The Wokingham Paper, September 3, 2020

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

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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Fibro group push to save hydro pool

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Thursday, September 3, 2020 No. 277

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EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MUM is fighting to save the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s treatment pool which she says makes a huge difference to the life of herself and others.

Debra Langley, 53, from Wokingham, has fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. She is also epileptic.

She said physio sessions in the RBH hydrotherapy pool give her blessed relief, reducing her pain and stiffness – and making her happier.

Now Ms Langley fears a new public consultation into the pool’s future will end with the pool, closed since March due to Covid-19, shutting for ever.

She and fellow members of Reading and District Fibromyalgia Group’s hydrotherapy section are campaigning to keep the pool which they hire for sessions.

Ms Langley says she and her friends are “a lot of stiffer and not as mobile” since the pool’s Covid closure.

“My pain levels are higher now, I have more flare ups,” said Ms Langley.

She feels hydrotherapy has benefits over land based physio: “A physiotherapist comes into the water to show us different movements to help us.

“The water, which is warm, supports your body. In the pool I can exercise parts I can’t otherwise.

“I can do twists: I wouldn’t dream of doing them on land, it hurts too much.

“The difference is quite remarkable, and it’s lovely. My body gets looser, not so stiff.”

Her son Dominic, 16, a former St Crispin’s School pupil going onto Reading College, is her young carer and sees his mum change after hydrotherapy.

“He tells me I’m happier because I’m not hurting so much,” she said.

Ms Langley, a former administrator, also has carers to help her shower. � Continued on page 22

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2 | NEWS

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Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Editor • Phil Creighton Reporter • Jess Warren Sports reporter • Andy Preston

From the editor This week sees the return of some more regular features.

As more of society reopens following the lockdown, over the coming weeks we hope to reintroduce other sections that have been missing since March.

As ever, Wokingham.Today thanks you for your support, particularly advertisers who are sticking with us.

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Students to wear masks on school bus

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTEST

By JESS WAREEN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk STUDENTS will have to follow new rules when they travel to school by bus this term.

To manage the spread of coronavirus, students will be kept within their own school groups, with social distancing measures on buses.

The council has been working with school transport providers, and there will be extra bsues for students travelling to the Holt, Forest and Emmbrook schools along the A329.

Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging students and staff to cycle or walk to school if they can.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Walking and cycling to school is good for the health of our young people, as well as being a safe way for them to travel due to Covid-19 as it is less likely to be passed on outdoors.

“I would like to reassure parents and students about the measures which have been put in place on our buses, including the additional services.

“These have been implemented alongside the companies providing our school transport services, following Government and Public Health England guidance, in order to keep children as safe as possible.”

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the council, said the borough council has been working to support staff and children in their return to school, particularly within council-funded transport.

To comply with the law, everyone aged 11 and over must wear a face covering on public transport unless medically exempt.

Although this does not apply to dedicated school buses, the borough council is asking secondary school students to follow the guidance and use a face covering.

Bus passes must be shown to the driver rather than handed over. Students must fill the bus from the back and leave from the front, avoiding passing others in the aisle.

And they must use the hand sanitiser provided when exiting and entering.

The council has warned bus journeys may take longer to stop crowding when getting on or off the bus.

So students are asked to wait 15 minutes past the scheduled pick-up time before reporting any non-arrivals.

Students travelling to school by train must wear a facemask if they are aged 11 or older unless they have a valid exemption. For full rules on public transport use visit the UK Government website.

They are also advised to check the GWR or SWR guidance.

Social distancing was followed by people attending the Black Lives Matter event – around 250 supporters were in Elms

Community unites to EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk HUNDREDS of people came together on Saturday to say with one voice that Black lives matter.

Politicians, families, activists and clergy attended the event, organised by Bracknell Against Racism.

The event aimed to raise awareness of issues such as racist ignorance on social media and in the community.

Speakers shared their own personal experiences of racism, and challenged the audience to do more.

Michael Karim said: “I was one of the few people who looked different in school and, as a result, was attacked physically every day. The teachers turned a blind eye.”

He added: “Politicians continue to try and divide people using racism for their own career success and greed. I've travelled the world on medical business been consistently racially profiled for boarding flights to the US.” But, he said, “We are all people with more in

common than we have differences. We have a common enemy of racism to overcome.

“Time and again, we see that politicians are ready to inflame racial hatred. We have to fight this in our workplaces, schools, political groups and everywhere.”

He continued: “The only way to combat racism is to make it known … Everyone has a responsibility to stamp it out.”

Other speakers included Mustafa Chaudhary from the Reading Muslim Council who read a statement given in the wake of the murder of George Floyd: “We are against all types of injustice and discrimination, irrespective of the form it takes – whether it is based on colour, race, gender, nationality, or religion. Wrong is wrong, regardless of the perpetrator.”

And organiser Luzaan Shaw encouraged the assembled, who were all social distanced, to take a knee for a moment of reflection.

At the end of the rally, she said: “I’m so happy to see everyone come together despite political views, to say that Black lives matter.

“This is just the beginning of a very, very long revolution.”

Winter Carnival to be WOKINGHAM’S Winter Carnival will go ahead this year – just in a very different way.

Organisers have had to cancel the main event which raises thousands for charities and community groups every year.

It usually includes a procession, carol singing, musical performances and a fun fair.

But this year it is going ahead with a much-reduced event aimed at ensuring local groups can still raise funds.

This will be in the form of a charity Christmas market, which will be held on the first Sunday in December in Wokingham’s town centre.

Philip Mirfin, chairman of the Winter Carnival committee, said: “We are looking at the options for a virtual event on November 29.

“However, I was keen that we

didn’t let down the charities, local associations and youth organisations that use their stalls at the Winter Carnival as a major annual fundraiser.

“I have therefore managed to negotiate with the Town Clerk on behalf of Wokingham Town Council, a charity Christmas market.

“This event is designed just for local charities, associations and youth organisations that want to participate on the day. We have more than 20 being offered a space from the Winter Carnival 2020 applications.

“We have a maximum of 30 spaces available in Market Place and Peach Place and the Market will be open from 11am to 4pm.”

Mr Mirfin added that there would be no room at the inn for commercial retail or food stalls, meaning that some charities could

NEWS | 3

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Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

‘Glimmer of hope’ over Reading gaol arts hub

Councillors from all political backgrounds were present on Saturday

Field to hear speeches and testimonies Pictures: Steve Smyth

tackle racism Organiser Luzaan Shaw speaks

All ages came together Homemade signs were a key part of the event

Participants took a knee to show their support for the Black Lives Matter cause

a Christmas market provide refreshments on their pitches.

“We very much hope that the organisations use this opportunity to sell Christmas related gifts that will help improve their income this year despite Covid-19,” he added.

“There is no charge for the stalls and these are on a first-come, firstserved basis.”

Mr Mirfin also hoped that town centre shops and caterers would benefit from the additional footfall coming into the town.

To apply for a pitch, email chairman.wintercarnival@gmail.com

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

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MATT RODDA says he’s been sent a ‘glimmer of hope’ over Reading Gaol.

The Reading East MP is campaigning to see the historic site turned into an arts and community centre.

However, the Ministry of Justice wants to sell the gaol off and turn it into luxury flats.

Last month, Mr Rodda wrote to prisons minister Lucy Frazer highlighting that Historic England had issued a report stating that “any reuse of the site should embrace the prison's historic and cultural significance” and the supported Reading Borough Council’s “concept of a cultural hub and the future of the wider site needed to be developed with consideration of the broader strategic needs of the town, including the aspirations for a theatre”.

Responding, Ms Frazer said that Mr Rodda’s points had been noted.

“Her letter also seemed to acknowledge the historical importance of the links to Oscar Wilde,” Mr Rodda said.

“However, there was no indication of a change of policy and the letter seemed to show that the Government wants to continue with its current approach of trying to sell the site to the highest bidder.”

Mr Rodda added that he believed it was a small step in the right direction and vowed to continue pressing the Government to reconsider its plans.

“It’s a glimmer of hope and nothing more than that, but that’s still a step forward,” he continued, pledging to continue to work to try and save the site.

“I think the letter shows that they have listened to the fact that their own heritage watchdog is saying something important about it that maybe they weren’t aware of previously. They’re not arguing the point.

“I hope, over time, I can push them into thinking in a more imaginative way about the site.

“We have to make a really big deal out of Reading Gaol and try to get them to see how special it is. Hopefully we can do that, but it’s going to be quite a battle.”

4 | NEWS

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ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Roast Wokingham serves up restaurant-quality dinners at home

T

HE SUNDAY lunch may be the highlight of the week for some, and now it comes without the need to cook, wash up or leave home.

Launched during lockdown when pubs and restaurants were empty, Roast Wokingham brings the food to you.

After a sudden career change three years ago, Chris Murray swapped the business suit for a chef’s jacket and pursued a career in the food industry.

“I’ve always loved cooking,” he explained. “All through the years, people told me I should consider a career in food.

“It was scary, having to start at the bottom and work my way up as a chef, but I decided to do it.”

After working at The Fat Duck in Bray, where he was serving Michelin standard food, Mr Murray recently decided to leave the professional kitchen behind.

Ten weeks ago, he and his wife set up Roast Wokingham, a roast dinner delivery service for customers in and near the town.

And they’ve got a lot on offer.

Every Sunday, Mr Murray and his wife cook and deliver a wide variety of roast dinners.

Each week, customers can choose from three meat options.

Roast chicken with stuffing (£14) and roast beef with a yorkshire pudding and horseradish (£15) are permanent favourites on the menu.

And depending on the season, customers also have the choice of roast lamb with mint sauce or roast pork with stuffing and crackling for £15 too.

Those looking for vegetarian and vegan options need not despair, because Roast Wokingham also offers a butternut squash and lentil parcel, and a vegan ‘roast beef’ made with seitan for £13.

And for those with eyes as big as their stomachs, the company makes a mixed meat roast with all the trimmings, which comes in at £22.50.

Each adult roast dinner is served with roast potatoes, carrots, honey roast parsnips, green vegetables, vegan cauliflower cheese and gravy.

With vegetarian and vegan gravy options, Roast Wokingham caters to all.

As for the little ones, child portions cost £7.

Mr Murray said that Roast Wokingham has recently begun offering wine pairings with each dish, too.

“We’re working with The Tasting Bar who have selected wines that will go with beef, pork, lamb and more,” he said.

“For those placing large orders

Residents urged to fight plan for 1,600 new homes a year EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE LEADER of the council is calling all residents to fight the Government’s plan to build 1,635 homes in the borough each year.

for lots of people, we thought it would be nice to be able to offer them a bottle of wine to go with their food.

“I just think it adds a little something else to the experience.”

With Roast Wokingham only a few months old, the owners are optimistic about the future.

“The possibilities and what we can do are limitless,” he said.

If a roast dinner doesn’t float your boat, the duo have also been busy setting up a sister business called Bears Burgers & Chicken, which they run between Tuesday and Saturday each week. � For more information or to browse and place an order, visit Roast Wokingham’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ roastbusterswham

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the council said the proposed changes to national planning policy are a real and imminent danger to the borough.

He is calling on residents young and old to take four steps and help the council to make a case for lower housing numbers before the deadline on Tuesday, October 1.

The changes to planning guidance would see the housing numbers increase from 750 per year to 1,635.

Cllr Halsall said: “I think our residents would be comfortable with 400 to 500 homes per year, even the 600 to 700 mark is too high.

“But 1,635 is huge — the borough can’t take it.”

He said it is entirely the residents’ job to fight the numbers, but led by the council leader.

The borough council is currently compiling a crossparty campaign to battle the new plans.

This includes a consultation to complete and a petition on the Government website.

“Residents will be written to by the council, asking them to do four things,” Cllr Halsall said.

“They need to write to their MP, write to the housing

minister, sign the petition and fill out the consultation.”

Cllr Halsall said the reason Wokingham’s housing numbers had increased dramatically was because of the statistical measure used.

He said: “They’ve seen the explosion of housing from our strategic development sites and think we’re capable of delivering more.

“The system prejudices people who have done what they’re supposed to be doing.”

He added: “Councils with no local plan and no housing delivery have had their housing numbers reduced.

“We’ve played according to the rules, and the problem with the white paper is if you play according to the rules, you’re penalised.”

Cllr Halsall said he is hoping to upset a few people in central government with his efforts to block the plans.

Last week, he wrote a blog post for political website, Conservative Home.

“I’m trying to get as many Conservative MPs on side, matching MPs to predicted housing numbers, and writing to them individually,” he added.

“Despite having a Conservative government and a Conservative council, I’m prepared to oppose issues that Whitehall finds acceptable that I don’t find acceptable.

“National and local governments do not have to align, even in the same party.

I’m here to serve the people of Wokingham.”

He also said the motivation behind the white paper was economic nonsense.

“The Government wants to produce more houses so the prices go down, that’s nonsense,” he said. “The housing market doesn’t work that way.

“Principally, development can only happen sensibly if it comes from the borough.

“But local authorities aren’t the deliverer of housing, it's the developers.

“There are a million properties in the UK with planning permission that haven’t been built.

“We should be getting developers to do what they're saying and not sit on them.”

He also believes that Gladmans may look to build on Woodcray Meadows again, using the new guidelines to their advantage.

“The Woodcray appeal shows we’ve got the best of the best for fighting appeals.

“But if the planning guidance goes through, almost everything is up for grabs.

There’s a probability it’ll return again.”

If the new white paper goes ahead without a hitch, the borough will be expected to build 1,635 new homes every year, starting in 27 days.

“From October 1, we won’t be able to demonstrate a five year land supply,” added Cllr Halsall.

This, he said, would open the gates to new appeals and development plans. � To sign the petition visit: bit.ly/ EnougisEnough

To get behind campaign, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/fairplayinhousing

Rodda ‘yet to be convinced’ by paper READING EAST MP Matt Rodda also has reservations over the Government’s white paper on planning.

“I am concerned about these new proposals, I think they could make things a lot worse,” he said.

“The priority should be on building on brownfield land before the greenfield is used.

“There are some great examples in Reading of that happening – I thought we had a sensible approach here.”

Mr Rodda, whose constituency includes parts of Earley and Woodley, cited the Woodley Airfield development as a good repurposing of land no longer in use.

“It really is an attractive place to live,” he said. “That used to be an airfield and now it’s housing – there are places like that in Berkshire where you can build on without building on the countryside.”

He also highlighted projects such as the redevelopment of the former Homebase and Toys R Us site in Reading’s town centre.

“We should try and find disused bits of industrial land and build on those first rather than green areas,” he added.

And the MP also raised concerns about infrastructure.

“I’ve yet to be convinced,” he said of whether the white paper went far enough to create roads, schools and doctors’ surgeries.

“The government has a poor track record on this,” Mr Rodda continued. “There are lots of new developments which are built without proper surgeries and roads.

“In densely populated areas, we should be trying to get high quality public transport available so that people can use the train, or the bus, and take traffic off the roads.

“If everybody tried to use the roads at the same time that would be impossible. We have to provide good quality public transport and better investments in stations.

“We need more investment and support for buses so that people who do have to drive have a bit more road space to use.”

Mr Rodda is hoping that residents will get behind Wokingham Borough Council’s campaign.

“I’m happy to work with the council on a cross-party basis to try and preserve green space and encourage brownfield development and a sensible mixture of housing so that there’s some council housing, and starter homes as well as big executive homes.

“This means that there’s a range of different houses for people on different income brackets to purchase.”

Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 5

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Sue Ryder permanently closes Wokingham Day Hospice EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CHARITY has permanently closed its day hospice in the borough.

Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice has shut its base at Wokingham Community Hospital, just three years after receiving a £200,000 donation.

It was gifted by Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust to keep the services running as the trust merged with the hospice.

Now, the decision to close has been informed by a review of the day services, which had seen a decline in Wokingham before the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "While all our day services are currently closed due to coronavirus, our day hospice site in Wokingham will not be continuing, as attendee numbers have been reducing for some time.

“We will keep our day services in Reading and in Newbury and patients from the Wokingham area will be invited to these sites.

“We will also keep the Wokingham community services including the clinical nurse specialists, doctors and therapists.”

They added: “The day hospice teams at Wokingham are all being offered alternative roles within the organisation."

The hospice said the review was conducted to ensure it is using limited funds in the best way possible.

The spokesperson said: “The outbreak of coronavirus meant that we fast-forwarded to the testing of some of the virtual methods that we were planning to look at and we have been very pleased with how those methods have worked for our patients.

"Adding some virtual care into our day service provision at Duchess of Kent is only one of the improvements that we will be making, along with increasing the face-to-face, tailored, therapeutic support for patients provided by our consultants and clinical nurse specialists, supported by our multidisciplinary healthcare team at the hospice.

"We are in the process of shaping the details of the new model, but support from our wonderful team of volunteers will remain an integral part of the offering and please be reassured that our intention is to offer more care to more people, not less to fewer.”

Back in April, the charity warned it was facing a £12 million funding gap, after its usual fundraising activities were put on hold due to the lockdown.

It launched a fundraising appeal, calling for support from the public.

In 2017, the day hospice was given £200,000 by Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust, which decided to merge with Sue Ryder to run the hospice.

The community group, which ran for 26 years said that fundraising had become increasingly difficult and because the two charities shared similar aims, it was appropriate to join forces.

At the time, Dr Martin Haslam, chairman of the trust said: “Things change and trustees recognise that in the current climate fundraising is increasingly difficult.

“It would be right to use our funds in a way that would be most effective, we looked very hard.

“I am very pleased we’re able to make the donation and we will be able to continue our work.”

And Stuart Marks, Sue Ryder’s hospice director, said he was delighted to work with the trust.

Mayor celebrates animal hunters YOUNGSTERS across Wokingham have been awarded for their animal hunting skills.

Over the summer holidays, children were invited to explore Buckhurst Meadows and find the 12 animals hiding in a trail.

All correct entries were given a certificate, and £10 Love To Shop vouchers were awarded to winners in three age groups: three-to-five

years, six-to-eight years, and nineto-12 years.

At the weekend, Cllr Malcolm Richards, Wokingham borough mayor presented the certificates and prizes.

Holly Gigg won in the three-to five years category, Sean Doran won in the six-to-eight years category and Nia Beckett won in the nine-to-12 years group.

Buckhurst Meadows is one of the borough’s newest green spaces, and is part of the Montague Park development.

The trail was organised by Wokingham Borough Council’s Community Engagement Team and My Journey, and sponsored by David Wilson Homes, who donated the .voucher prizes.

Picture: Steve Smyth

6 | NEWS

Refugee support group hosts fundraising walk FORBURY Gardens will host a group stroll in the park later this month.

On Wednesday, September 16, Reading Refugee Support Group will lead the Reading Legal Walk.

Residents from the greater Reading area have been invited to walk 10km to raise money for refugees and people seeking asylum in the area.

The money raised will be used to support refugees with free legal advice.

Nick Harborne, CEO of Reading Refugee Support Group told Wokingham.Today: “It’s a very tricky time for us, as it is with all charities post-Covid.

“The pandemic is going to turn fundraising upside down for most charities, so it is absolutely vital that we continue to get support from the public.

The money we raise from Reading Legal Walk will go towards keeping the organisation open — it’s that simple.”

Mr Harborne said that funds raised will be spread out across the organisation to provide legal advice, English classes, and help people get settled status to remain in the UK. Last year, the charity was able to support more than 150 refugee families and individuals with free legal advice services.

For more information on how to sign up, visit: rrsg.org.uk/reading-legal-walk-2020

Illegal puppy breeding THE PUBLIC Protection Partnership is warning residents not to buy their new pet form unlicenced breeders.

In April, Lucy’s Law was passed, meaning anyone getting a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre.

When selling puppies, licensed breeders are required to show them interacting with their mother where they were born.

Any concerns about the sale of puppies should be emailed to: licensing@wokingham.gov.uk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

Council plans to re-build Gorse Ride estate with 249 eco homes

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE BOROUGH council has submitted plans to demolish a housing estate in Finchampstead and and re-build it with 71 more homes.

The multi-million pound project will see low-quality social housing in Gorse Ride replaced with 249 energy efficient homes. Of these, 185 will be affordable housing.

“The Gorse Ride development is an incredibly important project for the area,” said Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing.

“Unfortunately, the existing houses are in poor condition and refurbishment simply wasn’t an option.”

Steve Bowers, chairman of the community steering group, said: “The new development will bring some great new social housing to the area. I look forward to the regeneration so we can rebuild the community.”

According to Wokingham Borough Council, their landscaping proposals were designed to create a green and wooded feel to the area, and will help address historic flooding issues in the area.

The plans include an integrated pond where floodwater can drain

The new homes will have electric car charging points installed in a bid to tackle carbon emissions when occupied Picture: WBC

away naturally, while enabling wildlife to flourish in the area.

Last year, Cockayne Court Care Home and surrounding properties at Gorse Ride were demolished under an earlier planning application.

Now, 46 new homes are being built to replace them.

According to Wokingham Borough Council, this community regeneration project is one of the ways in which the climate emergency is being addressed in the area.

“Tackling climate change is incredibly important to the council so reducing the carbon footprint of the development has been a key part of the design process,” Cllr Kaiser added.

He said that the new homes have been designed to be eco-friendly, and include elements such as electric car charging points and integrated waste stores to encourage recycling.

This application forms one of the final phases of the redevelopment

plans in Billing Avenue, Orbit Close, Dart Close, Firs Close and parts of Gorse Ride South and Whittle Close.

The planning application is expected to then be considered later this autumn.

Subject to consent, the council says that the scheme will be delivered in phases over the next five years. Public Consultation ends on Friday, September 18. � To comment on the plans, search for application 202133 at: planning.wokingham.gov.uk

Lib Dems challenge council leader over money wasting allegations

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE DEPUTY leader of Wokingham’s Liberal Democrats has demanded an apology from the leader of the council over allegations made in Wokingham.Today.

Cllr Clive Jones is calling for Cllr John Halsall to publicly apologise for blaming the Liberal Democrats for what he says is a non-existent delay in approving a solution for wet recycling.

In the front page article of our August 13 edition, Cllr Halsall said the Lib Dems’ decision to call-in the executive’s vote to fund recycling sacks would delay the purchase of the sacks and cost the council £15,000 to £20,000 a week, leading to extra costs of around £100,000 or more.

Cllr Jones, the Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson, led the call-in, questioning whether the executive committee had followed council procedures correctly (see page 14).

He told Wokingham.Today: “At the call-in we proved that the decision to finally

approve the change of systems was put off by the Conservatives after the Lib Dems highlighted that funding had been approved without a business case.

“The final decision would therefore be taken at the executive on Thursday, September 24.

“Approval of spending above £50,000 must have a full business case and the lack of a business case at the Thursday, July 30, executive meeting means that the delay which Cllr Halsall says will cost the council £15,000 to £20,000 a week was entirely due to the Conservatives’ incompetence.

