Wokingham Today March 18, 2021

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

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE NEW NAME FOR THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Fireworks back on calendar

Thursday, March 18, 2021 No. 304

Settling in Badgers have been re-homed in Finchampstead, where two artificial setts have been created by the council � Continued on page 16 PICTURE: TRIS PEARCE

EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THE skies will be lighting up later this year – the annual Wokingham Fireworks procession and display is set to come back with a bang.

Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust is making preparations to hold the bonfire night celebration on Saturday, November 6.

Organised by volunteers from Wokingham Lions Club, Rotary Clubs of Wokingham and Easthampstead and two local Unicorn Clubs, it is one of the biggest displays in the area and is a highlight in the borough’s calendar.

It includes a torchlit procession from the town hall to Cantley Park, as well as a funfair and food stalls.

Last year’s event was a victim of the coronavirus pandemic and the Trust was forced to cancel for the first time in 32 years.

Now, organisers are hoping this year’s event can run but are proceeding with caution.

“It’s covid-permitting of course, but we’re making positive plans to go ahead in November” said David Gold, chair of Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust.

“We were extraordinarily disappointed having to cancel last year.”

Mr Gold said the Trust has had a difficult few years organising the annual event, and hopes 2021 will be smooth sailing.

“In 2019, due to strong winds, we had to postpone Wokingham Fireworks by 24 hours,” he explained.

“Then, the year before that, there was a gas leak which coincided virtually with the street parade from Market Place.

“We’ve had some issues to deal with but, undaunted, we’re going ahead and making plans for this year.”

Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust has booked MC Production Group to put on this year’s fireworks display. � Continued on page 8

70p

FAMILY REUNITED WITH SNAPS AFTER DECADE P9 LOCKDOWN: ONE YEAR LATER, WHAT HAS CHANGED P4 BANKSY WORK P3 DEFACED WITH TAG

VIOLENT CRIME RISES 50% IN TOWN Incidents increase EXCLUSIVE

since 2018, with summer peak

By JESS WARREN news@wokingham.today

VIOLENT CRIME in Wokingham town centre has risen by 51% since 2018, despite the town

RUGBY MUM RAISES £2,000 FOR BANSHEES P3 100 HOMES PLANNED FOR WINNERSH P11

council installing more CCTV in hotspots.

Data from thinktank, UKCrimeStats, revealed that the number of incidents rose from 357 in 2018, to 408 in 2019 and 542 last year. � Continued on page 2

HENLEY BLACK-TIE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER P21

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2 | NEWS

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Who sadly passed away on January 26th 2021.

A private funeral to be held 22nd March.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

Cabbies hang up their keys as licence fees rise EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today TAXI DRIVERS across the borough have been struggling through the pandemic. And a licence fee hike hasn’t helped.

More than 20% of Hackney Carriage drivers have handed in their licence since covid hit the borough. And private hire licences have also dropped by 15%.

It comes as last year, Wokingham.Today reported taxi drivers were turning to the foodbank to keep their families from going hungry.

Cllr Rachel Burgess, Labour councillor for Norreys and a member of the licencing committee that approved the hike, said she was against the rise.

“The taxi trade has been one of the worst affected by Covid-19 with incomes plummeting and reports of taxi drivers resorting to food banks – and yet incredibly the Conservatives are expecting

them to pay even more in fees next year,” she said.

“The taxi licence fee has almost doubled in the last three years. I proposed that the licensing committee should freeze taxi driver fees next year – a decision that would not be material to the council’s finances but would be to the individual drivers – but disappointingly the Conservatives voted against this. They voted against supporting our drivers.

“They voted instead to make it harder for small businesses and self-employed drivers to recover after the pandemic.”

Earlier this month, the council’s licensing committee discussed the findings of a consultation with cab drivers.

The annual fee had already been increased by 17%.

Cllr Burgess called the consultation “a sham”.

“It was simply a tick box exercise to fulfil legal obligations rather than a meaningful consultation,” she said.

“One of the respondents to the survey stated that they felt their comments would make no difference – as the decision on fees had already been made, they were absolutely right.

“For nearly three years now I have seen taxi drivers continually frustrated by the lack of real engagement from the Conservatives on the many issues they face — it’s time the Conservatives stood up for our taxi drivers instead of continually ignoring their legitimate concerns.”

Cllr Sarah Kerr, of the Lib Dem group, said the taxi drivers have been “let down” by the council.

“At a time when the earnings of taxi drivers are significantly suppressed, and many have been forced into poverty, or out of business, putting up the license fee is not only cruel but demonstrates the lack of compassion coming from this council."

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, leader of the Liberal Democrats,

questioned why the consultation was not brought forward, in line with the fee review.

Cllr Ferris said: "Both Lib Dem and Labour councillors on the licensing committee voted to freeze the licence fee, but all Conservative councillors voted against it.

Instead, they have chosen to delay any action, if at all, until the summer.

“This will be too late for many who already feel let down by the council, and are likely to leave the profession for good."

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the council, said it was difficult for him to comment, as he wasn’t in the meeting.

“I don’t know what the arguments are, but it’s a cross-party committee who presumably agreed an increase,” he said.

“Thhe taxi drivers will have self-employment grants from the government. If they’re not self-employed, they would have been able to tap into further support.”

Violent crime in town centre rises � Continued from front

Figures were particularly high between May and August last year.

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Lib Dem leader of Wokingham Town Council said they were “unnerving figures” and wanted to send a clear message that “we don’t want this in our town”.

Last year there were also 232 recorded

incidents of anti-social behaviour, and 131 incidents of criminal damage or arson.

They made up 1,535 incidents in the town area last year — a rise of from 1,480 in 2018 and 1,507 in 2019.

Cllr ShepherdDuBey said a stabbing outside Wokingham Train Station in 2019 was a drug related incident.

“There have been concerns raised about

late night drug use around the play area at Latimer Road,” Cllr Shepherd-DuBey said.

“This makes things unpleasant for our residents.”

In a bid to keep on top of the issue, the town clerk attends the Community Safety Partnership meetings, along with the police, she said.

Wokingham town centre is a regular item on the agenda.

“Many of our councillors also attend the neighbourhood action meetings, which are the best places for residents to raise any concerns they are having about anti-social behaviour with the police,” Cllr Shepherd-DuBey added.

“In terms of making people feel safer, we have installed CCTV around the Town Hall along with the CCTV in Peach Place, Elms Field and other areas — much of the town centre is covered.

“We have also reduced the hedges in Howard Palmer Gardens so that people cannot hide in there,” she added.

“During the summer months and in the run up to Christmas we

have also hired extra security in the evenings, to patrol the town and the railway station.

“This has been very successful in reducing problems in these areas.”

The Conservative group leader at Wokingham Town Council said more needs to be done to expand CCTV coverage.

Cllr Daniel Hinton said: “Like all residents, of course, I am concerned with any rise in crime across Wokingham and it is particularly concerning that the numbers have increased especially when so much of last year was spent in lockdown.”

Cllr Hinton said he has been speaking to Matthew Barber, the Conservative candidate for police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley Police, about “bringing a police base back to Wokingham”.

Cllr Hinton suggested increasing CCTV coverage outside of crime hotspots, and said he is looking at ways to reduce antisocial behaviour

through youth work and youth facilities.

Superintendent Felicity Parker, area commander for Wokingham and Bracknell, said combatting violent crime and disrupting those who commit is a priority for her team.

“This week, the Home Secretary confirmed that TVP will be one of four forces to trial the introduction of new post-conviction powers to further tackle knife crime and violence,” she said.

“Thames Valley Police and Wokingham Borough Council are currently in the process of setting up a strategic partnership group to focus further on reducing the levels of violence in the borough.”

She said there are a number of other measures in place including intelligence led patrols, increased use of stop and search under Section 60 powers, executing warrants, permanent knife amnesty bins, and the use of knife arches and knife wands by officers.

She said there are also measures the public cannot see.

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEWS | 3

Disabled rugby player peddles to Scotland for Banshee club fundraiser EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM woman who turned her disability into a positive experience is now raising money to help others do the same.

DEFACED: The piece has been tagged with a reference a former rival Picture: Phil Creighton

Banksy’s gaol work defaced with tag

MONDAY was a red letter day for art lovers – but the words are more likely to see them descend into a red mist.

The Banksy mural at Reading gaol has been vandalised and specialist teams will be needed to restore it.

Graffiti tags were painted stating ‘Team Robbo’ – a reference to another street artist that previously had a rivalry with Bristol-based Banksy.

The vandals also attempted to paint over the typewriter that weighs down the escape artist’s sheets of knotted paper. It appears that they were unable to paint any higher, thus preventing any further damage.

Although Banksy’s work was in support of bids to turn the derelict jail into an arts and community hub, the site is owned by the Ministry of Justice, who have yet to determine what they will do with artwork and the area, which once housed Oscar Wilde as an inmate.

Reading Borough Council leader, Cllr Jason Broc,k said: “This is obviously hugely disappointing following the initial excitement in Reading recently when Banksy’s artwork appeared. How anyone can somehow think this is acceptable is completely beyond me, even if this is an extension of a historic feud, as is being suggested.”

Reading East MP, Matt Rodda, said: "I'm deeply disappointed by this act of mindless vandalism and I would ask

anyone who has any information to contact me police.

“The Banksy painting has played an important part in the campaign to save the gaol and it has caught the public mood during the last few days.

“I hope the painting can be restored and protected by the Ministry of Justice.”

One commuter, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It is shocking that people could think of doing such a thing. It makes me mad. ” Last week, actor Kate Winslet welcomed the mural.

The star, who grew up in the town, hoped it will raise further support for the ongoing campaign to turn the site into an arts hub.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Winslet said it was “incredible” that Banksy had chosen Reading for his latest piece.

“I felt incredibly excited for Reading to have a Banksy,” she said. “It adds to the legacy of what [the gaol] building really could become if Reading had a legacy space like that, to hand on to generation after generation.”

As a youngster, Ms Winslet was a pupil at Woodley’s Starmaker youth theatre – and she has not forgotten her roots.

“I learnt how to act in Reading at drama clubs that were held in a variety of Scout halls and church halls and school gymnasiums,” she explained.

Wheelchair user, Sally Sycha, is taking on the ultimate charity challenge to support disabled people across Berkshire.

Over the coming year, she plans to ride the distance from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, to raise money for her wheelchair rugby team, the Berkshire Banshees.

She will be completing the challenge on her specialist recumbent ICE trike — and after riding 338km (210 miles) last year, her latest 1,407km (874 miles) challenge is a big step up.

Ms Sycha was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) during her second pregnancy. She also lives with a variety of other conditions.

“A few years ago my health deteriorated dramatically, making me suddenly disabled,” she explained. “It was a really hard time for me and my family, and incredibly isolating.”

EDS is a connective tissue disorder that causes joint instability and dislocations, while PoTs can cause dizziness and fainting.

Now, the resident relies on a wheelchair to get around when out and about, and sometimes when in the house too.

“Due to PoTS, I can only stand for on average three minutes before collapsing,” Ms Sycha said. “This is because my autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly.”

This controls actions such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

Two years ago, Ms Sycha was able to turn her life around when she discovered a passion for wheelchair rugby.

“I cannot overstate what being part of Berkshire Banshees has done for me and my family,” she said. “It has hugely benefited both my physical and mental health, and the kids love it when mummy goes ‘crash’.

“I refound myself, a community and my confidence.”

Now, the resident is in the midst of her fundraising challenge and has already completed 480km (298 miles) and has raised nearly £2,000 of her £3,000 goal.

“I'm blown away with the support

so far,” Ms Sycha said. “I never expected it to raise this much so quickly, and was definitely helped by asking for donations instead of any birthday presents this year.

“I'm so grateful to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser so far to help me reach my goal.”

All money raised will go towards buying Ms Sycha her own rugby wheelchair.

“The team is growing and currently don’t have enough chairs for all the players,” she explained.

“Having a well-fitting chair is vital for player safety in a high impact sport.

“It makes it easier to push and maneuver, and improves our play.”

And it seems she is enjoying the challenge so far.

“I recently rode more than 50km (31 miles) in one go for the first time,” Ms Sycha said. “I’ve managed some amazing rides.”

She is currently on course to finish the challenge by November, and has even been out in the mud and the snow to meet her target..

Berkshire Banshees is also running its own fundraising campaign, to raise money for two extra chairs. So far, it has raised £950 of its £6,400 goal. � To find out more about Ms Sycha’s fundraising challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ sally-slow-lejog � More information on Berkshire Banshees’ fundraiser can be found at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ berkshire-banshees

ON THE MOVE: Sally Sycha is cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats on a recumbent ICE trike to raise money for her wheelchair rugby team, the Berkshire Banshees Pictures: Sally Sycha

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4 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

CORONAVIRUS LATEST January 2020

February 2020

March 2020

April 2020

27 - Health secretary says “The NHS remains well prepared”

6 - Sonning professor warns Covid could hit UK by mid-March

5 - First reported UK death related to Covid-19

2 - 100,000 tests a day promised by the end of April

30 - National risk level increased to moderate

11- Boundary House Surgery in Bracknell gets deep clean as Covid fears spread - later confirmed false alarm

5 - Schools close after Covid confirmed in borough

10 - New PPE plan is published

31- First known cases of Covid-19 confirmed in England

11 - WHO announced new name for new coronavirus disease: Covid-19 28 - WHO increases risk assessment to very high at global level

19 - One Front Door forms 17 - Chancellor announces £330bn to support economy 18 - Schools close to majority of children

12 - Covid-19 hospital deaths pass 10,000 in the UK 18 - £1.6bn to support local councils 22 - Social distancing measures likely to remain for year

23 - Lockdown

NEW PHONE NUMBER

How to get covid support in Wokingham borough

To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0808 278 7958 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258

May 2020 5 - Test, track and trace pilot in Isle of Wight 23 - Downing Street says Dominic Cummings’ actions , including a trip to Durham, were in line with coronavirus guidelines' 28 - Test and Trace system starts 29 - Self-employment support scheme extended and furlough scheme altered

June 2020 11 - Dido Harding says contact tracing app will be introduced ‘when it is right to do so’ 15 - Face coverings mandatory on public transport 15 - Non-essential shops in England open

July 2020 17 - Prime Minister hopes that “a more significant return to normality” may be possible “in time for Christmas” 24 - Face coverings mandatory in shops and supermarkets

August 2020 3 - Chancellor launches Eat Out to Help Out initaitve to support the hospitality industry 24 - Prime minister makes direct appeal to parents to return their children to the classroom

19- £650m universal catch-up premium for all state school children in England 29 - The first local lockdown introduced

One year on: what has changed EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today RESIDENTS must get used to the new normal, and embrace testing as part of their lives, said the council health leader.

Marking one year since the first UK lockdown next week, Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health and wellbeing, said residents have every reason to be optimistic about the year ahead.

He believes regular testing must become the normality, in order for residents to return to their lives.

“I want to encourage everyone to get tested whenever you can and follow government guidelines,” he said. “Catching Covid-19 can happen to anyone.”

Cllr Margetts said one of the greatest achievements to come out of the pandemic, was the collaborative work between the council and charity sector.

“But none of that means anything without the volunteers,” he added. “We really couldn’t go it without them — it’s about people supporting their communities.”

He said the borough has an excess of volunteers, and said this was a testament to the community.

“In late February last year, we had our first meeting where the ideas were formed for the One Front Door, and the support we could offer,” he said. “We have always wanted to work more closely with the voluntary sector, but covid forced that to happen much more quickly.

“Within a week, there was a plan in place — we knew what we were doing.”

He said there were key differences between the first, second and third lockdown.

To begin with, the biggest issue was shielding residents struggling to access food. This eased off into the summer, as panic-buying became a thing of the past. Then the council’s focus shifted to covid testing, and the vaccine roll-out.

The leader of Wokingham Liberal Democrats, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, praised the food hub, set up in the first lockdown and called it a great success.

He added: "Staff at WBC were seconded onto Covid-19 duties and they provided vital support especially in the adult social care area, regularly speaking to more than 2,000 residents.”

He also praised the council response to covid in care homes.

