

The talented musician, who studied at the Royal Academy of Music, conducts the Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band and is a member of Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band.

“I’ve been playing on and off for 50-plus years,” he said.

“I got the music, printed it out and made sure I could play it.

I enjoy the challenge.” � Have you been doing something different as you Clap For Carers? Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Morrisons donates eggs for Easter treat A KIND soul from West Berkshire has brightened up the Easter weekend of vulnerable people with his surprise chocolate deliveries, writes Angela Garwood.

Support worker Richard Kibaja, was in Woosehill Morrisons buying Easter eggs for his clients who have learning disabilities, when he was told he could have them all at no cost.

Mr Kibaja explained: “I went to Morrisons to buy 60 eggs for my colleagues and people we support, the manager said I could have them all for free.”

Mr Kibaja’s clients, who reside in care homes and assisted living housing, were delighted with their Easter surprise: “I drove to Winnersh, Wokingham, Earley, Crowthorne, Bracknell and Whitley. I left the Easter eggs outside people’s doors. I called some of them and said ‘Open your door, there’s your Easter egg’. It was so nice. You could see from the window, people were so happy.”

Mr Kibaja works for Dimensions, a personalised social care service for people with learning disabilities and autism.

Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

News from schools, PRESSPACK stories from pupils HARRY’S The lonely WORLD unknown

Harry Bradley

Before and after

A

T the moment it seems to be quite hard to remember life Before. Life before lockdown in my own home. Life before the weekly Zoom quizzes with friends and family. Life before Virtual School and online University Open Days.

Before, I took for granted the simple freedom of getting out of the house to do my own thing; my part time job at the Everyman cinema in town, car rides out with friends, dinner in Reading. Now my ‘allocated’ outdoor exercise is the highlight of my day.

Before, I would’ve declined the offer of a walk in the woods with my family, throwing a ball around with my younger brother. Now, I jump at the chance to head outside with them. Life now feels very different, it feels very small.

From being little, I’ve always been excited for the future.

Looking to new things, always asking “what’s next?” So it’s frustrating when I don’t know what even next month looks like. Only a few months ago my head was buzzing thoughts of a new car, Reading Festival and the excitement of visiting potential universities. I don’t know anymore. And what’s worse, no one seems to know. I’m constantly asking myself what After will look like. Will After ever be the same as Before?

Because, even though I can’t stop thinking about the day that we’ll go back to normal, I’m questioning what ‘normal’ really means. How we will all behave in the aftermath of an international pandemic? That’s something I never thought I’d be asking myself!

But it’s true, there are some things from Now that I’ll want to take with me. Some of the changes that have been forced on me I’ll be happy to carry over. I want to keep to the routine that has not only kept me sane and busy, but also seen me being more productive than ever during this unusual period where we’ve had excess time. And I never thought I’d say it but I want to cut down on some of my unnecessary spending. Having a part time job meant that Before I bought more trainers and clothes than I really needed. Now I realise that I don’t need more of the same so as I head into After, I’ll save my money for when it’s really needed.

I’m sure we’ll all have things we want to take with us into our new After life. Have you thought about what yours will be? My Mum wants to spend less time shopping for food, just going once a week instead of what felt like daily Before.

For my Dad, he wants to pack less in, to not expect too much of himself so that he can create more time to enjoy life. And at last, my brother has finally realised that spending less time in front of his computer and more time outside is a good thing.

Maybe I’m realising that I don’t want to go back to life Before. Not totally anyway.

Maybe life After will be better. I know for a fact that I won’t take as much for granted as I did before.

There’s a lesson there somewhere.

By LEON SMITH Foundry College

RAINDROPS slowly drip down the house into the muddy puddles with moss growing next to them.

The isolated girl was stumbling down the cobbled, wet, mossy road while the dull moon’s face peaks through the camo green clouds.

The girl looked down at the shining wet road whilst the reflections glared back at her.

Stumbling down the cobbled, wet, mossy road the isolated girl saw an arched gateway leading to the unknown, she didn’t know what was there and felt worried and anxious because she couldn’t see past it.

She felt the unknown was lonely and haunted but then she saw an orangey reddish glow from a house.

It looked like a demon staring her down.

Staring back at the house where the demon is staring her down she felt terrified to death.

Two chimneys were on top looking like horns ready to charge.

Slowly glaring up at the trees which look like skyscrapers towering over the isolated girl.

The branches are reaching out like fingers about to tap on a window or claw at her shoulder.

The skyscraper trees are silhouetted by the dimness of the moon’s light.

Deadness in the air turns the trees to rotten flesh and the night sky into a deadly misty green.

Owls hooting and screeching in the distance made the girl shake and quiver in her ragged clothes. Nervously she held the straw basket tighter in her hands.

The girl felt surrounded by a damp, dead smell mixed with the thick, foggy air and the smell of wood and coal fires.

To stop herself from feeling nervous the girl pictured her safe space, a corner in the back of the church.

The sight the girl pictured was a warm church with candles burning and people singing.

Crosses on the walls tinted glass for the windows to make the church feel welcome.

The girl pictured of her being helped and feel safe so she can get rest, food and water.

This is the last vision the girl ever had.

At school? This is the page you can write! We welcome your articles, poems, pictures and stories. Send your articles to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Lockdown learning at Evendons

By STACEY READ Evendons Primary School EVENDONS has created a Learning Hub, something we are really proud of and children and families are delighted with how it is helping children continue their education.

Every teacher sets a learning matrix linked to their topic each week and the children choose which activities to complete, the children then upload their work on to the Google Drive and then the staff comment on the work and give points for improvements as well as praise.

The children can respond to the comments which keeps the learning

dynamic and interactive. The children are now fantastic at uploading and sharing their work.

Their ICT skills are improving daily and many of the parents report that the children are teaching them and not the other way around.

This week the teachers are adding video teaching to the hub so that the children get to see their faces.

As well as the class pages, there are additional sections for the children to explore including a music page which has all the school’s favourite songs and tutorials for learning the many instruments children use at Evendons.

SCHOOLS | 21

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An Outdoor learning page sets weekly challenges to get children learning in and about the environment.

The story page has videos of staff reading their favourite stories, a PE page has weekly challenges and links to a range of activities to keep our children active, and a Wellbeing page which gives advice on what to do if children are worried or anxious and lots more.

The staff have also worked together to create a dance video for the children to cheer them up.

It has now had more than 1,000 views on YouTube.

BENNY’S CONFLICT

By James Lomax Part 14 of 26 Finally Benny and Carlos’ goal of making their way into a prison planet known as X45owl9 may be in reach. With the help of a telepathic exterrorist called Shana Vees, they might be able to finally find out the truth about Carlos’ parents.

T

HEY had been flying for a few hours now, moving so fast through the void of space that far-off stars seemed to bend around them, swirling like a galaxy with The Golden Dawn in the centre.