“They should have ensured that the report going to the executive on September 24 was ready for the July 30 meeting.

“If it had been there would have been no delay in implementing the Conservatives’ scheme.

“Blaming Lib Dems for the delay is quite ridiculous and Cllr Halsall should apologise to residents and to the Lib Dems.

“Conservative councillors who gave evidence to the call-in confirmed that the

sacks were never going to be purchased until after September 24, completely contradicting Cllr Halsall.”

He added: “I have written to Cllr Halsall asking for an apology and I expect to get one.

“Misleading residents in this way for the sake of petty political point scoring is not acceptable.”

Cllr Halsall replied to Cllr Jones’ open letter, saying that the council will probably not be able to procure the sacks ahead of the wet weather season.

He said: “The annual cost of doing nothing is estimated at £600,000 per annum; that cost is incurred during the wet months which are usually during the winter so £15,000-£20,000 per week.

“I expect that we shall incur much of this cost this year due to the delay unless

we can short circuit the lead-time.”

Cllr Halsall added: “There are many concerns that I have with the call-in, which will be addressed in due course.

“However, I believe that in these straightened times the council must do everything in its power to reduce unnecessary expenditure.

“The penalty of collecting wet waste circa £600,000 per annum should have been facilitated by all parties.”

Cllr Halsall also accused Cllr Jones of political point scoring within his letter.

He added: “Now that the call-in has been confirmed and supported the executive decision, we shall do everything we can to ensure that the implementation is speedy and efficient.”

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� Letters page 19

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‘Bonkers signs make it feel like you’re driving through Bracknell’ EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE CHOICE of road signs for the Arborfield Cross Relief Road are bonkers, according to a Swallowfield Road resident.

Christiaan Munro and his neighbours in Arborfield Court are frustrated with the large road signs installed in a rural setting.

Mr Munro said the sign on Swallowfield Road is too large for a 40mph rural road.

He told Wokingham.Today: “It’s too big in our opinion, I understand that road sign letters need to be a certain size for the speed of the road, but the A327 Reading Road which has a 60pmh limit has the same size sign.

“We’ll be having people come from all four corners of the country because it's so big.”

He added: “The signage just wrecked the vibe of the area — it looks bonkers.”

Mr Munro said the residents of Arborfield Court have been plagued by uncertainty, noise and disturbance for several years while the road was planned and then built.

He said: “It was acknowledged by Wokingham Borough Council in previously published documents during consultation that ‘Arborfield Court in particular would have its immediate setting severely affected’, but we had not envisaged quite the lengths that would be gone to, to severely affect our setting.”

But he said the concern was not about the visual impact to residents, but the impact on the scenic environment and the wider village feel.

“It feels like driving through Bracknell town centre or Slough rather than the countryside,” he said.

“They’ve done all sorts of planting and building a green bridge, but that’s

quashed by these massive signs. It’s just craziness.”

He also believes the sign, which is adjacent to the entrance to Arborfield Court, will have little use to traffic.

“I imagine that only local traffic and visitors to Henry Street Garden Centre would be approaching the relief road from this direction,” he said.

“So I feel that the sign not only is an eyesore but very much redundant.”

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said: “The signs are the minimum sizes stipulated by national highways standards linked to the speed of the road and have been agreed in line with Wokingham Borough Council’s signage strategy.

“The amount of content on a sign will increase the overall size of it, therefore a sign on a 40mph road can be just as big as a 60mph road because it contains more local destinations and other information, which is often

Arborfield Court residents say the sign is too big for a rural road Picture: Christiaan Munro

the case with local and strategic signing.

“The signs immediately outside the entrance to Arborfield Court are to a specified standard and cannot be seen from

Arborfield Court itself, only the entrance way.

“The verges will be planted with grass and hedgerows installed along the fencing in late October 2020."

Restaurants decide to continue eat out scheme at their own expense EVEN THOUGH the Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme is over, dining out doesn’t have to be expensive, writes Charlotte King.

A number of restaurants across the borough have pledged to continue offering customers the discount at the eatery’s expense.

The Government scheme was designed to increase trade during August, and one Wokingham restaurant has committed to extending the dine out deal throughout September and October.

The Tamarind Tree has promised to offer customers 50% food up to £10 for the coming two months, and will cover the cost themselves.

This discount will be available on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for customers dining in.

And it’s not only The Tamarind Tree that is going the extra mile to keep customers happy.

The Peacock Farm in Bracknell is also gearing up to offer pub-goers a discount throughout September.

Hall & Woodhouse, the company which runs the Bracknell pub, has committed to extend the Eat Out To Help Out’scheme in the majority of its pubs until the end of the month.

Matt Kearsey, managing director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “It only seemed right that we extend the offer ourselves, as a thank you to the guests who have supported us since our reopening.”

Other restaurants in Wokingham Borough which are extending the scheme include The Lord Raglan, Rossini’s, and Sultan Balti Palace.

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Tributes paid to former councillor Helen Power

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A FORMER Wokingham Borough Council has passed away.

Helen Power, who served on Evendons ward, stood down in February last year, just nine months after being elected.

Announcing her decision to stand down in January last year, she said: “Sadly over the summer (of 2018) I was told I had incurable cancer, an unusual type called ‘cancer of unknown primary’.

“I was very fit, healthy and had no family history of cancer. It was a bolt out of the blue and my life was turned upside down. It was so hard to take on board as I felt physically well but it was hard mentally to accept the diagnosis and what it really meant.”

Four cycles of “pretty brutal chemotherapy” followed before a diagnosis in September 2018, which revealed that she probably only had 12 months to live.

However, writing in Wokingham.Today in January she said: “I treasure all I’ve been able to do in this ‘extra’ time, not dramatic bucket list type things in part due to the constraints of hospital treatment, but all so precious and meaningful.”

This included welcoming an Italian Greyhound puppy into her family.

“Never having had a dog before it’s been fun, challenging and very rewarding,” she said. “A positive step that has brought so much happiness and distraction from cancer to our family.”

Party members have paid tribute to her, saying that she was an amazing and inspirational lady with a fighting spirit and a joyous personality, with a

caring nature.

They felt that during her short time as a borough councillor she fought hard for her residents and both local party members and residents of Evendons ward will always remember her with great love and affection.

Helen spent her last few weeks in the care of the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, and the party expressed its thanks to those who cared for her.

Wokingham group leader, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, said that the party’s thoughts and prayers are with husband Liam and their family.

“I first had the pleasure of getting to know Helen in 2012 when she was the political assistant to the Liberal Democrat group at Wokingham Borough Council,” he said.

“Helen was always enthusiastic, helpful, and willing to do whatever was asked of her.

“Throughout she was always passionate about supporting the local community and residents.

“My delight when Helen was elected in 2018 turned to devastation when

incurable cancer was diagnosed.

“Helen was loved and respected by everyone who knew her and made an invaluable contribution to the Liberal Democrat group. She will be remembered by everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her and will be greatly missed.”

And this sentiment was echoed by Winnersh councillor Prue Bray who, as the then group leader, worked with Helen in the office.

“She was a real pleasure to work with but also so determined to fight for what she believed in and to make a difference,” she said. “It is so hard to think she is gone.”

And Cllr Sarah Kerr, said that she treasured the Lib Dem rosette given to her by Helen during the by-election.

“Helen meant so much to so many people,” she explained.

“I have lost count of the number of times I have been stopped in the street with people asking after her.

“On a personal level, Helen was the one that inspired me to move into public service – I owe her so much. She was my mentor.

“We were supposed to do this role side by side and the by-election win was very much a bittersweet moment.

“Helen was so much more than a colleague and fellow campaigner: she was our friend.

“The memories I hold of our friendship I will treasure forever, and my only regret is that we were not able to make more memories.

“My heart goes out to Helen’s family and friends.”

In January, Helen wrote: “I feel very much part of a wonderfully supportive community in Wokingham and would like to thank everyone, for so many good wishes and kindnesses.”

Wokingham neighbours celebrate Merdeka Day WHILE the UK was busy celebrating the summer Bank Holiday, one Wokingham resident was organising an entirely different celebration.

Simon Suresh held a Merdeka Day festival on Monday, to honour Malaysia’s independence day, and people from all over town came together to try new food and enjoy each other’s company.

“It was amazing, it was just wonderful,” Mr Suresh said. “I don’t have family here in England, so it was really heartwarming to see what I could do for others.”

He organised the event, held in Oakey Drive, to introduce the people of Wokingham

to Malaysian cuisine, and to simply give people a reason to smile, he added.

“We found neighbours meeting each other for the first time after months,” he said.

“We found children making new friends, and we helped create a social network of support and positivity in Wokingham.”

After cooking all the food himself at home, Mr Suresh presented a wide variety of Malaysian cuisine to attendees.

Some of the dishes included Nasi Lemak, which was coconut rice with crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, boiled egg and sweet chilli sambal.

He also cooked up Malaysia Kuih,

a delicate and colourful array of desserts made from rice flour and pandan flavouring.

And people were able to enjoy a traditional rose-flavoured syrup drink.

“No one just ate and went,” Mr Suresh said.

“They sat and talked and the sun came out.

“It was nice family time for everyone involved.”

Mr Suresh organised and funded the event himself, and he hopes he can hold another celebration next year.

In total, around 30 people turned up with their children throughout the afternoon.

And they all complied to social distancing measures and Covid-19 precautions.

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Content Guru tech now integrates with Microsoft Teams A BRACKNELL-BASED business has been finding ways to make remote work easier during the coronavirus pandemic, writes Charlotte King.

Cloud communications provider Content Guru, recently announced that it will be integrating its services with Microsoft Teams.

Storm, the company’s awardwinning Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) now works with Microsoft’s workspace feature to help employees to work from home more easily.

“This creates one seamless, unified environment for employees to communicate externally and internally, both in the contact centre and throughout the wider organisation,” said a company

spokesperson.

Thanks to this development, the company is now able to link customers with back-office experts who can help them more seamlessly.

Martin Taylor, deputy CEO and cofounder of Content Guru, said: “We were one of the first to market with cloud, and has been at the forefront of flexible API integrations.”

He believes that Microsoft Teams has led to customers expecting more from contact centres.

“Meeting these heightened expectations is especially important given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has made the need for efficient Unified Communications even more apparent,” he added.

Redundancy risk in over 50s

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

RECENT research by the ONS has shown certain employees facing redundancy are at risk of discrimination.

Looking at the data, Sue Dowling, head of Blandy & Blandy’s Employment Law team, said that employees in certain age groups and from particular backgrounds are likely to be disproportionately affected in terms of job losses resulting from the ongoing economic downturn.

She said: “The data highlighted that the number of workers in the UK fell by 730,000 between March and July 2020.

“It showed that workers aged 18 to 24 and those over 50 were more likely to lose their jobs amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, while Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) workers were nearly 50% more likely to be affected than those in a nationally representative sample.”

Ms Dowling added: “Alongside job losses, workers have also experienced reductions in their working hours and incomes and the number of people employed on a

zero hours contract has risen from 156,000 to 1.05 million in the past six months – a record level.

“Redundancy and reorganisation situations can be overwhelming and unsettling for anyone in the workplace, particularly for those whose roles have been placed at risk.”

Ms Dowling said that before any redundancies are implemented, employers must implement carefully considered selection or consultation procedures, to ensure that employees are treated fairly and lawfully.

And failure to adopt a fair process, or allowing the process to be tainted with unlawful discrimination, may result in an employee making claim for compensation for unlawful discriminationor unfair dismissal.

“According to the Equality Act 2010, age, disability, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and gender re-assignment represent protected characteristics,” Ms Dowling added.

“Employees cannot be treated less favourably by their employers because of these characteristics.”

She said the Blandy & Blandy team can also help employers design and conduct fair restructuring and redundancy processes. � For more information or legal advice, visit: www.blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800

£60 million invested in South East startups The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme has invested more than £623 million in small businesses across the UK, writes Charlotte King.

Staff at healthcare company cycle 166 miles for charity ONE WOKINGHAM office isn't just going the extra mile to raise money for charity — it’s going an extra 166 miles, writes Charlotte King.

Libertatem Healthcare Group is an organisation which supports people who have suffered brain and spinal injuries.

And it is organising a 166-mile virtual relay event to fundraise for the Spinal Injuries Association, a charity which helps people with spinal cord injuries lead fulfilled lives.

On Wednesday, September 16, nine employees from Libertatem Healthcare Group will be gearing up for the virtual event where they will cycle from their Shute End head office, to the Spinal Injuries

The programme has been running since 2012, and on Monday, August 24, the bank announced that it had issued its 75,000th loan.

And 9% of these loans have been given to businesses and entrepreneurs in the South East.

This means that more than £60 million has been invested in start-ups in South East England over the

Association House in Milton Keynes, and back again.

“We work to give our clients independence in everything we do,” a spokesperson for Libertatem Healthcare Group explained.

“The Spinal Injury Association is a fantastic charity and it was the first charity that came to mind for us,” they added.

“This will not be our last event that we’re going to do with the Association, too, I promise you this.”

To raise money for the charity event, Libertatem Healthcare Group have set up a JustGiving page where they are hoping to raise £1,000. � For more information, or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ libertatemhealthcare

past eight years.

When split regionally, the South East received one of the highest amounts of loans, falling short of London and the North West.

Richard Bearman, managing director of Start Up Loans, said: “Government backed finance for people looking to start their own businesses has never been more than it is currently.

“As well as being key to

economic growth over the long term, Government support for small businesses around the UK continues to drive investment into the regions.”

Alongside issuing loans, the Start Up Loans programme also offers each business a support package from the British Business Bank which includes access to a free business expert for 12 months.

Two borough tech companies are nominated for Thames Valley awards CONFETTI cannons are at the ready, because two borough companies could be celebrating later this month.

Creat3D and Volume have been shortlisted for the Thames Valley Tech Awards 2020, which celebrate the best of technology within the area.

Creat3D, a 3D printing company in Winnersh that specialises in manufacturing and engineering, entered the awards for the first time last year. It was shortlisted for Tech SME of the Year.

This year, the organisation is up for two awards: The Emerging Tech

Company and Tech SME of the YEAR. And global artificial intelligence company Volume is among the finalists for; Innovative Tech Company; Tech Employer of the Year; and Tech SME of the Year.

The event, hosted by Elcot Media and Events, celebrates technology companies from startups to global players.

David Murray, founding and managing director, said: “After an uncertain and difficult few months, it’s been great to read about the successes and innovation that have featured in

the award entries from outstanding technology businesses in the Thames Valley.”

The winners of this year’s awards will be announced on Thursday, September 24 at a virtual ceremony hosted by Vernon Kay. � To see the full list of awards and nominees, visit: tvtechawards.co.uk

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Above: Flick in action; Below: Stuart Hutton; Left: Kara Van Park with Jeff Speed and landlady Hattie Gutzman

Pub’s bank holiday party helps Forbury Three A WOKINGHAM pub helped honour the Forbury Three with a special fundraising event on Bank Holiday Monday.

In normal times, The Hope & Anchor in Station Road hosts live music every Saturday night — this has not been possible during lockdown.

But last weekend it turned its beer garden into a festival arena.

On Sunday, it hosted three acts: Flick, Stuart Hutton and Peach and two of the Prairie Dogs.

The beer garden, with tables set for social distancing, was as packed with people enjoying the last blast of summer.

And the following evening, Kara Van Park came up from Brighton to serenade and entertain people and raise funds in honour of the three victims of the recent alleged Forbury Gardens attack: James Furlong, David Wails and Joe RitchieBennett.

Ms Park was making her debut in Wokingham, and had come up from Brighton especially for the occasion.

“I do feel it’s very important to raise awareness and also to try and create something positive out of something that has been so negative and so bad,” she said.

“As a community, I think we’ve all got so much more to go. I will do just what I can to make sure that there is awareness out there and to try and put a smile (on

people’s faces) and get through things.”

And as this was her first visit to Wokingham, how was it?

“It’s been amazing, it’s been so much fun,” she said. “I was a little bit worried because it’s always difficult coming to a new venue in an area you don’t know, and not knowing how you’re going to be received, but it has been so good.

“Everyone has been really warm, really welcoming and it’s been a lot of fun.”

All Saints to move graves ahead of £3 million project EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk WORK on the £3 million restoration project at an historic Wokingham church has begun, including a consultation on the relocation of some graves in the churchyard.

The proposals for All Saints in Wiltshire Road include building a parish room in the churchyard connected to the clergy vestry. It will also link to the existing Cornerstone community centre by a covered walkway.

Before the new room is built, known graves will be consulted on with surviving relatives.

And “where necessary” the remains will be relocated within the churchyard, and gravestones kept alongside.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Oxford said: “The Church of England system for obtaining permissions for works to churches and in churchyards is very rigorous and gives extensive consideration to not only the need for the proposed changes but also how they will be undertaken.

“This ensures that historic fabric is properly assessed and retained wherever possible, as well as minimising any impact on graves and memorials.”

She said where there was an impact on graves and memorials, consultations had to be made legally to heirs and to the wider community.

“In order to provide the new community facilities a number of memorials will be relocated. Details of these, and where they are to be relocated to, are available to view in the church porch.”

The first phase, which costs £1 million, will begin in spring next year

All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road is planning a new parish room Picture: Steve Smyth

and aims to create a space for all.

It will include removing the pews and replacing them with flexible seating and a new floor. It is hoped this will make social distancing and cleaning the chairs easier. Plans to alter the church floor are currently being approved by the Diocese of Oxford and planning permission has been granted.

A new door and disabled toilets will also be added to make the buildings more accessible, and there will be improvements to the kitchen and sound system.

The Revd Canon David Hodgson, the Rector of All Saints, said: “Our spaceforall project is an ambitious one that aims to provide a modern community space for Wokingham for generations to come.

“This is a real opportunity to bless the community in a time when people are in even more need of somewhere

they can go for support “We have talked to a lot of different organisations who are in need of meeting spaces. The Cornerstone community centre is already well used and often fully booked.

“The work will transform All Saints into a hub for a variety of projects as well as Christian worship.

“We have been grateful for the support of the people of Wokingham, our congregation, the Diocese of Oxford and all of the donors that are helping the vision become a reality.”

All Saints Church is the oldest public building in Wokingham town centre and is a listed building of historical importance.

A heritage project involving history enthusiasts from the town has been launched, along with a bid for National Lottery heritage funding.

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New high-tech gym open to all in Wokingham

T

HEY want to modernise Wokingham's gym scene, and they have the experience and know-how to do it.

In a few months, Adam Piper (general manager), Anthony Cromack (owner) and James Murray (sales manager) will be opening the new gym — énergie Fitness.

Having worked in leisure for 17 years, Mr Piper said he is determined to use his industry knowledge to create a gym that will get everyone on their feet.

"When people exercise, they are happier, healthier and more motivated," he said. "énergie Fitness gyms are friendly, and the atmosphere is fun and motivational."

With brand new equipment and state-of-the-art technology, Mr Piper doesn't just want to help people exercise, he wants to help them get fit and stay that way.

"We've got MyZone fitness tracking and Fit 3D body scanning," he explained. "That's where you stand on a rotating platform and the machine scans your body, taking 1,200 images.

"It then builds a 3D avatar of you which it sends straight to your phone, so when you come back and do it again, you can compare the two and see your progress".

On top of that, énergie Fitness is offering a new training space called

The Yard for boxing and exercise classes.

He added: "It's important to us that we are inclusive, this is a gym for everyone. That is why we have the second fully accessible Changing Places facility in the whole of Wokingham.”

Gym facilities include disabled access, showers, lockers, personal trainers, group exercise classes, cardio area, free weights area, resistance training, functional training, refill stations and expert staff.

Social distancing has been worked into the design.

"We are very focused on creating a clean space where members are safe," Mr Piper explained.

"We have the advantage of knowing about the Covid-19 pandemic before opening."

The new fitness centre features an Airius air purification system which eliminates up to 99% of all known viruses, bacteria and germs.

Customers will be able to see how many people are at the gym at all times and can book slots in advance via their app.

Alongside the Covid-19 safety measures, staff will be ensuring gym-users are social distancing, workout spaces are clean, and hand sanitiser is available.

The first 200 people to sign up to énergie Fitness Wokingham will be eligible for a pre-sale promotion.

The classic membership package costs £28.99 a month but will cost only £26.99 at the discounted price.

The gym is also offering a WOW membership, Mr Piper explained, which gives customers added extras including access to all énergie Fitness gyms nationwide, unlimited use of the Fit3D Body Scanner and

extra classes. A WOW membership costs £34.99 a month, but some lucky customers can get the deal for £29.99 if they're in the first 200. � For more information about énergie Fitness Wokingham and the membership packages, visit: www.energiefitness.com/ wokingham

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Special two-page report by JESS WARREN

Recycling sacks: Councillors give approval for spending without business case or trial EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk LAST WEDNESDAY, the overview and scrutiny management committee at Wokingham Borough Council agreed to continue with the decisions made for the recycling sacks.

But this was met with frustration by the Wokingham Liberal Democrat Group.

The decision made at the executive meeting on Thursday July 30, to approve funding for the purchase of recycling sacks was questioned by Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat lead for environment.

‘Where were the documents?’

Addressing the committee in an opening speech, Cllr Jones said the call-in would not have happened if the council executive had all the relevant information last month.

This, he said, included the report commissioned by the council and compiled by environmental consultants, Resource Futures which details the variety of recycling options, from sacks to hard lids and

shower cap-style covers.

It was not published prior to the meeting, but made available to councillors over a week later.

Cllr Jones also said there should have been a full business case provided at the finance meeting, questioning why the executive was asked to approve funding for something they cannot see a cost-breakdown for.

“The delay is the Conservatives’ fault — They have cost the taxpayer £100,000,” he said.

Cllr Jones added any delay in the plans was not caused by the Lib Dems, but by poor management from the Conservatives.

He said: “There has been a ridiculous assertion from the leader of the council that this call-in has delayed the council making a decision and that this delay will cost several thousand pounds, perhaps somewhere between £91,000 and £98,000.”

Cllr Jones said Lib Dems could not have delayed progress, because the decision to buy the bags is not being made until the executive meeting on Thursday, September 24.

He added: “The forward executive programme for The hard top lids and shower-cap style covers used in Cheltenham Borough Council Picture: Jess Warren

‘The council should be more organised’ Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat lead for environment, led the callin last week.

Reflecting on the meeting, Cllr Jones said the report outlining different recycling storage options was flawed, and not worth £36,000.

He told Wokingham.Today: “I would question whether it's money well spent. The is nothing in that report officers couldn’t work out for themselves.

“In December, the council knew they had a problem with wet waste. They should have quickly looked at the options themselves — they didn’t need to appoint Resouce Futures four months later.