"The decision by WBC to develop a local protocol to prevent patients being discharged from our local hospitals either to their home, or into care homes without a clear Covid-19 test has saved many lives both locally and nationally as other local council’s followed the example set by Wokingham,” he said.

Cllr Andy Croy, leader of Wokingham Labour, said “at times, it seemed as though the government was working against local people”.

He said: “ They did not protect our care homes.

They totally messed up the return to school in the summer of 2020 and again in January of 2021.

They refused to let local authorities lead the track and trace efforts and squandered billions in the process.

“The great success of the NHS vaccination program has happened because it has been left to the professionals in the NHS and not contracted out to Serco or to some Conservative Party crony.”

Cllr Croy criticised the national response to covid, and called the prime minister “inept”.

“We were too slow to lockdown,” he said. “We had inadequate supplies of PPP. We had Tory cronyism in the awarding of contracts. We had an app that didn’t work. We had a Conservative test and trace system that cost billions and also did not work. We eased off in the summer despite knowing there was a second wave coming.

“When the second wave did come, we repeated the mistakes of the first wave and allowed the virus to spread to an even greater extent over Christmas.”

He said borough residents have “suffered unnecessarily” and said the 313 covid-related deaths in the borough were a “direct result of the incompetence of the Conservatives”.

As part of the ongoing covid response to the pandemic, Cllr Margetts said the council meets with charity leader’s twice a week in a virtual setting.

This, he said, helps the borough stay watchful over the continued threat, and work through any problems that arise in the community.

Now, the focus is on vaccines, “The CCG has given us reassurance that for the next nine or 10 weeks, vaccine supply will triple,” Cllr Margetts said.

“That’s a big expansion on capacity, although much of that will be for second doses.”

He expects one third of the additional supply will be used to vaccinate those who have yet to receive their first dose.

“My advice is don’t sit around and wait,” Cllr Margetts said. “If you’re offered the vaccine, go get it. We’re in a race against time before the autumn and winter arrives.

“As we know, other respiratory illnesses pick up at that time, covid is no exception. The other day, Professor Chris Whitty was saying he expects another rise in winter.”

Cllr Ferris said while residents can see “the light at the end of the tunnel”, it still feels some time away.

“Most people are worn down and just waiting for the end of the pandemic,” he said. “People are in limbo but are hopeful. We all want a break.”

NEWS | 5

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

CORONAVIRUS LATEST September 2020 7 - Rise in Covid-19 infections across UK of “great concern”

October 2020

November 2020

December 2020

2 - Prime minister says people became “complacent” about transmission

20 - Matt Hancock aims to start vaccines by next month

2 - UK clinically approves coronavirus vaccine for supply

2 - Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine begins to arrive at hospitals

23 - Prime minister confirms national restrictions will end on December 2, to be replaced by local tiers

14 - Matt Hancock reveals new variant identified, announces areas moving into tier 3

5 - England enters third lockdown

9 - Rule of six introduced 18 - Prime minister says the UK is “now seeing a second wave” 21 - Chris Whitty says “we think that the epidemic is doubling roughly every seven days” 21 - UK Covid-19 alert level moves from level 3 to level 4

12 - Prime minister introduces three tier system 13 - Labour leader calls for a 2-3 week ‘circuit break' in England

19 - Prime minister announces tier 4 from tomorrow, says Christmas cannot continue as planned

26 - Prime minister says that he is “sorry to confirm” that most of England will be in the top two tiers for Christmas

21 - Labour call to extend free school meals over school holidays until Easter

January 2021

11 - 2.3 million people given a vaccine dose 13 - 84,767 Covid deaths 24 -77 cases of the South African variant identified in the UK 31 - one year since the UK recorded its first domestic case

31 - Lockdown

February 2021 2 -10 million doses of vaccine given 5 - Target to offer all over 50s a first vaccination by May 15 - British and Irish citizens arriving in the UK required to quarantine at a government designated hotel for ten days 16 - Additional 1.7m people in England are advised to shield, and shielding is extended until the end of March

March 2021 3 - Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivers his second budget, extends furlough, £20 Univeral Credit uplift, three month extension to the business rates holiday and stamp duty 8 - Majority of school children return to classrooms 8 - One-on-one socialising allowed outdoors in public places

April 2021 12 - Plan to open all shops, hairdressers and beauty salons, gyms, spas, libraries and community centres 12 - Plan to allow all restaurants and pubs to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors 12 - Plan to allow members of the same household to holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation

29 - Plan to allow six people to meet outdoors

More than 90% school pupils using lateral flow tests

HELPING HAND: Volunteers at Wokingham Community Hub pack bags of supplies last spring Picture: Stewart Turkington

Cllr Clive Jones, deputy leader of Wokingham doing a “great job” keeping up with cancer and Lib Dems, said the March this year is a cardiac care. “different world”.

Cllr Jones said the retail scene has changed “One of the tremendously within the year, and called for benefits has been greater support for high streets. the drop in car “There needs to be a travel which has rebalancing of THEW led to a reduction business rates OKIN Bin it in pollution, and it and taxes to to pre safely P G ledge W HAM virus vent from OKINGH has helped work create a level AM.T hosp sprea d ‘W APER playing HEN Yital chief oveOrDcoAYronavirP life balance for field for US MO OU NE us many people,” he our retailers,” he BE HE ST, WE ED RE FO ’LL said. said.

R YOU ’ “Home-schooling “ O n l i n e has been difficult for businesses such as many parents, but it Amazon have done has been right to close very well at the schools to the majority expense of bricks of pupils.” and mortar retailers.

All political groups in “If something isn't the borough said they done to help high would have preferred if school staff street retailers it's likely were vaccinated before the return to classroom they will continue to go teaching. out of business seriously Cllr Ferris added: “The NHS has done the most affecting the viability of incredible job in saving many, many, lives. It now not only Wokingham town needs to be given the resources to catch up with centre but also Reading and Bracknell." elective surgery where waiting lists have Cllr Margetts also recognised that retailers in spiralled upwards.” the borough have had their “economic future He said NHS staff should have been compromised” due to the pandemic. treated better in the budget – they have been “People all over the country will be feeling the offered a 1% pay rise – and said the government is effects of this for years to come,” he said. “not looking after the salaries of NHS Cllr Ferris said the best way for the council to professionals”. help, is to produce a covid recovery plan that He praised the Royal Berkshire Hospital, for supports residents and businesses.

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NINE in 10 secondary school pupils in the borough have used lateral flow tests since they returned to classrooms.

Last week, students were asked to have three rapid tests at school and under the supervision of a trained operator, and a fourth test using a home kit.

From now on, they will take twice-weekly tests using home test kits provided by their school.

UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at the council, said: “We are so proud of the efforts of our local schools in getting this up and running.

Secondary school staff have been working with their communities to ensure as many pupils get tested as possible and the

results are fantastic.

“As restrictions continue to ease, these tests will be very important for finding asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 and stopping the spread.

“We want to thank all of our mainstream secondary schools and we will continue to offer support and guidance where

needed.”

Parents and childcare or support bubbles of school staff and pupils are also being encouraged to get tested regularly.

This can be done at one of the council’s three rapid test centres at Shute End offices, the Microsoft Campus at Thames Valley Park and

at Sindlesham Court.

Residents can book an appointment in advance through the council website, or turn up on the day at the Microsoft Campus and Sindlesham Court.

Home test kits can also be ordered for home delivery or collection via the Gov.uk website.

For advice and assistance on Family Law matters including:

• Divorce and separation

• Property/financial settlements

• Child arrangements

• Family disputes

• Cohabitation agreements

• Prenuptial agreements

Contact our Family Law team today for a free 1 hour consultation Evolution House, 53-59 Peach Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XP Tel: 0118 978 1017 Email: Michele.Jenno@star-legal.co.uk

www.star-legal.co.uk

6|

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Tidy Tony builds a 300 strong team to help keep borough’s streets clean EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A GROUP of residents are working hard to help Wokingham clean up its act.

Last November, Tony Howell laucnhed a litter picking group to keep the streets tidy. It now has more than 300 members.

Mr Howell has been litter picking all his life, and spent the first lockdown cleaning up Winnersh by himself.

“I’ve been doing it since I was six years old, and now I’m 63 and still at it,” he said.

“When I was a kid, I used to pick up rubbish and chuck it in the bin on the way to school.

“As I got older, scuba diving became a hobby of mine and I would go swimming and pick rubbish up off the bottom of the ocean.”

Mr Howell said he has always found litter “incredibly irritating”, and began taking to the streets of Winnersh in January 2020 following a trip down Bearwood Road.

“The gully, on the left hand side of the road, was full to the brim with water and rubbish,” he explained.

“That motivated me to find out about the council’s Adopt a

DUMPED: Winnersh litter pickers join weekly collections Picture: Tony Howell

Street scheme.”

Armed with 10 rubbish bags and a high vis jacket, he headed out on the streets of Wokingham for the first time.

“Once I got going, I was litter picking all summer,” Mr Howell said. “It was something to do when in lockdown and it made me fitter because I was walking massive amounts everyday.”

Wokingham Borough Council launched its Adopt a Street scheme to encourage residents to pick up litter in their area and

collect it in a dedicated rubbish bag. Then, it can be put out on collection day like normal refuse.

And after launching his own Adopt a Street, Wokingham Borough group on social media last year, Mr Howell said he has been “staggered” by the response.

“Within a week, more than 100 people joined the group,” he said. “Four months on, we’ve now got more than 330 members.

“It’s a wonderful thing to find so many people who care like you do — they are doing such a wonderful thing.”

He said the team’s hard work is already making a difference, too, collecting more than 800 bags of waste since November.

“We’ve got around 70 or 80 people who take part in a weekly litter pick and you can physically see the benefits as you drive around Wokingham and Winnersh,” Mr Howell explained. “And it’s very rewarding for us, too.

“So many people come up and thank you as you’re picking litter which is lovely.

“It’s also an opportunity to get out, do some socially distanced exercise, and help the community and wildlife at the same time.”

Annabel Yoxell, one of the group’s members, said it is a “good focus” for the community.

“After all the difficulties we have all been through over the last year, there are definitely significant psychological and physical benefits to having a shared common goal,” she said.

“It’s so rewarding to see the results and there’s something quite addictive about it.

“It’s really nice to know you’re doing something good for the environment.”

Despite not being able to meet in person, Ms Yoxell said the Facebook group links everybody together.

“It helps us motivate each other, share our work and seek advice and support,” she added.

“It makes you feel connected which is so important, because there has been a real disconnect over the last year.”

And the group is always on the lookout for new members in order to keep momentum going once lockdown restrictions lift.

“If the borough is cared for and looks nice, people tend to treat it with more respect,” he said.

“It’s only a tiny part of the population who litter and don’t care, and we help make the area nicer for everybody living here.

“It’s also something people can do as and when they please, with kids or on a dog walk, so it’s very easy to do.”

To find out more about Mr Howell’s group, and how to get involved, search for Adopt a Street, Wokingham Borough on Facebook. � To find out more about the Adopt a Street programme, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/rubbishand-recycling/bins-and-litter/ volunteer-to-help-clean-yourstreet

NEWS | 7

Cycling plans to transform towns CYCLISTS in Woodley and Earley can share their views on new plans to link up the borough with Reading.

It comes after the borough council was awarded £576,650 to improve cycling and walking facilities by the Department for Transport, as we revealed last year.

It could see improvements along the A4 London Road, and potential links to the Thames Valley Park. It also includes improvements to Woodley town centre, Woodlands Avenue, Church Road, Culver Lane and Anderson Avenue.

Plans are also underway to improve cycling facilities outside Wokingham town centre, including the A329 London Road, Seaford Road, Goodchild Road, Wescott Road, Easthampstead Road, Denton Road and Luckley Path.

“We want to make cycling easier without disrupting other road and footpath users,” said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport.

“We believe improvements at any of these locations would allow us to provide high quality segregated routes, making it safer to cycle and encouraging even more residents to get on their bikes.”

The consultation runs until Friday, March 26. More detailed plans on the projects will be consulted on later this year.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Sangoma Tech: Pay for your business phone system like you pay for your mobile contract

I

F YOU’RE tired of forking out high prices for your business phone system, listen up.

Local tech company Sangoma is here to help you and your wallet with its Switchvox Phone System.

The telecoms company, whose European Headquarters are based in Wokingham, has been working with local businesses for more than 20 years - and it can help you too.

As the pandemic continues to fuel the biggest work-from-home movement anybody has ever seen, Sangoma has been working hard to keep businesses running while the rest of the world stands still.

And the company’s Switchvox Phone System is a one stop shop for all of your business communication needs.

At just £8 per user per month, customers can subscribe on a rolling contract just like their TV subscription or their monthly phone bill.

“Just like your mobile, you can pay as you go each month and you aren’t tied into a long contract,” said Shaan Sood, European marketing manager. “You can also pay less each month by agreeing to a one or three year contract.”

Sangoma offers a range of on-premise and cloudbased business communication solutions, which allow employees to answer calls from home on their personal devices, including mobile phones, desktops and headsets.

When employers set up a Switchvox Phone System subscription, employees can access an app which allows them to take their office extension with them wherever they go.

They can also manage internal communications,

including conference calls and instant messaging with employees.

It even gives people power to control what hold music customers listen to, transfer phone calls, and access in queue callback features - all for a low monthly fee.

“The benefit of paying monthly is that you can take advantage of an Opex model and budget throughout year for your phone system, rather than having to pay for everything upfront,” Ms Sood added. “We also offer the benefit of renting phones for the duration of the contract and again, like a mobile phone contract, you get to keep the phone at the end.”

Mike Truran, vice president of St. Louis Foods, said Sangoma’s communication solution has saved him thousands.

“Saving money can never be underrated,” he said.

“I know for certain that we have saved several hundred dollars per month on equipment and leasing fees, with our new Switchvox Cloud phone system.”

He also praised Sangoma for offering technical support and flexibility alongside the contract, because it gave his business space to grow.

“Now that we have Switchvox Cloud, it really makes you reassess the challenges of owning your own system,” he added.

And the best part is, every feature is available for every user, for the same low price.

“You name it, it’s included,” said Simon Horton, VP sales at Sangoma. “Switchvox brings all communications together under one system.”

So, why not give Sangoma a try and unify your communications today?

Any businesses within 20 miles of the company’s Wokingham office are eligible for 20% off the company’s Switchvox Phone System. � To claim your discount, contact uksales@sangoma.com or call 01344 269220.

� Continued from front page

Mr Gold said the group, which has choreographed the pyrotechnics in recent years, will be “fabulous”.

And he hopes the event will help raise vital funds for local charities which have struggled throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Every year, the Trust donates the evening’s profits to five nominated organisations.

This year, they are: Citizens Advice Wokingham, Coram Life Education, Wokingham Day Hospice, Topic of Cancer, and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

“The most important thing for us is that every penny profit is donated,” Mr Gold said. “And it’s more important than ever this year.

“Charities have suffered terribly over the past 12 months, with many cancelling their fundraising events.”

On average, the event raises £25,000 in profit but made a record £28,000 in 2017.

Mr Gold said Wokingham Fireworks is “a great community event” and hopes the Trust will be able go the whole nine yards this year.

If all goes to plan, that means residents will be able to take part in the famous torchlight procession from Market Place to Cantley Park, accompanied by Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, and then enjoy the funfair and fireworks as usual.

“The fireworks display is always second to none, and I

hope it can go ahead so we can lift people’s spirits,” Mr Gold said.

Wokingham Fireworks Charitable Trust is currently working with the council to approve plans for the event. � For more information, visit: www.wokingham-fireworks.co.uk

SEVENTY new jobs will be created in Wokingham in a bid to help power the country with green electricity.

National Grid ESO is looking for engineers, data analysts and digital and commercial operatives for Warwick head office and its borough-based control centre.

The company is a separate division to the main National Grid Group and has been working on zero-carbon electricity-generating schemes.

In 2019, they were used more than fossil fuels for the first time and last summer there was a record period of electricity generation – 67 days – without burning coal.

It hopes to operate a zerocarbon electricity system by 2025.