It was a beautiful thing, according to Benny, to be out here in the darkness, comforted by the light of unimaginably huge celestial bodies incredibly far away. It was a shame that so few got to appreciate it in the more natural way, floating about your ship, like everything outside is floating, instead of being anchored down by fake gravity.

And, like all beautiful things, it ended abruptly and disappointedly.

The ship considerably slowed down, and a blinking red light told them they needed to stop and refill their fuel. That was strange to Benny, who had stocked up on more than enough before they left.

He peeked behind him, and down the corridor, where Carlos and Vees were having a loud conversation. Something about armour.

Benny yelled down at them that he was stopping to fuel up, then

piloted the ship towards a nearby space station, which seemed to be orbiting a small red planet. It was strange looking.

Few of the lights were on, and the other ships docked on the side looked like they had been there a long time.

Still, Benny guessed there were few people that came to this area of the universe.

The Golden Dawn sailed towards one of the empty ports, and attached itself by the side.

A hiss of gas indicated the release of air, and the ship opened.

Several things happened then.

One of them was Benny, Carlos and Vees exiting the ship.

A second was them noticing that this wasn’t a normal space station, that it was very damaged, and there were a group of aliens pointing stun guns at them.

A third was all three of them, rather painfully, being stunned, and falling down on the floor, paralysed.

Benny could only lie there as he saw three large and muscly Kaves (10 feet tall, orange fur) scoop up the helpless trio and drag them down a large corridor.

He manage to observe a few smaller, insect-looking creatures climb inside The Golden Dawn, but then his head was knocked loudly against a fire extinguisher, and everything went dark.

The next thing Benny knew, he was awake. But

he didn’t open his eyes.

He tried to imagine he was at a tropical resort, lying on a large comfy mattress, and not inside an abandoned space station, captured by alien pirates who probably wanted to do painful things to every inch of his body.

After a few minutes, he managed to open his eyes, and realised he was lying handcuffed on a sofa in a cocktail lounge.

This isn’t so bad, he thought.

Carlos and Vees were also there, lying on sofas, except they were already awake, and they weren’t handcuffed.

Hold up. They weren’t handcuffed. Carlos looked over at Benny, with a worried look in his eyes, and walked over to him.

Benny moved his head up from a puddle of drool around his mouth, and looked up at Carlos. He tried to speak, but he was stopped.

“Don’t try and talk, Benny.

You’re mouth’s still partially paralysed.”

He sat down on the sofa, and began to explain everything.

“We’ve been captured by a group of pirates called the Claw Clan. I’ve met them before, when I was trying to stop an execution of an innocent slave. Most of the rebels around the universe know and respect me and Shana, so they’ll let us go.

“But the Claw Clan are pirates, and they’re not happy about getting nothing. Their leader needs something to sell, and the only thing he can is, well, you. So to conclude, they’re going to sell your body parts.”

To be continued…

22 | NEWS

Health groups launch guides for lockdown NEW GUIDES have been launched to provide help to families struggling during lockdown, writes Daisy Hanson.

A group of leading local health and social care organisations have teamed up to create free downloadable advice on how to stay well despite the coronavirus disruptions.

The #coping helpsheets have been produced by healthcare officials from the Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), local councils, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Brighter Futures for Children, and the Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership.

They signpost parents and young people to information and groups which help manage mental health issues, stress, self care and sleep.

Katrina Anderson, the CCG’s director of joint commissioning, said: “The last few weeks of lock down have been really hard for a lot of people, especially families who’ve found themselves having to reassure their children about what is going on, often when the parents themselves don’t really have the answers.

“All this, coupled with the usual stresses and strains of everyday family life, can cause a lot of stress and uncertainty for everyone.

“This first guide is an easy to access list of the key agencies both nationally and locally, who can offer much needed support and advice.”

They are being distributed through schools, the NHS, local authorities and community and voluntary organisations, and can be downloaded by visiting: www.berkshirewestsafeguarding childrenpartnership.org.uk/scp/helping-you/ coronavirus.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

Residents mystified by letters containing Bible verses and cash EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

RESIDENTS have been left mystified by the sending of a chain mail letter that contains a £5 notes and Bible verses.

A string of people have taken to social media to ask one question: who sent it?

While the cash might seem like a free gift, it comes with a letter full of religious comments relating to the coronavirus that some have found distasteful.

The anonymous letter starts ‘I’ve got 3 things to share with you out love’ and then proceeds to state some Bible verses suggesting that the worldwide spread of the coronavirus is due to people having ‘vacations’, being show-offs, owning luxury cars, and wearing ‘expensive clothes and shoes to intimidate others’.

It is the second page that some people may find upsetting, containing theological thoughts that designed to distress: “Every single death that happens in this COVID-19, the world has come to an end for the person and will sure be meeting God in judgement for eternity in heaven or hell”.

The £5 note is sent in a plastic wrapper.

The letter notes: “Please feel free

to use this money to pay it forward to someone else who may benefit from it. It’s just an act of love.

“Hope you don’t mind. May God bless YOU :)” There have also been reports of religious messages being left in bus shelters, by the Woosehill subway and by entrances to woods.

One person said that they were left ‘spooked’ by it as they received one but neighbours didn’t. They admitted that they threw the letter and its contents away in case it was contaminated with the virus.

Another said that they were a Christian and found the letter offensive.

A third poster said that the letter had shaken their parents.

And someone else said: “This is the sort of thing that gives Christians a bad name. The vast majority of Christians in this town are too busy helping at the community hub or the food bank or shopping for elderly neighbours to waste time in this fashion.”

The Revd Richard Lamey, Rector of Woosehill, wanted to reassure recipients that the letters had not been sent out or approved by churches in Wokingham.

“Those on social media who know who has sent these letters have said that the writer is harmless and has been writing letters like this for

a long time on a range of issues.

“I don’t know which individual is writing them: but I do know that the letters are not being written on behalf of or with the approval of any local church.

“My suggestion would be that people don’t worry about what one anonymous person has written and, if they can, choose to donate the £5 to support the Wokingham Distribution Hub or the Foodbank.

“The Christian response to the current crisis is the same as the national response. People from our churches are working in shops, in the NHS, in Schools, in the emergency services, in the council,

and elsewhere, doing vital work.”

He continued: “We are volunteering locally and caring for our neighbours. We are calling people on the phone and shopping for others. We are praying, and connecting people, and serving the community we are proud to be part of.

“The proper Christian response is happening all around you. It is compassion, kindness, care, and love.

“Please do contact your local Church if you have any concerns or questions in the current crisis. We are here to help, as we always have been and as we always will be.”

Apply for youth grants A NEW scheme has been launched, offering community groups thousands of pounds for youth projects.

Up to £100,000 is being offered to organisations that target under-18s by Persimmon Homes Thames Valley.