“If the executive decided to do that in January, they could have

August to November, published on July 30 at 11.48am announced that this proposal to mitigate against wet paper would be on the agenda for the executive meeting on September 24.

“Plastic hessian sacks, also known by some as just hessian sacks would therefore go to the September executive for final approval.

“The hold up therefore is not with this call-in, it’s with the Conservatives and it's them who have cost the council and the tax payers nearly £100,000,” he added.

Cllr Jones also said the lack of documentation provided to the executive in July showed an

carried out a trial of the three solutions, lids, shower caps and sacks in six different wards, during the spring showers.

“They would have been ready with the results for the executive in June or July. They’re not on top of things and it's costing money.”

Cllr Jones said he thought the council could have been more organised, and secure a decision to implement this autumn.

He added: “Parry agreed readily that the call-in had not held up the purchase of the bags.”

absense of clarity and openness within the council.

‘Why didn’t the executive see the recycling report?’

There was some confusion at the meeting over which executive members had seen the recycling option report detailing the various solution, such as wheelie bins, caps and sacks, before the July meeting.

Cllr Jones said: “I was horrified when I learned two days before the executive meeting that the executive member for the environment hadn’t seen the options report — why on earth not?

“The agenda for the executive was published on Thursday, July 23. It would be natural to assume that the executive member leading the project has seen all the papers and approved all the recommendations prior to the agenda being published. Not so in this case.

“We know this because at our briefing with officers we asked to see the report and were told that officers would have to check because the executive member for the environment hadn’t seen it yet, and we couldn’t see it before him.”

But Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment at Wokingham Borough Council confirmed the first time he saw the report was on Tuesday, July 28.

He said: “Clive, you made the point that I hadn’t seen the report by July 28. Yes, the report was made available to me and we received the report on lunchtime on July 28.

“I don’t know why officers would say I hadn’t seen the report.”

Cllr Batth said the reason for bringing the recycling sacks to the July executive meeting was to secure the funding for them.

He said: “We were worried about being in the position that wet weather would be upon us.”

But Cllr Jones said: “It is a lot of money, you should have had all of the details before you. The details should have been published on Thursday, July 23, in the executive papers, for you, the other executive members and members of the public to see all of the information.”

Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hawkedon, asked Cllr Jones whether he thought the impact and pressure of coronavirus would give the council scope to relax its reports.

Cllr Jones replied, stating: “No, there aren’t any exceptions.

I have read in the press that maybe there should be some exceptions accepted this time because of Covid-19. And I started my presentation by recognising the really good work that many of our councillors have put in during the last six months. But it isn’t an excuse not to furnish the executive committee with the details.”

‘Will there be a trial?’

At the meeting, questions were flying as to whether the new recycling sacks, or any of the recycling storage options would be trialled before use.

Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal Democrat councillor for Evendons said: “Clive, as the shadow member for this executive area, would you normally expect to have information about something like this sooner?”

Cllr Jones said: “Yes, at the end of last year there was going to be a trial for some plastic lids in two wards.

“We regularly asked when the trial was going to happen. In March we were told the trial wasn’t going to happen and that consultants had been engaged and would be looking at some further alternatives.

“And then we find that it is

‘There was not much time for scrutiny’ AFTER the meeting, Cllr Carl Doran said there wasn’t much scrutiny and the committee debate time had been scrapped.

He told Wokingham.Today: “We’re given the running order, and the section before voting was for deliberation.

That’s time for the committee to sit and chat among themselves about it. But it was missed out.

“We had reached three hours by that point, I don’t think the scrutinising was done.”

In the meeting, Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance told Cllr Doran the agenda item for July was an issue of semantics.

He said last month’s decision was for funding allocation and next month’s decision would be for a solution to the wet waste problem.

“I assumed going into this that the decision was about buying the sacks,” said Cllr Doran. ”But what became clear from Cllr Kaiser was that the

decision was to put aside some money for a solution that had not been decided.

“In July, the executive voted to approve funding for the purchase of the sacks. If the committee went for a different choice in September, would they have the money to spend?

“Because that money has been set aside for the sacks, not the lids or covers.”

Cllr Doran said he thinks the September meeting will be a formality, and the decision to choose sacks will be made then.

He added: “I can’t see why the whole decision wasn’t made in one go. Or why the executive last month didn’t allocate funding for a solution to the wet waste problem, rather than bags specifically.”

Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 15

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NEWSFOCUS “Given the impact of wet weather on the environment and the council finances it was important to implement a solution.”

Cllr Batth added: “The final report was issued in late July and included testing of the bags by council officers.

“There was no intent to hide anything. The decision to implement the bags is coming in September, the July executive was to ensure the financial resources for the bags were available.”

Has the constitution been ignored?

The scrutiny committee voted to confirm the executive decision to set aside funding for the recycling sacks plan. The recycling sacks themselves have not been approved — this may happen at the meeting this month

going before the executive to approve the finance but no backup papers with it.”

Constitutional issues Cllr Carl Doran, Labour councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates asked Cllr Jones as to whether the constitution had been broken by not consulting residents on the plans He said: The call-in is about the principles of decision making in the constitution. The one I'm particularly interested in is recycling — which says due consultation and the taking of advice with officers. What do you think due consultation means in this context?”

Cllr Jones said he believed the residents of the borough should have been asked about changes.

He said: “I think there should have been some consultation with the residents. The council started off with the intention of a trial in Hillside and Shinfield South, probably 7,000 houses between them, or maybe more with all the building happening in Shinfield South.

“That would have given us a better idea of what the residents think and if the lids are effective. But the consultants came in and that idea was canned.”

Defending the decision to use consultants was senior strategy officer Peter Baveystock.

He said: “Last autumn we were losing a significant amount of paper. Through the winter we were working on a solution for this autumn and winter.

“We worked through the winter to see the options. We did look to implement a trial with lids, but if it was a disaster we would have lost six weeks of time. So we decided to go down the consultants route.

“We have a good report for a short term fix for this autumn.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t available for the July meeting so we prepared the finances first to then present the executive report in September.”

Cllr Emma Hobbs, Conservative councillor for Charvil, said not including the recycling option report in the July meeting was the fault of Resources Futures not Cllr Batth.

She said: “If the consultants didn’t come back in time, surely that’s not his fault, but a delay from consultants.”

She added: “I happen to recall we discussed with the residents what they were looking [with waste collection] for and it was an absolute no to wheelie bins.”

But Cllr Jones said that survey was conducted in 2017, and public opinion could have changed in the last three years.

“That could be out of date now, attitudes change,” he said.

“I was personally never a fan of wheelie bins until we got our green waste bin and now I think they’re great.”

‘A process of continuous improvement’ Cllr Batth presented his argument for the sacks, also citing the 2017 survey.

He said: “On the consultation side, the council officers did a waste and recycling survey in 2017, and the results of that survey found the majority of the residents supported weekly waste collection and were satisfied with the blue bags.”

He said the borough council has adopted a “culture of continuous improvement” when it comes to waste management.

“We introduced food waste in 2019 and it was seen by residents as a very successful scheme,” he said. “In 2019, we launched a Stamp Out The Damp campaign and answers were given to highlight the issue of wet paper, associated environmental impacts and included practical tips to keep paper and card dry.

“This included stacking boxes, covering them with something waterproof or putting them out in the morning.”

Answering Cllr Jones and Cllr Doran’s questions about the constitution and the need to consult residents was Graham Ebers, deputy chief executive of the borough council, director of services and chief finance officer.

Mr Ebers said: “I’m not saying for one minute consultation isn’t important. We have consulted on waste numerous times, one has been mentioned at this meeting.

“But constitutionally this was not a change of policy, we will continue to collect weekly in the same way, just one of the receptacles was changing.

“Constitutionally, I don’t believe there was a need for executive approval.”

He added: “Change in receptacle, although impacts all households, is not a change in policy.”

Mr Ebers also said he thought the process had been more transparent than it needed to be.

He added: “For example, if the supplier supplied [the sacks] and we didn’t have to borrow, then I believe we have authority to enact that without going to executive at all.”

‘Who runs the council?’

Cllr Kerr responded to Mr Ebers’ statement about the need

for executive approval.

She said: “We have heard from the deputy chief executive that this didn’t need to come to executive. My question is, [Cllr Batth] as the executive member — what is your role in this? Who runs this council? Officers or councillors?”

Cllr Kerr’s questions were met with fury from Conservative councillors and Cllr Kaiser, deputy leader of the council, called her question an insult.

‘Where is the business case?’

After the meeting, Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We’re pleased the committee agreed with the executive’s decision to set aside funding for a solution to wet paper and card in Wokingham Borough.

“We know our residents want us to enable them to recycle as much as possible and we believe this small change will allow this to happen.

“The council’s executive will be presented with more details on the proposals next month, including cost savings and the

Cllr Kerr also quizzed Cllr Batth on whether a business case has been written for the recycling sacks yet.

Cllr Batth said: “We put together a large brief for the consultant to work on. Once complete and returned to us, we will be putting forward the business case.”

But Cllr Kerr said: “A full business case is needed for any funding approval beyond £50,000.”

She asked why the council had ring-fenced money for the project prior to approval, without a formal business plan.

“Would you not say that by approving funding without a business case, you’re predetermining the decision in September,” she asked.

Cllr Batth said: “The report was almost like a business case.

We have sufficient information from the consultants.”

Cllr Kerr said a business case has to include a timetable and procurement approach. And any information needs to be in the public domain at the time of decision.

She also asked the committee what the lead time for the purchase and distribution of sacks is.

Council officer Mr Baveystock said the procurement takes 12 to 16 weeks.

“Delivery time is given when you place an order,” he said.

“And then it’s five weeks to

deliver.”

Cllr Kerr said the 21-week delivery means that the council would not be able to implement the sacks this autumn, if the decision is made in the September meeting.

This would mean the sacks could arrive in early 2022, and miss the wet autumn season.

She said: “The first paragraph of the proposal states the purchase sacks for implementation in autumn.

Why does it say we were rolling this out in aumum when this is impossible in the timelines we have been told?”

She asked why the business case was not put forward in July, to ensure the bags were delivered on time.

Cllr Doran also asked whether the July meeting was to approve funding or to approve the recycling sacks.

He said: “Why did the item voted for, specifically state the borrowing of money for the purchase of hessian sacks, surely they’re not mutually compatible?”

Cllr Kaiser said: “That’s what i was told and that’s why I asked for £288,000. If they asked for £500,000 or £200,000 I would have put that aside. That was not approval for the sacks.

constitutes a change, not a huge one, but a change. They said they will look into wheelie bins in the future, is that a change?”

Cllr Kerr said she supports the ambitions of boosting recycling in the borough, and was not finding fault with the overarching desire to improve recycling.

She said the scrutiny committee was to debate whether the correct process had been followed, not whether the sacks were the right solution for the borough.

“There was very little time to do the actual scrutiny,” she said.

“It should have been about the lack of process being followed.”

She added: “Parry allowed the wording to go into the agenda last month with no scrutiny on his part.

He hadn’t seen the report when the agenda was written.

“He only saw it two days before the meeting.”

Cllr Kerr said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for the environment should have had time to analyse the report from Resource Futures before the agenda item was submitted.

“The decision had been made to buy the sacks, and the report was written around it,” she alleged.

Cllr Kerr said there are numerous holes in the Resources Futures report, including the lifespan of the sacks and the capacity

‘This impacts every person in the area’’ REFLECTING on the scrutiny decision, Cllr Sarah Kerr said she felt the need to ask who was running the council.

She told Wokingham.Today: “There was blatant backtracking going on.

We need to know who is making the decisions.”

Cllr Kerr said she was unclear with the deputy chief executive of the borough council, Graham Ebers’ interpretation of a change in policy.

In the meeting, he said the change from black boxes to recycling sacks is not a change in policy, and would not warrant a consultation with residents.

“This impacts every single person in the borough. It

‘We’re pleased with the decision’

environmental benefits, before a final agreement on the bags is made.

“We will continue to inform residents on how these will be introduced going forward if an agreement is reached.”

Allocating funds in the event the sacks were purchased.”

He suggested it was an issue of semantics.

Cllr Doran said if the item had been written correctly, “none of us would be here”.

‘We’re on a journey’ Summing up the debate, council officer Chris Traill said the council is on a waste journey.

She said: “The reason we allude to that is two levels, local services and contracts and also to respond to the national waste strategy — which we are still awaiting the outcome for.”

Ms Traill said the council has to meet both short term and long term objectives and needs to prepare accordingly.

Cllr Kerr proposed a motion “to refer the matter back to executive for further consideration, to include a fully costed business case as per the constitution and a trial of three solutions”.

This motion fell. Instead, Cllr Hobbs proposed the committee confirmed the executive decision in July.

This had six votes for, five votes against and one abstention. It was approved.

— which was weighted in their favour.

She said: “We’re allowed as many sacks or black boxes as we want.

“They said the sacks have a higher capacity, but there’s no limit to how many we can have.”

She added: “It could be that sacks are the right decision, but the options appraisal was incomplete.

We can’t make a call based on that.

“We need to go back to the consultants and scrutinise that report, it’s wrong.

Given how poor the report from the consultants is, the borough council should be asking for their money back.

“It's just another waste of taxpayers money on a report that has wrong information in it. It's failed to deliver what it should have done so a refund is in order.”

16 | NEWS

PARISH NOTICEBOARD

Details of meetings of parish and borough councils Assume meetings are online – contact councils for details Friday, September 4

Wokingham Borough Council. Planning Committee site visits.

From 10am. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Monday, September 7 Hurst Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm.

Committee Room, Hurst Village Halls, School Road RG10 0DR. Sonning Parish Council. Planning committee. 7pm. Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane RG4 6XE.

Tuesday, September 8 Barkham Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm.

Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Earley Town Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. Earley Town Council offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. Sonning Parish Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane RG4 6XE. Wokingham Borough Council. Council questions and motions deadline. 10am. Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN. Wokingham Town Council. Planning and Transport Committee.

7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS.

Wednesday, September 9 Wokingham Borough Council. Planning Committee. 7pm.

Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Thursday, September 10 Wokingham Borough Council. Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board. 5pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Friday, September 11 Wokingham Borough Council. Individual Member Decisions: Appointment of Wokingham Representative to the Citizens Advice Bureau. 1pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End RG40 1BN.

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FROMTHECOURTS � A BRACKNELL man appeared before Reading Magistrates Court after being accused of a series of motoring offences in Earley.

Musa Baya had been stopped by police on March 16.

He pleaded guilty to having 114 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the drink drive limit; to driving without insurance, a valid driving license and also driving without due care and attention.

Baya, 26 and from Pendlebury, was banned from driving for 24 months; this could be reduced by 24 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

He must also pay costs of £85 and £90 to victim services.

Baya appeared at the court via a live link in accordance with the Coronavirus Act 2020. The hearing took place on July 13. � A MAIDENHEAD man who was stopped by police in Knowl Hill has been banned from driving for 18 months.

Mark Fitzgerald, 34 and from Greenfields, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 14 where he pleaded guilty to drink driving on May 21.

He had been on the A4 Bath Road and a breath test revealed he had 62 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Fitzgerald’s ban will be reduced by 18 weeks if a safe driving course is undertaken. He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and £34 to victim services.

� A WOODLEY man has been given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to shoplifting.

Joshua McClure, 23 and from Jasmine Square, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 15, where he admitted to stealing cleaning products worth £70 from a Reading branch of the Co-op.

In addition to the discharge, McClure was ordered to pay £70 compensation, £85 costs and £21 to victim services. � DRIVING while over the legal limit has seen an Earley woman given a six-week suspended jail sentence.

Rebecca Maher, 48 and from Ilfracombe Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 16, where she pleaded guilty to drink driving.

She had been stopped by police on June 2, in the Asda car park in Lower Earley. A breath test found

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks that she had 126 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

In addition to her jail term, which is suspended for 18 months, Maher was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service over the next 12 months. She is banned from driving for 36 months, which will be reduced by 36 weeks if she undertakes a safe driving course.

At the same sitting, the court heard that Maher was stopped three days later, again in the Asda car park in Lower Earley.

A breath test revealed that she had 151 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

For this, she pleaded guilty and was given an additional nine-week jail term, suspended for 18 months.

Maher must pay £85 costs and £128 to victim services. � A WOKINGHAM man has been fined £1,000 and banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months after being stopped for drink driving.

Ewan Roy Barbour, 59 and from Barkham Road, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 15.

He had been stopped on Molly Millars Lane on March 27.

A breath test revealed that he had 87 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Barbour’s driving ban will be reduced by three months on completion of a safe driving course.

In addition to the ban and fine, Barbour must pay £100 to victim services and £85 costs.

� AN EARLEY man has been banned from driving for 26 months after pleading guilty to drink driving.

William David Mears, 31 and from Beech Lane, admitted to the offence when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 17.

He had been stopped on Oxford Road in Reading on May 3. A breath test revealed that he had 101 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

In addition to the ban – which will be reduced by 26 weeks on completion to a safe driving course – Mears was ordered to undertake 120 hours of community service and pay costs of £85 and £95 to victim services.

Mears appeared by video link, as per the coronavirus act 2020. � A BINFIELD woman has been banned from driving for 12 months after pleading guilty to drug driving.

Lara Wilding, 29 and from Knox Green, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 17.

She had been stopped on Shinfield Road on December 16 last year. A test revealed that Wilding had a form of cannabis, delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol in her bloodstream.

In addition to her ban, Wilding was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and £32 to victim services.

NEWS | 17

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Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Bracknell man pleads guilty to drink driving and causing a train to derail EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A 30-YEAR-OLD man from Bracknell has pleaded guilty to driving over a level crossing, causing a train to derail in Wokingham just before Christmas last year.

Claudiu Ilinca, 30 and from Nettlecombe, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 20, where he admitted drunk driving without insurance.

The incident took place at the Waterloo Road crossing just before midnight on Thursday, December 19, 2019, at the crossing on Waterloo Road.

Ilinca’s car was struck by a train as it went over the crossing. He managed to get out of the car before the train hit it.

Amazingly, no one was seriously injured.

Police, ambulance and firecrews were on the scene from the early hours of Friday, December 20, and the junction was closed for most of the day, causing replacement buses to be used.

British Transport Police arrested Ilinca on suspicion of

drink drinking and endangering safety on the railway.

When he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court, Ilinca admitted endangering the safety of people using the railway.

A breath test revealed that he had 57 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

And he also admitted a third charge of driving without insurance.

Ilinca has been committed to Reading Crown Court for sentencing on a date and time to be fixed and he has been released on unconditional bail.

He has an interim disqualification from driving until the court has passed its sentence.

Picture: British Transport Police

Police, fire crews and paramedics were called out to the crash in December Picture: Phil Creighton

John Nike issues warning after repeat break-ins SINCE ANNOUNCING its closure in July, staff at John Nike Leisuresport Complex have been catching people breaking into the rink and slopes.

Last week, Daniel Lawrence, the group operations director made a statement on behalf of the Nike Group after two people were found breaking into the ice rink.

On Tuesday, August 25, he said: “These people were handed over to the police and will be held accountable for their actions.

“Can we please put the word out there to stop people doing this as it's highly dangerous and someone could get seriously hurt, it wastes police time when they could be helping someone in real need.

“We will be prosecuting anyone caught damaging the site. This is not an abandoned, derelict building, people are still working in it so please respect their safety.”

The next evening, three more people were caught breaking into the centre.

Mr Lawrence warned that they will be prosecuted for breaking in.

“Please stay away from the slope and the rink,” he added.

“It's not worth a criminal record and potential life changing injuries.”

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Warren Lodge: Making people happy is one of our most important roles

M

AKING people happy is one of the important roles of Warren Lodge, a warm and friendly care home that specialises in Residential and Dementia care for the borough’s older residents.

The home is located in a quiet and exclusive area of Finchampstead and offers 24-hour residential care in an elegant country residence surrounded by two acres of lawns, trees and flowers, complete with a sensory garden.

Warren Lodge’s primary aim is to improve the quality of life of its residents and their families, with an emphasis on promoting independence, choice and dignity of the individual, while maintaining a safe and secure environment with a relaxed and stimulating environment that motivates residents to a full and happy life.

Part of that includes the activities, which are based on lifestyle needs and preferences of guests.

In non-Covid times they will include days out to maybe London, garden centres, shopping trips or visits to the seaside and the Lodge would also welcome outside entertainment, all aimed at engaging residents.

Currently, the home is unable to invite visitors for their wellness program, so the talented team is busy arranging a programme that includes skittles, ball & balloon games, quizzes, book club, gardening, arts & crafts, baking etc.

It’s all masterminded by Melody, who joined the team at Warren Lodge just as lockdown started.

0118 973 4576

One of the first things she implemented was a Friday Night Experience, alternating between a classic movie, a pub sing-along or games night and a bingo session: “It’s what residents may have done in the past, we’re trying to create those experiences here,” she says.

“At the moment, with Covid, we are limited to what we can do, our whole world has changed. Reminiscence sessions are very important whether they are outings or conversation based, as they validate the lives of the residents before the on-set of dementia.

“It’s important to relive memories of what they used to do.”

Melody is clear that activities are not just for the sake of doing something. “Our role at Warren

Lodge is known as life enrichment – other places call us activity coordinators, but we’re not red coats, we’re so much more than that: we’re confidants, companions, listeners and motivators”.

“Dementia can be scary, people don’t know what’s going on, they just need someone to hold their hand and reassure. That’s a big part of our day as well as stimulating them physically, mentally and emotionally.”

This includes giving structure to the day, with physical activities in the morning, cognitive stimulation in the afternoon and then gradually winding down as the day goes on.

One such activity Melody has introduced has been a monthly armchair travel day, featuring food and activities based on a country. “The

Warren Lodge, Warren Lane, Wokingham, RG40 4HR

residents are thoroughly enjoying them, asking where the next one will be.”

She adds: “I’ve only been working within the care industry for the past 10 years or so, but I tell everyone this, by far, is the hardest most challenging job I’ve ever done, but it’s the one I love the most.” � Nothing we can write here can convey the understanding, warmth and care that Warren Lodge staff have for their residents. Our reputation is one we are very proud of and as rooms are in very short supply we often have to operate a waiting list. It is best if you meet with us at your earliest opportunity to register your interest. � Please visit Warren Lodge at any time, however as we are a busy home it’s best to telephone and arrange a visit with our manager, or administrator who will show you around. � Call 0118 973 4576 or email us at warrenlodge@foresthc.com or visit www.foresthc.com

www.foresthc.com

18 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

People power THIS WEEK, the issues at stake are pressing and involve every one of us.

You may have noticed the government’s misguided and woeful white paper on planning – housing numbers – deals Wokingham a bum hand of the highest order.

As a borough, we have been saying ‘too many’ for too long. Plans to build more than 1,600 homes a year is unsettling to say the least.

Going ahead with this plan will simply be a horror show: for our lungs, for our green spaces, for the roads and for the infrastructure.