It says that the new engineers, analysts and digital and commercial roles will help to balance electricity demand with supply and ensure the network runs efficiently, in addition to shaping the future of the energy market, providing analysis to accommodate new

technologies and ways of working.

The roles include power system engineers, contract and account managers, data management specialists and communication roles. They also need specialists in regulation and industry codes.

Fintan Slye, Director of National Grid Electricity System Operator, said: “The time is now to start tackling climate change and we’re excited to be recruiting these roles to help Great Britain transition to a greener grid.

“I’m proud of all the work ESO colleagues are doing to deliver cleaner electricity, but there’s still a long way to go and these roles will help us move faster on the journey to net-zero.

“Transforming our electricity system to operate with 100% clean energy takes

time – and the clock is ticking.

We need people who are brimming with enthusiasm and bursting with ideas to help us.”

One of the team is Oliwia Milek, an energy forecasting manager, who said: “My role is to provide the control room with the accurate forecasted national demand so as a business we can calculate how much electricity is required at any one time. The more accurate we are, the fewer actions there are to address imbalance.

“One thing we have to do is keep our eyes and ears open for external events and give special forecasts. We did a special forecast for the Harry and Meghan royal wedding, and we’ll do another forecast next time there is a major sporting event.

“We try to anticipate demand by looking back at data from previous events. For example, if the FA Cup final is coming up, what did the demand look like 12 months ago for the same event?” � For more details, log on to careers.nationalgrid.com

WHY HERE: Cllr Andy Croy is against building a 5G mast in Vauxhall Park

10 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings

Meetings online – contact councils for details

Thursday, March 18 Wokingham Borough Council. Extraordinary executive. 5.30pm.

Council. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, March 22 Wokingham Borough Council. Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Extraordinary Audit Committee.

7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Tuesday, March 23 Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Individual Member Decisions: National Planning Policy Framework. 4pm. Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Personnel Board. 7.30pm.

Woodley Town Council. Planning and community. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, March 24 Finchampstead Parish Council. Finance Committee. 4pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Individual Member Decisions: Government Consultation on Pavement Parking. 6pm.

Extraordinary Planning Committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Thursday, March 25 Shinfield Parish Council. Recreation and Amenities. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Executive committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, March 29 Wokingham Borough Council. Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Virtual market THE COUNCIL is hosting a virtual Easter market, after the success of its Christmas event.

It aims to offer unique, one of a kind pieces, original art and quality produce.

From bespoke cakes to soy wax candles and custom made jewellery, visitors can browse through the page and show their interest by either liking a post or leaving a message.

The vendor will make direct contact with the buyer to complete the sale.

“Supporting local businesses is a great thing to do,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure. “It enriches the borough’s economy and sustains employment for the people who live here.

“Our Virtual Christmas Market was much loved by residents from the area and as time went on, we knew we had to adapt, evolve and bring alternative shopping ways this spring.

“The new Easter initiative provides an opportunity to discover borough’s artists and artisans, and allows you to shop safely from the comfort of your home. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming the new season and continue to cheer on the traders on our doorstep. ” It runs until Saturday, April 11.

Small crafts businesses can book an online stall by visiting the Facebook page for more information.

A one-off, fixed admin fee applies and covers admin and marketing costs.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

FROMTHECOURTS � A WARGRAVE driver has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months after being found guilty of drug driving.

Daniel James Crockford was stopped by police in Leaves Green, Bracknell, on July 26 last year.

A test revealed that the 20-yearold from Ridgeway had traces of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, a form of cannabis, in his bloodstream.

In addition to the ban, Crockford was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services.

� POSSESSING drugs has seen a Crowthorne man fined £120.

When he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 16, James Richard Layton Frost, 31 and from St Francis Close, pleaded guilty to owning a quantity of diamorphine, a controlled drug of class A in contravention of section 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The offence took place on April 29 last year.

In addition to the fine, the drugs

were destroyed, and Frost had to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services. � AN ARBORFIELD man is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to attempting to defraud a motor company out of more than £750,000.

For nearly three years, Richard Karim Zarifeh abused his position as a corporate sales executive of Jemca Toyota in Binfield.

The car dealership is close to the John Nike Leisuresport complex.

Between January 1, 2017 and November 4, 2019, Zarifeh, 32, dishonestly abused his position with the intent of making gain.

At a hearing at Reading

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks Magistrates Court held on February 17, Zarifeh, from Church Lane, gave an indicative plea of guilty to the charges, which included the sum of £777,620.

He had been committed to Reading Crown Court for sentencing. � A STUDENT at the University of Reading has been found guilty of drink driving.

Filippo Vergani, 18 and from Ipsden House on Shinfield Road, was stopped in the car park of St George’s Hall, off Upper Redlands Road on January 20.

A test found that he had 90 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

He was ordered to pay a fine of £300, and banned from driving for 23 months. This will be reduced by 23 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

He must also pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services, at a rate of £50 per month. � A HOMELESS woman has been jailed for eight weeks for

shoplifting and assault.

Siobhan Louise Maven-Hazelton, 33, appeared before East Berkshire Magistrates Court in Slough on February 17, where she admitted stealing detergent worth £76.50 from the Sainsbury’s Local store in Shinfield Road, Shinfield on July 2 last year.

On the same day and in the same location, she assaulted a man.

The day before, she had assaulted a man and a woman in the Co-op store on Whitley Wood Road and stole grocery items to an unknown value.

Maven-Hazelton, also known as Joanna Louise Harris, changed her plea to guilty.

She also admitted to failing to appear in court on September 16 last year.

At the same sitting, she also pleaded guilty to being in possession of class B drug cannabis and also amphetamines. For this she was ordered to pay £128 to victim services.

No order for costs was made due to her inability to pay.

‘What can I do to get people to stop parking by rail crossing?’

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

“It has reached the point where I cannot take this anymore.”

Mr Hallt is calling for the borough council to make the junction safer, by painting double yellow lines there.

He added: “I reached out to the council only to be told that if I had vehicle obstructions then I should contact the police to get them moved.

“The Police said it is the council’s responsibility as there was no signage or yellow lines, so technically it was no crime.”

Although the Highway Code states drivers cannot park on or

within 10 metres of a junction, this is not legally binding.

He added: “There are two roads leading off of Priest Avenue that both have yellow lines marked on the entrance to their Cul de Sac roads.

“I asked the council why the lines were marked there but I could not get any on the area outside my drive, I could not get an answer.”

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways at the borough council, said they were first made aware of the issue in January — and on the same day suspended parking in the area by placing traffic

cones around the affected area.

“We also instructed our civil parking enforcement officers to monitor the area and enforce against any on street parking,” she added.

This is an ongoing short term measure from the council, while it works on a long term solution, Cllr Jorgensen said.

“We are proposing to restrict parking by adding double yellow lines along Waterloo Road from just west of Priest Avenue to the railway line,” she said.

In January, Cllr Jorgensen had said that nearby residents would be consulted on the proposal in February, with restrictions in place later in the year. But the consultation is yet to happen.

“We take all complaints from our residents seriously and respond promptly, as have done in this case,” she added.

The council said it has been in contact with Mr Hallt over recent weeks, over the new temporary restriction. But he said the parking is still proving a problem, and has seen little improvement.

A spokesperson for the council said it is also speaking with Network Rail to ensure that its contractors do not park there.

a mail-in ballot.

There are 18 borough council seats up for election, as well as four parish council elections and two by-elections. There is also a vote for the new police crime commissioner.

The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 20, and a week later for a proxy vote deadline, although emergency proxy votes will be available until 5pm on polling day. This ensures that if anyone receives a positive

covid test can still have their vote counted.

The count this year will be staggered, again to ensure that the poll is held safely. Ballots will be verified on Friday, May 7, and counted the following day. The PCC election will be tallied on Monday, May 10.

Council leader John Halsall urged residents to help them out.

“In order to run the election, we have to make it as safe as possible

for staff. The borough council will be writing to everybody to encourage them to have a postal vote. That’s not to say polling booths will be unsafe, they will be as safe as possible, but the safest way is not to go to them,” he said.

“Staff will be manning the polling booths and the less people that go to them the better from the staff point of view, so the more people who have postal votes the better. But please, please vote.”

A WOKINGHAM man that has seen multiple crashes outside his house, is calling for safety improvements.

Terry Hallt, who lives in Waterloo Cottage, near to the level crossing on Waterloo Road, said there has been a motorbike and car crash outside his house on two separate occasions.

He is concerned the road has become increasingly dangerous due to parking.

Mr Hallt’s driveway is next to a path leading towards the walking routes in Montague Park.

He said walkers are parking on the junction and creating a risk.

“I have lived at my property for over 30 years, now with my Daughter, Son-in-Law and three Grandchildren, and have continually had problems with vehicles obstructing the entrance to my drive,” he said. “The situation was not too bad to start with and I used to talk kindly to the offending vehicle owners and they used to move their cars and not return.”

But this has worsened, he said.

“Now no one at all takes any notice of my requests — because I never seem to get the same vehicles returning..

Register now to vote by post AS THE deadline for postal votes gets closer, Wokingham Borough Council has said it plans to encourage residents to register to keep May’s local elections as safe as possible.

Polling stations will be open as usual for the May 6 poll, but it is hoped that most voters will opt for

FED UP: Terry Hallt wants the council to make drivers park elsewhere Picture: Steve Smyth

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Good news: you’ll only spend nine months of your life in traffic jams

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM borough drivers will spend nearly nine months waiting in traffic jams over the course of a lifetime.

Energy supplier Save On Energy recently surveyed which local authorities in England produce the most, and the least, carbon dioxide emissions per driver per lifetime and Wokingham scored below the national average.

Ranking 64th in England, and 12th in the South East the borough is said to produce 9,137kg of carbon dioxide per vehicle.

Save On Energy said that, on average, residents will sit in delays for more than 6,300 hours throughout the years.

And when compared to neighbouring Reading, Wokingham still came out on top.

With the worst score in the South East, Reading drivers can expect to spend more than double the time – nearly 16,000 hours, and produce nearly 23,000kg in emissions.

Save On Energy said across England, the average driver spends nearly 7,250 hours in traffic, releasing 10,304 kg of carbon dioxide.

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for climate emergency, said this is “great news” for Wokingham borough.

“It is already the healthiest place to live in England and I am pleased that our residents aren’t spending as long as many of our local and national neighbours sitting in traffic delays,” he said.

“That is good news for quality of life, and good news for air quality and carbon emissions.”

However, Cllr Murray said residents should not take Wokingham’s top three ranking for granted.

“We can’t compare ourselves to other boroughs or authorities as they all have different degrees of rural, urban, industrial and resident areas,” he explained.

“Even West Berkshire or Bracknell are vastly different areas to Wokingham.

“As we continue on our path to improving air quality and reducing carbon towards net zero by 2030 we can only focus on what we need to do.”

He said Wokingham Borough Council wants to solve the root causes of why residents are driving in the first place, and is finding solutions for the daily commute.

“I am pleased by this news, and I am pleased that our residents have more time in their homes than in their cars,” the councillor added.

“The hard work of improving quality of life for all continues and I would ask all residents to think of alternatives first before they start their car.”

Cllr Sarah Kerr, Wokingham Liberal Democrat lead on climate change and air pollution, said the data should be taken “with a pinch of salt” and questions whether the borough’s emissions will continue to decline. “[The council] believes that it can reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the borough by installing intelligent traffic systems to ease congestion,” she said.

“In fact, improving traffic flows just tempts people to use their car more often, especially for short journeys.”

Cllr Kerr said Wokingham Borough Council should focus

NEWS | 11

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

on making alternative modes of travel more accessible in a bid to protect the environment.

“The simple truth is that we need to make fewer car journeys,” she said.

This has been echoed by Cllr Andy Croy, Labour Group leader at Wokingham Borough Council, who said the council should make walking and cycling as safe as possible.

“If we want to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions, we should be looking to see how we can leave the car at home for shorter journeys or for journeys that are served by public transport,” he said.

“We have to put pedestrians and cyclists first and not compromise on safety.”

Cllr Croy said in the long term, Wokingham’s public transport needs more support.

“Where bus fares are too expensive, journeys are held up by cars and are too infrequent, the use of buses will be discouraged,” he added.

“We have seen the Conservatives cut bus route after bus route, regardless of the damage it does.

“With thousands more houses coming to the borough as a result of Conservative changes to planning laws and imposed housing targets, the congestion issues look set to get worse.”

Out of England’s 159 local authorities, the City of London ranked the worst in the entire country for carbon dioxide emissions, with the average driver producing more than 61,986kg over a lifetime.

Rutland, in the East Midlands, was highest at 2,900kg. � To read the report, visit: www.saveonenergy.com/uk/ traffic-and-co2-emissions

Views sought 100 home masterplan for Winnersh WINNERSH residents can comment on the plans for a new school and up to 100 homes at Winnersh Farm.

Although two separate planning applications, the masterplan combines a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school and 100 homes.

The application for homes is due to be submitted this summer, and the school application this spring.

“In early 2020 we identified Winnersh Farm as a site for new housing and consulted on this use in the Local Plan Update,” Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development said. “Since then we’ve carried out a thorough assessment of the site, carried out detailed surveys and worked with our architects to design an outline masterplan for the site.

“Alongside this we also finalised the agreement to let part of the site to the Department for Education to build this important new school which will allow children requiring this specialist support to stay locally rather than having to travel out of area to access an education.”

The new Oak Tree School is set to open in September 2022

and will accommodate 150 pupils from Wokingham and Reading. It will be built and funded by the Department for Education and managed by the Maiden Erlegh Trust.

The plan for housing includes affordable homes — but the type and number is yet to be decided.

They will also include solar panels, heat pumps and cycle storage.

Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat lead for children’s services, and parish councillor for Winnersh, said the borough desperately needs more school places for children with autism and emotional and mental health needs.

“I have sympathy with the proposal to put such a school at Winnersh Farm – but will need to see the details of the planning application of course, to make sure it is acceptable,” she said.

But she, and Cllr Paul Fishwick, also parish councillor for Winnersh, said homes

should not be built there, and called the plans appalling.

“We have serious concerns over the planned link road that connects to the Taylor Wimpey site,” they said. “They have twice tried to get permission to put hundreds of houses on that land and twice we have fought them off.

“To find the council actively seeking to help them is appalling. We have already made it clear to the council that we are more than ready for another fight when this new application goes in.

“This land is outside the settlement area and is not the right place for intensive housing development because of the location and the access.”

Cllr Fishwick, who is also the Lib Dem lead on highways, said he has serious concerns about the traffic generation of the SEND school.

He said: “Traffic already queues to exit Woodward Close at peak time and with the left turn only arrangement introduced around May, future traffic on this part of the Reading Road it is highly likely to be congested for most of the day.”

Feedback can be emailed to commercialproperty@wokingh am.gov.uk. The deadline is Friday, April 9.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

12 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

TAKE OUT TO HELP OUT

The world on a plate thanks to Lemoni at The Bull at Barkham Lemoni at The Bull Barkham Barkham Road Barkham RG41 4TL thebullbarkham. lemoniuk.com 0118 976 2816

T

HE BULL at Barkham is a familiar site for many of us, given its prime location on the Barkham Road.

It’s a great country pub that happens to be rather close to Wokingham.

And, in normal times – roll on

April 12 – it is a charming spot with a great beer garden.

It has changed hands and is now run by the team behind Lemoni.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because they are the team that runs The Jekyll and Hyde pub in Hook and, a little further afield, The Rising Sun in Winchester.

It also has a branch at The Riverside in Reading’s Oracle shopping centre.

During Lockdown, the team at The Bull wanted to ensure that residents could still enjoy their offerings.

The main change since their

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LOCKDOWN 3.0

takeover is to the menu, which now includes traditional Greek dishes as well as Thai and English choices. Quite simply, the best of all worlds.

The menu includes an eclectic selection including Thai curries, including a massaman (slow cooked lamb or chicken with potatoes, fried onion, cashew nuts and served with jasmine rice) for £12.95, a 10oz sirloin steak with a Greek salad and pita bread on the side for £19.90 and a beefburger (£11.95).