The house building company, in a partnership with the British Olympic Association, is taking applications for projects with a focus on sport, health, education and art in young people.

Ben Felton, Persimmon Homes Thames Valley director, said: “We are looking for groups, charities and individuals to come forward with their amazing ideas on how

to spend the big cash prizes.

“We will consider anything from new clubhouses and kit, to education and arts centres, medical research and support groups.”

The winners will be decided by a national online vote, with third place receiving £20,000, second place £50,000, and first place £100,000.

Alongside the top awards, smaller grants of £1,000 will be gifted during the next couple of months, and 87 shortlisted finalists who do not win one of the main prizes will receive £5,000.

To apply, visit www. persimmonhomes.com/building-futures.

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Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 23

Restaurants offer meals to thank care workers

Keyworker lunches EXCLUSIVE

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A Wokingham restaurant serving Asian cuisine is offering free nutritious lunches to local key workers during the Coronavirus crisis.

Pan restaurant is supporting it’s community by feeding those working on the frontline, as a way of expressing their gratitude for all their hard work and dedication.

Its side door on Easthampstead Road will be open, with easy access and no contact required, on Wednesday to Saturday 1pm-2pm for key workers, including NHS staff, to collect their free lunch.

On a first-come, first-served basis, there will be containers of a selection of dishes available, including curry and rice, vegetable based wraps and various vegetarian dips. The restaurant is unable to cater for any other dietary requirements.

Pan asks that people adhere to the government guidance on social distancing when collecting their food, which will be placed on a table.

Individuals can take a maximum of two portions, providing the other person is also a key worker.

If you are a key worker and evenings work better for you, email the restaurant your telephone number and they will contact you if there is anything left over and arrange a time for you to collect that evening.

Charlie Blacker, Owner, Manager and Chef at Pan restaurant said:

“Quite early on I knew we were going into pretty bad times, I wanted to do something to help.

“My sister worked for the NHS for more than 20 years and I’ve always supported the NHS. “I felt the world was becoming very selfish and I wanted to do something right. I’m on my own in the kitchen at the moment, I do a couple of hours a day for this.

“I like things that are sweet and thoughtful and a bit quirky. Without doubt people definitely appreciate it.

There’s been some nice things said on Facebook.”

Deliveries are still available from Pan, for more information visit their Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/Pandining/ � PAN is not the only Wokingham town restaurant offering home deliveries or collection at this time.

Wokingham Town Council has prepared a list of them, including: � The Tamarind Tree - Wokingham - Open Fridays and Saturdays 6pm to 10pm.

Takeaway collection only. � The White Horse at Wokingham - Basic essentials available. Visit their Facebook page for details. � Sanpa.Store - Takeaways available � Fifty Six - Delivery of wines and spirits available. Visit their Facebook page for details. � Piccolo Arco - Takeaways available � Brown Bag - Takeaways available � Sit & Sip - Takeaway beer and spirits available � The Red Lion / Pad Thai - Takeaways available � The Bull at Barkham - Takeaways available � Rossini's - Takeaways available � The Lord Raglan - Takeaways available. Visit website for details.

On Monday, a team from Wokingham Tandoori made more than 100 meals for hard-working hospital staff to enjoy

Tandoori team come in early to cook for RBH STAFF at the Royal Berkshire Hospital enjoyed a ruby murray earlier this week, thanks to a Wokingham town centre takeaway.

A special delivery of more than 100 meals was taken to the Reading-based hospital, cooked by the team at Wokingham Tandoori.

The meal donation was a way of thanking key workers for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A team of seven came in outside of their normal working hours to create the meals, a mixture of vegetarian and chicken biryani dishes.

The Denmark Street takeaway is owned by Mr Khan, who said: “I have been part of this community for 22 years and the Wokingham Tandoori has always been grateful how much this community has welcomed us and how great a town Wokingham is.

“This was a small thing we could do to say thank you to our NHS workers at this extremely important time and when they are supporting the residents the most we wanted to show them we are here to support them as well.

“I would like to thank my staff who came in to help me during there time off it is hugely appreciated and I wanted to show the community that we appreciate you all.”

Thai Elephant never forgets A TWYFORD restaurant is ‘paying forward their gratitude’ by feeding staff at Royal Berkshire Hospital.

On Wednesday, April 1, staff at Thai Elephant delivered more than 60 meals to doctors, nurses and paramedics at the hospital.

In a post on social media, restaurant owner Nikki Piyachat said: “We provided some delicious Thai food for our NHS workers in Reading to show our appreciation for their hard work and make sure they carry on their amazing service with full and happy bellies “We would also like to thank all our customers for supporting us by ordering food

RBH staff enjoyed a delivery from Twyford’s Thai Elephant

during this time, keeping us in business and allowing us to pay forward our gratitude by feeding our wonderful community and NHS staff.”

The restaurant is taking

food orders over the phone, and offering non-contact deliveries for local customers.

To support Thai Elephant to deliver food to NHS staff, call 01189 349 651.

24 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

TO SPONSOR THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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LEISURE | 25

Take a taste of The Waterside home The Waterside Fairwater Drive, Woodley RG5 3EZ 0118 342 0171 watersidewoodley.co.uk

Divorce in Lockdown: Can I get some discreet legal advice?

T

HE WATERSIDE is a beautiful pub in the heart of Woodley – the thatched roof says tradition, but the contemporary interior has comfort in mind.

And with a beautiful garden, which backs on to South Lake, it is the perfect place to relax on balmy summer evenings, to enjoy a family lunch or to catch up with friends for a gossip.

Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we can do that again.

Having previously enjoyed a meal at the pub, which used to be known as The Thatchers, the prospect of a contactless takeaway was one to savour.

Business partners Albert and Greg took over the pub a year ago and have worked to put this place on the map as a fantastic place to drink and dine.

They take great pride in delivering quality food, and know that quality ingredients is key to a delicious meal.

For the lockdown, Albert has put together a fantastic varied menu including some of the Waterside's favourites to cater for a variety of palettes.

Choices include house specials such as the intriguing named Bangkok Bad Burger. Also on offer are Sausage and Mash, Peri Peri Half Chicken and Chips, Fish and Chips and a variety of Pizzas.

There is also an option of starters such as Halloumi Sticks, and Buffalo Chicken Wings, as well as desserts.

And there is also a drinks takeaway service for those missing their favourite tipples.

Orders can be easily placed on the phone or social media platforms. Albert will then agree a time slot with you, and deliver the food to your car boot, so the whole process is contact-free.

Sunday lunches have to be preordered, which we did on the Thursday before, but you have until noon on Saturday for this.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown is having a huge impact on all of our daily lives. The main focus right now is to remain safe and healthy, whilst going about our daily rou�nes and trying to maintain a sense of normality in these uncertain �mes.

As family solicitors, we understand that it is not always possible to place your life on hold.