We welcome sensible provision of the right type of housing in the right area.

And alongside it we need proper public transport links, not white elephant park and rides built where no-one will use them.

The Government’s white paper does not answer these questions. It doesn’t even ask the right questions. It is a fatally flawed document that will be horrific for all of us if it is implemented.

Government ministers don’t seem to be interested in visiting us to see for themselves.

The only way to make our voice heard is if we stand together. We need people power to stop these homes. Let’s fill out the consultation, sign the petition and lobby our MPs and write to Robert Jenrick.

There’s 28 days to go. The clock is ticking.

CHURCH NOTES

I have a dream

L

AST weekend, around 300 people attended a Black Lives Matter event at Elms Field.

Members of our baptist church congregation were there and tell me what a positive, moving and well organised event it was.

I want to encourage those who attended or were inspired by it.

Last weekend was also the anniversary of the day when the Revd Martin Luther King, the baptist pastor who is an inspiration to me and so many others, delivered his ‘I have a dream’ speech in Washington DC. He set out a vision of a future in which black children would be judged, not by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Martin Luther King’s dream of the future was in turn inspired and shaped by a biblical one: a vision of the future the Bible says that all God’s plans and purposes are moving towards, which we glimpse in that last, mysterious book of the Bible, Revelation: there it says: “I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne of God” It’s a vision of a multi-coloured, multi-cultured community where all live together in harmony and peace and unity. This, says the Bible, is the future that God is working towards. Not a future in which one culture or skin colour dominates the rest, segregated from others. But rather a flourishing, kaleidoscopic community of peace.

As the community of Wokingham grows and changes, I’m inspired by this vision too.

I want it for our town and all who live and work here. Some may resist such a picture, which is why events like the one in Elms Field last Saturday are so important.

But those who work positively for it should be encouraged: you are working with the grain of the universe, and those who oppose you are working against it.

The Revd Nick Hudson, is the minister of Wokingham Baptist Church, on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020 We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Why we should lustily sing Rule, Britannia I note, with interest, the objections to our singing patriotic songs – such as Land of Hope and Glory, and Rule, Britannia.

I can assure them, that at the time that these songs were composed, white supremacy, and ‘hope and glory’, belonged, firmly, to the upper classes.

In those days, large numbers of people, in the indigenous, white, population, worked long hours, in factories, and mines.

They may have sung – ‘Britons, never, never, never, shall be slaves’, but their poor, working, and living conditions, and low wages, placed them in a position that was only a notch, or two, above slavery.

It was the British Labour Movement, and the Trade Unions, who achieved better conditions, for people in the 20th century.

My late mother worked in a factory in the 1920s. After my father died, in the 1960s, she went back, to work, temporarily, in the same factory, and reported, that working conditions, there, had improved, greatly. Unfortunately, thereafter, we proceeded to the ‘loony left’ – which had to be curtailed by Margaret Thatcher’s government, but the British Labour Movement did do good work, in its early days.

Appertaining to the economic crisis, that we are in now – due to the coronavirus pandemic, my late mother, also lived, through the Great Depression of the 1930s. She said that it wasn’t the low-waged person, who suffered most acutely. If you have never had enough money, for more than the basics, and if your idea of a holiday, is of a day-trip to the nearest seaside, then what you haven’t had, you don’t miss.

Those people who suffered most acutely, were those who had had the money, and had lost it, in the Slump.

For this reason, the current crisis, will affect local, Wokingham people, most severely – if they can, no longer afford, its big, expensive houses, school fees, for the best private schools, and the lovely holidays, abroad, that they are used to having.

This recession will affect people of all races, black and white, and I expect to see more mental health problems, as a result.

Those objecting to the songs need to realise, that those with the power and the money, will always exploit those without the power and the money – irrespective of race.

What we need, are strong laws, to ensure the protection of all people, of all races.

Pam Jenkinson. The Wokingham Crisis House

Doctor Who? I do not refer to the BBC programme that appears on television.

We, my wife and I, are both in our twilight years of 80+ and my question is where have all the GPs gone into hiding.

We have been patients of a local “large” group practice for many years which in the past have afforded us excellent service and patient care, sadly this is no longer the case.

It has become almost impossible to get an appointment with a doctor, my wife, who has an ongoing condition, was offered at best a three-week plus

Tuppence a bag EACH day I Feed The Birds, for tuppence a bag.

I also decided to check in my garden for my Chim-Chimney-Chim-ChimneyChim-Chimmey Choroo to make sure there was no damage from the storms of August 21 – thankfully there was no damage.

I decided for this year, to have a Jolly Holiday at home this year doing a stay-cation rather than going abroad or to the packed beaches.

Later, on a nice walk, I passed in the town a Pavement Artist drawing a nice magical scene in chalk on the ground, it looked good enough to jump straight into!

Ah, it’s good for a Man To Have His Dreams!

I then passed a new British Bank, but that was not open yet. The bank described itself as being a branch of the Fidelity, Fiduciary Bank – must be a new starter as I hadn’t heard of that bank before.

I found I was able to keep a good Step In Time in my pace and then I got into the countryside and telephone appointment with our nominated doctor.

While I accept a level of screening when booking appointments may limit an element of wasting the doctor’s time, it should not be used as a total “block all”.

I ask the question, “What are the well paid doctors doing with their time?” It would appear not dealing with patients.

A recent article in the press stated, “Visit your nominated doctor as this will increase your life span”. If we relied on that we may as well make an immediate appointment with the funeral director as we will be guaranteed some immediate attention.

The most galling aspect regarding this total lack of “true patient care “ is the fact the practice have the audacity to leaflet the area appealing for more patients to join the practice.

Get to the point when you can handle what you already have before you step into the unknown, which on today’s showing you are failing unacceptably.

We are not a third world country but slowly but surely are moving towards it.

This will not be so much our problem but will for sure be our children, grandchildren and in our case great grandchildren’s problem.

David Weston, Winnersh

Social distancing While attending the Black Lives Matter protest in Elms Field last Saturday I had a friendly chat with the photographer working for this excellent paper.

We agreed that he’d need a drone or a high viewpoint to accurately capture the social distancing that was being diligently practiced by the attendees.

It was pathetically predictable that the usual online trolls, contrarians and outright racists should ignorantly pounce on the picture you published to claim that social distancing had been abandoned.

It is especially disgraceful that Tory Councillor Keith Baker, leader of

Picture: Aline Dassel from Pixabay walked up a hill where, with it being still windy, I decided to join with others [socially distant of course] and accepted an invite to Let’s Go Fly A Kite, for Woodley Town Council, eagerly joined in with the dog whistle racism (on Wokingham.Today’s Facebook page over a picture from event).

Either he has no understanding of three dimensions or he was deliberately looking for a way to criticise the protest.

Why would that be? Does he think that no one should protest over anything or is it the defence of minority human rights that he objects to? Or is it especially black people that he thinks should stop complaining and leave him in peace with his white privilege?

He is not the only Tory, locally or nationally, to have expressed racist sentiments.

I hope that the people of Woodley, of all cultures, are ashamed of him and will remember his stance and his party’s failure to address the poison in its midst.

Tim Lloyd, address supplied

A cause to support We were delighted to see that so many people turned up for the Black Lives Matter protest in Wokingham at the weekend, and sad that we were not able to join them.

There will be many who were shielding or self-isolating and the crowd would have been even bigger if everyone who wanted to be there had been able to go.

On behalf of all those who would have liked to have been there, can we say a huge thank you to the organisers, to all of the speakers, and to those who recorded and uploaded the speeches to Facebook .

We know that this is a cause which is supported by many Wokingham residents from all backgrounds, and we look forward to seeing what we can do to further support the causes of equality and anti-racism.

Cllr Maria Gee, Cllr Lizzie Bishop, Cllr Anna Box and Heather Richards (Lib Dem Camaigner).

which I Love to Laugh at that memory as my Kite went soaring!

After which I returned home to have a nice cup of tea with a Spoonful Of Sugar to help the medicine go down!

I think I may struggle to Stay Awake this evening!

But I did watch a fascinating documentary about Sister Suffragettes and then after that another reality show of a Perfect Nanny where they crowned the 2020 winner!

There was a nice Overture music to that and they were asking contestants for the next series to apply as well.

I was glad though that I did not take my raised umbrella with me during the windy weather, as I would very much have been like Mary Poppins and taken off into the air even if the wind were to change direction.

Such is The Life I Lead that all in all today has been a Supercalifragalisticexpialiodocious sort of day!

Ian Hydon, Wokingham [with thanks to Disney including the song-writers of the film Mary Poppins].

Face up to it I have written to John Redwood regarding the dangers of face masks as they prevent everyone from breathing in the oxygen needed to keep mind and body healthy.

The British Medical Journal has an article on this which I have sent to Mr Redwood, so that he can question the use of face masks to the Health Minister.

Children and elderly are at risk and so are people doing any sort of exercising as their oxygen intake is reduced by wearing any of the masks currently being used, which have been tested and show that they prevent normal oxygen intake.

Until a true benefit can be shown, no-one should have to wear a face mask of any kind.

Sylvia Priest, Wokingham

Save some water According to a new survey, 46% of Brits believe their household uses under 20 litres of water a day, which is roughly equivalent to taking a two-minute shower. In fact, the true figure is closer to 142 litres per person per day meaning an average family of four could use more than 500 litres each day.

This summer we saw a surge in demand for water, as more people stayed at home and enjoyed the hot weather in parts of the country. This is why Water UK and water efficiency experts Waterwise have joined forces to encourage people to think about the amount of water they are using.

This new campaign offers simple hints and tips to help people cut back, saving energy, money and protecting the environment – more information can be found online and across social media.

We all have a role to play. Even small changes, such as using a watering can instead of a hose or cutting the length of your shower, can make a big difference.

Christine McGourty, Chief Executive, Water UK Nicci Russell – Managing Director, Waterwise

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Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

The cost of the sack: Open letters from councillors Cllr John Halsall, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council 31st August 2020

Cllr Clive Jones, Deputy leader of Wokingham Liberal Democrats 2nd September 2020

Dear John,

Dear Clive,

I am writing on behalf of the Wokingham Borough Council Liberal Democrat group of Councillors.

In the Wokingham Paper on 13th August you have claimed that the Liberal Democrat decision to Call-In the council’s Executive decision on 30th July to purchase plastic hessian sacks will cost the council £600,000. It’s the headline on the front page of the paper.

There are many numbers in the article and they don’t seem to me to add up. You claim that the cost per week is £15-£20,000.

This suggests a 7 month delay?

You specifically say, “The Liberal Democrats’ Call-In means we won’t implement the solution between now and Christmas, the solution will launch in January so the delay is calculated to cost us short of £300,000.” Already your headline figure has been cut in half!

As you know at the Call-In, your Executive member for the Environment acknowledged that the plastic sacks would not be purchased until after the business case for this project had been agreed at the Executive meeting on the 24th September.

This confirms that the Call-In is not responsible for the delay of the project and the extra costs to the council, probably of the region of £100,000.

The delay is down to your group not ensuring that a business case for this project was available for the Executive on 30th July.

The misinformation that has been spread in the newspaper article is not acceptable and we believe that you owe our residents in the Borough an apology for misleading them. Firstly for exaggerating the cost of the delay and secondly for suggesting this delay was caused by the Lib Dem Call-In. An apology is also due to our group.

I mentioned this to you on Saturday so that you might have some time to reflect on this before you received my letter requesting an apology. I hope that you will do the right thing and apologise to both our residents and to the Lib Dem group.

Thank you for your kind letter of 31st August 2020.

I have reviewed the article in the Wokingham Paper, which is consistent with the high level of journalism I expect of it.

Nevertheless, I am not able to influence the content and I suggest that you need to review your context.

We are still in the midst of a pandemic, the difficulties of recovery, budgetary issues, the need for the Council’s business to operate as usual and a severe threat of our housing numbers more than doubling? I have asked all members to use officer time and council resources sparingly, please observe this in the interests of all our residents.

You are aware that a call-in suspends a decision until that decision is ratified.

As the lead-time for the purchase of the waterproof recycling bags is long, we shall probably not now be able to procure them in time to avoid the wet season this winter.

The annual cost of doing nothing is estimated at £600,000 pa; that cost is incurred during the wet months which are usually during the winter so £15,000 - £20,000 per week. I expect that we shall incur much of this cost this year due to the delay unless we can short circuit the lead-time.

There are many concerns that I have with the call-in, which will be addressed in due course.

However, I believe that in these straightened times the council must do everything in its power to reduce unnecessary expenditure.

The penalty of collecting wet waste circa £600,000pa should have been facilitated by all parties.

Your letter is disappointing in that it continues to address the political points that you wish to score rather than the substance.

Now that the call-in has been confirmed and supported the executive decision, we shall do everything we can to ensure that the implementation is speedy and efficient; I look forward to your support in doing this,

Best wishes, Clive Jones Deputy leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats

tonyjohnson That was the week

The wrong plot

I

F ROBERT JENRICK’S planning reforms launched in early August have taught us anything, it’s that you shouldn’t trust Government ministers with anything complicated or difficult.

His technical consultation contains an algorithm that doubles the annual housing number in our borough – to triple what we need to look after ourselves. His reform consultation is doublespeak, cloaking the real intent behind a wall of impenetrable verbiage.

And while this might look good for a few people in Westminster or Whitehall, in the rest of the country, they seem closer to creating housing problems than to solving them.

A hard challenge If you don’t want to think about housing, then you might like something a bit easier: speed dating in Finland; one-handed Origami and underwater macramé all come to mind.

But if you’re truly up for the challenge, then you might want to list the different types of problems associated with housing (renting, buying or owning) and see what sort of list you come up with.

Having tried this in preparation for writing this commentary, the 60+ problems fitted 10 different categories: � Central Government � Local Authorities

Kind regards , John Halsall Leader of the council

� the planning system � the housing market � finance and fiscal � transport and travel � design and placement � infrastructure � availability � managing development And this was before considering social problems and the challenges that are Wokingham specific.

By the time the first draft had got to three times the length you’d accept while covering less than half of the above, it dawned on me that just describing ‘the problem’ might be intractable, let alone working out how to resolve it.

A hop, skip and a jump …

For central government, the housing problem as we know it today dates back to the end of the Second World War. New towns, compulsory purchase and the Town and Country Planning Act were just the start. In the subsequent 75 years there’s been at least 73 acts of parliament and just over 1,000 statutory instruments to do with planning.

For local authorities, they’ve been hamstrung by central government sine the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, then fleeced at least twice – over council housing alone. They’ve also been cut out of regulating the builders as bigger developers all undertake selfcertification.

The planning system itself has had so many revisions, inclusions, exclusions, adaptations, rules, guidances, policies, statements, consultations and changes of ministerial direction that it would take weeks if not months to research and list all that’s been done.

Despite all the ‘improvements’ the planning system still doesn’t have any system memory to help us all learn which developments worked and which didn’t – so the country keeps on getting the same type of mistakes over and over again.

The housing market is still broken, despite Sajid Javid’s efforts to fix it two years ago.

The financial consequences of the 2008 American housing crash still rumble on, while those of the overheated British housing market haven’t hit yet.

And while the word ‘infrastructure’ might sound dull and uninteresting, that won’t be the case when the Thames Valley is so overbuilt that there’s a permanent fresh water shortage and the sewers start stinking.

As Wokingham Borough Council’s Grazeley bid demonstrated, one needs lots of money to pay for infrastructure.

If a Grazeley-sized development went ahead without the funds, would you prefer to raise money via a council tax development surcharge or pay a stealth tax via higher indirect costs and lower capacity of existing services?

The Last Word As Abraham Maslow (among others) said some years ago, “if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail”.

So if we keep on building too many of the wrong homes in the wrong places, then using Planning Reform to solve the housing crisis won’t work any better than a petition which doesn’t force a government debate.

Although whether a government debate will actually solve the problems … is debatable. caveat.lector@icloud.com

sarahkerr From the chamber

Action needed now on climate emergency plan

W

HEN it comes to tackling both climate change and air pollution, it’s important to be pragmatic, particularly when you’re a local authority.

There is a lot that can be done for both these serious issues, but some of them are outside of the council’s control.

That said, there are a lot of changes that can be made and the Liberal Democrats want to see some urgency in those actions.

The Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) has been talked about and worked on for over a year now.

While it is and always will be a working document, it’s not yet achieved an acceptable base level, and progress to ensure that there is a clear roadmap to carbon neutrality needs to happen rapidly.

Alongside the development of this roadmap, action needs to happen now.

The longer we wait, the more carbon emissions we are putting into the atmosphere and whilst the goal of carbon neutrality is important, the speed at which we get there is equally important.

As a priority we want to see the development of plans to retrofit properties to increase energy efficiency and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.

With the impact of Covid meaning more people are working from home, we will be emitting more carbon emissions from the heating of our homes, particularly as we approach the autumn and winter months.

Speed We need to act quickly as this is already one of the largest areas of carbon emissions and it’s only set to increase.

During lockdown we saw a huge decrease in the number of private vehicles on the roads and an increase in those walking and cycling.

This was hugely positive, but we have since regressed to higher levels of traffic once again and lower levels of cycling.

Time and time again we are told by residents that the thing prohibiting cycling is the lack of infrastructure.

While we are very supportive of the greenways network being implemented in the borough, these are typically more leisure routes.

We want to see greater investment in utility routes i.e. routes that actually get people to where they need to go, so there is a choice of leaving your car at home, and the associated infrastructure to go with that.

The Liberal Democrats also want to see more focus put on tackling air pollution.

Our motions on developing a low emission transport network and creating no-idling zones and monitoring of dangerous pollutants have pushed this further up the council agenda.

It’s a shame that it took our intervention to do this, but we will continue to push to ensure that this is dealt with seriously.

Public buy-in is crucial and we want this council to work much more closely with residents to tackle both these issues.

Too often this council does things to residents rather than with them.

We want to see this attitude change because the issues of climate change and air pollution require all of us to be involved in the solution.

Cllr Sarah Kerr is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for arts, culture and libraries on Wokingham Borough Council

20 | NEWS

nelliewilliams Nellie knows

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Coffee? It’s still brewing

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Back to school

H

ARD to believe that the house is now in a routine of sorts thanks to the return to school.

I always feel that September is the start of something new but this year it is even more poignant as everyone has been at home for so long.

I know I bang on about routine but oh my days we all need structure.

It will be strange seeing all the little tiddlers in their oversized/you’ll grow into it/hand-medown uniforms and not seeing them over the next five years as this is the last year we will probably take the familiar school run route we have taken for the last seven years.

Connecting Wales in Berkshire A little plea if I may.

I organise Wales Week / Berkshire (part of Wales Week / Worldwide) which is a fortnight of celebrating Wales in Berkshire either week of St David’s Day and would love to hear from the Welsh in Berkshire.

Last year was our first year and in six weeks we had 37 events in the diary including a visit from coffee shops serving Welsh Cakes and Bara Brith, The White Horse provided a Welsh menu and a Welsh singer, there was a visit from two Welsh authors from Crime Cymru to a Welsh Emporium Pop-Up Shop at John Lewis in Reading.

If you are planning anything to celebrate St David’s Day next year please let me know and I will add it to the diary and together we can get more bums on seats.

There is lots going on and, for the green fingered readers, a heads up that Terry Walton – who some of you may know from Jeremy Vine’s Radio 2 show – will be leaving the Rhondda Valley and heading to the Thames Valley for a talk, keep an eye on the Wales Week / Berkshire Facebook page.

It’s coming Already there is talk of Christmas and whether you like it or not it the festive word returns and with it the Christmas tunes.

I am so glad I do not work in a shop and have to listen to never-ending loop of Christmas songs.

I still maintain that the 80s was the best for festive tunes, with maybe a few from the 70s thrown in for good measure.

I recently stayed with friends who had lit a fire, had the heating on and offered me a hot water bottle which I gratefully accepted.

Now more than ever I have really noticed the changes of the seasons with my daily 10-mile walks.

Soon we’ll be trudging through leaves, wrapped up warm and cosy and we’ll be back in the routine.

It’s not long until it all starts again.

Happy new year to you all.

It’s life on an o Robin and his be

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk AFTER SPENDING 11 summers in the Ionian Sea, a sailor has turned author and released a book of his adventures.

The new Starbucks store which will open in Elms Field … soon

THEY say that a watched pot never boils, but what about a coffee pot?

Wokingham has a number of popular coffee shops, including Brown Bag and Blue Orchid Bakery, but coming very soon will be the first Starbucks in the borough.

It is arriving in Elms Field and has taken a prime unit close to Aldi and in full view of the playpark.

We’re sure when it arrives, it will be a welcome break for parents looking for a bit of java to keep them going while pushing junior on the swings.

Originally from Seattle in the United States, the chain has blossomed all over the world.

It says that it uses only the finest green coffee beans in its beverages, working with master roasters to transform them into a perfect cup of coffee “so that each sip is a heady recollection of the bean’s graceful cultivation”.

Work has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but last week signs went up above the store.

When we will be able to get our hands on a cuppa? It appears that the site is still brewing.

A spokesperson said: “We look forward to opening our doors soon and will be in touch closer to the opening date.”

Vitaliy is top of the profs A PROFESSOR at the University of Reading has been named the best PhD supervisor in the UK. Professor Vitaliy Khutoryanskiy, from the Reading School of Pharmacy, was named PhD Supervisor of the Year in the Postgrad Awards 2020, hosted by postgraduate recruitment specialist FindAUniversity.

He saw off tough competition from colleagues at the University of Oxford among others.

The award recognises academics who go out of their way to give their PhD students the best possible academic experience.

It highlights the work of those who inspire students to be ambitious with their research, giving them the confidence to be bold with their ideas while guiding them through practicalities such as writing papers or the latest research techniques.

Professor Khutoryanskiy said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this recognition.

“I am grateful to my current and former PhD students, who nominated me.

“Throughout my academic career I was very fortunate to supervise many excellent PhD students and I am always happy to stay in touch with them for many years after their graduation and offer mentorship and support.”

Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he is also the Programme Director of MSc by Research in Pharmacy and has a close working relationship with the postgraduate community within the department.

His research specialisms include the study of polymers for pharmaceutical applications, drug delivery systems and functionalised nanoparticles.

))

Autumn Chill

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

))

Such a shame they have to go back to school ...

Robin Lamb, 77, who grew up in Essex but now lives in Barkham, released his coastal memoir last month – and it’s been such a hit the publisher is organising a second print run.

Robin and his wife Helen bought their sailing yacht, Sundowner after a night of discussion in a taverna on the Greek island of Ithaca.

“Helen mooted the idea while we were on holiday,” says Robin.

“I’ve sailed most of my life but Helen was a latecomer to it.”

Robin’s first experience was as a 10-year-old, which he describes as wet, cold and miserable.