Greek options include a Marinated Chicken Fillet Skewer served with pita bread, baby potatoes, Greek salad and tzataiki (£14.90).

There are also traditional Sunday roasts from £14.90, that come with Yorkshire pudding.

Children's meals are available too.

Ordering is simple: log on to their website, take your pick and follow the instructions. You can place your order before it opens too.

At the moment, this is from 5.15pm to 8.15pm Monday to Thursdays, from noon to 8.15pm on Fridays, 12.15pm to 8.15pm on Saturdays and from 10.15am to 5.45pm on Sundays.

Payment is taken when you pick up.

Of course, things will change as lockdown eases and pubs are allowed to welcome people back in: garden first (don’t let it rain) and indoors later. We’ll drink to that.

My family had the opportunity to sample their takeaway service on a Saturday night. The online pre-ordering process was seamless and straightforward, with a plentiful offering of dishes to tingle the tastebuds of every member of my household.

We decided to opt for a mix of Thai FUSION: Lemoni at The Bull at Barkham serves English, Thai and Greek dishes starters. We began with Duck Spring Rolls (£6), Chicken Satay Skewers (£6.95), which were, tender marinated chicken with satay sauce and a real hit with all the family. The Tempura prawns with sweet chilli sauce (£7.75) were a delight.

My main course came from the Thai menu: a Katsu Curry (£14.95). This was a breaded Chicken breast encased in breadcrumbs with curry sauce, accompanied with steamed veg and Jasmine rice.

My son decided to go for the English/ Greek fusion, trying the aforementioned steak grilled to his liking. He wanted a peppercorn sauce and all the trimmings.

This would satisfy even the biggest of appetites and he certainly didn't say he was still hungry afterwards.

My husband's choice was Chicken with Cashew Nuts (£14.95), with mixed peppers, carrots, spring onion, chilli paste and served with Jasmine Rice.

My daughter chose her top favourite Chicken Pad Thai (£11.95). It came with Bean sprouts, carrots and spring onion.

She was certainly not disappointed.

We were too full to try puddings, but there is a mixture including – what else?

– baklava (£6.50). These are traditional Greek sweet pastries with caramelised pistachios and walnuts, based on an authentic recipe.

As a country, we might be grounded at the moment, but who needs to fly when Greece can come to you?

It’s smashing … the food, that is, not CLAIRE WORSFOLD the plates.

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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SCHOOL PLACES

Mrs May to push for answers as school places row continues EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today MP Theresa May is weighing into the battle for places at a school where 159 children are on the waiting list.

Nearly 60 of those children live in the secondary school’s catchment area but do not have a sibling already there.

Upset and frustrated, parents are continuing their fight to get their children into their local school, The Piggott, on the Wargrave/Twyford boundary.

Instead of the Piggott, children have been given places outside their community, including Waingels College, Woodley and the Forest, Winnersh.

Meanwhile children at the new Charvil Primary, part of The Piggott seniors academy, have automatic right to places there. They are officially one school.

And 15 children in Crazies Hill Primary designated area within Wokingham borough also have guaranteed places. Many children at Colleton School, Twyford have been denied Piggott places.

The Piggott has offered 203 children places.

Wokingham Borough Council children’s services are working with the school and others, aiming to create extra spaces, said Councillor Wayne Smith (Con, Hurst).

Ward councillor and council leader John Halsall (Cons, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe) said the council had little influence on academies’ admissions.

“Our role is not one of management but cajoling, encouraging and entreating,” he said.

Twyford area parents were left frustrated after a borough council meeting to discuss the problems.

They’d drawn up questions for the meeting, but were unhappy with the lack of answers and information in a letter sent out last weekend.

The councillors were lead for Wokingham Borough Children’s Services, Ullakarin Clark (Con, Emmbrook), Cllr Halsall, Councillor Smith, Lindsay Ferris (Lib Dem,

Call for flasher witnesses POLICE are appealing for witnesses over an indecent exposure incident in Lower Earley.

At around 12.40pm on Sunday, a family was walking through Laurel Park when they started being followed by a man.

He took off his trousers and exposed himself before making

Twyford), Stephen Conway (Lib Dem, Twyford) and Emma Hobbs (Con, Charvil).

Also at the online meeting on Friday, March 5 was MP Mrs May. Her spokesperson said: “Theresa did attend that meeting and had expected to be updated by the Council after the meeting.

“Having now seen the letter to parents she will be taking the issue of secondary school places locally up with the Council again.”

A concerned parent said Cllr Smith had asked to be sent the parents’ questions. “We assumed he would ask them. It appears that a number … had not been asked or

Replies to the parents Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Our school admissions team continue to work with schools, families and other partners to deal with the challenges in availability for September.

“We will provide updates to families who have requested wait list positions as promptly as possible.

Parents have the right of appeal where they can present their individual case for a place at the preferred school.”

A council spokesperson said numbers for waiting lists

threats to kill and indicated he had a knife.

Police were called and officers attended the scene.

A man, 23, from Earley, was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and threats to kill.

He has since been bailed.

Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.

Investigating officer PC Ross Hutcheson, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “While we have made an arrest in relation to this case we are still keen to hear from anyone who may have

answered at the meeting.”

This was frustrating for them, as was the fact there were no answers earlier this week. Parents said they felt that this year, when so many children were affected, they were not getting the extra help to secure places they needed.

“The joint letter was vague and just asked us to be patient but this does not take into account how this process has and will affect us. There should have been proper planning for the population bulge they knew was coming,” added the parent.

The letter, they said, didn’t tell them anything they didn’t already know.

and number of children in each oversubscription group were in the ‘secondary school allocation summary 2021’ document on this webpage: www.wokingham.gov.uk/ schools-and-education/ school-admissions/startingsecondary-school-age-11/ The Piggot details include: “These children (who have not been given places) have been provisionally placed on the waiting list pending confirmation from parents that they wish to remain on the waiting list for the school.”

The spokesperson said on the parents’ questions: “I understand we have responded to these now or a

“The parents are still feeling frustrated as the process is slow, which we understand, but it means we can't plan for next academic year.

“None of this is of our making but our children are the victims of it.

“All the parents are following the correct procedure which is adding them to the wait list if need be but preparing to appeal.

“We have started to find out our places on the wait list and many are over number 30 on the list so preparing their appeals and feeling more concerned.

“People are dispirited.”

response is on the way to them.”

Cllr Smith said that before the meeting he had sent parents’ questions to Children’s Services to answer.

Some questions were very detailed and others too personal to discuss at the meeting.

“There were a lot of people on that (meeting) call.

The most important thing was to express parents’ concerns, look at the numbers and see what else the council could do to help the situation,” he said.

“The borough council has no control over academies for admissions. We have to work with them.”

He added that he

been in the park at the time and saw or heard the incident taking place.

“Similarly if you saw a man acting suspiciously or have any other information that may help our enquiries we would like to speak to you.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe when out in public and we are doing all we can to make sure no-one else is subject to the same kind of behaviour.”

Residents with information can call 101 with reference 43210106507. Or anonymous calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

understood how frustrated everybody was.

Cllr Halsall said that in the past 10 years secondary place difficulties had been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.

“I have every sympathy with parents but we have to allow the process to go its course,” he said.

Cllr Conway said he had not known about the parents’ questions at the time of the meeting.

“Strenuous efforts are being made to accommodate as many children who wanted to go to The Piggott as possible,” he said.

Councillors Ferris and Hobbs had not commented by time we went to press.

Get on the trail CROWTHORNE colour trail is inviting families to get creative at home this April, writes Laura Scardarella.

The Crowthorne trails team, involving parents of children at Hatch Ride School, are asking residents to make their own colour themed display to show outside their home.

Explorers taking part can purchase a £2 map from the Co-Op in Crowthorne. The map will show all the display locations people can visit in the area.

There will also be extra displays on Crowthorne high street, Pinewood Centre and Hatch Ride School.

When they first started, Crowthorne trails solely raised funds for the school but this year the money will be donated to local charities such as Crowthorne food bank. � For more details, visit crowthornwtrails.org

NEWS | 13

14 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Bright sparks give us hope for future

NOVEMBER seems like a long way off, particularly as lockdown conditions will prevail until June at least. But we’re already counting down the days.

We’re thrilled to report that the Wokingham Fireworks team are preparing to to blow things up again.

The annual commemoration of Gunpowder Plot sees no reason why treason should be forgot.

And it also raises thousands for charities.

It starts with a magical torchlit procession from Wokingham town hall.

Led by Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, residents make their way to Cantley via Milton Road in dignified silence.

And then there’s the funfair, the food stalls, the display – set to music – and, in some years, a warming bonfire.

It’s well organised, as safe as it can be and an enjoyable night out.

No wonder it attracts thousands of people every year.

Like everything, last year’s event was kiboshed by covid. To have it on our calendar for this year is music to our ears.

The date – Saturday, November 6 – represents hope. Hope that this virus is on its way out, hope that some kind of normality awaits us.

We can’t wait.

The challenge to us between now and then is not to fumble the recovery. Covid will be here for a while yet, so will social distancing, face masks, hand gel and lateral flow tests.

If we want the fun to resume, we have to play our part. Let’s not blow it.

CHURCH NOTES

Decisions, decisions

E

VERY day we’re faced with making numerous decisions.

Some of these are straightforward, deciding what to eat for dinner or where to walk the dog, for example.

Others are more tricky, such as working out which school would be right for our children, how best to treat a seriously ill patient or who to appoint to a job vacancy.

Some decisions need to be taken quickly, others can be pondered over for days, weeks or even months.

When we need to make a difficult decision, we often seek advice or guidance from others.

This is a wise thing to do as it helps us evaluate our own thinking, and gives us confidence that we are making the best decision in the circumstances.

There’s a story in the Bible that shows Jesus deliberately cultivating a moment of calm and stillness when he has to make a difficult decision under pressure. Even though people are impatiently demanding an answer from him, Jesus chooses to stop and create a space to think, to gain some perspective and to ask God for wisdom. Then, and only then, is he ready to offer his solution. (John 8:2-11).

Are you facing some difficult decision making this week? Why not cultivate your own moment of calm?

Perhaps take a walk with a friend, or go for a run, turn off your phone, play your favourite music or get out into the garden.

Create some space that enables you to think clearly about the decision you are trying to make. You might even want to try praying about it, I find that this helps me and it might help you too.

Karen Bugg, from Wokingham Baptist Church , writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters.

Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

We need men to take accountability Last week was a difficult week for women. We started by celebrating International Women’s Day on Monday.

The celebrations were cut swiftly short by a well-known, male TV presenter vilifying a young, prominent woman who was brave enough to share her truth regarding her mental health.

The next day a serving officer in the Metropolitan police was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Sarah Everard, a young woman who went missing in south London on her walk home from a friend’s house. Her remains were sadly identified on Friday.

Every woman has felt unsafe on a journey home. We’ve taken a longer route home that’s better lit, we’ve held keys between our fingers, we’ve crossed the road just to check if the person behind us is following, we’ve made a pretend phone call and we’ve arranged to call/text our friend when we get home.

Many people have responded to the outpouring of grief and stories being shared on social media to say, “Hey, wait! #Not all Men”. We understand that, but it is ALL women who do not feel safe, and we can’t tell which men it is.

We also learned, in a report that surprised not a single woman, that 97% of young women in the UK have been subjected to sexual harassment.

On Thursday, MP Jess Phillips read out the names of 118 women who have been killed in the UK over the last year where a man has been charged or convicted. We know these women’s names due to the work of Karen Ingala Smith who collects this data on an annual basis because there are no official statistics. Two women a week are killed in England and Wales by a current or expartner. This has increased to one every three days since the first lockdown.

Femicide is an epidemic yet we neither measure it nor seek to address it.

It is something we have accepted as part of life. Since Sarah Everard went missing last week, six women and a little girl have been killed in the UK. We finished the week on Mother’s Day, a subdued bookend to a horrific week. We opened the papers and checked social media on Sunday morning to be confronted with images of police manhandling women to the ground.

Women who had brought flowers and gathered outside, peacefully, in remembrance of Sarah Everard and all women who have been the victims of male violence. To those who say the gathering should not have taken place due to the pandemic, I remind you that we are also in the midst of an epidemic; an epidemic of male violence.

The response to violence against women is that women should behave differently. Women should not walk home alone, not go out after dark, be mindful of what we are wearing, we should wear headphones, we should not wear headphones, we should leave...

There is no end to the advice given to women, yet despite decades of this advice nothing changes.

Women are not the problem. It’s time to stop victim blaming and hold men accountable. According to the Office of National Statistics 93% of convicted murderers are men.

Last Saturday I was walking on Reading Road from the Reading direction towards Wokingham Town Centre on the left-hand pavement (part of my exercise).

I walked past Holt Copse and arrived at the T junction with Holt Lane and crossed over Holt Lane using the Pedestrian Crossing which takes you to a little triangle of land, opposite St Paul’s Churchyard.

Later in the year this usually gives rise to a bold display of flowers, mostly crocuses and daffodils.

What are we doing as a society to address the direct thread linking the acceptance of sexist jokes, cat-calling, street harassment, domestic violence, all the way through to the abduction and murder of women and the murder of 118 women a year by their partners?

The tolerance of misogyny in all its forms leads to a society where we are not safe on the streets, nor in our own homes.

We need men to take accountability for the solutions. We need you to speak up and challenge the acceptance of these horrific statistics. Because they are not just statistics, each one is a person’s life. Male allies need to be as appalled as women and you need to be vocal in your outrage: Speak up and speak out when you encounter sexism in all its forms, including supposedly innocent sexist banter and lewd remarks.

Talk to your sons, don’t just focus on protecting your daughters. We all stand to gain from a society in which we are safe, and we all need to take responsibility to make it safe.

Louise Timlin – Branch Leader, Women’s Equality Party, Reading and Wokingham Vickie Robertson – CEO Kaleidoscopic UK Cllr Sarah Kerr - Wokingham Liberal Democrats

Give them the sack So the 'long awaited?' WBC recycling sacks have at last arrived, well, at least in my street. Decent size, but my worst fears have been realised. Threats that 'Cardboard to the side will not be collected'. So, old and disabled residents, make sure your scissors are sharp to break down oversized packaging, otherwise you will be eventually smothered with the stuff.

'But you can always take it to the

Due to the cold weather none of these plants were in flower, except a single, small, clump of purple crocuses (see picture), obviously encouraged by the intermittent sunny days between the predominantly cold days.

I had a camera with a close-up attachment on me, so choosing some still moments between the erratic gusts of wind I took a few pictures and chose the better ones where I had been more successful.

Harry Atkinson, Wokingham

recycling centre', I hear the cry. Yes, you can if you can get there, better buy that car, that is if you have or can legitimately obtain a driving licence or hire some transport (and send WBC the bill, of course – good luck with that).

Also love the leaflet that came with the bags. I can receive a 'Weekly rubbish and recycling newsletter' if I sign up 'using the QR code on the right'. What's that, looks like something I should scan with a smartphone? (Thinks, I haven't got a smartphone, should I get one, WBC might pay!).

Then again, there are a multitude of instructions on the sack itself. One says 'Wash and squash tins, cartons and bottles' (good exercise, that) and is followed on the next line by 'We will not empty the bag if the contents are wet' .

Just a minute, something missing here.

I know, perhaps we should then dry the contents with a hairdryer or towel.

I am an 81-year-old resident, and for the benefit of younger readers, there was once a time when you put out your dustbins and people called dustmen or refuse collectors took the contents away. Simples. There were no threats of leaving stuff behind if you hadn't prepared it properly, and the elderly and disabled were not inconvenienced if they hadn't obeyed some diktat from on high. I know times have changed, and we are trying to protect the planet, but I believe the earth is about half-way through its expected cycle, and we have only about four to fivebillion years left.

Lets hope all this we have to do is worth it.

Brian Morrish, Winnersh

Get a move on More than a couple of months ago, Wokingham District Council informed us that the speed limit in a number of

roads in Wokingham town centre area were to be reduced from 30mph to 20mph. Nothing seems to have happened.

I thought it to be an extremely good idea, especially around the market area and in Rose Street.