We have spoken to clients who are unfortunately experiencing some family issues, and would like to obtain expert legal advice, yet don’t know how best to access this during the lockdown.

Clockwise from left: The Waterside’s Sunday roast; the Pollo ad Astra pizza; chicken wings; and the chesecake

We have been offering video consulta�ons for some �me now, however, we fully appreciate that it is not easy to have confiden�al discussions about the breakdown of your marriage or ma�ers concerning your children while the family are at home.

We have therefore launched a new service, offering discreet legal advice to those who cannot have lengthy discussions over the phone or on a video call.

There are now two ‘discreet’ op�ons available to you: Op�on 1: A wri�en note of advice over email from a member of our family team.

Our family team are able to send you a wri�en note of advice in response to some details about your situa�on and any ques�ons that you have.

We ask that before we provide the advice, you complete and return to us (electronically) a Background Informa�on Form which sets out some general details of your situa�on so that we can familiarise ourselves with your circumstances.

Collection was easy and the food parcels were neatly packaged up. Portion sizes are decent and the food enjoyable.

My husband and I both opted for a Sunday Roast, his was beef, mine chicken – lamb is also available.

Alongside a big mound of meat, there was a plentiful supply of roast potatoes, an enormous Yorkshire pudding, broccoli cheese, carrots and a lovely rich gravy.

It’s extremely reasonable at £10 for adults and £5 for children.

My ravenous 13-year-old son decided

he would like the chicken wings for starter priced at £3, which he devoured.

His main was a Pollo ad Astra (£9).

This was a lovely thick pizza base with chicken, sweet piquanté peppers, red onion and mozzarella and he felt it was better than ones he’d tried from a wellknown delivery service My daughter opted for the Margarita pizza (£9) which she equally enjoyed.

Moving on to desserts, three of us enjoyed a cheesecake. It came with a raspberry coulis topping in a separate

container so you had the option to pour or not. It was totally delicious light and almost mousse-like.

However, my daughter let her sweet tooth guide her to an Eaton mess.

Evidently it was delicious as she wouldn’t even let me try some.

Both were £4.50 per portion.

The Waterside has created a fantastic varied menu for these lockdown days, and offers excellent service and amazingly tasty food.

CLAIRE WORSFOLD

We also ask that you set out up to 10 specific ques�ons that you would like to be answered by us.

We will then revert to you with detailed informa�on on the divorce process/financial se�lement process/ children ma�ers (depending on your situa�on), along with clear and comprehensive responses to your ques�ons, so that you know where you stand.

Op�on 2: A live chat over WhatsApp with a member of a family team.

Round the Bridge Table

We aim to make ourselves as accessible to you as possible. We know that WhatsApp is a very widely u�lised pla�orm and although it is not the way in which we would usually provide expert legal advice, we are adap�ng to these changing �mes and doing everything we can to communicate with you in a way that suits you.

More trumping losers

As with the email advice men�oned above, in advance of the WhatsApp live chat, we would require you to complete and return a Background Informa�on Form electronically, so that a family solicitor can familiarise themselves with your circumstances before the chat. The chat will last for up to one hour.

JUNEBOOTY ♠A642 ♡Q82 ♢53 ♣9763

♠K83 ♡54 ♢ K 10 8 ♣KJ854 ♠97 ♡A K J 10 9 ♢9642 ♣A2

C

Dealer East E-W vulnerable ♠ Q J 10 5 ♡763 ♢AQJ7 ♣ Q 10

ONTINUING on from last week this hand is again about trumping losers in dummy.

South is in 2H after the uncontested auction 1H (12-19 points, four or more hearts) – 1S (6+ points, four or more spades) – 2D (weak with 5+ hearts and 4+ diamonds) – 2H (weak but prefer hearts to diamonds) - No Bid.

The opening lead was ♣5 (fourth highest from an honour, although a trump lead would have been better but South has been lucky).

South should stop and count his losers (better than winners in a suit contract) before he starts to play.

Note: losers in this context are opponents’ winners. He has one spade loser as he has the ace in dummy to cover one of his spades.

He has no heart losers with his partner’s help.

He has two diamond losers so long as dummy trumps two for him. He has one club loser.

This means that with a total of four losers, he will win nine tricks.

The problem with this hand is the timing of the play.

It is usual to remove the opponents’ trumps as soon as possible.

However, as with last week’s hand, if declarer does that dummy will also run out of trumps and will not be able to ruff diamonds.

It is necessary, therefore, for declarer, when he wins his first trick, to tackle diamonds immediately by playing a low one from each hand.

The defenders will win this trick and should wonder why declarer is not leading trumps.

Their best defence is to do it for him!

Declarer will win this trick and should play another low diamond from each hand.

The defenders will win this trick and should again lead trumps.

Declarer does best to win this trick in hand so he can lead a third diamond and ruff in dummy.

Unfortunately, because of the defenders’ cunning defence, he can only ruff one of the diamonds rather than two, but by returning to hand and drawing East’s last trump, will be able to make eight tricks.

If the defence do not switch to trumps as soon as possible South will make nine tricks and if they had led one to start with declarer can go down. � For more details on gentle duplicate sessions, will contact June Booty on 07846 397875 or junetaplin@live.co.uk for information about that or other Bridge classes. Website leisurelandbridge.co.uk

A�erwards, you will be sent a transcript of the full chat via email, so that you have a record of the advice given. We then advise that you delete the chat from your WhatsApp, and we will let you know how to do this.

If you are seeking advice on a family issue and think you want to do this discreetly, please contact Danielle.Bentley@herrington-carmichael.com via email or give her a call on 0118 989 9719.

This reflects the law and market posi�on at the date of publica�on and is wri�en as a general guide. It does not contain defini�ve legal advice, which should be sought in rela�on to a specific ma�er.

26 | LEISURE

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IN THE KITCHEN

Feel good with gardening It’s good for the body and soul, and with the warm weather here, there’s no better time to be in the great outdoors

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com

Vegetable Paneer Cheese Curry

I

N these interesting times you can’t always get what you want and shopping lists are mostly just an advisory note so this recipe has plenty of substitutes but use what you can get that you think will work.

If any of the spices are unavailable just use what you can get. You could also add minced lamb or diced chicken for a meaty alternative.

G

ARDENING is well known to be good for body and soul – it keeps you physically active and just being outdoors is a natural mood booster that also provides your body with vital doses of sunlight and vitamin D. Research has shown that time spent in green spaces and gardening has a positive effect on our mental health and can be healing and helpful especially when dealing with anxiety and depression.

Gardening keeps us connected to other living things and stops us from being self-obsessed, allowing us to focus on the great outdoors and not ourselves.

It also helps us to relax and let go and the very act of working in nature releases happy hormones.

One of the best ways to calm the anxious mind and lift your mood is to live in the present moment – as mindfulness practitioners tell us – and plants and flowers help us to do this.