But the love of the sport pushed through, and as a young man, he taught sailing lessons at the Maldon Sailing Centre, run by his father.

During their working lives, the couple regularly visited Greece for their holidays.

“We’d been backpacking around the Greek islands every summer since the 80s, and just fell in love with the place,” Robin says.

On their retirement, and familiar with the hundreds of islands in the archipelago, the couple decided to take their adventures to the sea.

“Living in Greece was very enjoyable, we made lots of friends out there. And the boat was big enough for us, our children and grandchildren when they came to visit.

“We saw all sorts of creatures, dolphins, turtles, a monk seal –which is a threatened species.

“We actually saw it wrestling with an octopus, trying to eat it. And the

Robin and Helen Lamb with their book Sundo

octopus was trying to escape its grasp.”

The Ionian Sea is west of mainland Greece and has a different climate to the Aegean Sea, creating a greener environment in the western islands.

Robin describes the area as a wildlife enthusiasts dream and a beautiful place to sail, with beautiful bays and villages steeped in mythology to visit.

The tome started with the ship’s log and Robin’s personal diary of his travels.

“After five or six years I started

A luxury day at th birthday treat for A SONNING woman has celebrated her 100th birthday with a spa day.

Jean Davies, who has lived at Sunrise of Sonning care home since December, celebrated her birthday on Wednesday, August 19.

The care home team organised a pamper session, where Jean had her hair, nails and make-up done.

She then enjoyed a conference call with her close family including her daughter and her grandchildren.

And Jean’s grandson prepared a video compilation from her more distant relatives who live around the globe.

After the call, Jean’s daughter Margaret visited for a socially distanced window visit using the care home’s partitioned visiting room.

The team baked a big birthday cake which was enjoyed with a glass of champagne.

Jean said her family always helps and supports each other regardless of

Jean Davies, a resident of Sunrise of Sonning,

Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

ocean wave for est-selling book

owner, named after their sailing boat Picture: Steve Smyth

assembling it into a book,” he explains.

“I’ve always had a yen to write a book.

I’ve had one or two stabs at it but it's never got this far.”

The memoir touches on the trials and tribulations of starting an adventure in retirement, with boating expertise and humour woven through the pages.

Robin says it was a smooth six-month process to finalise the book, make any edits and get production organised.

“The book launched at the end of July and we’ve already gone for

another print run,” he says. “The feedback so far has been encouraging.

I know that a lot of folks have an ambition to write a book and I would encourage them to go ahead — especially those of mature years and a lifetime of experience.”

Although Robin and Helen sold Sundowner last year, they hope to visit the Greek islands as soon as the coronavirus has passed.

“We’ve got friends out there to visit,” Robin adds. � The book, Sundowner, is available at Waterstones and Amazon for £12.99

he spa? – Not a bad centenarian Jean

has marked her 100th birthday in style

where they live. She said: “My life advice would be to stay close to the family, involve them in your life.

Family support is very important.

“There is a lot of experience and knowledge that your parents and the rest of the family have.

“Ask them for advice and listen to what they say. They are saying it for a reason. They want to help you. You might not like their advice, but they have a reason for saying it.

“Ask them, involve them and stay close to them.

“You will never be alone if you support your family and they will support you in return”.

Margaret said: “I just wanted to thank the amazing team for the wonderful birthday celebration they gave Mum. It was truly lovely and she enjoyed it immensely.

“The cake and all the little extras helped make the day, this will be a day our family will remember.”

NEWS | 21

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Get ready to discover our hidden heritage

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk HERITAGE Open Days’ festival of history and culture is returning this month, but not as you know it.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 10-day festival will include a mix of virtual tours and digital experiences alongside some in-person events.

The theme of this year’s programme is Hidden Nature.

According to Heritage Open Days, this means that 2020’s event “(reveals) the hidden natural history and stories” behind our landscapes, green spaces, culture and more.

Annie Reilly, head of producing at Heritage Open Days, said: “We’re all about sharing amazing stories of the places, spaces, nature, heritage and history around us, and feeling part of a community has never been more important.

“We’ve been planning new ways to keep people connected with each other and their local area, whether it’s from home with our new digital programme or exploring Hidden Nature in the great outdoors.”

As England’s largest festival of history and culture, the event is due to run from Friday, September 11, to Sunday, September 20.

Events and experiences for this year’s festival are being run all across the South East, and they are all free of charge.

This includes entry to museums, country houses and other attractions which usually charge for admission.

Wokingham will, of course, be included, but some of the events running further afield include: Millennium Walk 20th Anniversary in Maidenhead. This three-hour guided trail which follows the town’s boundary stones intends to teach people about the Hidden Nature of the Berkshire countryside.

This event is running on Sunday, September 20.

I’ll Not Run I remember well my Granddad In the last years of the war Upright, proud, and stubborn And British to the core He lived downstairs, the flat below And each morning I would creep Across the lino covered floor Eyes misted still with sleep Up I’d climb upon his lap And in his old and worn-out chair He’d read from his newspaper The tales of Rupert Bear But Granddad had an inner strength Too old, not called to fight In typical ‘Dad’s Army’ style He’d fire-watch through the night And “I’ll not run from Hitler” Was a phrase he’d often use As bombs rained down on London And dismal was the news “No, I’ll not dance to Hitler’s tune” As he quoted Churchill’s speech He’d fight on each street corner And on every English beach

The virtual aspect of this year’s Heritage Open Days means that it’s possible to go further afield than usual, including Shaw House (above) and learning more about our hidden wildlife Pictures: West Berkshire Council and The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust

The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground in Woking.

The event allows visitors to learn about the site’s natural environment and symbolic architecture, and is running on Sunday, September 20th between 11.30am and 4pm.

Rediscover Britain’s Lost Foods with Proudfoot & Co. in Winchester. The event will be held online on Saturday, September 12 and Saturday, September 19 at 7pm.

Live from Abingdon Museum in Oxfordshire. This is a virtual tour around the galleries of the Museum and through the history of Abingdon on Saturday, September 19 from 10.30am.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all events are subject to change or cancellation. � To find out more about the festival of history and culture, and to see the full list of upcoming events, head to www.heritageopendays.org.uk

So let’s replicate his spirit We’re British through and through And we’ll shown this rotten virus Just what we Brits can do And our valiant island nation Corona thought it could invade Will once again take up the fight And show we’re unafraid With patriotic fervour The Bulldog Breed is still alive We Brits, we won’t surrender From the virus we’ll survive So in my Granddad's image And all brave souls before We won’t run from this virus That’s dared to breach our shore You are an unseen enemy And many a life you’ll take But history has taught us The British spirit you won’t break We’ll fight it out together ’Though isolated we may be But each of us will do our bit Until once more we’re free.

Jean Hill � Have you written any lockdowninspired verse? Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

harrybradley Harry’s world

Time to get back into a routine – bring it on

T

HIS week marks the end of a very long summer holiday.

It’s now been seven months since I sat in a classroom, instead of the usual eight or so weeks over the summer.

As much as it's going to be strange to be back on a regular schedule, it’s something I’m really looking forward to.

Getting out of the house at the same time each day.

Stepping away from the same four walls in which I’ve been in since March, will be a refreshing change of scene.

That said, the thought of going into my final year of secondary school does seem a bit daunting.

It’ll be my last ever ‘first day back’.

The thought of university applications running through everyone’s minds and A-level exams only a few months down the line.

It’s going to be a busy year.

And it will be made busier now that my job at the Everyman cinema starts back up again this week – I can’t wait, it’s such a great place to work.

But it’s the last year before me and my friends all go off to university.

Although the plan for our exams in 2021 is still up in the air, and Covid measures have been set up for the return school, I could not be more excited to go back to school.

I’ve tried to keep as productive as possible over the long summer holiday – getting all my coursework and EPQ work done in preparation for my return to ‘normal’ – and so I’m feeling confident and in a good place.

No point worrying about what might happen, I’ve just got to get on with the now.

October brings the deadline for my university application, November means ELAT tests, and for Christmas this year I’m hoping for an interview at my favoured university.

So yes, it’s going to be crazy busy and a very full on year ahead, but it marks the countdown to the end of school and the beginning of a new chapter as a Uni student.

I say bring it on.

I just have to get through A-levels first.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

Fibro group push to save hydro pool � Continued from front page

Winnersh Spoonyville moved to parish archives AFTER establishing itself as a makeshift settlement in Winnersh, Spoonyville has been moved.

The collection of spoons, painted and decorated as people, began in April as local residents got creative in lockdown.

Over the summer, the Spoonyville collective has grown to considerable number. But Winnersh Parish Council has decided the time has come to move the settlement to its next location.

Cllr Prue Bray, councillor for Winnersh, said: “The spoons will be preserved as part of Winnersh history by the parish council and hopefully put on display.”

They were collected on Saturday morning.

Cllr Bray said the parish council is collecting pictures of the spoons as well, and has encouraged Winnersh residents to send her photographs of their creations to: prue.bray@wokingham.gov.uk

Hospital launches mascot drawing competition CHILDREN are invited to design a mascot to help people feel more comfortable at local hospitals.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) is inviting anyone aged one to 16 to design a friendly character to help support children when they receive medical care.

The trust is looking for colourful characters that are imaginary and original. The mascot could be an animal, sea or even a space creature that captures the excitement and the imagination of other children and young people.

Submissions will be judged on creativity and artistic quality, as well as how well they represent the new RBFT children and young people’s strategy.

Entries also should include a brief story about the character no more than 250 words.

The characters should also be given interesting names. The competition closes Wednesday, September 30. Winners will be announced in October and invited to attend a special ceremony.

Entries can be hand drawn or submitted electronically. They should be emailed to engagement@royalberkshire.nhs.uk with the subject line: CYP Mascot competition. Or posted to CYP mascot competition, c/o Communications, Level 4, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Craven Road, Reading, RG1 5AN.

Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (BWCCG) hydrotherapy services currently provided at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. The group is consulting the public, until Monday, November 2, about the future provision of hydrotherapy.

The group’s governing body will discuss the survey results, in public, on Tuesday, December 8.

Reading and District Fibromyalgia Group’s hydrotherapy section hire the pool for about 72 hours a year which equates to 500 patient hours of treatment a year. Members pay for all their private treatment costs, both for the pool hire and the cost of physiotherapists.

Section representative Ian Smith claimed: “The consultation is an effort to try to close the pool. They tried to close it a couple of years ago.”

But a petition had helped stop the plan.

He added: “I believe they are using the Covid closure as a perfect opportunity to have the review and try to shut down the pool.

“The [pool] is not being managed properly, it’s not advertised enough.

I don’t know if all GPs know there is one in the area.”

And he added: “If hydrotherapy is withdrawn how many additional appointments will be made to GPs, pain management consultants and others?” he asked.

Mr Smith said he had followed his GP and physios’ advice about his initial fibromyalgia treatment but eventually could hardly walk.

Debra Langley and her son Dominic, who acts has her carer Picture: Debra Langley

“The physios and GP then prescribed me an NHS course of hydrotherapy and that was the start of my improvement. I still suffer great problems, I’m disabled and have a Blue Badge. Hydro arranged under our private hire allows me to be as good as I can be. Land based physiotherapy wipes me out,” he said.

Out of 107,000 physiotherapy appointments BWCCG commissions each year, around 1,800 (1.7%) are for NHS hydrotherapy, it said. Land based physio normally costs £22 to £45 a time and hydrotherapy around £150, it added. Hydrotherapy is used to treat conditions including arthritis, muscular skeletal and

neurological conditions.

BWCCG states that the National Institute for Care Excellence does not recommend hydrotherapy over conventional physio for any condition.

The group acknowledges that despite a “lack of definitive clinical evidence, it is recognised that some clinicians and patients believe there is a therapeutic benefit for certain patients.

It’s shown to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, increase circulation and help movement in some painful joints.”

A BWCCG spokesperson said the group had a responsibility to ensure services it commissioned were fit for

Woodley extends vegan market for six months WOODLEY town centre will be bustling for a bit longer because the town’s vegan market has been extended for another six months, writes Charlotte King.

Sarah Zeneli, founder of Sparkle Vegan Events who run the market, told Wokingham.Today: “I’m really happy that Woodley town centre is happy for us to carry on with the vegan market.

“Our stall holders are very keen too,” she added. “I think it’s a great opportunity to continue showing what they’ve made and what they

have on offer, and gives people a chance to support local businesses.”

Sparkle Vegan Events has been running its Woodley vegan market since March earlier this year, but had to postpone a number of bookings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company’s vegan markets have now been back up and running since June with social distancing measures in place.

“As time goes on and more people come to the markets, they see that it’s a really safe environment and

purpose, to provide appropriate healthcare for the benefit of as many as possible and ensure NHS resources were spent prudently.

The spokesman added: “We are therefore holding a statutory threemonth public consultation to allow all interested parties to contribute to the discussion on the future of commissioning hydrotherapy in Berkshire West.

“The consultation paper and questionnaire give very detailed information about the number of NHS patients prescribed hydrotherapy services in Berkshire West and the facts regarding the costs of these services compared to land based physiotherapy. There’s also wider information … to allow for open and informed input into the consultation.

“Covid has forced the closure of the hydrotherapy service since March and it’s likely to remain this way for a considerable period of time to minimise the number of patients accessing services at the Royal Berkshire Hospital which is an acute hospital site.

“This is vital to maintain safe social distancing and limit footfall to the site to keep patients and staff properly protected.

“Given the open-ended nature of the pandemic, the CCG agreed that this is an appropriate time to examine future options for commissioning hydrotherapy services.” � The consultation is available at www.berkshirewestccg.nhs.uk/ hydrotherapy

Maya runs her zero-waste stall, Maya’s Refillables at the market Picture: Ale Armijos

they gain the confidence to keep coming back again and again,” Ms Zeneli said.

Sparkle Vegan Events is hosting

its next market in Woodley on Sunday, September 20. � For more information visit: www.sparkleveganevents.com

Breast cancer charity founder calls on others to join campaign EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOODLEY breast cancer support charity is appealing for help from people who have been through the process of chemotherapy.

Chemogiftbags will be marking its fifth anniversary this October, in line with breast cancer awareness month.

The charity wants to celebrate the occasion with messages of reassurance and support from people who have previously been treated for breast cancer.

Founder Lynn Shipton said the

coronavirus lockdown has left those undergoing treatment feel more isolated than before.

She told Wokingham.Today: “Lockdown has added to many people’s anxiety when it comes to their diagnosis. But we want people to know it's okay, and they can get through this.

“Covid-19 is keeping people away from each other but we want to bring them together virtually.”

Ms Shipton is now working with Wargrave-based company, Honesti, to launch a video campaign uniting people facing breast cancer.

She said: “We know from experience ourselves that hearing how others have

coped and got through chemotherapy can really help to take away some fear and surprises when facing this daunting treatment.

“Being prepared and hearing about personal experiences could really make a difference.

“If you think this is something you can do, no matter how long or short your video, showing your face or not, please get in touch with us.”

This year, Ms Shipton estimates Chemogiftbags will have supported 200 people in their diagnosis.

She said this is usually a lot higher, but during the height of the pandemic, the charity paused its services as the

risk of infection to chemotherapy patients was too high.

Now, it has resumed services and is back distributing gift bags to people across the Thames Valley.

The bags include toiletries and bag, black nail varnish — thought to protect the nail bed during treatment — a pill box, stationary, hats and scarves, fluffy socks, blankets, lip balm, a gentle comb and a thermometer among other things.

Anyone who wants to apply for a bag for themself or a loved one can do so at: chemogiftbags.org The charity also welcomes donations via its website.

One of the ladies gifted a Chemogiftbag Picture: courtesy of Lynn Shipton

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

INTHECOMMUNITY

Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards cuts the ribbon to declare the new Thames Hospice store open

Fresh new face for Thames Hospice charity shop THAMES Hospice reopened its Wokingham store last Friday to a crowd of eager shoppers and supporters.

The charity’s chief executive Debbie Raven was joined by the Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Malcolm Richards, to celebrate the new-look on Peach Street and welcome back returning customers.

Julie Rowley, director of retail at Thames Hospice, said: “We were thrilled with the

amazing turnout at our Wokingham shop.

“Thank you so much to Councillor Malcolm Richards for supporting us.

“Thank you also to our wonderful loyal customers for making our first day of reopening a great success.

“The store looks fabulous, and it is fantastic to be back open for business raising vital income for the hospice once again.”

The shop offers an extensive range of

pre-loved womenswear and accessories; a dedicated menswear section and a fun department for children with toys, games and clothing displayed on a colourful toy cart.

There is also a selection of pre-loved homeware, with a full range of books, media and games for all the family.

It is now open Monday to Saturday, between 9am and 5pm, with donations accepted every day during opening hours.

Lunch over, but Woodley bunch plans a swift return EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk AFTER A BUSY six weeks, a Woodley organisation is taking time to reflect on its first summer in operation.

Launched in June, Woodley Lunch Bunch has distributed more than 600 packed lunches to children during the summer holidays.

Founder Juliet Sherratt said the experience has been full-on, but she’s proud of what the volunteer team have achieved in a short time frame.

“Taking stock now, and being able to look back, I feel we did a good job,” she said. “We gave out feedback forms in the last week and had some really lovely comments.”

In the past six weeks, the organisation has fed 63 children from 28 different families.

“We were primarily focusing on holiday hunger,” explained Ms Sherratt.

“But we’re aware that actually a lot of our referrals were for under fives – so the school holidays are irrelevant to these families.

‘We don’t quite have the capacity yet to go all year round, but we’re returning for half-terms and the Christmas holidays.”

Also included in the food deliveries were activity packs to keep children

busy during the holidays.

“They were really well received,” added Ms Sherratt. “We did some food-based activities as well, such as making pizza dough and giving the families ingredients to make their own pizzas and all the things needed to make smores at home.”

Ms Sherratt set up the organisation after volunteering with the Grub Club – a Norreys-based group that supports families who normally access free school meals over the holidays – last summer.

“I helped at The Grub Club last year and thought it was brilliant,” she said.

“I looked for a Woodley one, but couldn’t find anything. So that’s why I decided to set it up, there are children in as much need here.

“It was a culmination of things really, but I just had it in my mind that Woodley needed something like this.”

She added: “We learnt as we went, and ended up with quite a streamlined system towards the end.

“I’d like to make a model of what we’ve done to help set up more projects elsewhere. We didn’t manage to reach everyone and we know there is more need out there.

“But it’s good to learn the ropes before

expanding too much.”

Woodley Lunch Bunch volunteers left each family with a bag of food for the upcoming week as the summer holidays ended.

Ms Sherratt added: “I’d like to thank all the volunteers who made, packed and delivered all of the lunches – they’re at the core of it, they’ve given up their own time and petrol to help.

“Also thanks to Wokingham United Charities, Woodley Baptist Church, Tesco Bags of Help and Freely Fruity who have all helped us.

“And Just Around the Corner and Our Community First, who’ve helped us with banking.”

During the October half term, Woodley Lunch Bunch may see a helping hand from Matt Rodda MP, whose constituency includes parts of Woodley and Earley.

“He came down to visit us, had a chat with our volunteers and was really supportive,” added Ms Sherratt. “He said he’d like to come back and volunteer with us some time.”

Ms Sherratt said she’d like to connect with more local charities, as she believes they can all benefit from talking to each other in their goal to help people across the borough.

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Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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

Easthampstead Rotary LAST WEEK, BBC News reported: “Africa has been declared free from wild polio virus by the independent body, the Africa Regional Certification Commission.

“Polio usually affects children under five, sometimes leading to irreversible paralysis. Death can occur when breathing muscles are affected. Twenty-five years ago thousands of children in Africa were paralysed by the virus.”

Why is this such great news today for all of us living in Berkshire? For two vital reasons: Firstly, the article continues, “The disease is now only found in Afghanistan and Pakistan” adding, “there is no cure but the polio vaccine protects children for life.”

Just 40 years ago, 350,000 children in 125 countries across all seven continents were diagnosed with polio every year.

Polio vaccination for every child in the UK has been a central part of our NHS since the 1950s, and there has not been a single case of polio in the UK since the mid-1980s.

So the second reason to proclaim this as great news is its relevance in the current global fight against Covid-19.

There is a huge concerted effort to find effective affordable vaccines against the Coronavirus. The global network that has been so effective to End Polio Now is in place once supplies of approved Covid-19 vaccines become available.

Do take a minute to read the article published this spring by the United Nations Foundation: bit.ly/UN-EndPolioNow And Rotarians worldwide, including the Easthampstead club, have been on the front line in the End Polio Now campaign, alongside the WHO, Unicef, the World Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

All these partners are now also co-operating in the global fight against Covid-19.

With your help we can achieve even more.

New members always welcome.

Post-Covid, we meet most Monday evenings at The Coppid Beech.

For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526.

You can also visit www.easthampsteadrotary.org, or follow us at: www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub PETER VON BERGEN

CLASP Wokingham CLASP, which works with Wokingham people who have learning disabilities, is continuing to meet virtually during the pandemic.

The sessions are open to all and run on a twice-weekly basis, all at 10am.

The charity uses the online tool Zoom to host the meeting, using secure log-ins to ensure that no one can gatecrash the events.

Tomorrow (Friday, September 4), the group will hold an online session with Jemima Gosmore from Freshwater will be talking about the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

On Tuesday, September 8, they will welcome Heather Dyson from

Volunteer openings to support young people

S Some of the members of Charvil Matters on socially distanced litter picking duties

A cleaner Charvil, thanks to volunteers ON SUNDAY, August 23, Charvil Matters hosted a litter pick which saw them clean up the village.

“The Charvil Matters litter pick was very successful,” said Sam Akhtar, the group’s co-founder.

It was their first litter pick since the

coronavirus pandemic began, and they cleared away 12 bin bags of rubbish, including a rusty blade which was safely disposed of.

“We were delighted to be able to start up again,” Mr Akhtar added.

Charvil Matters welcomes new

members. They should be volunteers who are passionate about the environment.

The group meets for an hour once a month.

Anybody interested in joining can email Sam at charvilmatters@gmail.com.

Wokingham Borough Libraries, who will explain more about the borough’s rich and varied history.

Joining the group on Tuesday, September 15 will be Louise Jedras, who is the community champion at Tesco’s Wokingham branch. She will explain more about her role and the difference it can make.

The supermarket recently allowed CLASP to display information about its activities, using an A-board outside the store as well as a board inside.

On Fridays 11 and 18, there will be the regular singalong in conjunction with SingHealthy Choirs.

Over four days, a roadshow in conjunction with Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board will be held. More information about the event, which runs from Tuesday, September 22 through to Friday, September 25, will be announced in due course.

For more information, or to join in, contact Anna or Debs on: 07780 749 453, alternatively, email: anna.overd@claspwokingham.org.uk or debs.morrison@ claspwokingham.org.uk

and nature projects locally to help those whose mental health has suffered during lockdown.