Can someone from the Council please let us know when the much needed lower speed limit will actually come into force in the roads in the town in which the restrictions were proposed?

Geoffrey Ryder, Wokingham

Stripping democracy We must stop the surrender of our planning system to developers.

The Government’s proposed planning system reforms will remove our right to have a say in how our area is developed. The changes will, in many instances, strip our democratically elected Councillors of their powers to control potentially damaging developments.

It will often be impossible for us to object to damaging and unsuitable building in our local area.

This is being done in the name of speeding up house building, yet big housing developers have already failed to complete more than a million approved planning permissions in the last 10 years.

As we eventually recover and rebuild from the Covid-19 crisis we will need to ensure our wellbeing through access to services and green space. Recovery plans must also contribute to solving the climate and ecological emergency.

I urge our Councillors to join more than 2000 others, of all political parties, in signing a letter to the Secretary of State coordinated by CPRE and Friends of the Earth takeaction.cpre.org.uk/ page/68213/petition/ John Booth, Earley

Suprrised by school news I thought nothing Wokingham Borough does Council could surprise me any more until I read the article in last week’s paper headed ‘My daughter can’t go to the primary school 100m from my home’. How wrong I was.

Many residents bought houses in Arborfield Green’s new 2,500 houses with the promise of access to Primary and Secondary School education and medical services on the site but the Councils broken promises seems to have put paid to those promises. How many more will they break?

Out of the blue the Council is moving Farley Hill School and its 200 children to the new school being built at Arborfield Green and as a result the Council is only offering 30 places to all the new residents of Arborfield Green which has over 100 applications for places.

Many Farley Hill pupils will now come as far as Swallowfield (by car I expect) while children actually living within a 100 yards or so of the new school being forced against their will to go elsewhere but who cares? Apparently not Wokingham Borough Council.

Cllr Clark the Executive Councillor responsible for education disgracefully says that the Children on Arborfield Green can walk to the Coombes School as they are seeing the benefits of less traffic on their route following the opening of Observer Way. What an arrogance which one could not make it up unless you are Wokingham’s Conservative ruling sorry ruining group.

They also approved 140 houses on the Reading FC Training Ground at Hogwood and when challenged on the

availability of school places the view expressed in public was if the schools are full they can go to Bracknell. How arrogant and certainly not very green in that.

The final insult is, I have no doubt when Farley Hill School is vacated it will become a council housing building project when it could so easily be used as a special need school so badly needed in preference to the Councils plan to build one next to the polluting M4 in Winnersh.

Let's hope our residents can right these wrongs in May – the sooner Wokingham can get shot of this lot the better.

Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council.

Harry and Meghan I have followed the Harry and Meghan story, with interest.

The whole issue of race is so sensitive, that, frequently, it leads to misunderstandings.

We have members who tell me that their parents would not allow them to watch the television comedy Till Death Us Do Part because it was racist.

AuthorJohnny Speight was not racist.

In his comedy, it is the racist, and homophobic bigot, who is being ridiculed, and not people of colour, nor of other minorities. Looking, far back, into history, no doubt the concept of oyalty, was then, elitist, and there were also, within it, the most awful, examples of misogyny, and homophobia.

Furthermore, with the belief in blue blood, royals were believed to be

Lockdown blues

T

HERE’S a scene near the beginning of the film Deliverance where one of the four Atlanta businessmen is gently strumming on a guitar. A young boy responds, but playing a banjo.

The guitarist repeats the chords in a different key, which the boy follows.

The process continues as the tune gets added to, becomes a duet and slowly speeds up until it reaches such a complexity and pace that the guitarist just stops, saying “I’m lost”.

The guitarist’s words in this four-minute scene portrays a sense of dislocation and detachment that, after months and months of lockdown, may feel familiar to many of us.

A gathering storm Feelings of exclusion have been amplified by lockdown, where the absence of social interaction is driving unusual or borderline behaviour.

Traditional nuclear families have been feeling the strain of not only looking after, but also educating young children. With slender or no contact with any extended family, they’ve no safety valves.

Those living in extended families have different issues as the grandparents help with looking after the children of school age. Or at least they used to.

I’ve learned of six people who’ve been into various hospitals recently. Four contracted Covid and one died.

A conversation with a friend in Slough a few weeks ago revealed that five of the lady’s elderly relatives had contracted Covid and all died.

Not only had five families lost their guides and sense of direction but also the very people who’d looked after the children while the parents were working.

For unpaid carers, the pandemic-enforced absence of support from neighbours, friends and

VIEWPOINTS | 15

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

superior, not just to people of colour, but to ‘common’ white people, as well.

But this is not the case in modern times. The modern function of Royalty is one of service as exemplified, perfectly, by the Queen, and also by other members of the Royal Family with all their valuable work for charity. Very early in her reign, the Queen decided, that, instead of having rich, society, beauties, presented at Court, she would have, instead, the hard-working members of The Women’s Voluntary Service – which is now, actually called, The Royal Voluntary Service.

The modern Royal Institution is greatly respected, and runs a successful heritage business, which brings in, most welcome, money, from tourism.

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House.

Short and to the point I was sad to see your article about a binman peeing discreetly in a bush at the edge of the street. It seems inappropriate to go out into the dark to take a picture of someone who got caught short doing a job most of us are grateful that he does.

These men and women don't have toilet facilities with them on their rounds.

They have never missed collecting our rubbish during the pandemic; even putting their lives at risk.

Instead of saying thank you, you chose to condemn them.

We are all lucky to have our rubbish collected.

Perhaps Mr George should have offered the binmen the use of his toilet.

That was the week

Tony Johnson

family has added stress and strain above that which everyone else is experiencing.

For those of university age, where previously they‘d be leaving, they’re now stuck at home, no mates to be friends with and no friends to mate with.

And when university is over, they can’t afford to buy a house. So it’s more of the same for … ever ?

What it all adds up to is that instead of knowing of a “Billy no mates”, we’ve all become “Billy no mates”.

Outbreaks of thunder And while that short video clip of Handforth Parish Council a couple of weeks ago might have been amusing or shocking for some, it looks like Jackie Weaver was parachuted in to deal with an alleged unpleasant demagogue.

A bully who was so used to getting his own way that others deferred to him, at the expense of cohesiveness, of their personal integrity and ultimately of achievement and public service.

More recently, on Saturday a number of people assembled in London for a peaceful vigil in tribute to Sarah Everard, the murder victim last sighted on Clapham Common. With frayed tempers and poorly thought through legislation, what followed was as inevitable as it was unfortunate.

Facing individual fines of up to £10,000 each, the original organisers pulled out. But people turned up anyway.

Vigil holders were too close together, the occasion was arguably ‘over-policed’ as one woman was very visibly and publicly restrained, arrested and subsequently fined.

It is time we stood up for our binmen so I say THANK YOU to them all.

Christine Charman, Wokingham

Stick to two meres I read last week’s letter by Katie James, re the lack of discipline of covid-19 spreaders in Wokingham. I totally agree with what she said.

She mentioned “monitoring and reprimands” – quite rightly, we are still waiting. We should have had thi everywhere many moons ago.

Out for a short walk this Sunday, I again witnessed the cursed runners that pass far too close, and especially young chatterboxes, who have not a clue what two metres or 6ft 6in is.

The frightening, continuing lack of discipline is likely to lead to another shut-down, Just when everyone is desperate to travel or visit other countries. (I am one of those as I wish to visit Fatima in Portugal while I am still able).

I have little time for doom-laden scientists, but the fact has to be faced that we have a continuing threat. I’d hate them to be right, given what that will mean to all of us.

The first priority of course is vaccination - that must apply to every individual in this country, by law if necessary. Refusal should mean you must not leave your residence at all.

Then comes the missing monitoring everywhere – perhaps we should use our good friends in the Military more.

Let’s see millions of fines to ensure idiots do understand, and knuckle down to save our country.

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

Those photographed pushing against police, breaking a wing mirror, filmed screaming and waving their fists at police were all men.

The damage done The failure of this vigil wasn’t the organisers, nor the participants and certainly not the police either.

That responsibility lies with MPs for ‘nodding through’ coronavirus regulations without considering how they’d be enforced later.

Those same MPs who are debating legislation this week in which rights of assembly and protest will be further curtailed.

After which it’ll be an offence to protest noisily and as for protesting in Parliament Square – forget it, that’s being criminalised too.

This isn’t just bad law, it’s bad legislators.

And if ever you needed perspective on why it’s bad, Sunday’s interview with Jess Philips MP should give everybody pause for thought – particularly the government apologist who followed her.

Political. Incorrectness The ABC of writing commentaries is simple – Always Be Checking.

This came unglued last week over the date of the local elections, which are of course being held on May 6th, not May 7th as I’d written.

Oh dear, oh dear.

Except that the 6th is polling day and this year the count is being held from the following day, May 7th.

So while we vote on the 6th, the outcome won’t be known until at least the 7th, possibly the 8th. Or the 9th.

As to when the councillors are actually elected – well – you decide.

But if the elections are on the 6th rather than the 7th, I simply don’t know how anyone’s going to cope with electioneering being cut tragically short some 24 hours earlier than I’d so boldly (and allegedly wrongly) gone.

Quite well I suspect.

But it’ll be a while before Britain’s back to its usual state, all at sixes and sevens. caveat.lector@icloud.com

From the chamber

Cllr Sarah Kerr

Imagine a world without the arts

C

REATIVE industries contributed £111 billion to the UK economy in 2018, a 7.4% increase on the previous year.

This means that at the time, growth in the sector was more than five times larger than growth across the UK economy as a whole.

Spring forward to now and the pandemic has been cataclysmic for the arts and culture industries and, while there was the £1.57 billion rescue package, the package left an unforgivable gap: individuals.

The majority of those who work in these industries are self employed or work on short term contracts, and many have found themselves with minimal support.

The job losses have been huge, with many creatives finding work in other industries in order to survive.

A large number of them are unlikely to return.

We now need to look to how we can help these industries recover, and they must recover, not just because of their intrinsic value, but also because they are a strategic resource.

These industries have a demonstrable impact on education, health and wellbeing, society and our economy, but more importantly, they enrich us and make us human.

Can you imagine a lockdown without them?

No books, TV, music etc?

Here in Wokingham Borough, there is a lot going on in arts and culture.

I am proud to be a part of the Wokingham Arts and Culture Alliance where we’re looking more strategically at the sector.

The Alliance is a partnership of representatives from arts and culture organisations, the borough council and town and parish councils.

It is a collaborative process, and we aspire to make Wokingham Borough a cultural destination of the future and further enhance our communities through what is known as place-shaping.

Place-shaping means using creative powers to influence and promote the general wellbeing of a community and its citizens.

It is a way in which local partners can collectively work together to create attractive, safe and prosperous communities, where people want to live and work.

The new strategy we hope will be approved soon and will be the first strategy of its kind in the borough.

What will be key though is the actions that come out of it, and I very much look forward to seeing it come to life.

Councillor Sarah Kerr is the Lib Dem lead for Arts and Culture and councillor for the Evendons ward of Wokingham Borough Council

16 | NEWS

Life of Brian

Brian Hicks

Henry and the haggis

I

N these Covid times, dogs have provided company, solace and joy.

As humorist Josh Billings quipped, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

Sales of dogs have increased markedly, as have prices, and there has been a surge in their imports.

The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home was receiving 1,500 enquiries a day during the first lockdown.

Nearly all of its dogs had been placed before then, so there were few were left to rehome.

An alternative to owning a dog is to take someone else’s for a regular walk through borrowmydoggy.com.

The organisation was established in 2012 by a Danish lady, Rikke Rosenlund after she took care of a neighbour’s dog in London. It now has more than one million members.

There is a yearly fee of £44.99 for owners, which puts them in touch with borrowers and vice versa, and £12.99 for borrowers, including third-party and veterinary insurance for each walk.

I became a borrower over a year ago and was lucky to find two lovely, well-trained black labradors, Wilf (3) and Marley (9), who live just half a mile away.

Wilf is addicted to sticks and balls. Marley has no interest as Wilf would simply take them off him.

Marley is very playful and sociable, sometimes a bit too sociable. Both are great water lovers.

I usually take them to Keephatch Meadows, a pleasant new parkland area with car park created by Wokingham Borough Council. It has three ponds to keep them happy and joins up with Piglittle Field, an area recently created by Bracknell Council and beside a bluebell wood.

There are other new paths and parklands in Wokingham, partly serving the new housing estates.

I had my first experience with a black Labrador when I was 11 and waiting for a bus. It bit me hard on the bottom, putting me off dogs for a long time.

When I got married, my wife suggested we get a black Labrador, as she had grown up with one. She also indicated that it would be good training for when we had children. I reluctantly agreed and we bought Henry from a breeder in Yorkshire.

I worked from home and would take him running most days. Labradors are great eaters and Henry never left any food in his bowl.

We once went to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

There was a fish and chip shop in the town and I was looking forward to having some deep-fried haggis, a delicious Scottish speciality.

We were walking to our apartment with Henry on the lead, talking to friends. I took my first bite of the haggis, which was very hot, so I let my hand drop to allow it to cool. In a flash, the haggis was gone.

The high temperature was no deterrent to Henry, who consumed it all in one go.

We were living in Reading at the time, which was the centre of the jogging boom. Henry made up for the haggis incident by winning a bottle of champagne in an owners with dogs running race.

I also ran the Reading Half Marathon with him.

Henry lapped up all the support and the many biscuits that came his way, but ended the race much heavier and slower than at the start.

Sadly for Henry, dogs were banned from this event the next year.

Henry was a great tea drinker and had a bowl of it most days. He charmed the man in the ice cream van, who always gave him a free cornet when he came, much to our envy.

Walking Wilf and Marley is like having Henry back again twice over.

As author M K Clinton said “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.”

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Clean up your fitness IT’S THE ultimate win-win as it cleans up and keeps you fit and now a Charvil resident is hoping you’ll join him.

Sam Akhtar, who runs the Charvil Matters community group, has been organising litter picks for a couple of years now, and in that time has successfully managed to rope in the help of his MP, Theresa May, to clear up the A4.

Now he’s put his running shoes on as he goes plogging – a portmanteau fusing picking up litter with jogging.

“It was something that came up in a conversation with a friend,” he says. “It’s a big thing in Sweden which has spread. There’s around 20,000 people doing this globally.”

He undertook his first plogging run last month, using a bag and picker sticks, but he found that difficult to manipulate while on the move. So he’s preparing to run again but with a rucksack on his front. He’ll wear gloves and pick up the litter manually.

“It doubles up as interval training because you’re start stopping, it’s quite an effective workout,” he says. “It’s almost like a natural circuit, and there’s an added endorphin hit as well, so you come

away from it feeling very happy about things, which is important at the moment, isn’t it?”

Sam adds: “Charvil Matters has been 100% worthwhile. Since we’ve been doing it, we’ve had an increased interest in residents just doing litter picks generally.”

He’s had help from the parish council, and others wanted to make their corner of the world a better place.

“We do enjoy it, families see it as an activity to do and it gets you out of the house at a time when we’ve all found ourselves being more solitary. You’re out and about, getting a bit of exercise and fresh air. It’s win win, it really is.”

Sam is planning to go plogging again later this month and then again in April.

But don’t expect him to do a marathon while he’s doing it.

“We recommend people do it for half-an-hour because unless you’re super fit, which I’m not yet anyway, you start to struggle after that because it’s harder than doing a consistent run.”

For more details, search for Charvil Matters on Facebook. � Sam is a Conservative candidate in the forthcoming local elections

Sett for action BADGERS are settling into their new home in Finchampstead, writes Laura Scardarella.

Wokingham Borough Council has created two artificial setts in a new location to keep the animals safe.

They were found near the area planned for the Nine Mile Ride extension.

Once discovered, the council created a more suitable home, further away from residential areas and the new road to protect the badgers.

Binfield Badger Group monitors the species in the borough and informs the council of badger setts in the area.

With their support, the council are able to decide where the infrastructure was built to ensure

the safety of the species.

The council said it takes into account the safety of badgers when building new roads as well as supporting housing development in the area.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “While some infrastructure works can disrupt wildlife we will always do our bit to provide them with a new home safely, allowing projects to continue for the benefits of residents while looking after animals like badgers.