Creating your own health and wellbeing garden can be as easy as making a natural snug that can be a place in your existing outdoor space for meditation and mindfulness.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

Ingredients for 2 By making a few simple changes you can easily transform any garden into a relaxing space.

Step one is to make sure that you have a quiet corner away from all of the hustle and bustle of everyday life where you can sit and simply enjoy being outside.

Make sure you have a variety of fragrant plants. Lavender is ideal as it attracts butterflies and bees – a joy to watch and good for pollinating your garden.

Herbs such as mint, rosemary, thyme and sage are also a good choice. Even the smallest of outside space – a front garden or balcony – can accommodate a pot of herbs, which always smell strongest at dusk.

Research has shown that brightly coloured flowers are brilliant for lifting the mood so plant some vibrant reds, yellows and oranges as well as cooler whites and blues that are good for relaxation.

Finally, think about a water feature.

If the constant trickle of a fountain doesn’t work for you then something calmer such as a pond, or small container pond, is a great way to relax and reflect.

If you still need inspiration then the gardening-for-health charity Thrive, which is based inn Beech Hill, has developed a free online resource Cultivating

Wellbeing in Gardens and Nature.

This is to encourage you to use your garden to spend more time connecting with nature as a way to restoring wellbeing and improving your physical and mental health.

Thrive is the UK’s leading provider of social and therapeutic horticulture programmes using gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities, ill health or mental health issues, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. � For more details, or to download the online guide, visit www.thrive.org.uk

� 200g Paneer , goats or Feta cheese. Any mild white non melting cheese will do. Dice into 1/2cm cubes or crumble by hand. � ¼ Tsp Cumin Powder � ¼ Tsp Coriander powder � ¼ Tsp Turmeric � 1/2 Tsp Garam masalla or Chinese five spice powder or a mix of of allspice, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, Mace, Sichuan pepper. � ¼ Tsp Chilli powder or 1 Tbsp mild chopped red or green chillies � 2 Cloves finely grated

Method

garlic or 1 Tsp garlic powder � 1 Inch finely grated ginger root or 1 Tsp ginger powder � 1 Large onion roughly diced � Selection of hard root vegetables par-boiled.

Swede, carrot, potato, turnip etc. � Selection of fresh or tinned vibrant fruit, vegetables and leaves such as tomato, spinach, mango, pineapple, Kale, cauliflower, beans, broccoli etc. Chop as appropriate for the item. � 2 Tbsp yogurt, soured cream or mayonnaise. � Optional green aromatic herbs to garnish such as coriander, parsley, mint, basil. � 4 Tbsp Vegetable oil

Stir fry the onions in the oil until slightly softened and translucent.

Add the ginger, garlic and dry spices and cook until the aromas are released. Add the parboiled vegetables and cheese and at this stage you may need a little more oil to prevent burning and sticking or alternatively a little water.

Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes then add the fresh fruit and vegetables.

Warm them through and wilt before turning off the heat and mixing in the yogurt, cream or mayo.

Sprinkle with the fresh herbs and serve with rice or bread.

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com

Providing personal care for all your pets

Petsandvets With Michael Morrow

Lockdown life: how the St Vincents’ team are coping

Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD

T

HIS week as some staff face the challenges of being furloughed and a small group of us continues to care for our patients in need I would like to share some pictures of what we’re up to.

Receptionist Sally is spending a lot more time with her lovely Zak. Nursing assistant Lydia is practicing hairdressing skills with her daughter.

Vet Claire celebrated her birthday and rekindled her candle making skills with a poignant theme.

Trainee nurse Goulla is multitasking as ever.

And still studying hard.

Veterinary nurse Emma is balancing home schooling and fun with the family.

Even our fine furry friends are on message during this difficult time. Thank you to Lydia’s lovely Jobi.

Vet Jamila had started a year long world tour but is now in lockdown in Spain.

Nancy and Michael fit in their walk with Paige and Scruff after work.

Stay safe. Be kind. Michael. � Nancy and Michael Morrow own and run St Vincents Veterinary Surgery, an independent practice providing personal care to pets in and around Wokingham. For more information call the practice on 0118 979 3200 or visit www.stvincentsvets.co.uk

0118 979 3200

Providing personal care for all your pets Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD

0118 979 3200

SPORT | 27

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Thursday, April 23 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30 HELLENIC PREMIER

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

READING FC

Roger and out: Bowen defers wages to help club Herridge reflects on Moles’ season � From back page

“The majority of that is down to Withers and McClurg, they've worked really hard on that side of things and we've seen the rewards of that on and off the pitch.

“To see the players still at the clubhouse hours after the game socialising together is wonderful, that's all part of it at our level and has been great to see. It wouldn't have surprised me if we had gone on to win the league.

“The form we were in and the players we’d had signed to help us with Adam Cornell and Shane Cooper-Clarke would have been available to play a few games. It would have been a really exciting period for us and we were gearing up for the meeting away at Westfields which could have come down to a title decider.”

And he is optimistic about the club’s future, even if he won’t be the one picking the squad.

“We’ll look back at the season as an ‘if only’ but above all we’ve got something to build on,” he said.

“Whatever happens in the summer when the season starts up again we’ve got a lot to build on and hopefully a squad of players that can stay together. If we’re playing step five again next year we hope to finish what we started this year.

“There are players in this squad that are used to winning. We had a squad with a majority that are used to playing at good levels and have a winning mentality. That rubs off on the younger, less experienced players.

“The improvement we've seen in some of the players by having better players around them has been great.

Binfield enjoyed an interesting voyage in the FA Vase, with their cup run eventually being ended after a penalty shootout against Deal Town FC. “My record in the FA Vase up until this year has been as bad as it gets.

We travelled quite far in the competition,” Herrdidge said.

“The defeat to Deal Town will always be a downside and the

lowest point over the last few months. It's a game we should have won and went out on the lottery on penalties. The base run was really exciting and to go even further sometimes you need that bit of luck that we didn't get.

“If we're in step five again next season, we'll have another go at that competition.

“There are too many highlights to mention from this season. We had a good FA Cup run as well but came to an end against a step three side.

Some of the games we won in the vase standout and were so exciting as you know what’s at stake at the end of the competition.

“You go on a journey and potentially play sides from a higher level and has the potential to bring money in for the club, which all clubs need.

“No one knows what's going to happen in the summer, we’d certainly like to keep this group at the club next season. If we did find ourselves getting promoted to step four, this group is certainly good enough to hold their own at that level.

“If we are in step five again, hopefully there is a good chance to finish off what we started this season.”

In a statement, the club said: “Whilst we are saddened that Roger has made this decision, it is something that we have been preparing for from the start of the season and opens the door for Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg to take sole control of all team affairs.

“The influence of both Carl and Jamie to the team this season both on and off the pitch, has been highly visible from the beginning and critical to the success of the season.