The Reading Gardening for Health and Wellbeing Network (RGHWN) is this week staging a week-long campaign highlighting how the services of its 12 members can improve wellbeing.

The network is made up of Thrive, Green Health Thames Valley, Nature Nurture, Friendly Gardeners Group, AutAngel Allotment Group, Food4Families, Integrated Research and Development Centre, Museum of English Rural Life, Ridgeline Trust, Five-a-Day Market Garden, Lavender Place Community Garden and The Conservation Volunteers.

The campaign comes at a time of concern among NHS mental health commissioners that there is likely to be an increase in mental health problems, and possibly the suicide rate, because of Covid-19’s impact.

Bereavement, loneliness, job losses and financial hardship have been cited as indirect consequences of the pandemic that will affect mental health.

Christina Hughes Nind, RGHWN co-ordinator, said: “Gardening and nature provided a lifeline for many people during lockdown who enjoyed the physical and mental health benefits that it offers at a time of great uncertainty.

“In and around Reading, we have professional groups which are re-starting sessions that can provide opportunities for therapeutic gardening, community gardening, and getting into nature.

“With mental health problems likely to increase as Covid-19 continues, we are keen to see more GPs, social prescribing link workers and health commissioners understand how our members across the Greater Reading area can improve wellbeing and refer patients who could benefit.”

As well as raising awareness of the opportunities provided by the network via www.facebook.com/ RGfHWN, some members are holding open sessions where people can come and see what is on offer.

These will be taking place, with visitor numbers limited to ensure social distancing, at: � Lavender Place Community Gardens, Saturday, September 5, 10am–noon. Contact: info@lavenderplace.org.uk � Erleigh Road Community Garden, Saturday, September 5, 3pm–5pm. Contact: garden@redlandsparish.org.uk � AutAngel Allotment Group, Sunday, September 7, 10am–noon. Contact: christinathegardener@icloud.com

MART CJS is excited to offer a rewarding volunteering opportunity at SMART Wokingham’s Young Person’s Drug and Alcohol Service.

You will need a strong desire to work with people up to the age of 18, supporting them to explore their substance use behaviours.

You will work alongside the Young Person’s Worker to provide substance use and harm reduction advice, evidence-based information, and education.

This is an extremely interesting and diverse role that will require you to work in a variety of settings such as schools, youth centres and other community venues.

Experience of working with young people in a supportive role is preferred but not essential.

You will be fully supported and guided by the Young Person’s Worker and Service Manager.

SMART are located in Wokingham and free onsite parking is available.

Commitment is 1 day a week, but can be split into 2 half days. Volunteers must be aged over 18 and will be DBS checked.

The Friendship Alliance

DEBS MORRISON

Reading Gardening for Health and Wellbeing Network DOCTORS are being urged to signpost patients to gardening

Charities invited to apply for funding A SCHEME that has donated more than £3 million to charities is now welcoming new submissions.

Persimmon Homes Thames Valley says that its Community Champions Scheme has helped a range of good causes including village halls, sports clubs, friendship groups and

foodbanks across the whole of the region with two donations of up to £1,000 made locally every month.

During lockdown, its focus was on helping older people, with 320 causes each receiving a donation.

Recipients have included Berkshire Alzheimer’s

Society, Ascot People and Basingstoke NeighbourCare.

Now the scheme is welcoming applications from all community groups.

Ben Felton, deputy management director at Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “We are proud to have been able to lend our

support to the over 70s by targeting our donations, but we feel the time is now right to open our Community Champions fund to all walks of life again.”

To apply for the Community Champions funding visit: www. persimmonhomes.com/ charity

The Friendship Alliance is a project brought together by The Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Berkshire, Involve Community Services and the Wokingham Volunteer Centre to tackle loneliness, promote friendship and improve the mental and physical wellbeing of residents in Wokingham borough.

We are looking to establish a network of Friendship Champions whose role it would be to promote the Friendship Alliance’s services, actively encourage friendships and develop community spirit.

We are currently running an online Friendship Café through Zoom for people to come together weekly for an informal chat and to make some friends.

We would also like to encourage local places such as cafés to reach out to us about setting up a Friendship Table where people can take a seat, feel free to chat and connect with others.

If you organise a group or activity, run your street’s WhatsApp group chat, work in your local café, library, or even if you’re just a friendly person who wants to spend more time in their community, we’d love a few hours of your time.

Advance Mentoring Are you passionate about investing in the young people of Reading, Newbury and Wokingham and have an hour a week to share your knowledge, skills and expertise?

Starting Point has opportunities to mentor local young people who are currently not in education, employment and training.

Advance Mentoring is Starting Point’s exciting new programme, supporting young people aged 11-19 who are at risk of exclusion and/or becoming NEET upon leaving education.

Mentoring focuses on providing consistent support to a young person, and being a positive influence to help them re-engage at school and feel more confident about their future.

Mentoring can focus on practical and wellbeing support. � These are just some of the latest opportunities on our books. Contact us: tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website: www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer

26 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

Wokingham Rock Choir conductor Glen Harvey

One of the many Wokingham Children’s Book Festival events from last year. Coronavirus means it will be online this time round

Join Rock Choir for an uplifting afternoon of song

A treat for young readers

A

WOKINGHAM choir will have that Friday feeling tomorrow, as they help keep the nation singing.

At the start of lockdown, Rock Choir launched a daily singalong.

Aimed at helping not just its 32,000 members, but the wider population as well, the event helped people who were isolating by offering a much-needed daily activity, all via a Facebook page.

The event ran for 106 days, and saw thousands take part.

Those taking part learnt five brand new songs, and created two music videos singing Queen’s We Are The Champions and The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night.

Even though they weren’t there in person due to lockdown rules, Rock Choir members were VIP guests at a 24-hour virtual fundraiser for Mental Health Awareness Week, raising £45,000.

Organisers say that the positive feedback from the Keep Britain Singing sessions have been overwhelming, with its members saying that it had been something they looked forward to every day.

Benefits included giving structure

to the day, and some said that without the sessions, their mental health and wellbeing would have suffered, making it a lifeline for many.

However, all good things have to come to an end, and the daily session has morphed into a weekly one, now called Ready For The Weekend With Rock Choir.

The interactive event is led by different choir leaders, with the aim of providing an upbeat singing and musical event to get people in the mood for Saturday and Sunday.

Each Friday, a different Rock Choir leader broadcasts on Facebook to deliver a free, live interactive session on a different weekly theme for its 32,000 members, and anyone else who would like to take part, helping everyone to 'get ready for the weekend’ in an upbeat and positive way.

And tomorrow – Friday, September 4 – the 4pm session will be led by Glen Harvey, who runs choirs in Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Fleet and Basingstoke.

The theme for this meeting is The Acoustic Session.

To join in, search Facebook for TheRockChoir

Antiques at Sheeplands A PLANT nursery is hoping that people will make a date for a new antiques and collectables fair.

Running on the third Sunday of every month, the Lindi Fayre will offer people the chance to find some unusual, rare and unique items.

It will take place at Hare Hatch Sheeplands.

Owner Rob Scott said that there were two reasons why an initial event had been so successful.

“The first is that when people realised Sheeplands was staging events again they were pleased to

have an activity to go to and enjoy after facing so many restrictions over the past months,” he said.

“The second is that it was organised by Kevin Guy, one of the country’s leading antiques experts with contacts who could bring some remarkable items for sale.

“There was a large attendance, and it all went very well.”

The events run from 7.30am to 2.30pm on the following Sundays: September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 20.

Free car parking is available and the cafe will be open.

Y

OUNG readers are being invited to turn on their screens and parents will be delighted.

No, we’ve not gone daft – it’s all about a celebration of the printed word.

The Wokingham Children’s Book Festival is returning once again but, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s taking place online rather than in Wokingham Town Hall and Wokingham Library.

A number of top authors will be taking part, and all sessions will be online.

It will be held over the weekend of October 17 and 18, with sessions focusing on books, author inspirations, illustrations and writing.

There will also be opportunities for families to interact with the authors, ask questions, or for the shy bookworms to just say hello.

It’s all aimed at children aged three to 12 – and best of all, it’s free.

However, Wokingham Town Council, which is organising the event with Wokingham Borough Libaries and morearts,

asks that budding writers, illustrators and bookworms sign up in advance.

The first 100 attendees signing-up for each session will also get the option of a free signed bookplate from the author that they can stick inside a copy of the author’s book or put on their noticeboard.

Taking part will be the winner of the 2019 Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Onjali Q. Raúf; bestselling author, BAFTA-winning animator, writer and filmmaker, Peter Bunzl, and young Scottish writer, Elle McNicoll – winner of Children's Book of the Week in The Times and The Sunday Times.

Books will be available on the WHSmith website for children to buy prior to or after the book festival.

School author visits will continue this year, with more than 20 authors and schools from across the borough taking part in September and October.

They include Holly Webb, who has published more than 140 children’s books

worldwide, award-winning author and illustrator from Syria, Nadine Kaadan, and bestselling illustrator of the Winnie the Witch series, Korky Paul.

“This is already a much-loved event,” said Cllr Parry Batth, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment and leisure.

“We’re so pleased it’s still going ahead this year, albeit slightly differently, but still spreading the joy of books among children while also introducing them to our borough’s youngest readers and perhaps future professional writers.”

And Jim Stockley, chair morearts, said: “We are very pleased to continue to sponsor and support the Book Festival.

Despite the challenges it has expanded its ambition and scope.

This should encourage our schools to get involved as well as families.” � For more details, or to book, log on to www.wokingham- tc.gov.uk/bookfest

Some good folk, from the comfort of your home LIKE every venue in the country, the closed sign has been over Nettlebed Folk Club.

But no longer.

It is returning on Monday, September 21, for a special oneoff gig where Gigspanner will launch their new album, Natural Invention.

Yes, it’s taking place in the regular venue of the Village Club, but you will be able to enjoy the music from the comfort of your own home.

The Gigspanner Big Band are one of the most unique acts on the British folk scene.

Their high-energy, virtuosic performances are said to appeal equally to traditionalists and to those looking for something more experimental, and they have garnered praise from publications as varied as fRoots, The Telegraph and The Wire, where they were

described as “melodically folkrooted yet open and innovative beyond the constraints of genre”.

Beginning life as a trio – with former Steeleye Span fiddle player Knight being joined by percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack – the line-up has been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with

acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin — BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray.

While Peter Knight, as part of Steeleye Span’s classic 1970s line-up, helped invent a brand

of folk rock that is still influential today, John Spiers, has had an equally profound impact on the landscape of traditional music over the last two decades.

Characterised by riotous inventiveness, technically gifted individual playing and subtle collaborative interaction, this coming together of several of the biggest names on the folk-roots scene, combines a deep knowledge of roots traditions with a ceaselessly boundary pushing approach.

You can enjoy the show, which runs from 8pm to 10pm, via a special online link. Tickets cost £21.43 and the secure ticket link is: bit.ly/2D6phpN � For more on the club, including rearranged dates for next year, log on to www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 27

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Make a date for food celebration

F

OOD glorious food – a celebration of homegrown and healthy grub will be the focus for a special celebration of harvest next month.

The annual Reading Town Meal will be held once again, but not as we know it.

The coronavirus means that, like many big events, it is not possible to organise a mass gathering in Forbury Gardens or in community centres this year.

Instead, organisers are planning to harness the power of technology to create a day to remember – and some fabulous meals.

There will be recipe cards available so home cooks can get creative, online workshops sharing skills and knowledge, fun quizzes and a live cookalong.

Although Forbury Gardens won’t be home to hordes of foodlovers, the Reading Town Meal team will be running a stall, under Covid-secure conditions, to share surplus fruit and vegetables.

These can be collected and used in the town meal-inspired recipes.

The online workshops will include sessions on food waste, sustainable food growing methods, and climate change.

The event runs on Saturday, October 3.

Sharon Fitton, chair of Reading Town Meal Steering Group, said: “While we can’t all be together in person this year, our aim is for

Sarah’s art to go on show everyone to still be able to join in and celebrate the local fresh produce of Reading.

“We can all join in by cooking a town meal inspired recipe from our own home and learn about how to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.”

The event needs volunteers to come forw ard, roles include donating fruit and vegetables,

delivering recipe cards and encouraging people to sign up.

It is also offering the opportunity to deliver town meal inspired recipe cards to people’s homes. � To find out more about both, visit: bit.ly/RdgTownMeal2020 � For more on the event, visit: www.readingtownmeal.org.uk, call 0118 958 6692 or search for Reading Town Meal on Facebook

AS LOCKDOWN starts to ease and venues start to welcome visitors again, a new exhibition will be manna from heaven.

Wokingham-based artist Sarah Abell is displaying some of her ceramic art and handmade bead jewellery at The Herb Farm in Sonning Common tomorrow and Saturday.

She makes the pieces in her studio, and the ceramics have a unique glaze enhancing them and are complemented by the polymer clay bead jewellery which she

says is colourful and fun to wear.

Alongside her work will be paintings

by Sarah Pye, Maria Meerstadt and work

by Kate Findlay.

And to ensure the display meets Covid-safe standards, it is staged in a semi outdoor setting.

Visitors are welcome to browse plants, paintings, pots and jewellery and stay for refreshments in The Barn Café. � For more details, log on to www.herbfarm.co.uk and sarahabell.me

28 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 3, 2020

wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

I

T WAS a dry, but chilly bank holiday weekend, and all the worse for us missing Wokingham Festival due to the coronavirus.

An online event made up for some of what we’ve been missing, but we want that festival feeling!

Chris Hillman from White Star Records has curated some music to help. The Wokingham Love Music soundtrack features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene.

There’s a range of musical styles to enjoy meaning that there’s something for everyone You can listen for FREE via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic The Room – Bodies on the Road Local melodic rock band, The Room, released their new single last week which is taken from their critically acclaimed Caught by the Machine album. At last week’s Wokingham Festival virtual event, the band revealed an exclusive live video of the track filmed at a sold-out show in Nice, France.It highlighted what a great live band they are and, if you missed it, check out the Day 3 Playlist on the Festival’s You Tube Channel — theroom.band Picture: Andrew Merritt Wishbone Ash – Blind Eye It opened the debut album by this classic rock band back in 1970. It’s included in the playlist this week because a performance of the track by Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash at last year’s Wokingham Festival was filmed and edited by local video company Gigshotz for an exclusive premiere on the Festival’s You Tube event and Playlist mentioned above — www.martinturnermusic.com Wille and the Bandits – Find My Way Here’s a dynamic four-piece band with a powerful immense sound who were due to headline this year’s cancelled Wokingham Festival — www.willeandthebandits.com Warmrain – Here Comes The Rain Again This band, also due to play at the Festival, whose Back Above the Clouds album features this beautiful cover of the Eurythmics classic as you’ve never heard it before — warmrainband.com Fred’s House – Walls And Ceilings From their self-titled EP here’s an excellent live band with gorgeous vocal harmonies and very good musicianship, who were also due to be at Wokingham Festival — fredshousemusic.co.uk/ Cafe Chaos – Seventh Heaven Another from the Festival. The band are a group of excellent musicians from Henley who describe themselves as a progressive rock / fusion band, with a track from their debut album Shifting Sands — cafechaos.net Flutatious – Wendel the Witch Festival faves who combine violin, flute, guitar, bass, drums and occasional vocals to produce an uplifting mixture of rock, celtic, folk, psychedelia and dance that you can’t stop yourself moving to — www.flutatious.co.uk Crystal Jacqueline – White Horse Hill This track is from Jacqueline’s latest album, A Prayer for the Birds which was released by Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records - www.facebook.com/ crystaljacquelinemusic Gemma Dorsett – Broken, Blessed & Beautiful As well as her solo work, Gemma also fronts the blues/ rock band Eleven:11 who went down a storm at last year’s Festival — gemmadorsett.com Zach Johnson – Mississippi Taken from the live EP ‘Songs from the Riverhouse Barn’ by this up and coming local indie/folk singer songwriter who has appeared at WMC and Wokingham Festival.

— www.zjohnsonmusic.com

LIFE | 29

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Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK

‘Sales of plastic bags down 95%’ claims the Government

C

ONFIRMING that the cost of a carrier bag in England will double to 10p from April next year, the Government also said that sales of carrier bags have fallen by 95% since the 2015 introduction of the ‘plastic bag tax’.

The compulsory charge currently only applies to retailers with more than 250 full-time employees but from next year it will apply to all shops.

In all, 226 million ‘single use’ plastic carrier bags were sold by larger retailers in the past year. The total number sold, when all retailers are included, may be several times that.

Is the Government’s claim true?

An excellent piece of journalism by Channel 4 News last year highlighted that the Government’s figures only relate to single use plastic bags and not so-called bags for life, which have of course become the new normal in most supermarkets.

In 2019, Channel 4 News asked the leading supermarkets mentioned above for more comprehensive numbers, to better understand the progress that had been made.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons all declined to provide data, but Waitrose, the Co-op and Marks & Spencer all responded.

Tesco reportedly said that it was not legally obliged to share this information, while Sainsbury’s cited commercial sensitivity.

Channel 4 News found that collectively Waitrose, Co-Op and M&S sold 58.8 million bags for life in 2018-19, a mere 2% annual decrease.

It pointed out that two years prior, all supermarkets published data, which triggered unwanted negative publicity,

hence their reticence at the time of asking.

In 2019, the Environmental Investigations Agency (EIA) showed that Tesco sold 430 million bags for life, 40% more than Sainsbury’s figure of 269 million, with the other supermarkets reporting lower sales.

The problem with bags for life It goes without saying that bags for life are stronger than conventional plastic carrier bags. This is because they contain far more plastic.

Findings place the ‘life’ of an average carrier bag (be it ‘single use’ or ‘reusable’) at somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes before they are then discarded, and potentially headed for landfill, or worse the ocean.

Research has suggested that a bag for life needs to be used at least 12 times before it can hope to be better for our planet than its ‘single use’ cousin. Sadly most do not achieve close to that.

The Marine Conservation Association’s Dr Laura Foster has previously criticised brands like Sainsbury’s for only offering bags for life – they did away with single use bags entirely – because: “people are using them effectively as single use bags” and “they contain much more plastic.”

Dr Foster believes that retailers should be incentivising customers to bring their bags back by charging much more for them – upwards of 60p.

A 2018 Times article, ‘Scourge of more than 1bn plastic bags for life’, suggested that the average UK household was using 44 bags for life in a year and argued that: “many customers treat them as single-use carriers, discarding them and buying new ones on their next shopping trip.”

The managing director of Iceland, Richard Walker, said last year: “We are selling less of them [single use carrier bags] but it’s not yet less enough that it’s compensated in terms of the extra weight that they are for the fewer amount of bags that we are selling. So I haven’t yet reduced the total amount of plastic weight.”

Pretty damning.

According to Channel 4 News’ item, nearly one-in-three bags sold in 2019 was a bag for life, with no evidence of a fall in their use, while the available evidence suggested that “the introduction of bags for life might have actually increased the overall amount of plastic being used.”

The Government’s figures seemingly

do not provide a full or accurate picture of things.

The use of ‘single use’ plastic carrier bags does indeed continue to fall, helped no doubt by the fact that a growing number of supermarkets do not provide them as an option.

They have largely been replaced by bags for life, yet these contain far more plastic and are heavier and bulkier to ship, resulting in more packaging and a higher amount of fossil fuels being consumed. And their usage isn’t falling very much if at all.

Plastic bags for life need to be used at least a dozen times to be a better alternative environmentally, yet the lifespan of the average carrier bag in the UK is under 20 minutes meaning that this will rarely be the case.

Also, the Government’s figures relate only to the seven supermarkets highlighted above. The true picture, when looking at the retail sector as a whole, is much harder to gauge.

What is the solution? We suggest that most of us have more than enough bags at home, whatever they are made from (jute, juco, cotton, plastic, or indeed reusable or cardboard boxes…), to last for many years. We should be using them, to death, and shops should stop readily supplying bags of any kind.

That is how we bring about real and lasting change and stop this issue becoming yet another political football.

For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question?

Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com

Four great recipes perfect for school lunchboxes

R

ESEARCH commissioned by Aldi has revealed that almost a third (30.2%) of parents are concerned about being able to pay for meals as children return to school.

With 41.3% of parents revealing they’ve adopted cooking from scratch during lockdown, and over half (50.8%) saying they will continue to do so when school goes back, Aldi is also helping parents become savvier in the kitchen, by creating a five-day lunch menu including recipes for Ham Pitta Pockets, Chicken, Coleslaw & Houmous Wraps, Tuna Pasta Salad, and Frittata.

They’re quick, easy and fit the bill for mid-week lunchbox fillers.

Ham Pitta Pockets � 4 Wholemeal Pittas � Half an Iceberg Lettuce � 6 Ham Slices � 100g Reduced Fat Soft Cheese � 150g Baby Plum Tomatoes Slice the lettuce and wash. Slice the tomatoes into halves.

Place the pittas into a toaster and cook until golden. Cut each pitta in half Be careful, there may be hot steam from the opening.

Put the wraps in the oven for a minute if you want to eat them warm.

Spread each wrap with a quarter of the houmous, top with lettuce leaves, then the chicken, then top that with some coleslaw and red onion, roll up and slice in half on the diagonal.

Use the knife if needed to create a pocket in the pitta. Spread the cream cheese evenly on the inside of the pitta.

Fill each pitta. Serve with avocado, carrot sticks and a spoonful of coleslaw.

Chicken, Coleslaw & Houmous Wraps � 4 Tortilla Wraps � 400g Chicken Mini Fillets � 1 Red Onion � Quarter Iceberg Lettuce � 150g Coleslaw � 150g Reduced Fat Houmous � Olive Oil � Black Pepper Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Put the chicken fillets on a baking tray, drizzle over a little oil and sprinkle with black pepper – roast for 10 minutes. Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Once cooked – slice the chicken into thinner strips.

Tuna Pasta Salad � 200g Fusilli Pasta � 150g Baby Plum Tomatoes, quartered � Half Cucumber, diced � 1 yellow Pepper, diced � 2 small Carrots, peeled and diced � 1 Red Onion, peeled and diced � 2 cans Tuna Chunks in Sunflower Oil, drained and flaked � 8 tbsp Mayonnaise Cook the pasta as directed on the packet.

Drain and cool under running water.

Drain again then add to a mixing bowl along with the remaining ingredients.

Mix gently until coated with mayonnaise.

Aldi’s Frittata � 70g Specially Selected Smoked Pancetta Strips � 1 Medium Red Onion � 6 Medium Eggs � 70g Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves

� 150g Baby Plum Tomatoes � 60g Grated Mature Cheddar Cheese � 1 Pepper � 12ml Olive Oil � Sea Salt and Black Pepper � 1 x 20cm heavy based frying pan Pre-heat the grill to high.