“I commend all those involved in the creation of the artificial badger setts and it’s fantastic to see them already being put to use by the animals.”

Picture: Tris Pearce

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

A showcase to ge artists helped b

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today JUST before Christmas, The Arts Society Wokingham donated £500 to First Days Children’s Charity.

The gift was used to by arts and crafts equipment for youngsters that the charity supports.

First Days, which has moved from Hurst to Molly Millars Lane, said that the donation means they have been able to help children who may not otherwise had access to the equipment they need to develop their skills and achieve their potential.

It should come as no surprise

that the gifts were well received and this gallery showcases some of the amazing work created.

This has been used to purchase arts and craft equipment to support children and young people in Wokingham who may not otherwise have been able to access the equipment they need to develop their skills and achieve their potential.

We would love to hear what you think about the amazing artwork created from this very generous donation.

Who knows, we could be looking at work created by the next Picasso.

How a family clear out

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM pup has been named in homage to the pandemic, as part of Guide Dogs’ name a puppy project.

Zoom, a yellow Labrador, Golden Retriever cross has found his namesake thanks to the popular video conferencing platform.

He is the ninth Berkshire puppy to be named as part of the project.

Wokingham resident Nicky Frewin founded the group four years ago, which has since raised more than £24,000 for the charity.

It started as a family clear out, with the aim to raise £350. But word spread, and fundraising grew as other Guide Dogs volunteers from the area started to join in.

The group has previously held clothes collections, pop-up shops, car boot sales, a silent auction, Christmas raffles, tea parties, craft stalls, and many more activities in their local community to raise funds.

Lockdown has meant that most events have had to be cancelled, but the group have made the most of the fact that people now have the time to sort out at home and clear their clutter.

Nicky says: “We are all looking forward to when it will be safe to hold events again and will be collecting items once lockdown has ended.

“Thank you everyone for your help. When we started fundraising, I did not imagine we would now be approaching a total of £25,000 for the charity.”

TEAM PUP: Nicky Frewin and Le guide dog puppy

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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enerosity: young

by Arts Society

Vikki’s walking for Tim A WOMAN is hoping to raise money for a hospice in memory of her uncle this May, writes Laura Scardarella.

Vikki Harris, 32, is taking on a 100km (62 mile) walk from London to Brighton in aid of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst, which provides services and support for people living with life-limiting conditions.

Vikki’s uncle, Tim Walsh, received care at the hospice before he passed away from cancer in November 2019.

Starting on Saturday, May 29, Vikki will walk alongside thousands of people for the socially distanced walk from London, through the Surrey and Sussex countryside, finishing at Brighton racecourse the next day.

After originally signing up to last year’s event, which was cancelled due to Covid-19, Vikki has managed to keep training throughout lockdown.

Vikki says: “My uncle Tim fought a long battle with cancer, but in his last few months the hospice gave him the most fantastic support, care and love.

“I want to give something back to say thank you and help them continue to support other families who are going through difficult times.”

She also plans to boost her fundraising efforts by wearing fancy dress at Morrisons Woosehill Store where she works.

POETRY CORNER Pandemic Monotony

lead to Zoom’s arrival

ene Kedwards in 2018 with a

Community fundraising relationship manager, Denise Clark says she is proud of the volunteers and the work they do.

“Volunteers kindly offer their time, support and energy to our charity. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work,” she adds.

“Our guide dogs are truly life-changing, allowing people with sight loss to enjoy the same freedom and independence as everyone else.”

The group are already well on their way to naming their 10th puppy to join Beegee, Annie, Jenny, Teddy, Nicky, Yvie, Pringle, Sandi and Zoom. � To support the Berkshire group, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ berkshirepuppywalkersnap10

Will there ever be an end to this lockdown situation?

It just goes on for ever, much to everyone’s consternation.

We’re meant to take a walk each day but otherwise stay indoors, This builds a life of monotony as we hide behind closed doors.

We’re missing sociability and dining out with folk, Plus the lack of conversation is certainly not a joke.

Concert halls and theatres are denied to one and all, With actors and musicians feeling pinned against a wall.

So how should we respond to this in a mature and grown up way?

By focusing on the positives: keeping negatives at bay.

We have a home to live in and food on shelf and fridge: Spring flowers are blooming everywhere which sort of forms a bridge Between the tedium of winter, and the welcome signs of Spring, And this should make us hopeful and even inclined to sing!

The virus is reducing thanks to discipline by all, Which means it wont be long before we all can have a ball.

To add to this improvement, vaccines are rolling out, With millions of jabs administered, of that there is no doubt.

We lead the world in this and are certainly very thankful, Ready to help the rest of the world, as so many there are sorrowful.

Until these vaccines go worldwide, we’ll never be free of virus,

WALK ON: Vikki Harris with her Uncle Tim

Alison Edwards, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, says: “Despite the ongoing challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, Vikki has remained completely dedicated to this challenge and we are so grateful she has chosen to support the hospice in tribute to her much-loved uncle Tim. “We remain heavily reliant on individuals fundraising for us and every pound raised will help us to be there when it matters for other families.”

To take part in the London to Brighton challenge email dokh.fundraising@sueryder.org � To support Vikki in her fundraising challenge log on to justgiving.com/ fundraising/Vikki-Harris5

We really must not hoard the stuff, let alone say “just for us”, Better to share the benefits and this will rebound in our favour, Keeping us safe in the future, so from this we must not waiver.

We’re fortunate to live in Britain, with the wonderful NHS, Who’ve saved so many lives and caused the death rate to be less.

To read about their work is to increase our admiration, For their sacrifice and service with plenty of adaptation.

Our government needs to step up now; (forget the one per cent) And give the profession a real pay rise, and one they won’t resent.

Covid hasn’t disappeared; there are many more lives to save, But recognition for our nurses is what the population craves.

Lorna Minton

A Nice Cup of Tea I do so like a cup of tea And, so I’m told, no-one makes a better cup than me!!

When someone calls it’s good to say, “The kettle’s on. Hope you can stay”.

Then after drinking a cup or three and made the cake tin quite empty, On checking her watch my friend must ‘blow’, And, while I’m sorry to see her go I’m glad to have given her hospitality Just chatting together over a nice cup of tea.

Jim Horsnell

We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today

NEWS | 17

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

BUSINESS | 19

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Got a business story? Email news@ wokingham.today. or write to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS LOCKDOWN BUSINESS

Sarah wants you to have a ‘less tangled life’

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today HOPE and healing are the focus of this lockdown business which has been helping residents navigate the pandemic.

Borough resident Sarah Sylvester launched her transformational coaching company, A Place of Space, in October last year after suffering from burnout herself.

Now she is working hard to support people across Wokingham in their own mental health journeys, using her own life experience to make a positive difference.

“In July 2019, I experienced career burnout that resulted in a public mental breakdown,” Ms Sylvester explained.

“When I saw my busy mind slowing down, I started to notice how hopeful and possible life could be.

“This insight had such a profound effect on my life and I wanted to share it with others.”

A Place of Space supports people to understand low moods, anxiety, and to live a “less tangled life” through a series of coaching sessions and thought-provoking podcasts.

“We experience an array of emotions but we don’t have to behave as those emotions decide,” Ms Sylvester said.

“There’s a misunderstanding that living a fulfilling life requires

work, and there are many strategies that teach us how to be better.

“But we don’t always need to be taught, and we already have all the tools at our disposal.”

And she said the coronavirus pandemic has made her work more essential than ever before.

“The mental health agenda was already at the forefront of my mind last year, but the surge of Covid-19 meant we were all faced with something we hadn’t seen before,” the company founder explained.

“We were dealing with an invisible entity that didn’t discriminate or care about what we were doing, so it came as no great surprise that covid had a huge impact on our wellbeing.”

But Ms Sylvester said that launching a business on her own was extremely difficult, and the pandemic didn’t make it easier.

As a solo entrepreneur, the entire business was her responsibility and she had to learn to balance creative flow with logistical decisions.

“Every day is day one for me, but that is equally true for life,” she added.

“The process has taught me resilience and self-encouragement.”

Now, Ms Sylvester is sharing some of her top tips and tricks for anybody else looking to launch a local business.

She encourages people to create their own business goals, and to always be ready to try out new ideas and approaches.

“When one strategy worked, I went with it,” Ms Sylvester explained.

“Now that A Place of Space is a bit more established, I can rely on referrals, seasonable offers, professional networking and friend recommendations, but don’t be afraid to have a go at something new.

“And don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go to plan.”

Satisfaction wanted

E, by Gum

WOKINGHAM borough council wants to find out if residents are feeling satisfied.

In a bid to improve its services, it recently launched a new online survey to measure customer satisfaction in the community.

The goal of the exercise is so the council can understand which services work, which do not, and if changes need to be made.

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions, said the council wants to put the customer “at the heart of all that [it does]”.

“We want to improve customer satisfaction by improving both the quality and efficiency of how we deal with a customer enquiry,” he said.

“It’s really important we engage with them and allow them to help shape our services to meet their needs.

“To be able to do this, we need them to feedback on how well we are doing and if we need to make any improvements.”

The survey is currently available on Wokingham Borough Council’s

A READING business wants to help young people get on the right track to their dream job.

Digital Gum was launched by Louize Clark in a bid to offer more support to anybody entering working life.

Now, she is offering 70 Berkshire residents a free space on her company’s latest training course.

“I want to help people who have taken career breaks and want to get back into work, as well as 18- to -24year-olds who are unemployed,” Ms Clark said.

Starting in April, Digital Gum is running a four-week, part-time course to teach people new skills and help them network.

“You will be working on real-life charity projects to give you the digital and work ready skills to be in demand,” Ms Clark explained.

“Combined with job search skills, we will give you the confidence to go for it and find that job.”

The course is free to anybody aged 18- to 24-years-old who is economically active in Berkshire.

It is funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund.

website, but will be rolled out in the coming weeks via phone and email too.

When customers visit the website, they have the chance to rate the usefulness of the council’s services and answer a short list of questions.

The council also recently established its Customer Charter, and has promised to adopt and uphold five principles: � Be open, honest and manage expectations � Support and care for people as individuals � Be responsive, friendly and helpful � Get it right the first time and build on successes � Listen, learn and work as one team to resolve issues.

“We are a customer-focused organisation and are always looking at ways to improve the customer experience,” Cllr Murray added.

“We do this by putting ourselves in our customers’ shoes and listening to what they have to say.”

To take part in the survey, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk

� For more visit: wearedigitalgum.com

On the leaderboard IT’S TIME to see who Wokingham borough’s social media influencers really are.

A new leaderboard has been launched by marketing agency MarrDigital in a bid to find out which local estate agencies have the most power across the digital realm.

The Wokingham-based firm says it created the software tool to assess the influence and reach of agencies across Berkshire, and every two weeks it will publish the top 25.

Nick Marr, founder of MarrDigital, said: “Estate agents are essentially marketing companies with a job of publicising their listings.

“Our leader board identifies how

social our local estate agents are, and the more they engage with others online the better they perform in the rankings.”

To calculate the scores, MarrDigital uses an algorithm that monitors data from Twitter, Kred Score and Rise Global.

The first poll, released last month, saw Basingstoke estate agency Sansome & George take the lead.

“We hope more agents will join the leaderboard soon and use it as inspiration to increase their activity online,” Mr Marr added. � To find out more about MarrDigital, visit: www.marrdigital.co.uk

Vasas joins Shanly THAMES Valley developer Shanly Homes is expanding its team.

The award-winning business has welcomed Vasas Ptohopoulos as its new sales and marketing director.

With nearly 20 years of experience under his belt, he said he is looking forward to joining the team.

“I was drawn to this business because of the high calibre of its developments,” Mr Ptohopoulos said.

“I am looking forward to working in close partnership with the delivery teams to bring outstanding homes that will enhance the living experience of every owner.”

Stewart Kirk, managing director for Shanly Homes Thames Valley, added: “I’m really pleased to have Mr Ptohopoulous as part of our team.

“He has an outstanding track record in the new homes industry and we look forward to him contributing greatly to the future of the region and company.”

What a crafty bunch IT SEEMS all of our lockdown arts, crafts and hobbies have paid off.

The South East has now been named the second-most creative place in England, with more than 72 artsy-and-craftsy businesses per every 1,000 people.

DIYS.com, who recorded the data, reported that there are more than 1,500 creative companies in Wokingham alone.

That means there are 31 businesses per every 1,000 residents.

Out of 30 towns across the South East, Wokingham came in at number 26.

Neighbouring Reading scored

higher, recording 63 creative businesses per 1,000 people, with more than 14,500 overall.

According to DIYS.com, the number of creative entrepreneurs soared during the pandemic as residents looked for new sources of income or tackled lockdown boredom.

It said creative businesses can be anything from jewellery sellers and clothes designers, to toy creators and entertainers.

The South West took the lead as the region with the most creative side hustles, recording 85.1 per every 1,000 residents.

Award for Haslams READING property agent Haslams Surveyors has received a prestigious award.

It was recently won Industrial Most Active Single Branch Agency Team in the South East.

The award was given by CoStar Group, to recognise the agent with the most square footage acquired and disposed of in 2020.

Neil Seager, partner and head of Haslams Surveyors, said the victory is a testament his team’s

“dedication” throughout the pandemic.

“It is also recognition for the many hard work in a sector that was often seen as the poor relation compared to others,” he added. “Who would have thought when I started over 20 years ago that industrial land values would beat residential, and offices would be repurposed to industrial use.

“We look forward to creating more deals for our clients in this exciting sector for many years to come.”

20 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAMLEISURE

Hooray, Henley!

H

ENLEY FESTIVAL is back this year, after organisers announced dates for September.

The event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, and would usually take place in July.

The black-tie event will run from Wednesday, September 15 until Sunday, September 19, along the bank of the Thames.

And it will also host a new pop-up party from Thursday, July 8, until Saturday, July 10, ahead of the main festival.

The line-up includes British pop band Madness, multi-platinum selling singersongwriter James Blunt, singer-songwriter and founder of the kitchen disco, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kathy Sledge from Sister Sledge and Radio DJ Sara Cox. There will also be a jazz line-up with performances from Moscow Drug Club to Natty Congeroo & The Flames of Rhythm.

The comedy line-up includes Al Murray, Shappi Khorsandi, Olga Koch, Matt Forde, Anuvab Pal and others.

On Sunday evening, the English National Orchestra

The Sunday event is catered more towards families, from glitter face painting, comedy and theatre shows to interactive performance art, the day dedicated to young minds.

And each night will be closed with a firework display by Titanium Fireworks, who organised shows for the 2012 London Olympics, Glasgow Commonwealth Games and London New Year’s Eve Fireworks display.

General admission starts at £50 and seated tickets from £75.

All tickets for last year’s event will automatically be transferred to the new dates.

For more information, visit: henley-festival.co.uk

LEGOLAND is preparing to launch a new adventure when it reopens its doors this spring.

The Windsor-based theme park will be introducing its Lego Mythica: World Of Mythical Creatures from Saturday, May 29.

At the heart of the land, the park’s biggest investment in 25 years, is the UK’s first ‘flying theatre’ ride Flight Of The Sky Lion.

Standing at 25 metres tall, families will be transported to a parallel universe under Sky Lion Maximus’ wing and watch mythical Lego creatures come to life.

In all, 13 mythical creatures made from more than 1.7 million Lego bricks will also be displayed around the new area.

In Creature Creation, guests can build their own Mythica creatures, enjoy an adventure play area and meet characters.

Helen Bull, divisional director at the Legoland Windsor, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the first Flying Theatre ride to the UK and today revealing all the rides and attractions which will make Lego Mythica: World of Mythical Creatures a must-do experience for families.

“The whole country has never needed escapism more than they do right now and we’ve worked closely with children and their families to make sure our new land delivers the thrills for everyone.”

The LEGO Mythica land can be found between Heartlake City and the resort’s hotels.

Day tickets start from £29, while children under 90cm (3ft) get in free.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit legoland.co.uk.