“They have established a strong foundation for the forthcoming season.

“The whole club is appreciative of everything that Roger has done and how he has gone about his business within the club. He has always been a credit to himself and the club.”

FOOTBALL

Warner takes over as first team coach THE NEW backroom team for Binfield has been announced, with Geoff Warner taking over first-team duties.

He has previously served at Bracknell Town, and has a wealth of coaching experience, including spells at Reading FC and Fulham.

He will be joined by Tony and Ross Perry as goalkeeping coaches.

They’ve all previously worked together at Bracknell./ Management team Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers said in a statement that they are pleased to have Warner on board.

“He will be a great addition to their team owing to his experience and we are excited to get started,” they said.

READING FC boss Mark Bowen has pledged to defer part of his salary during the coronavirus pandemic.

The gaffer, along with chief executive Nigel Howe and a number of senior nonplaying staff have all volunteered to take the cut over the next three months.

The club said in a statement that , like all football clubs, it is trying to deal with the implications that suspension of games, caused by Covid-19, is causing.

As part of this, some non-playing staff have been placed on furlough and the majority of the remaining staff are working from home.

The ticket office and the store are also closed, although online orders are being taken as the warehouse remains open.

Hogwood Park training facilities are currently mothballed and the Mad Stad has been curtailed to essential activities only.

A statement from the club said: “We are very proud that Nigel, Mark and a number of senior level staff, including Assistant Manager Eddie Niedzwiecki, have volunteered to defer significant percentages of their salary – a selfless and commendable commitment which will help ensure jobs are retained at the club during this unforeseen and still unpredictable hiatus in football.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Bowen said: “As we are struggling with a little bit of cashflow, you naturally try to do anything you can to help.

“It’s something Nigel, myself – and Eddie Niedzwiecki and John O’Shea, who are also making contributions – something we just decided upon as, at this time, it was right for the club.”

He added: “I know the players want to help too. I know that our players are

Bohunt School Wokingham Sheerlands Road Arborfield, Reading Berkshire, RG2 9GB

currently in discussions with the club – thinking about what the best way is for them to make a gesture.

“In these troubled times, people are dying. So that is the key thing for the whole country to focus on right now.”

The club has also been actively helping its neighbours.

The Reading FC Community Trust is continuing to deliver food that would have been used in conferences that have since been postponed. These have been given to the Reading Central Salvation Army.

And Compass Group, which supplies food to Hogwood Park, donated food that would have been used for players to Wokingham Foodbank and the Salvation Army.

Last Friday, they also donated 50 loaves to The Grub Club, run from Norreys Church in Wokingham.

t: 0118 907 6237 e: info@bohuntwokingham.com twitter: @BohuntWokhingham www.bohuntwokingham.com Head of School Mr B D Godber, MA, BSc

IT Technician, Wokingham Excellent Package – salary £18,426 – £19,407 pa according to experience 37 hours per week on a pattern to be negotiated We are seeking to appoint a well organised, skilled and professional I.T. Technician to support teaching and learning across the school. If you are passionate about I.T, enjoy problem solving and thrive on working in a busy environment this is a great opportunity for you. The hours of work will vary between 7:30am and 5:00pm during the week subject to negotiated pattern and school opening hours.

The successful candidate should have knowledge of some of the following: • Installing operating systems • Updates and software to Windows 10, Mac OS, iOS • iPad setup and repair • Support networks LAN, WIFI, WAN, • Using Google Suite • Customer care Are you able to: • Work on your own initiative?

• Communicate effectively with a friendly and helpful disposition?

Responsibilities: • To be the on-site person who provides an efficient and effective IT technical support service to the school, staff and students • To help with the installation, configuring, testing of current and new equipment for the network systems Benefits: • Working in a small highly motivated team of colleagues • The opportunity to gain I.T. network management experience and career progression as the school is built, the intake grows and our Trust infrastructure expands.

For further details please see our website: www.bohuntwokingham.com Applications are welcome as soon as possible. Applicants are welcome to visit the school by arrangement with ldavis@bohuntwokingham.com.

For any other questions or more information about the role please contact Laura Brooks at lbrooks@bohuntwokingham.com.

Bohunt School Wokingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young students and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will need to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

Proud to be part of the Bohunt Education Trust

28 | CLASSIFIEDS

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Classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (EASTHAMPSTEAD ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 16th April 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 proibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Across the Level Crossing on Easthampstead Road and for a distance of 10m on either side of the level crossing.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Easthampstead Road, Waterloo Road, Old Wokingham Road and Easthampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 3rd May and 4th May 2020 between 00:01 and 04:00.

2. Across the Level Crossing on Waterloo Road and for a distance of 10m on either side of the level crossing.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Waterloo Road, Old Wokingham Road, Easthampstead Road and Waterloo Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 27th May and 28th May 2020 between 00:01 and 05:01.

The reason for these prohibitions is allow Network Rail contractors to undertake level crossing 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 3rd May 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 23rd April 2020 Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (RUSHEY WAY, EARLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 16th April 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:

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (TAG LANE, WARGRAVE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Carshalton Way, Meldreth Way, B3270 Lower Earley Way and Rushey Way or by this route in reverse.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 23rd April 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:

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 30th April 2020 between 19:00 and 23:30

Tag Lane, Wargrave between its junctions with A4 Bath Road and Blakes Lane.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake sewer cover replacement work in safety.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Blakes Lane and A4 Bath Road or by this route in reverse.

Rushey Way, Earley between its junctions with Carshalton Way and Marefield.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 30th April 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 23rd April 2020 Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 29th April and 30th April 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake trial hole carriageway excavation 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 29th April 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 23rd April 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (GIGACLEAR BDUK PROGRAMME) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 16th April 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:

Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

AUCTIONS

1. Remenham Lane, Henley-on-Thames between its junctions with A4130 White Hill and Remenham Church Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Remenham Church Lane and A4130 White Hill Works requiring this restriction will take place between 26th May and 16th June 2020 2. Redlake Lane, Crowthorne between its junctions with Easthampstead Road and Honey Hill.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Easthampstead Road, Heathlands Road and Honey Hill or by this route in reverse.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LONDON ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on 16th April 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. A329 London Road, Wokingham (eastbound) between its junctions with A329 Wiltshire Road and Seaford Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Wiltshire Road, Warren House Road, Keephatch Road and Binfield Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 27th April and 29th April 2020 between 22:00 and 05:00 The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake joint box replacement and frame and cover repair 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 27th April 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 23rd April 2020 Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 29th April and 6th May 2020.

3. Honey Hill, Crowthorne between its junctions with Redlake Lane and B3430 Nine Mile Ride.

Antiques valuations Saturdays: 10am-1pm at Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AP Tuesdays: 10am-1pm at Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road, Wokingham RG40 3AW

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3430 Nine Mile Ride and Heathlands Road or by this route in reverse.