Whisk the eggs together and season with a little salt and some black pepper then stir in the grated cheese.

Peel, half and thinly slice the red onion. Slice and dice the pepper.

Chop the pancetta into strips. Cut the tomatoes in half. Sauté the pancetta, pepper and the red onion in the olive oil for 5 minutes until the pancetta is browned and the pepper and onion softened.

Add the tomato halves and the spinach leaves.

Cook stirring till the spinach has wilted.

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pancetta mixture in the pan. Lift and tilt the pan to spread the egg mixture evenly. Cook gently for about 5 minutes until the egg has set.

Put the pan under the grill for 3 to 4 mins to set the top.

Allow to cool then cut into wedges.

Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

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PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

202015

Stanlake Farm Cottage, (Affect setting of) Waltham Road, Twyford Listed Building

202106

Paddicks Patch, Waingels Road

Reasons for Advert Description

Major Application

Householder application for the proposed conversion of existing outbuildings to create ancillary habitable accommodation plus the insertion of 1no. roof light and the erection of an extension to join the two outbuildings as one.

Full Planning application for the proposed erection of new meeting hall following demolition of existing meeting hall, relocation of three metal storage containers, plus car park improvements with the installation of a cycle stand.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SWALLOWFIELD ROAD, SWALLOWFIELD (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Swallowfield Road, Swallowfield between its junctions with Castle Hill and Church Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bunglers Hill, Church Road, A327 Reading Road and A327 Eversley Road or by this route in reverse Works requiring this restriction will take place between 21st and 22nd September 2020 between 09:30 and 15:30.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake overhead cabling for customer connection 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 21st September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before 24th September 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 3rd September 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LODDON BRIDGE AND THE BADER WAY INTERCHANGE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, Winnersh between its junctions with Wharfedale Road and The Bader Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A329 Wokingham Road, B3350 Church Road, B3340 Pitts Lane, A4 London Road, Reading Road, Headley Road, Headley Road East, Spitfire Way and Miles Way or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 26th September 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake bridge inspection 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 26th September 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 3rd September 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Wokingham Borough Council Licensing Act 2003 S17 Application for Premises Licence NEWSPAPER NOTICE iQGO Ltd of 4 Broad Street, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1AB proposes to carry on the following licensable activities at the above premises: Supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises Monday to Friday 08:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs Saturday 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs Sunday 10:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs Representations may be made in writing by any responsible authority or interested party in the vicinity of the premises to the licensing authority Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk All representations made are open to public inspection Representations to be made by : 25th September This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Contact 0118 974 6358 or www.wokingham.gov.uk Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Dated: 3rd September 2020

SERVICES

Dated this 3rd September 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3030 ROBIN HOOD LANE, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BIGGS LANE AND FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 27th August 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:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 27th August 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:

B3030 Robin Hood Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with Meljak Close and Danywern Drive.

1. Biggs Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with Commonfield Lane and Buttenshaw Avenue.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Davis Street, B3030 Lodge Road, A321 Broadwater Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Market Place, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End and A329 Reading Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Langley Common Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Barkham Street, Barkham Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road, Nine Mile Ride and Park Lane or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Broadwater Lane, B3030 Lodge Road and B3030 Davis Street.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 7th September and 10th September 2020.

2. Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Windsor Ride and Buttenshaw Avenue.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Finchampstead Road, Sandhurst Road and B3430 Nine Mile Ride or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 7th September 2020 between 09:30 and 15:30.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th September and 21st September 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake reinstatement of consequential damage work in safety.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Bus Stop work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

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 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 7th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 7th September 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 3rd September 2020

Dated this 3rd September 2020

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Thursday, September 3, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

SPORT | 33

PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A321 CHURCH STREET, TWYFORD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from:

FA CUP

MOLES ENJOY MAGIC OF THE CUP

1. Turning left from A321 Waltham Road into Station Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Church Street, A321 Wargrave Road, A4 New Bath Road Roundabout and return, A321 Waltham Road and Station Road.

2. Turning right from A321 Church Street into Station Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Waltham Road and Station Road.

3. Turning right from Station Road into A321 Waltham Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Church Street, A321 Wargrave Road, A4 New Bath Road Roundabout and return.

Works requiring these restrictions will take place on 21st September 2020 between 10:00 and 15:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake lamp column replacement and signage 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 21st September 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 3rd September 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Asa Povey celebrates scoring Binfield’s opening goal Pictures: Andrew Batt/Football In Berkshire

CENTRAL & EASTERN BERKSHIRE AUTHORITIES – JOINT MINERALS & WASTE PLAN PROPOSED SUBMISSION REPRESENTATIONS PERIOD UNDER REGULATION 19 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012 (AS AMENDED) AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANNING AND COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACT 2004 The Central and Eastern Berkshire Authorities (Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council, The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and Wokingham Borough Council) are working in partnership to produce a Joint Minerals and Waste Plan which will guide minerals and waste decision making in the Plan area up until 2036.

The Proposed Submission draft of the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan is being published in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 for representations to be made on the ‘soundness’ and legal compliance of the plan (and its accompanying material). Representations made on this Plan must refer to the tests of ‘soundness’ or they may not be considered by the Secretary of State. Representations made on the Proposed Submission Plan and other relevant documentation will be compiled and submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

The representations period on the Proposed Submission plan will run for six weeks, beginning on 3 September 2020 and ending 15 October 2020. All representations must be received by 5pm 15 October 2020. Late representations may not be accepted as duly made. The preferred response method is via the dedicated consultation response form and survey questionnaire which can be found by visiting www.hants.gov.uk/berksconsult. Responses will also be accepted via email by sending to berks.consult@hants.gov.uk or in writing to Central and Eastern Berkshire JMWP c/o Hampshire Services, Strategic Planning, Hampshire County Council, Elizabeth II Court West, The Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UD. In order to comply with Government guidance and regulations during the current Covid-19 pandemic (or other public health emergency), it is not possible to consult on planning policy documents using usual methods. This is because of the requirements to minimise travel, social distancing and the closure of certain Council facilities.

Due to Covid-19, electronic techniques and communications will be employed.

Documents will be available to view on the dedicated consultation website (www.hants.gov.uk/berksconsult). Please refer to the relevant Authority websites regarding availability of hard copies at libraries and/or council offices.

Dated: 3rd September

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Binfield ensured that they were victorious in their FA Cup debut as they put two past Westbury United the the extra preliminary round

Westbury United 0 Binfield 2

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk BINFIELD etched a new chapter in the club’s history as they were victorious on their FA Cup debut in a a 2-0 win away at Westbury United.

Under the new management duo of Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers, the Moles made the 60mile trip to Wiltshire to face Westbury in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup. After a layoff from competitive action with the 2019/20 season ending abruptly, Binfield were raring to go in their first match of the 2020/21 season before their Hellenic Premier League campaign kicks off on Saturday, September 15.

After some early possession from Binfield in the opening minutes of the contest, it was the hosts who had the first shot on goal of the evening, but it was a comfortable save for Grace between the posts.

Both sides then traded chances as a Westbury free-kick was delivered deep into the box to test the Binfield defence, but they managed to clear their lines.

Asa Povey then looked to pick

out Harris in the box who was a fraction of a second late to the ball as the chance went begging.

Povey then worked another chance as he broke through the defence but poked his effort wide.

The teams went in level pegging at the break thanks to both goalkeepers staying alert, keeping the score at 0-0.

Binfield made a superb start to the second half taking the lead through Povey.

The Moles pushed to find a second goal and they almost found it in the 53rd minute as they raced down the touchline and tried to find Moore in the box, with the pick out not quite finding a red shirt.

With just over 10 minutes of the match remaining, Binfield ensured that their name would be in the draw for the next round as Willment added the second.

He converted the ball over the line after a well worked corner to give the Moles a healthy advantage going into the late stages of the game.

Westbury’s misery was compounded when they received a late red card, while the Moles clinched victory in their FA Cup debut.

Binfield’s captain Sean Moore surges forward from midfield Pictures: Neil Graham

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BOWEN OUT AS PAUNOVIC NAMED NEW ROYALS BOSS

� Continued from back page

Paunović was the manager of Major League Soccer team Chicago Fire from 2015-2019.

Wokingham.Today spoke to people with experience of having covered Paunović’s former side during his tenure in America to get some insight into what Reading fans can expect from their new boss.

American journalist Brian Sandalow, who covered Paunović’s time at The Fire for Sun-Times Sports and North American Soccer Reporters, said: “He preferred to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation for much of his time.

“However, it was tough to decipher a true style while he was there. The tactics were very flexible which on one hand can be a good thing as it means that he’s willing to adjust.

However, it also meant the Fire were always adjusting to opponents.

“Something to watch closely will be his man management. In Chicago, players would get into his ‘doghouse’ and struggle to get out.

“After snubbing star attacker David Accum for the MLS All Star Team against Real Madrid, this caused an issue between him and the manager and helped torpedo a promising season.”

Paunović led Chicago Fire to the play-offs just once during his four years, in 2017 was the

first time the team had qualified for the play-offs in five years.

However, Sandalow believes that his time at Chicago Fire will not be remembered too fondly by most sections of the fanbase.

“Paunović’s time at Chicago won’t be considered a success,” continued Sandalow.

“His first year was a rebuild and transitional year so that wasn’t held against him.

“In 2017, they had the third best record in the league but lost in the first round of the play-offs.

“The 2018 team was poorly built and the 2019 was the referendum season. They had one of the league’s highest payrolls but missed the play-offs.”

Despite a difficult time in America, there may be more reason for Royals fans to be optimistic about their new manager.

“He is passionate and engaging and very good with the media, so he would have been very popular if results on the pitch had been slightly better.

“The Championship is an incredibly tough and unpredictable league so I’m not sure how he will do but nothing would shock me.”

Patrick McCraney, who also covered Paunovic’s time in the United States, told Wokingham.Today: “He’s a manager that likes his team to

Mark Bowen (above) has left the Royals after 10-month spell as manager, his replacement is Veljko Paunović (left)

build out of the back. He changed things up quite a bit here.

“In fact, he used Bastian Schweinsteiger in six or seven different positions.

“Fans rightfully felt Pauno was unsuccessful here. But to be fair, most managers have been poor in Chicago.

“Until this year, the club had an absentee owner who didn’t give Paunovic much help.

“As a World Cup winning youth manager we were hoping he’d come and develop young players.

“That didn’t happen as much as we would have liked, but that’s more on the club than it

is him.

American journalist Guillermo Rivera, who covers Chicago Fire for The Athletic, also went into detail about the new Royals’ head coach.

“His management style is somewhat intense and demanding but some players quietly voiced displeasure about the lack of direction internally.

“One of his biggest fails with the Fire was his lack of development of a consistent style, formation, or approach.

“He came into the job preaching ‘adaptability’ but he was never able to find something that worked for an

extended period of time.”

However, despite his lack of experience having never played or managed in England before, McCraney believes that Paunovic has a bright future as a coach and could fare well in Berkshire.

“I think he can be successful.

I wouldn’t let his time at Chicago define him as a failure.

I’m not even sure Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp could have won many matches in Chicago here over that time.”

Revera added: “Paunović’s time in Chicago is ultimately judged by his won-loss record and that wasn’t very good.

“Although he was very good with fan interaction, 41 wins

against 58 losses will temper any good memories the fans might have.

“Reading fans can expect a manager who is intense and committed to trying to win.

“He’s very competitive and if he’s learned from his experience with a first team squad in Chicago he could find some success with the right support.”

The Royals are currently in a training camp in Portugal with their new boss as they make preparations for the new Championship seasons which begins on Saturday, September 12 with an away trip to Derby County.

MIDFIELD MAESTRO EJARIA JOINS FROM LIVERPOOL READING has signed midfielder Ovie Ejaria from Liverpool on a four-year contract following his loan spell at the club last season.

Ovie Ejaria has played over 50 games in two loan spells at Reading Picture: Steve Smyth

Ejaria first joined the Royals in January last year – under Jose Gomes – as part of five loan signings who helped the club steer clear of the relegation zone in the 2018/19 season, alongside Emi Martinez, Matt Miazga, Lewis Baker and Nelson Oliveira in a superb January transfer window for the club.

Ejaria impressed throughout his spell in the Championship in the 2018/19 season which prompted Reading to re-sign

him on another loan deal for the 2019/20 with the option to make his deal permanent.

Having made 16 league appearances in his first loan spell with the club, the midfield importance to Reading was paramount under Gomes in the first couple of months of the season and again when Bowen joined as first-team manager in October 2019.

The 22-year-old scored three goals in 36 Championship appearances last season and caught the eye was several outstanding displays in the 2019/20 season

to help the Royals to a 14th placed finish after they had flirted with relegation early in the season.

Ejaria has made a total of 52 Championship appearances so far, scoring four goals, in his two combined loan spells with the club and has become a fan favourite due to the creative aspect of his game and his silky footwork.

He becomes the second permanent signing of the summer transfer window for the Royals after Josh Laurent joined from Shrewsbury Town on a free transfer.

Before he was replaced as Reading manager, Mark Bowen spoke about the permanent capture of Ejaria.

He said: “Naturally, everybody at the club is delighted to have got this transfer over the line and it is a deal our owner, Mr Dai, was very keen to see completed as soon as was possible.

"Ovie has shown everyone his exceptional quality in the time he has spent here on loan and I’m sure all our supporters are excited to see him continue to impress as a Royal during the course of the next four years.”

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PUSCAS NETS IN SPURS DEFEAT FROM THE

TILEHURST END

To‫מּ‬enham Hotspur 4 Reading 1

With Olly Allen

THE Royals shipped four goals as they fell to defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Mark Bowen’s final game in charge.

George Puscas netted a second half penalty after Reading were punished by Spurs who were clinical to put away their chances.

Spurs took an early lead after a Hueng Min Son’s shot deflected cruelly off Royals defender Omar Richardand past Rafael int the back of the net.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to double their advantage as Dele Alli latched onto Lucas Moura’s through ball and neatly lifted the ball over the top of Rafael who was left stranded.

And the Premier League side added another as they continued to take their chances, with Son curling the ball into the far corner beyond the reach of Rafael to make it three before the half-time break.

Jose Mourinho’s team scored their fourth not long after the break as Erik Lamela’s free-kick beat the wall and the goalkeeper to find the bottom corner.

Reading looked for a consolation goal and were awarded a penalty 10 minutes before time. Jordan Holsgrove’s free-kick was flicked on by Sam Baldock before the ball ricocheted off the post but was handled on the line as George Puscas looked to bundle the ball in.

Puscas took the resulting kick and confidently blasted the ball into the left-hand corner beyond the reach of the keeper with a powerfully dispatched penalty.

The Royals were due to face West Ham United at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, however the match was cancelled after the first-team squad flew out to Portugal to meet new boss Veljko Paunović who will conduct a training camp with his new team.

Reading were also in pre-season action on Tuesday evening as they faced Portuguese side Portimonense SC in a behind closed doors friendly as they make preparations in a training camp in Portugal.

The squad flew back from Portugal on Wednesday and will undergo covid-19 testing ahead of their Carabao Cup clash against Colcehster United on Saturday.

A season of change: it won’t be dull

R

George Puscas scored a second half penalty in the 4-1 defeat to Spurs Library image: Steve Smyth

READING WOMEN TO FACE HAMMERS TEST IN CONTI CUP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING Women have been drawn to play against West Ham, Charlton Athletic and Brighton & Hove Albion in Group D of the Continental Cup.

Brooke Chaplen first joined the Royals in 2017 Picture: Neil Graham

The cup competition is in a new format for the 2020/21 season with 23 teams drawn into groups of four, with one group of three, split into north/south sections.

Kelly Chambers' side avoided being drawn against 2019/20 Women’s Super League Champions Chelsea and also 2018/19 WSL champions Arsenal, who were both drawn against each other in group B. However, the Royals will be up against two fellow WSL sides in West Ham and

Brighton, while Charlton finished bottom of the FA Women’s Championship last season.

Reading fell at the quarterfinal stage of the competition last year after they were knocked out by finalists Arsenal who progressed after their captain Kim Little snatched a late goal.

Fixture dates and venues from all group games will be released soon, while the Royals are preparing to return to WSL action this weekend with a tricky away tie to Arsenal to open the 2020/21 season.

Chambers’ side have added several new faces to the squad inclduing former Gunner Danielle Carter, as they look to improve on last seasons fifth place finish in the top flight.

EADING Football Club has not been short of sagas in recent years, but last week was certainly up there with the most dramatic. Reflecting on it now, it seems scarcely fathomable.

The first surprise came when it was announced that Nigel Howe would be stepping away from his position as Chief Executive and returning to his previous position of Vice-Chairman. The unknown Dayong Pang was his replacement.

Commenting on Howe’s tenure as CEO since his return in December 2018 is hard, given we’ll never know how much true control he had in that time, but it was far from perfect – particularly considering the club’s perilous financial position. Yet surely as someone who has been associated with Reading in some capacity for the last 25 years, Howe is better placed to take the lead behind the scenes than Pang, who simply appears to be a close associate of Dai Yongge with little or no football experience.

It is perhaps no surprise that once he had moved one of the club’s key antagonists to the side, Mr Dai went about replacing another – manager Mark Bowen.

When I first saw this news, I was angry. Now having thought about it a lot over the past week, I’ve come to the resolution that it is not necessarily the decision that I disagree with, but the timing.

Boiling it down, replacing Bowen after the end of the season would not have been entirely nonsensical. He won just one home game in 2020, the post-lockdown form was underwhelming and many supporters became frustrated by his defensive approach and lack of a clear style. I personally would have kept him regardless – I warmed to Bowen as a person, he turned Reading’s immediate form around when he took over and a 14th place finish is certainly

progress – but his job was by no means safe going into the summer.

But to make the change a week before the first game of the season against Colchester United in the EFL Cup, and a week after Bowen was busy trying out a new system in a friendly against Gillingham, is simply baffling.

It is the worst possible preparation for the new campaign and puts the whole club on the backfoot. The fact that his replacement, Veljko Paunovic, has been available all throughout the summer is equally bewildering.

Why now and not six weeks ago?

I do not blame Bowen one bit for turning down a return to the Director of Football position. He was reportedly left “fuming” at being asked to leave the managerial post, and to sit by and watch someone else take control of the team that he had moulded would always have been difficult.

So what of that new man in the dugout, Paunovic? I would be lying if I said I had heard of him before last Wednesday, while speaking to those who followed him closely during a largely disappointing spell at MLS side Chicago Fire has not done much for my enthusiasm. But I am prepared to back him, because quite frankly I have nothing left other than blind optimism for the new campaign. If the last few days are anything to go by, it certainly won’t be dull.

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THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE ROUND-UP

OUTSTANDING OAKS HIT HUGE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD (22 points) took victory with an eight-wicket triumph over EVERSLEY who fell from first to third in Thames Valley division 2b with just their second defeat of the campaign.

Sam Kennet top scored for Eversley in their first innings with 35, but the brilliant bowling of Michael O’Donahue (3-30) and Varun Sanjeev (3-25) limited Eversley to a score of 144 before they were bowled all out after 32.5 overs.

Finchampstead made light work of chasing down the total, losing just two wickets in the process. Simon Bell top scored for Finch with 52, while Matthew Eldridge (42*) and Ed Oliver (37*) finished the job to seal an impressive win.

Finch closed the gap to the sides above them in the division but stay in fifth after three wins from their seven matches.

HURST (22 points) jumped up to second in the table after they defeated Thatcham Town by five wickets.

Smith was the star of the show with the ball as he took 4-15 to help dismiss Thatcham for just 102 after 36.4 overs.

Hurst lost five wickets but claimed a fairly comfortable victory after 28.2 overs with their fourth victory of the season to climb above Eversley in the table.

BINFIELD dropped to ninth place after they were thrashed by league leaders Reading by 109 runs Binfield were set a chase of 212 after Reading’s first innings score, with Pavendeep Chima hitting 101 runs.

Binfield fell well short as they were dismissed all out for 103 as they fell to their fourth defeat in seven matches.

SONNING (nine points) slipped down to fourth in division 3a after they were beaten by Aldershot.

Mark Rirchards scored a half century for Sonning as they set Aldershot a total of 152 to win the match.

James Kennealy bowled found three wickets as he took 3-31, but it wouldn’t be enough as Aldershot clinched victory in a tightly contested match to move above Sonning in the table.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s (22 points) took their third win of the season to close the gap on opponents Sulhamstead & Ufton with a 36-run win.

Richard Reed hit 60 runs, while Kwame Appiah added 47 to give Finch a first innings total of 177 after 40 overs.

Ben Cole was the outstanding candidate in the bowling attack as he took 4-18 to help Finch to victory as they had Sulhamstead all out for 141 with just two overs remaining.

WHITE WALTHAM (five points) stay in eighth position after they were beaten by league leaders Windsor.

The table toppers were ruthless in their bowling and fielding as they managed to remove White Waltham all out for just 82 after 33.2 overs.

Wokingham stormed to a huge win after centuries from Chris Peploe and Danny Housego Pictures: Steve Smyth

Despite their disappointing batting display, White Waltham were superb in the field and made it a thoroughly entertaining spectacle as they ran Windsor close.

Luke Beard (3-21) and Cloudesley Long (4-11) bowled superbly but Windsor managed to get over the line after 31.2 overs having lost seven wickets.

WOKINGHAM 3s (22 points) are still at the summit of division 4a after they beat Falkland 2s by four wickets.

Falkland batted first and set the Oaks a total of 163 to win the match.

Edward Fox-Smith was the top scorer with 60 not out, while Chinmay Kulkarni hit 30 with Wokingham clinching victory with four wickets and 1.2 overs to spare.

WARGRAVE 2s (22 points) took the win in a close game against EVERSLEY 2s (seven points) with a four wicket win with just four balls to spare.

YATELEY (22 points) remain at the top of division 6b after they beat SONNING 2s (10 points) by just one run.

Maxfield smashed a century in the first innings as Yateley recorded a big total of 227.

But Sonning were up to the task as Rowe hit 52 runs, but they fell just one run short of victory as they were bowled all out with three balls left in a tense finish. Garood starred with the ball as he took 5-28 for the league leaders.

WARGRAVE 3s (six points) were condemned to their third loss of the season as Fleet 2s beat them by seven wickets.

Wargrave finished with a first innings total of 150 after Venu Gopal top scored with 38. But Fleet sailed to victory, losing just three wickets and winning with over two overs to spare.

WHITE WALTHAM 2s (seven points) were dealt a defeat by bottom of the table Theale & Tilehurst as they dropped to seventh in division 6b in their fourth defeat of the campaign.

Michael Chapman scored 69, while Harvey Grout scored a half century without losing his wicket to

see White Waltham record 181 after 40 overs.