JESS WARREN

LAURA SCARDARELLA

PARTY TIME: Henley Festival returns in September will perform on the Floating Stage with hits from Queen, ABBA and the Bee Gees.

Established 38 years ago as a classical music charity event, Henley Festival is the UK’s only black-tie festival.

It also has a folk and world music tent, an art exhibition and performances from musicians working with BBC Berkshire Introducing.

Michelin starred chef Angela Hartnett MBE will be returning to run Europe’s biggest field restaurant, creating a bespoke menu at the Riverside Restaurant.

The festival has a range of pop ups from street food to fine dining. These include Garden Bistro by Jimmy Garcia, Green Box, Oink, BBQ Club, Hotel Chocolat, Jessecco Prosecco, and Black Cab Coffee Company.

Wokingham Loves Music

album, Elemental – kindredspiritband.co.uk

Hoopy Frood – Round Shaped Hole

Chris Hillman

This Wokingham-based band have just released their third album called Affirmations. Have a listen to their ‘psy-groove electro rock’ on this track from the album – www.hoopyfrood.co.uk

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

Alfie Griffin – Fi-Lo

C

LASSIC rock heads up our hit parade this week, thanks to a visitor of Wokingham Music Club.

The great venue, which we can’t wait to see back in action, welcomed Keith Atack for a tribute to Robin Trower.

Since then, Keith has released Nine Lives and it’s this tune in ouf Wokingham Loves Music playlist.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

Keith Atack – Nine Lives Keith has visited the area to perform at Wokingham Music Club (WMC) with his tribute to to legendary guitarist Robin Trower, Bridge of Sighs.

He was so impressed with local photographer, Andrew Merritt’s photos from the gig, that he included them in his video of the Trower classic, Day of the Eagle.

As well as his tribute activities, Keith recently released this new single in his own right and it’s a powerful piece of classic rock, showcasing his excellent guitar talents – www.facebook.com/Keith-Atack-Music104709838281012

Red Tape Resistance – Time is a Killer Even though this Bracknell-based band’s 2020 single release, Hollow, was only

Adventures with mythical creatures

Some mellow grooves here from a Reading-based musician who has previously appeared live at Wokingham Festival – www.facebook.com/alfiegriffinmusic

Katie Ellwood – The Only Thing ROCK ON: Keith Atack Picture: Andrew Merrit featured in this playlist feature recently, their brand-new single, released a week ago is included here as it’s rather good.

The track has a mellow atmospheric opening before gradually building in intensity to a strong and powerful closing section.

We’ll look forward to seeing this performed live when the band are able to play live again – www.facebook.com/ redtaperesistance

Ben Portsmouth – The Only One He’s well-known as one of the best Elvis Presley tributes there are and here he is with a track he’s written and recorded in his own name from his EP, Worth Fighting For – www.facebook.com/benportsmouthmusic

Kindred Spirit Band – No Smoke Without Fire Here’s a band that has graced the stage at Wokingham Festival with an inventive folk prog sound. This track is from their latest

A wonderful debut single written, recorded, produced, played and sung by this talented young musician at her home in Wokingham during lockdown – www.katieellwood.com

The Lost Trades – Hummingbird Recommended by local photographer Andrew Merritt. He saw this trio when they visited the area to play at The Acoustic Couch before lockdown – thelosttrades.com

Rachel Redman – Against the Tide Rachel has played at Wokingham Festival and here’s her new single which she describes as ‘a reflective tale of dealing with life in lockdown and all the chaos and frustration that comes with it’. www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic

Third Lung – Falling Stone The band describe themselves as ‘emotive, evocative and enchanting’ and they recently streamed a live online performance from Generation Studio – www.facebook.com/ ThirdLung

LEISURE | 21

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22 | LIFE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

Watch Wokingham

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK

Wokingham Active Travel Community Hub

Parsnip and Stilton Soup

Adrian Betteridge

Road congestion: Time for a fresh approach?

Adrian Betteridge from Wokingham Active Travel Community Hub (WATCH) writes:

T

UCKED away at the south eastern corner of Wokingham Borough is the headquarters of the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory.

Since 1933, its work has shaped the UK’s roads, vehicles, pavements and cycleways.

One of TRL’s eminent alumni is the late Professor Reuben Jacob Smeed, who first identified the self-regulating nature of road congestion.

Smeed found that when roads become congested beyond a given level, people find alternatives to driving.

When congestion falls, for example due to road improvements, traffic grows and congestion returns to the original level.

This has been found to hold true around the world, whether for multi-lane highways or whole towns and cities.

With increasing road capacity failing to solve congestion, many towns and cities have tried a different approach.

By making alternatives to driving more attractive, such as walking, cycling and public transport, drivers are less willing to tolerate congestion.

This leads to sustainable reductions in traffic, with the bonus of reduced carbon dioxide emissions, improved air quality and, if the alternative involves human power, improving health and wellbeing.

Having seen the results, cities such as Paris, Seoul and even the US Federal government are now removing road capacity in favour of alternative solutions.

So how does this relate to Wokingham Borough?

With many new houses planned, some new roads are clearly needed.

But beyond these, will the further investment in roads and reducing congestion have a beneficial effect?

The council’s own Overview and Scrutiny Committee asked this same question in September 2020 after they were briefed on a 2011 successor to Smeed’s analysis, the Fundamental Law of Traffic Congestion.

It may be argued that funding alternatives to driving is unaffordable at the moment.

Yet we continue to invest massively in the roads in the name of reducing congestion.

At best, this may be ineffective.

At worst, it acts against the limited investment being made in the sustainable alternatives, and will exacerbate the problems of carbon dioxide emissions, poor air quality and sedentary lifestyles.

At WATCH, we believe that it is time for a different approach, to challenge outdated thinking and invest in a more sustainable future. � You can find more from WATCH at facebook.com/watchwokingham

T

HIS is an easy soup that is perfect to feed the family quickly on a chilly weekend day.

Parsnips and leeks are at their best now.

In this soup their sweetness is met with the warmth of cumin and mustard and saltiness of Stilton.

Serve with door-stopper chunks of granary bread.

Serves 4

Ingredients � 20g butter � 1 large leek, washed, trimmed and diced � ½ tbsp cumin seeds � Salt � 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard � 500g parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped � 150g Stilton � Freshly ground black pepper

Method 1. Melt the butter in a large casserole dish 2. Fry the leek and cumin seeds with a pinch of salt until soft; about 5 minutes 3. Mix in the mustard and parsnips and 750ml water 4. Simmer with the lid on for about 25 minutes or until the parsnip is soft 5. Transfer to a blender and blitz until smooth 6. Serve with crumbled Stilton and a crack of black pepper Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk/

healthwatchwokingham Joanna Dixon www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

Helping pupils deal with return to lessons

A

LONG with the rest of England, Wokingham pupils were welcomed back to the classroom this month.

Many people felt a huge sense of relief but for others this was mixed with anxiety about what to expect, their health or their family’s health.

There is a lot of uncertainty about school and life in general at the moment and we need to manage this.

The good news is that by learning to adapt and helping our children to reduce anxiety we are building useful skills for life.

One pupil told us: “I haven’t seen my friends for weeks and I am looking forward to it, but I’m worried about my family who are vulnerable, I don’t want to bring the virus home”.

Parents also have concerns: “My son has special educational needs, and I am worried about how he will cope with wearing a mask all day and if he will be able to do the Covid-19 testing.

“I don’t want him to become more anxious than he already is.”

We have put together some tips that could help parents and caregivers to support their children:

BACK IN THE CLASSROOM: Pupils have returned to school following the January lockdown, but many may feel anxious Picture: Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

� Acknowledge that it is normal to feel anxious and talking about how your child feels will help. This is a difficult time, and they might not feel OK overnight, there will be a transition. � If you, as an adult are feeling anxious your child may pick up on this. Make sure you take the time to talk about your own feelings with someone you trust.

� Not everyone’s situation is the same so make sure you listen, validate their feelings and don’t feel like you have to have the answers. � Take a look at the facts and address any misinformation.

For example, if they are worried about bringing Covid-19 into the home you could look at local

infection rates and the effectiveness of vaccines.

Some children may be exposed to too much news or online discussion about the virus.

It might be better for them to take a step away from this. � Don’t offer too many re-assurances. Instead, look at strategies that your child could use and encourage them to problem-solve. For example, you could talk about how they adapted to going back to school in September.

What worked? What didn’t? � Some children might benefit from taking slow deep breaths or planning in a ‘worry time’ so anxiety doesn’t spill into the rest of the day. � Talk about the changes to their day such as different break times or lateral flow tests so they become part of the new routine. � Make some time to focus on mental and physical health. Enjoy exercising outdoors or healthy cooking to nurture yourself and your family. � Talk to your child’s school about how you can work together to reduce anxiety. � We have more advice and information on this topic, including videos and links to other organisations, on our website: www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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PROPERTY | 23

24 | PROPERTY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

The Flatman Partnership Multi-Award Winning Estate Agency he Flatman Partnership first opened its doors for trade in January 2006 with founding Partner Jamie Flatman at the helm.

Shortly afterwards Jamie teamed up with Nick Barker who brought his inspiration and talent to bear, the rest as they say, is history.

With a joint wealth of local contacts garnered from the previous 30 years in the property industry, the business rapidly blossomed and thrived.

Today the Flatman Partnership is a progressive modern and diverse business with offices in Reading, Wokingham and Langley, an enviable client base and huge customer focus.

The commitment to a high standard of ethics and core values remains at the heart of the firm.

Properties Available to Rent Cornwall Close £950 PCM – To Let

Ellison Way £900 PCM – To Let

� Semi Detached Pproperty � Woosehill Development � Two Bedrooms � Cul De Sac Location � Allocated Parking

� Split Level Maisonette � Wokingham Town Centre � Recently Refurbished � Refitted Kitchen & Bathroom � Communal Gardens

Recently Let Properties Chatsworth £1300 PCM – Recently Let

King Street £995 PCM – Recently Let

� Spacious Detached House � Three Double Bedooms � 29ft Lounge � Downstairs Cloakroom � Garage and Driveway Parking

� Newly Renovated � Delightful Terraced Cottage � Walking To Local Amenities � Easy Access To Winnersh Railway Station � Large Rear Garden

Woodhouse £1050 PCM – Recently Let

Elizabeth Court £900 PCM – Recently Let

� Temple Park Development � Mid Terrace House � Two Double Bedrooms � Gardens � Driveway Parking

� Two Double Bedroom Apartment � Walking To Wokingham Town Centre � Close by to Wokingham Mainline Station � Communal Gardens

More properties needed for registered tenants, call us now to discuss THE FLATMAN PARTNERSHIP WOKINGHAM: 0118 978 5478 READING: 0118 966 0055 LANGLEY: 0175 359 3888 www. flatmans.com t: @Flatmans

Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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PROPERTY | 25

Berkeley: Three is the magic number

at Woodhurst Park

T

HREE-bedroom homes have soared in popularity as a result of the pandemic, as buyers look for additional living space and access to a gardens.

At Woodhurst Park in Warfield, enquiries for properties with three bedrooms or more have increased significantly over the past three lockdowns, with families and even firsttime buyers seeking larger homes offering a more flexible lifestyle.

According to Romans Estate & Letting Agency in Bracknell, which markets the properties at Woodhurst Park, the pandemic has caused many to reassess their living situation. The agent has seen an uptick in buyers looking to move from apartments to houses, and out of cities and town centres to more rural locations in order maximise the amount of space they can afford.

Tim Foreman, Managing Director at Romans, comments: “The lockdowns have been a major turning point in life for many people. We’ve seen house hunters looking to move out of London to settle down, start families and seek a different pace of life. We have buyers who are desperate to be closer to the countryside. We’ve even seen some who have been able to save enough money during the lockdown period that it’s allowed them to skip the first rung on the ladder and move straight into a house rather than an apartment.”

Spurred on by government initiatives such as the stamp duty holiday and the Help to Buy scheme, property searches have increased significantly in the past year and despite changes to these policies, the demand has not shown signs of slowing. Compared with January last year, Romans saw 26% more applications in December 2020 overall, while sales were up almost 10%. However the agent says demand outstripped supply, with a lack of larger properties available.

Berkeley Homes (Oxford and Chiltern) has a collection of stunning threebedroom homes available at its picturesque Woodhurst Park development, offering modern, stylish interiors that reflect the natural surroundings. Set in a beautiful country park amongst acres of landscaped open space, the homes are design to suit the needs of modern living, with certain properties ready to move into now.

Suitable for a wide variety of buyers, the properties offer spacious, flexible living accommodation which is perfect for families or those now needing more space as a result of the pandemic. Open plan dining and kitchen areas are stylish yet practical, with integrated appliances and high-quality fittings. Patio doors leading out to large gardens to provide all-important access to outside space, ideal for al fresco entertaining in the summer.

Designed to create the feeling of a quintessential English village, Woodhurst Park is a development of 750 homes, where core elements of the

English idyll have been recreated, including a country park, traditional village green, duck pond, children’s play areas, orchard park, tree-lined riverside cut and nature trails.

Benjamin Ivey, Director of Sales and Marketing at Berkeley Homes (Oxford and Chiltern), comments: “Our three-bedroom homes at Woodhurst Park have been exceptionally popular during the past twelve months. The properties truly encapsulate countryside living with all the modern convenience of a luxury Berkeley home. The desirable lifestyle on offer has been an attractive prospect for buyers looking for more space and better value for money. The development benefits from acres of open country parkland and this has been reflected in the design of the homes. We are looking forward to welcoming more potential homebuyers to view the new show home and to explore the development.”

Prices for three-bedroom houses currently start from £490,000. A threebedroom show home is open for prospective buyers on an appointment-only basis. Strict measures are in place to ensure to health and safety of all staff and visitors. Face masks must be worn at all times. Buyers interested in finding out more about the homes at Woodhurst Park should contact the sales team on 01753 202 849 or visit www.woodhurstpark.co.uk. � For further information about Berkeley Homes please call Harriet Ball on 07723049936 or email harriet@building-relations.co.uk.

26 | CLASSIFIEDS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (NINE MILE RIDE EXTENSION, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING, LEFT AND RIGHT TURN) ORDER 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3349 BASINGSTOKE ROAD, THREE MILE CROSS) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

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:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 11th March 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

1. Park Lane, Finchampstead between Hogwood Lane and Nine Mile Ride Junction.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Rd, B3348 Jubilee Rd, B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Langley Common Rd, Biggs Lane and Park Lane or by this route in reverse.

B3349 Basingstoke Road, Three Mile Cross between its junctions with Clares Green Road and Grazeley Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th April and 8th April 2021.

2. Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead between Park Lane and White Horse Lane

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3349 Basingstoke Road and A33 Swallowfield Bypass or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Rd, B3348 Jubilee Rd, B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Langley Common Rd, Biggs Lane and Park Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th April and 7th April 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th April and 13th April 2021.

3. Park Lane, Finchampstead between Biggs Lane and West Court.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road, Langley Common Rd and Biggs Lane or by this route in reverse.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake structural maintenance and plane inlay work in safety.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th May and 21st May 2021.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

4. Hogwood Lane, Finchampstead between Park Lane and Weller Drive Works requiring this restriction will take place between 9th April and 10th April 2021, 24th May and 28th May 2021, 10th June and 28th July 2021 including 23rd July to 25th July between 20:00 and 06:00, 30th July and 2nd August between 20:00 and 06:00, 27th September and 29th September 2021 and 14th February to 18th February 2022.

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.

5. Park Lane, Finchampstead between Biggs Lane and Nine Mile Ride.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Rd, B3348 Jubilee Rd, B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Langley Common Rd, Biggs Lane and Park Lane or by this route in reverse.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 22nd March 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 24th and 28th May 2021, 10th June and 28th July 2021 including 23rd July to 25th July between 20:00 and 06:00, 30th July and 2nd August between 20:00 and 06:00, 27th September and 29th September 2021 and 14th February to 18th February 2022, 24th February and 18th March 2022.

Dated: 18th March 2021

6. Turn left onto Park Lane, Finchampstead from its junction with Hogwood Lane.

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road, Barkham Ride Roundabout and return 7. Turn right onto Park Lane, Finchampstead from its junction with Hogwood Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Park Lane, Biggs Lane, Princess Marina Drive roundabout and return.