Thursdays: 10am-1pm at White Lion Antiques, Hartford Bridge, Hartley Wintney RG27 8AE

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 22nd May 2020 and 18th June 2020.

No appointment necessary: our team of Valuers and Specialists are on hand to offer free verbal valuations and offer advice for sale. We cover silver, jewellery, gold sovereigns, furniture, clocks, ceramics & glass, paintings, Oriental items, and vertu.

4. Swallowfield Road, Arborfield between its junctions with Greensward Lane and Chamberlain Gardens.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bunglers Hill, Church Road and A327 Eversley Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 24th June and 26th June 2020.

Call Pascal McNamara on 07446 802450

wokinghamauctions.com

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake BDUK Superfast Broadband work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 29th April 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 23rd April 2020 Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

SERVICES

Thursday, April 23, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

CLASSIFIEDS | 29

SALES TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PUBLIC NOTICES

Orders for insertion of advertisements in The Wokingham Paper and associated websites are accepted subject to the following conditions:1.

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful; shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and all

other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority; and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation.

In placing the Advertisement the Advertiser agrees that the Company may at its option publish the Advertisement in electronic format.

2.

*While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, The Wokingham Paper Ltd (the publisher) does not

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990

guarantee the insertion or position of any particular advertisement nor does the publisher guarantee to place advertisements in alphabetical

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below:

publication. Mistakes must be notified to the publisher within one week of insertion; after that period has elapsed claims for credit cannot be

order or in specific categories.

3.

Whilst doing its upmost to avoid error, the publisher does not hold itself responsible for any mistakes that arise in course of

considered. The publisher will not accept responsibility for repetition of any error on subsequent insertions and therefore requests that

Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

advertisers kindly check their advertisements weekly.

200073

47 Station Road, Twyford

Conservation Area

being a matter covered by Clause (5) of this Contract) the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement

4.

Householder application for the proposed raising of the roof of the existing two storey side extension, erection of a two storey side/rear extension and single storey rear extension including 1 no. roof light, a single storey canopy roof to rear and changes to fenestration, following demolition of existing single storey rear extension and conservatory.

as the case may be or make a reasonable refund of or adjustment to the cost. No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed:(a) the amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose.(b) the cost of a further or corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose.

5.

200700

1 Barkham Road, Wokingham

Major Application

Full application for the proposed erection of 14 flats, 6 no. one bedroom flats, 8 no. two bedroom flats, car parking and landscaping, following the demolition of existing buildings.

In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing and publishing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement (not

The publisher reserves the right to:-

(a)* cancel the order at any time by giving reasonable notice before the next insertion, but in that event the advertiser / advertising agency shall not be liable for payment of the difference (if any) between the rates for the series specified in the order and the usual price for the series of insertions which has appeared when the order is stopped; (b)* make any alteration it considers necessary or desirable in an advertisement and to require copy to be amended to meet its approval (c)* increase the advertising rates at any stage. Any rate increase will effect all current bookings unless prior agreement has been made

200835

Unique Moments, Conservation Area Waltham Road, Twyford

Application to vary conditions 3 and 4 of planning permission 193397 for the change of use of photography studio to a mixed-use comprising bike shop, bike repair workshop and café. Condition 3 requires details of cycle parking to be submitted and implemented prior to occupation and the proposed change is for the details shown on drawing no.

SK_200 to be implemented prior to occupation.

Condition 4 restricts café sales to drinks only and the proposed change is to allow the sale of drinks and pre-packaged food prepared off the premises.

6.

The copyright for all purposes in all artwork, copy and other material which the publisher or his employees have contributed to or

reworked shall vest in the publisher.

7.

*Copy will be changed as required by the advertiser / advertising agency, provided adequate time is allowed.

8.

*Omissions or wrong insertions will only be made up with the agreement of the advertiser / advertising agency.

9.

*The publisher will allow to an advertising agency the right to cancel any unexpired part of an order without penalty in the event of

the death or failure of its client.

10.*Advertisement orders are issued by an Advertising Agency as a Principal and must be on the Agency’s official form. (When copy instructions not constituting an official order are issued, they shall be clearly marked at the head ‘Copy instructions - Not an Order’).

11.*Proofs are to be passed by the Agency before insertion if time permits.

12.*Voucher copies, tear sheets or other proof of insertion, as agreed, are to be supplied to the agency as soon as possible after publication in an electronic format unless otherwise agreed.

13. *The placing of an order by an advertiser, or an advertising agency on behalf of a client, constitutes an assurance that all necessary

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.

authority and permission has been secured in respect of the use in the advertisement(s) of pictorial representations of (or purporting to be of)

Any comments must arrive on or before 15th May 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.

newspaper as a printed or electronic format as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the

Date: 23rd April 2020

advertiser / advertising agency, and consultation shall take place before any expense is incurred or the claim is settled or the case is defended or

living persons, and of references to the words attributed to living persons.

14. *The advertiser / advertising agency agree to indemnify the publisher in respect of all costs, damages, or other charges falling upon the advertisement, or any one or more of the series of advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the newspaper in pursuance of the advertiser / advertising agency’s order. In any case where a claim is made against the newspaper or the newspaper is sued and the advertiser / advertising agency may ultimately be liable under the terms hereof, notice in writing shall be given to the otherwise disposed of. (Advertisements of prospectuses and company meetings are excluded from clauses (14) and (15).

15. All gross advertising rates (except classified lineage and semi-display) are subject to 0.1% Advertising Standards Board of Finance surcharge payable by advertisers to help finance the self-regulatory control system administered by the Advertising Standards Authority.

16. When credit is allowed, payment for an advertisement is subject to the cash flow rules currently in force and as agreed between the News Media Association, the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers. The due date for payment is as shown on the invoice submitted by the publisher.

17. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by any total or partial failure (however caused) of publication or distribution of any newspaper or edition in which any advertisement is scheduled to appear.

18. Every endeavour will be made to forward replies to box numbers to the advertiser as soon as possible after receipt by the publisher, but the publisher accepts no liability in respect of any loss or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding or omitting to forward such replies (howsoever caused). The advertiser authorises the publisher to return to its originator any communication which, in the opinion of the publisher, should not be delivered to the advertiser.

19. The layout, design, type faces / sizes, border, etc. of any advertisements which are not complete artwork are left entirely to the discretion of the publisher.

20. Due to the heavy demand for advertising space, some advertising pages may be restyled to nine columns. The publisher apologises for any inconvenience caused by this method but believe this is preferable to the alternatives of limiting space or having to hold advertisements over to a later issue.

21. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement shall amount to an acceptance of the above conditions and any conditions stipulated on an agency’s order form or elsewhere by an agency or an advertiser shall be void insofar as they are in conflict with them.