However, Theale & Tilehurst batted stupendously to take the win, losing just three wickets on their way to surpassing the total set by White Waltham with just three balls remaining.

EVERSLEY 3s (22 points) are still at the top of division 7a after they thrashed WOKINGHAM 4s (seven points) by 109 runs.

Matthew Salter hit 78 runs as Eversley recorded a first innings score of 190 after their allotted 40 overs.

Ollie Heywood then took 3-6 for Eversley as Wokingham only managed to score 81 runs from their 40 overs, falling well short to leave them at the bottom of the table.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s (22 points) are just a point behind Eversley in second place after they beat BINFIELD 3s (eight points) by eight runs.

Rose amassed 52 for Finch to help them score 168, a score that was limited after the superb bowling of Paul Morgan for Binfield who took 5-36.

Tim Vines hit 59 not out to take Binfield close to Finch’s total, but they fell just eight runs shy of the target with one wicket to spare in the match in a narrow defeat.

WOKINGHAM 5s (22 points) climbed up to third in division 8a after they beat Theale & Tilehurst 3s by five wickets.

Toqir took 3-7 as Theale set the Oaks a target of 135 to take victory.

Khalid was top scorer for Wokingham with 37 as they took the win with just five balls to spare in a tight finish to the match.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 5s (22 points) boosted their league position with a 35-run triumph over EVERSLEY 4s (eight points) to move up into fourth.

Woodford was the highest scorer for Finch with 60, while Ellis performed well with the ball for Eversley as he took 3-23.

Arnold took 3-36 as Eversley fell 35 runs short of the target set by Finch. Despite the loss, Eversley moved up one place into eighth.

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SCORE TO GO TOP

RESULTS FIXTURES Saturday, August 29

Saturday, September 5

CRICKET Championship Great Kingshill (162-5) beat Shinfield (98-9)

CRICKET (1pm unless stated) Championship West Reading v Shinfield

Home Counties Premier League Wokingham (308-3) beat Slough (122 all out) Friendly Woodcote (171 all out) lost to Woodley (226 all out) Chilterns Division 1 Harpsden 2s (120 all out) beat Emmbrook & Bearwood (114 all out) Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s v Penn & Tylers Green 2s Thames Valley Division 2b Bagshot (189-8) beat Wokingham 2s (107 all out) Eversley (144 all out) lost to Finchampstead 2s (145-2) Reading (212-7) beat Binfield (103 all out) Thatcham Town (102 all out) lost to Hurst (103-5)

Danny Housego on the way to scoring a century

Thames Valley Division 3a Aldershot (153-8) beat Sonning (151-6) Finchampstead 3s (177-5) beat Sulhamstead & Ufton (141 all out) Windsor (83-7) beat White Waltham (82 all out) Thames Valley Division 4a Wargrave 2s (177-6) beat Eversley 2s (174-9) Wokingham 3s (163-6) beat Falkland 2s (162-5) Thames Valley Cricket League 5b Binfield 2s (142 all out) lost to North Maidenhead 2s (143-8) Thames Valley Cricket League 6b Fleet 2s (154-3) beat Wargrave 3s (150-9) Hurst 2s (175 all out) lost to Falkland 3s (1799) Sonning 2s (226 all out) lost to Yateley (2277) White Waltham 2s (181-6) lost to Theale & Tilehurst 2s (183-3)

Chris Peploe gets back into the crease

Wokingham 1st XI (308/3) beat Slough (122/all out) DANNY HOUSEGO and Chris Peploe both smashed their way to centuries as the Oaks earned their fifth league victory in seven matches to go top of the Home Counties Premier League.

Wokingham were put into bat first as the visitors won the toss and elected to field. Slough’s decision looked like a smart one as they took a wicket after just four balls.

Without a run on the board, Michael Bates was caught out by Fasil Noor, bowled Nadeem Syed as Slough made a strong start to the match.

However, the Oaks recovered from that early slip impeccably and built a huge partnership with Peploe and Housego at the crease together.

Wokingham put on a massive

Peploe kept his cool to score a century for the Oaks

202 runs before the next wicket fell in a batting masterclass before Slough eventually found a breakthrough by removing Peploe after a tremendous innings which saw him score 106 from 96 balls.

But Housego stayed at the crease and continued to showcase his impressive batting prowess, hitting six fours and seven sixes on his way to totalling 133 from 119 balls.

Sukhmeet Kang added a valuable 35 runs not out, while Billy Rogers joined him with one not out as the Oaks ended their 40 overs with an incredible score of 308 runs for their opponents to chase down.

With a big score to defend, the Oaks took three early wickets to put themselves in a promising position in the match. Jacob Clark was clinical with the ball as he took the first three wickets of the match with Slough on 23-3.

Naveed Akhtar did well to get Slough’s innings back on track before he was eventually bowled out by Max Uttley on 49.

The wickets continued to tumble despite Akhtar’s resistance as Wokingham closed in on a big victory.

Clark took his fourth wicket of the day, while Peploe added to his first innings century by taking two wickets while Uttley took another with the Oaks ending Slough well shot of the target on 122 after 30.4 overs.

The victory gives Wokingham 20 points and a two point lead at the top of the table after seven matches.

WOKINGHAM BATTING: Bates 0, Peploe 106, Housego 133, Kang 35no, Rogers 1no, Myles dnb, Clark dnb, Muirden dnb, Uttley dnb, Carter dnb.

WOKINGHAM BOWLING: Muirden 0-21, Clark 4-32, Carter 1-28, Peploe 2-20, Uttley 2-11

Home Counties Premier League Burnham v Finchampstead (noon) Datchet v Wokingham (noon) Chilterns Division 1 Harpsden 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s Thames Valley Division 2b Binfield v Eversley Finchampstead 2s v Bagshot Hurst v Reading Wokingham 2s v Kidmore End Thames Valley Division 3a Sonning v Boyne Hill 2s White Waltham v Finchampstead 3s Thames Valley Division 4a Bagshot 2s v Wargrave 2s Eversley 2s v Theale & Tilehurst Purley-on-Thames v Wokingham 3s Thames Valley Division 6b Aldershot 2s v Sonning 2s Theale & Tilehurst 2s v Hurst 2s Wargrave 3s v Sulhamstead & Ufton 2s Yateley v White Waltham 2s Thames Valley Division 7a Bradfield 2s v Eversley 3s Finchampstead 4s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s Wokingham 4s v Binfield 3s Thames Valley Division 8a Eversley 4s v Bagshot 3s Newbury 2s v Wokingham 5s Thatcham Town 3s v Wargrave 4s Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Finchampstead 5s Thames Valley Division 9a Sonning 3s v Yateley 2s FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v FC Deportivo Galicia

Thames Valley Cricket League 7a Binfield 3s (160-9) lost to Finchampstead 4s (168-7) Eversley 3s (190-9) beat Wokingham 4s (817) Thames Valley Cricket League 8a Finchampstead 5s (152 all out) beat Eversley 4s (117-9) Wokingham 5s (136-5) beat Theale & Tilehurst 3s (134-7) FOOTBALL FA Cup extra preliminary round Westbury United 0-2 Binfield

Sunday, August 30 CRICKET BCL August Cup- Division 2 & 3 Wokingham 6s (120-6) beat Shinfield 3s (116-8)

Chris Peploe

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HONOURS BOARD THE TEAM EACH PLAYER REPRESENTS IS LISTED FIRST

BATTING DANNY HOUSEGO: Wokingham v Slough- 133 CHRIS PEPLOE: Wokingham v Slough- 106 MAXFIELD: Yateley v Sonning 2s- 103 MATTHEW SALTER: Eversley 3s v Wokingham 4s- 78 MICHAEL CHAPMAN: White Waltham 2s v Theale & Tilehurst- 69 EDWARD FOX-SMITH: Wokingham 3s v Falkland 2s- 60* G WOODFORD: Finchampstead 5s v Eversley 4s- 60 RICHARD REED: Finchampstead 3s v Sulhamstead & Ufton- 60 TIM VINES: Binfield 3s v Finchampstead 4s- 59* SIMON BELL: Finchampstead 2s v Eversley- 53 ROWE: Sonning 2s v Yateley- 52 I ROSE: Finchampstead 4s v Binfield 3s- 52 HARVEY GROUT: White Waltham 2s v Theale & Tilehurst50* MARK RICHARDS: Sonning v Aldershot- 50

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CHILTERNS CRICKET LEAGUE

MEAD’S TREBLE WICKET SEES EMMBROOK 2s WIN

*NOT OUT

Iwan Parry at the crease for Emmbrook & Bearwood

Jamie Goodwin batting for Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth

BOWLING S GAROOD: Yateley v Sonning 2s- 5-28 PAUL MORGAN: Binfield 3s v Finchampstead 4s- 5-36 CLOUDESLEY LONG: White Waltham v Windsor- 4-11 SMITH: Hurst v Thatcham Town- 4-15 BEN COLE: Finchampstead 3s v Sulhamstead & Ufton- 4-18 JACOB CLARK: Wokingham v Slough- 4-32 OLLIE HEYWOOD: Eversley 3s v Wokingham 4s- 3-6 A TOQIR: Wokingham 5s v Theale & Tilehurst 3s- 3-7 E WALKER: Finchampstead 4s v Binfield 3s- 3-13 RIFAN MOHAMAD: Woodley v Woodcote- 3-17 ADITYARAJ SASWADE: Shinfield 3s v Wokingham 6s- 3-17 LUKE BEARD: White Waltham v Windsor- 3-21 ANDREW ROBERTSON: Emmbrook & Bearwood v Harpsden 2s- 3-22 DANIEL MEAD: Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s v Theale & Tilehurst- 3-22 SEBASTIAN ATKINS: Binfield 2s v North Maidenhead 2s- 323 G ELLIS: Eversley 4s v Finchampstead 5s- 3-23 JACK WRIGLEY: Hurst 2s v Falkland 3s- 3-24 RICHARD COLE: Emmbrook & Bearwood v Harpsden 2s- 325 VARUN SANJEEV: Finchampstead 2s v Eversley- 3-25 MICHAEL O’DONAHUE: Finchampstead 2s v Eversley- 3-30 JAMES KENNEALY: Sonning v Aldershot- 3-31 M ARNOLD: Finchampstead v Eversley 4s- 3-36

Balraj Bahra swipes at a shot

James Goodwin looks back as he is bowled out

Sanjeev Jain steers the ball pas the wicket-keeper in Emmbrook’s victory Pictures: Steve Smyth

Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s (159/9) beat Theale & Tilehurst (123/all out)

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk EMMBROOK & Bearwood 2s were triumphant in a 36-run win over Theale and Tilehurst.

Emmbrook were awarded 35 points in Chilterns League Division Two after their scheduled league fixture against Penn & Tylers Green 2s was conceded by the visitors.

Meanwhile, the hosts kept themselves sharp with their friendly against Theale & Tilehurst.

Having won the toss Emmbrook elected to bat first.

Philip Wells was first to go as he was bowled out for three runs.

However, his opening batting partner Iwan Parry batted a solid innings as he scored 18, while Sanjeev Jain added 14 more.

The middle order fell for a

relatively low score which left Emmbrook in a difficult position until Paul Hunsdon gave a much needed boost to the scoreboard as he found six boundaries on his way to totalling 36 runs for his side.

The tail end of the Emmbrook innings was vital as Thomas Alborough and Aditya Kuchimanchi both remained not out to see their side to the end of their 40 overs.

Alborough managed to score 27, while Kuchimanchi added 18 to take Emmbrook to 159.

With 159 to defend, Emmbrook flew out of the blocks and took some early wickets to put themselves in the driving seat.

Cocker fell for just one run as he was bowled out by Alborough, before Kuchimanchi took two quick wickets.

Alborough found another wicket as he continued to impress after his impressive batting display as he dismissed Mishra on 10.

Theale began to recover their innings in the middle order as Balaji

and Naisbitt scored 13 and 27 respectively. However, Daniel Mead was the star in the Emmbrook bowling attack as he took three wickets for just 22 runs.

Emmbrook sealed victory after 34.3 overs with a 36-run triumph.

EMMBROOK BATTING: Parry 18, Wells 3, Jain 14, Bahra 3, Goodwin 8, Murray 0, Mead 0, Hunsdon 36, McNab 0, Alborough 27no, Kuchimanchi 18no EMMBROOK BOWLING: Kuchimanchi 2-13, Alborough 2-16, Murray 0-8, McNab 2-26, Mead 3-22, Goodwin 0-18, Bahra 1-15

Emmbrook & Bearwood 1s (114/all out) lost to Harpsden 2s (120/all out) MEANWHILE, Emmbrook & Bearwood 1s (11 points) were defeated in Chilterns Cricket League Division One as they were beaten by just six runs in a close encounter.

Richard Cole and Andrew

Robertson both impressed in the Emmbrook bowling line-up as they both took three wickets each.

Harpsden finished with a first innings score of 120.

Opening batsman Ollie Williams totalled 14 runs, however the top order of the batting line up fell cheaply to leave Emmbrook in a dangerous position.

Jack Narraway came close to a half century as he scored 44 runs to help recover the innings, while Robertson added 19 more.

However, in a tight finish, Emmbrook fell just shy of victory as they lost their final wicket after needing to score six runs from the final two balls of the game.

EMMBROOK BOWLING: Cole 3-25, Gibbs 1-26, Wells 2-30, Robertson 3-22, Wells 0-8, Mhartre 0-7.

EMMBROOK BATTING: Williams 14, Gibbs 2, Smart 1, Das 1, Narraway 44, Wells 0, Robertson 19, Shinde 4, Cole 9no, Wells 0, Mhartre 6

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FOOTBALL

S4K LADIES FIND SHARPNESS AHEAD OF NEW CAMPAIGN

YOUNG EXILES SIDE BEATEN

BY RUTHLESS SARACENS A young Irish side were unable to deny an experienced Saracens team at The Stoop as the visitors recorded a 40-12 victory in Round 17.

Sammy Sadler (left), and Ally Kelly (middle) in action for S4K Ladies in their pre-season game against Wargrave Women Reserves Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballInBerkshire

JAMIE WILLIAMS’ Woodley United side continued preparations ahead of the new season with a pre-season fixture against Sandhurst Sports.

Woodley managed to overturn a two-goal deficit which saw them on the losing side at the break as they levelled the scores in the second half but they were beaten after a late Sandhurst winner.

The Kestrels begin their Hellenic League Division One East campaign on Saturday, September 12 with an away trip to Abingdon Town.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK faced off against EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA on Tuesday evening under the lights at Lowther Road in

the Boars final game of pre-season before they begin their league campaign in the Combined Counties Division One this Saturday.

Ellis Day opened the scoring in the first half to give the Sumas the lead.

A second goal was then scrambled over the line from the hosts following Bateman’s corner which was headed goalwards by Cummuskey.

The Sumas then added a third and final goal of the evening to take the contest 3-0 as Clarke slotted into the corner.

Thames Valley Premier Division side FINCHAMPSTEAD FC were

beaten 2-1 against Slough Heating Lauries FC in their latest pre-season test on Saturday.

They then faced Yateley United on Tuesday evening and despite goals from Chaffin and Joel Day, they were beaten 3-2.

Fellow Thames Valley Premier side BERKS COUNTY were in action on Saturday as they were narrowly defeated by Camberley Town FC 3-2.

Berks County will face WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK in a final pre-season test for the Sumas on Saturday, September 5 at Lowther Road before their league season begins in Hellenic League Division One

East on Saturday, September 15.

Thames Valley Division Three side WOODLEY UNITED ‘A’ were victorious in their latest pre-season friendly as they came out as 2-1 winners against Calcot Royals.

FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT, who play their league football in Thames Valley Division Four, shared six goals in a 3-3 stalemate against Reading YMCA FC. S4K LADIES took on Wargrave Women Reserves ina pre-season fixture on Sunday, where they were beaten by a single goal as Wargrave scored from the penalty spot through Hannah Sheehan.

BERKSHIRE CRICKET

BERKS WIN AGAIN TO MAINTAIN UNBEATEN STREAK THE Lewis brothers were on opposing sides when Berkshire defeated Middlesex by four wickets at Henley on Sunday, writes Dave Wright.

Rhodri, 18, plays regularly for Middlesex Academy, while 15-year-old Rhys was making his first appearance for the Royal county.

A fine knock of 40 by Rhodri was the highest score of the match, helping Middlesex to reach 151 all out in this 50/50 friendly.

However, Thatcham's Rhys claimed the family's bragging rights on the day, making an unbeaten 18 as Berkshire reached their target at 157-6 with more than six overs to spare.

There was also a senior debut for Cookham Dean batsman Mohammed Ilyas with Stewart Davison leading out a much-changed Berkshire side.

A good-sized crowd witnessed an entertaining match which produced excellent cricket from both sides.

Rhodri's Wargrave club colleague Toby Greatwood, who also plays for Berkshire, hit 21 for Middlesex before producing an economical bowling spell of 1-12 from seven overs.

Pick of the home bowlers was paceman Tom Nugent with 3-18, while four wickets were shared by his Henley's team-mates Andy Rishton (2-18) and Tom Scriven, who claimed 2-34.

All six bowlers used finished with at least one wicket and were backed up by some sharp fielding, including two smart catches by Scriven.

Wicket-keeper Davison claimed two catches and a stumping and it was he who later clinched victory by bashing a mighty six over the long-on boundary to complete another good day's work by his team.

BERKSHIRE DETAILS (IN BATTING ORDER): Smith 23, Rowe 11, Scriven 6, Rishton 13, Illyas 23, Kang 21, Lewis 18no, Davison 16no. Extras 26.

TOTAL: 157-6.

BERKSHIRE BOWLING: Nugent 8-1-18-3, Scriven 8-0-34-2, Uttley 10-0-37-1, Rishton 5.2-1-18-2, Raja 10-2-261, Peploe 5-0-16-1.

It was their second win over Middlesex in August and it keeps Berkshire unbeaten for this shortened season going into their match against Oxfordshire at Falkland CC this coming Sunday.

London Irish started the brighter of the two sides, a charge down from debutant Agustin Creevy allowed for Curtis Rona to break through the Saracens defence. However, the last pass drifted into touch, giving the visitors the chance to clear.

It was the visitors that would make the first dent on the scoreboard. With 10 minutes on the clock, Elliot Daly thumped a penalty into the Irish five metre line. Jamie George was at the back of the resulting rolling maul and dived over the line.

Manu Vunipola added the conversion and Saracens led 7-0.

Saracens’ second try came just five minutes later and was a mirror of their first. A penalty was kicked deep into Irish’s territory and Brad Barritt was on hand to finish it off from the back of another rolling maul. Vunipola added the extras and the lead was extended to 14-0.

The Exiles hit back through Creevy on 20 minutes. The hooker started the offence by getting a break down penalty. Jacob Atkins kicked Irish into the Saracens’ 22-metre line and, after a well-worked lineout move, Creevy drove over from close-range. The conversion was missed, and the visitors lead was cut to 5-14.

Five minutes later, Saracens extended their lead, Billy Vunipola reaching out to dot down over the Exiles’ line for their third try of the match. The conversion was successful, and Saracens moved the score to 5-21.

Staying true to an entertaining first half, Irish hit back immediately. Matt Williams charged down an initial clearance kick straight from the kick-off to keep the hosts in their own half.

A clever chip-and-chase was gathered by James Stokes, before Williams got on the ball to drive himself over the line, cutting the deficit.

Jacob Atkins added the extras to take the score to 12-21.

It took four minutes before Saracens responded to the latest Exiles’ try. Jamie George scoring another try from a rolling maul, securing his side the bonus-point. The conversion was missed, Saracens led 12-26.

The home side pushed for a late score before the break, but a knock-on ended the half with Saracens leading 12-26.

Saracens scored the first points of the second half, Richard Barrington scoring from close-range.

The conversion effort was successful, and the score was 12-33.

Another score quickly followed, Barrington going over for his second after some clever work from the Saracens’ pack. The conversion was good, and the visitors took a 12-40 lead.

The Exiles couldn’t muster up any last points, and the contest ended 12-40 in Saracens favour.

LONDON IRISH: 15 Tom Parton, 14 James Stokes, 13 Curtis Rona (Cokanasiga, 65), 12 Matt Williams, 11 Ross Neal (Norton, 65), 10 Jacob Atkins, 9 Rory Brand (Englefield, 55), 1 Will Goodrick-Clarke (Dell, 51), 2 Agustin Creevy (Cornish, 48), 3 Lovejoy Chawatama (Hoskins, 51), 4 Ben Donnell (De Chaves, 77), 5 Chunya Munga, 6 Jack Cooke, 7 Isaac Curtis-Harris (Ioane, 62), 8 Matt Rogerson

Rhys Lewis (left) and Rodri Lewis (right) lined up on opposing sides as Berkshire earned a four-wicket victory over Middlesex

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Matt Cornish, 17 Allan Dell, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Sebastian de Chaves, 20 TJ Ioane, 21 Caolan

CENTUIRES, boundaries and high-scoring performances were the order of the day as Wokingham climbed to the summit of the Home Counties Premier League.

Chris Peploe and

WEST SIDE STORY: MOLES ENJOY CUP TIE

Danny Housego were in sincilating form on Saturday as they both scored respective centuries in their game against Slough.

Their efforts helped ensure that the Oaks continued their winning

form in the league, recording a massive first innings total of 308.

The Oaks then matched their super batting display as they also showed fine form with the ball. � Match report on page 37

SHOCK AT PRE-SEASON SHAKE-UP

AND

Asa Povey scored Binfield’s opener in their FA Cup triumph Picture: Neil Graham

Westbury United 0 Binfield 2 BINFIELD ensured that they kept their FA Cup dream alive as they marked their debut in the historic cup competition with an away victory.

In their first competitve football action in over four months, the Moles netted two second half goals to cap off a superb night for the club as they got their 2020/21 campaign off to a winning start.

The Moles will host AFC Totton in the next round of the FA Cup on Saturday, September 12, before they begin their Hellenic Premier League campaign three days later away to Ardley United.

EXCLUSIVE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING have appointed Veljko Paunović as their new first-team manager as Mark Bowen departed the club just two weeks prior to the star of the 2020/21 Championship season.

Royals owner Mr Dai opted to make changes to the club’s hierachy which saw former manager Bowen offered the role

as sporting director, which he took up when he originally joined before taking over as first-team manager from Jose Gomes in October 2019.

However, Bowen opted not to take up the role offered by him a the club after being replaced as manager by Paunovic last week.

Paunović is a relatively unknown personality in England having only held the managerial position at one club.

He began his managerial career as Serbia U18’s boss and has also led the country’s U19 and U20’s sides, with the highlight of his career so far coming after winning the 2015 U20 World Cup with Serbia.

It is the fourth managerial appointment since March 2018, with many Royals fans understandably questioning the club’s approach to change their manager so close to the start of the new season. � Continued on page 34

� Full report on page 33

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