22. Cancellation and amendments to advertisements:, Cancellation of display, semi-display and lineage advertisements ordered for the current week’s issue must be received at least two days before the newspaper’s deadline. Advertisers cancelling advertisements will be given a cancellation number, which is proof of cancellation and should be quoted if any subsequent query arises. No claims for credit will be considered without a cancellation number. If pre-paying for an advertisement please note that if you qualify and require the series rate you cannot cancel the booking until its run its course.

23. Artwork - Clients who require artwork or disks / CDs / removable storage such as USB sticks returned, must provide stamped addressed envelopes.

24. The publisher reserves the right to impose an administration charge (no greater than that imposed on ourselves) for the processing of credit / debit card transactions. If payment by cheque is not honoured, an administrative charge may be applied.

25. Free advertising will only appear if space permits. The publisher reserves the right to hold any or all advertising over for publication in an alternative week’s publication. Free advertisements are subject to the following terms and conditions: For use by private customers only (for sale advertisements) and companies (recruitment).

One item per advertisement.

Only six free advertisements will be accepted per household for any one publication.

Only one free advertisement per company.

A maximum of 30 words is allowed per advertisement.

26. All advertising must be pre-paid. Where an exception to this is expressly agreed (ie, credit is given) all other terms remain as stated.

27. Data Protection. All requests to amend, delete, suppress and gain access to personal data should be made in writing to the Data Protection Officer, The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Telephone calls may be monitored for staff training purposes. Occasionally, we may use your details for marketing purposes only. If you would prefer us not to, please write to the Data Protection Officer, The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. 28. Rates. A full list of our Advertising Rates may be obtained by telephoning The Wokingham Paper on 0118 327 2662 or writing to The Wokingham Paper Ltd., The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. 29. Series discount – in the event of non-compliance or early cancellation, where the value of an order has been reduced by a series discount due to the advertiser having committed to a continuous running order, The Wokingham Paper Ltd reserves the right to re-charge all advertising published at the base rates as per their published rate cards. *Based on the STANDARD CONDITIONS for the transactions of business between Newspapers and Advertising Agencies, agreed between the Newspaper Society and the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising in 1936 and revised in 1937 and 1954.

Trade Descriptions Act 1968. All advertisements will be accepted only on the express conditions that the advertiser warrants that the advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

30 | PROPERTY

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 23, 2020

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Thursday, April 16, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / /WOKINGHAM.TODAY WOKINGHAM.TODAY 23 2020

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

PROPERTY | 31

THE LEADER Royals boss takes salary reduction to help football • See page 27

HERRIDGE QUITS DUO TAKE CHARGE OF MOLES

EXCLUSIVE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MOLES boss Roger Herridge has stepped down from the club after nearly seven years in charge.

But the gaffer is not walking away from the Hellenic Premier runners-up for good: he is still planning to be involved.

Taking over are Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers as joint management team.

Their first signing is Geoff Warner as the new first team coach.

Just before he announced he was stepping down, Herridge reflected on the 2019/20, which has been brought to an early end as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Moles ended their league campaign in second place, but due to the season being deemed ‘null and void’ by the FA, they will not win promotion to step four.

“What's going on in the world is unprecedented people's health and wellbeing are the most important thing,” said Herridge.

“I didn't think that the season would start again at our level once they initially put it on hold. I couldn't see any way that it could restart, but I didn’t think that they would take the decision to null and void the whole season in all honesty.

“As we were at the business end of the season I thought they might go with the points per game route, which is what I was hoping.

“That wouldn't have taken us above Westfield but would have left us in second place and with the proposed restructure at step four, I think we would have been promoted as one of the best second-placed sides in the country.”

He continued: “Although football isn't the most important thing right now, I had hoped that would happen.

There are sides at their respective leagues who are many points ahead and they’re

not going to get promoted, the situation for them is even more disappointing.

“It was a decision I didn't think the FA were going to make. I understand that a lot of clubs have appealed against it but whether that will come to any fruition, I doubt.

“There are people that will be happy about it, the sides nearer the bottom of the table but that's life, we have to move on and get on with it.”

The Binfield boss also described the detrimental impact that the virus could potentially have on several football clubs at non-league level.

“There might be other things that happen, there are clubs that I'm sure will financially struggle from this. Some of them could go out of existence, hopefully not, but some may have to take a step down.

“I expect us to be playing at step five again next season but we have to get on with it and go again.”

Reflecting on Binfield’s second-placed finish in the Hellenic Premier Division, Herridge described the ups and downs in what was an exciting season.

The Moles who were gripped in a title challenge with league leaders Westfield for much of the season, and the Binfield manager praised the togetherness and spirit of his squad.

“We've had a great season above all,” he said.

“The changes at Bracknell in the summer helped us out with some of the players that became available and getting Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg as part of the management team was a masterstroke.

“We've got a team spirit within the squad which I've certainly never had in my time at Binfield. I’ve had some wonderful players and great people, but the togetherness within this squad, I'd liken it to my last squad at Wokingham with players growing up together.

ICE HOCKEY

Bees re-sign Goss as shot stopper

� Continued on page 27

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Trinity Mirror Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020

Roger Herridge has stepped down from Binfield after nearly seven years Picture: Neil Graham

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

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THE BEES have re-signed shot stopper Adam Goss for the forthcoming NIHL National Season.

The 25-year-old has been part of the squad since last summer, and has been one of the form netminders across the league, despite injuries.

And he has a firm pedigree: he played for Team GB’s Under 18s and Under 20s sides, before heading to the United States to spend three seasons with Mercyhurst University.

In 2018/19 Adam returned to the UK and took the backup spot at Milton Keynes Lightning in their final Elite League season ahead of a summer playing ice hockey with Canterbury Red Devils in the NZIHL and finally joining the Bees in the summer of 2019.

In recognition of his first season in black, white and gold, Adam was recognised as the AVSS School Zone Inspirational Player of the Year.

Head Coach of the TSI World Bracknell Bees, Doug Sheppard, said: We’re thrilled to have Adam back next season. As soon as Gossy settled in as a regular starting netminder he proved himself as one of the league’s top goalies. No question Adam played a huge part with us finishing the abrupt season as the in-form team.”

And Adam was equally pleased: “I’m excited to be back in black, white and gold for another year and build upon the success we had in the second half of last season. The team glued down the stretch last year and our performances became a lot more consistent.

“With Doug looking to build and even stronger line-up, I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in the 2020/2021 season.” � The club has launched a raffle in tribute to Christine Baird who passed away last week.

Ron Baird posted on social media: “She will be forever remembered in our hearts, especially at every hockey game we continue to go to.”

The prize is a Brendan Baird #75 game jersey.

Entries cost £2 per virtual ticket, with proceeds going to the the Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity Ltd, the hospice which cared for Christine.

Tickets can be bought by emailing becci@bracknellbees.com and the club will announce the winner with a live draw next Saturday at 7pm.