Works requiring the restrictions for items 6 and 7 will take place as needed from 5th April 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Bypass construction work including bellmouth creation, tree removal, junction remodelling, utility diversions and crossings, drainage work and surfacing work in safety.

For up to date news in the borough follow us on

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 5th April 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 18th March 2021 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 (WOOSEHILL LANE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 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: Woosehill Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with B3349 Barkham Road and Meadow Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Meadow Road, Murray Road, Oxford Road and B3349 Barkham Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th April and 11th May 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Network contractors to undertake gas replacement 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 6th April 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 18th March 2021 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 (KING STREET LANE, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 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: Kings Street Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with A329 Reading Road and Allnatt Avenue.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, B3270 Lower Earley Way North, Hatch Farm Way or by this route in reverse.

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Works requiring this restriction will take place between 11th April and 12th April 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow O2 contractors to undertake essential telecoms works in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

SERVICES @WokinghamToday

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 11th April 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 18th March 2021

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18/06/2020 18:00

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

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

Reasons for Advert

Description

210287

Uppfield, Charvil Lane, Sonning

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of a part single part two storey side extension.

210378

Buildings 4 and 5, Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Park Drive

Major Application

Full application for proposed alterations to external areas to provide improved landscaping, outdoor gym, amenity and presentation areas, plus erection of refuse store and reconfiguration of car parking.

210538

Val Wyatt Marina Ltd, Willow Marina, Willow Lane, Wargrave

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed erection of a marquee on a temporary basis for 6 months each year (1st October to 31st March) for storage and repair of boats. (Retrospective)

210657

The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield

(Affect setting of) Application for Listed Building consent for the Listed Building proposed closure of existing main vehicle/ pedestrian access and modification of existing second access gateway with new drive, entrance gates and improved crossover from public highway.

210694

Berkshire County Sports Club County Sports Ground, Sonning Lane, Sonning

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed extension of existing Berkshire County Sports Club car park adjacent to Sonning Lane with associated erection of new floodlighting.

210744

1 The Leander Club, Henley Bridge, Henley On Thames

Conservation Area

Application to vary condition 7 of planning consent 210130 for the Full application for the proposed erection of new external decking area consisting of an upper and a lower deck with associated balustrading, following demolition of existing external decking area. Condition 7 refers to External lighting and the variation is to allow the use of external lighting for the health and safety of persons on the decking during times of low natural light.

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 the 10th April 2021. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 18th March 2021

SERVICES

AVS Fencing Supplies Ltd trading of The Manor House, Graylands Estate, Langhurstwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4QD is applying for a licence to use Unit 3, Warren Farm, Forest Road, Wokingham, RG40 5QY as an operating centre for 3 goods vehicle.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

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28 | SPORT

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 18, 2021

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0800 30 50 30 From the middle Dick SawdonSmith

Next season’s law changes are for – guess what?

L

AST Thursday, I mentioned that it was the Annual General Meeting of the International FA Board, when any changes to the Laws of the Game would be announced.

It’s not surprising, that after the controversy created by last year’s changes to handball, that this year’s main and seemingly only change is again to the handball Law. The IFAB say they do not believe that last year’s changes were wrong, but they had been misinterpreted.

In view of the fact that so many people had the same view of what the changes meant, it could be argued that they had not been very well written.

The IFAB had been asked to define, what created a handball offence and perhaps they got carried away.

The new Law will be simpler and some clauses have been left out. So this is what it will look like.

It is a handball offence if a player: � deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm, for example moving the hand/arm towards the ball. � touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger.

This is considered to be when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the players movement for that specific situation.

By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalised or scores in the opponents goal: � directly from their hand/arm even if accidental or � immediately after the ball has touched their arm, even if accidental.

It still takes a little digesting but is closer to how referees have previously judged handball.

One thing to note, is that it is no longer an offence if an accidental handball goes to a teammate who scores a goal.

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA said that last year’s changes were perhaps a step too far but this revision is merely a step back, not a climb down.

David Elleray, Director of the IFAB Technical Committee, said that you never know what will happen until the changes are put into use.

Changes will not become operative until July 1.

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BASKETBALL

DOUBLE DEFEAT AS RIDERS TOO HOT FOR ROCKETS

READING Rockets suffered back-to-back defeats in another double header weekend with an agonisingly close defeat to BA Lions before a loss against Loughborough Riders.

In a game that swayed from Rockets to the hosts, there was a titanic battle as Rockets came from 11 adrift with under four minutes to go to miss with a brace of treble efforts that could have given them the victory.

With Leome Francis still out with a knee injury the teenager, Kivuvu Live started for Rockets, scored early and ended up their second top scorer as he worked hard and well inside.

Rockets finished with a 14-5 run to have a 28-20 advantage at the first break with the academy players, Latrell Maitland and Ronnie Oguekwe scoring and making assists.

Rockets, having enjoyed an eight point advantage, saw Lions turn the table in quarter two as they drew level with an eight point period win of 23-15.

Williams had scored a pair of quick scores and coupled to Chuck Duru finishing well inside, Rockets had opened up a 12 points lead. Rockets were still six points up with four minutes to the interval at 40-34 but a 9-3 Lions run, despite another Williams treble, saw the game tied on 43.

However a devastating poor quarter from Rockets

which they lost 12- 29 as Lions hit three trebles.

Duru hit a pair from the penalty stripe but Lions led 72-55 as the final quarter beckoned.

An 11-4 early Rockets run thanks to a brace of Bains trebles coupled to a Ben Dixon drive followed by a Dixon treble, stirred up the Rockets players. The Lions kept battling away to enjoy a 79-68 advantage.

When Toluwase was secure from the free-throw line Rockets were just four points adrift with 90 seconds remaining.

Williams hit a penalty shot to reduce the deficit to just three before Lions responded with a score.

Live scored with a jump shot to see Rockets back to a single shot behind Lions as the clock showed 49 seconds to go. Rockets stopped Lions from scoring but missed a brace of trebles in this time to end up tantalisingly close but losing 79-82.

For their fourth game in eight days, Rockets didn’t have the energy required to beat the talented Riders who effectively kept their 15 point interval advantage throughout the second half to secure the win.

Rockets won the tip and scored first through a tip-in from Sam Grant which Reis Pinnock added to moments later but that was the only time Rockets led in this game.

When Ben Dixon gave Williams another treble Rockets were just two adrift at 15-17. Chuck Duru drove

to score after Riders had hit a treble and then Williams hit another treble from the top of the key to see Rockets just a single point behind at 19-20.

Pinnock stopped a certain score with a brilliant run and stop but a treble effort on the buzzer rimmed out leaving the hosts 21-27 in arrears.

Dixon floated a shot to score and then took down a defensive rebound as Duru drove the end line to score and see Rockets just 29-32 adrift but Riders reintroduced Gamble to help them take control again.

Pinnock sent an assist to Sam Toluwase to score

before Williams stroked another treble keeping Rockets in contention at 3638 mid way through the period but a 19-6 run by Riders saw them go to the interval with a 57-42 lead.

A much tighter defence from both sides reduced the scoring to just 14-15 in the third period in Riders favour as Chuck Duru hustled on the floor getting possession from which Williams stroked a treble.

Kivuvu Live made a steal and scored while az Bains took a charge but a tough call gave Riders a three-point play right at the end of the quarter and a 72-56 advantage

going into the final period.

A great team move was finished with Williams draining his fifth treble of the game which gave Rockets renewed faith as they reduced Riders lead to single figures less than three minutes into the quarter at 63-72.

A Dixon drive and assist to Williams coupled to Toluwase spin and finish kept up the pressure on Riders and even when Pinnock took a defensive rebound and went coast to coast to score, it just wasn’t enough as Riders rode away from the John Madejski Academy with the win and a score of 95-77.

RAMS ANDY PRAISES ‘STUNNING’ NEW STAND AT OLD BATH ROAD

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today OLD Bath Road will be a different venue when Rams RFC supporters can return to back their side thanks to the stunning new stand, according to Friday Club stalwart Andy Anderson.

Having joined the club in 1978, ex-player Anderson – who broke his neck during a game against Old Fallopians during the early 80s – is now part of the team who help matchdays run swimmingly, tidying everything in and around the ground to keep the show on the road.

And he has no doubt the 300-

seat stand – along with the newlyinstalled floodlights – is going to make things even better for the fans.

He said: “People will be pleasantly surprised when they can come back because there’s been an amazing amount of work done during the lockdown.

“The stand looks really impressive and along with the new floodlights, it has really changed the ground – I think we’d be near to Championship facilities.

“It’s going to really improve the atmosphere and I think there will be a lot more noise.

“The lights also allow the possibility of Friday night games

and having two games on a Saturday whereas before we’ve always had to go for 2pm kick-offs in the winter.”

Anderson is among those whose faces will shine out on the back of the stand, where a brilliant montage will reflect the club’s ethos.

He said: “It shows every area of the whole club from the minis, the juniors, the Sirens, the senior squad, the Friday club and I just think that really sums the club up.

“I feel quite proud to be on there, but it’s more recognition of the Friday Club and just what everything about the club stands for throughout.”

With it being more than a year

since the last home game, Anderson concluded how much he is looking forward to the chance to watch some rugby again.

He added: “I’m just really looking forward to going up and seeing a live game and meeting up with some people who I wouldn’t have seen for more than a year now.

“It’s going to be great and there are lots of people who we just haven’t seen for so long.

“The last season was amazing as we’d just come up and personally I thought it would be great to just stay up, but halfway through we were right in the mix and hopefully we can carry that on once the next season is underway.”

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Jess Fishlock’s powerful strike cannons off the post as the Royals fail to break past Spurs Pictures: Neil Graham

Emma Harries challenges to win back possession

Lily Woodham tries to pick out a teammate

Danielle Carter lines up to take a shot at goal

Amalie Eikeland tracks back to make a tackle

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

FRUSTRATED ROYALS MISFIRE AGAIN READING WOMEN 0 SPURS WOMEN 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING Women’s manager Kelly Chambers was relieved that the Royals kept a clean sheet but remained ‘disappointed’ at only taking a point against Tottenham Hotspur.

“I’m happy with the clean sheet because for me, that was the most important thing today,” said Chambers.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t take all three points as I felt we had more control of the game, although Tottenham had a good spell in the last 15 minutes.”

Chambers was pleased with the response of her side after a shock defeat to Bristol City Women last Monday, but admitted that they need to improve at both ends of the pitch.

“It was important to bounce back from Monday as I was very disappointed with that result and performance,” she continued.

“We haven’t been good enough in either box this season, but hopefully we can build on now.

“Grace Moloney made two or three really good saves in the second half that kept us in the game, but it’s something she’s being doing all year.”

It was another frustrating afternoon for the Royals who played out their eighth draw in the Women’s Super League this season which keeps them in sixth position after 17 matches.

The home side had the better chances throughout the game and came closest when Jess Fishlock struck the post at the end of the first-half.

The visitors also had chances, mostly on the break, but Reading keeper Grace Moloney made some important saves to earn a clean sheet.

Reading came out with the early attacking intent as Emma Harries burst into the box but was stopped by a strong challenge from Spurs captain Shelina Zadorsky in the first minute.

The visitors had their first shot at Grace Moloney’s goal in the third minute but the Royals keeper gathered a tame effort from Alanna Kennedy after she worked space to hit a low drive from 25 yards out.

Reading were getting joy winning the ball in Spurs’ half with a high press that almost paid off as Angharad James battled to win the ball and floated in a brilliant high ball for Amalie Eikeland to challenge but she headed wide.

Reading were on top but almost fell behind after a dangerous corner by Ria Percival which tested Moloney who managed to punch far enough away from danger before the Royals defence got organised to clear their lines.

Jess Fishlock took the ball down expertly on her chest to play the ball into the path of Harries in the box, but she didn’t manage to get a good connection on goal with her shot.

Kelly Chambers'’side continued to ask questions of the Tottenham defence going forward and won a few corners in quick succession towards the end of the half but the away side were organised.

Emma Mitchell played a superb ball into the box to find the run of Eikeland who forced yet another corner, but Fara Williams' delivery was gathered by the keeper.

The best chance of the half fell the way of Fishlock in the 44th minute as she got in behind the Spurs defence and looked destined to score but her shot smacked the inside of the post.

Spurs created the first big chance of the second half when Abbie McManus played a through ball to find Rosella Ayane who tried to pick out Angela Addison at the back post, but the Spurs forward couldn't get enough contact to convert on the full stretch.

There were some half-hearted appeals for a Reading penalty when Eikeland went down in the box but Spurs broke quickly and came close to taking the lead through Ayane who got into the box, wide on the right, but Moloney kept her near post guarded to make the save.

The dancing feet of Harries on the left opened up the Spurs defence and she pulled the ball back into the middle for Eikeland, but Spurs keeper Mikalsen made a stop from point blank range to keep the game scoreless.

Reading were almost made to play for a sloppy piece of defending when Kristine Leine let the ball run and then played a stray pass to Moloney just a few yards from her goal-line, but she managed to clear to avoid a disastrous own goal.

A testing cross from caused problems for Reading but Bartrip made a crucial intervention to clear the ball out for a corner with Spurs players lurking to latch onto the ball.

Moloney then made a stunning stop moments later to keep out a close-range header from Kennedy at the back post as she parried behind for another corner.

Neither side were able to find the cutting edge to snatch three points as Reading played out their eighth draw of the season.

Reading’s next fixture in the WSL is away at Manchester City on Sunday, March 27.

READING WOMEN: Moloney, Leine, Mitchell, Woodham, Bartrip, Harding (c), Fishlock, James, Williams, Harries, Eikeland SUBS: Nayler, Cooper, Roberts, Childerhouse, Flores, Jeon, Carter TOTTENHAM WOMEN: Mikalsen, Zadorsky (c), Green, Davison, Percival, Addison, Worm, Kennedy, McManus, Ayane, Morgan SUBS: Martin, Harrop, Peplow, Dean, Williams, Graham, Quinn

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

STAR PLAYER Yakou Méïté

RAFAEL CABRAL Made a super stop to keep out Ameobi’s shot with the game at 1-0 which looked headed for the top corner. Made another vital stop from Murray too

OMAR RICHARDS Was shrugged off the ball far too easily by Ameobi which led to the Forest goal as he worked space to get a dangerous cross in

TOM HOLMES Unfortunately was on the end of Ameobi’s cross and diverted the ball into the roof of his own net. Missed a good chance at the end for a winner

LIAM MOORE A solid display from the Reading skipper.

Made an important headed clearance in the first-half

ANDY YIADOM Another brilliant display from the rightback who got forward and provided an attacking threat throughout

TOM MCINTYRE Another assured performance in a midfield role from McIntyre who has stepped up in the absence of Rinomhota to fill the void

JOSH LAURENT Played a perfect through ball to find Puscas who should have finished to equalise moments after Forest had netted the opening goal

ALFA SEMEDO A chance to shine against his former club having also spent time on loan on Forest but didn’t do too much to impress.

MICHAEL OLISE Ran the show, created several chances in the second-half. Had a chance to score a winner at the end but blazed a free-kick over the bar

GEORGE PUSCAS A quiet afternoon from the Romanian.

Missed a big chance to equalise just moments after Forest went in front but spooned the ball over the bar

LUCAS JOAO Scuffed the ball onto the post after a brilliantly worked set-piece. Good hold up play to create the equaliser for Meite

YAKOU MEITE Changed the game with his injection of pace from the bench and scored the vital equaliser past Brice Samba

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7 5 5 6 8 6 6 6 8 6 6 8

MÉÏTÉ RESCUES DR NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1 READING 1

By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokingham.today VELJKO Paunović said that Reading’s draw against Nottingham Forest ‘felt like a defeat’ as the frustrated Royals boss was left to rue missed chances.

“We threw away the first 35 minutes,” he continued.

“We controlled the game and in those moments we have to take advantage of that and not just feel good about feeling comfortable on the field.

“You have to kill the game. In the second half, we came out with the right spirit and pushed forward but we conceded the goal.”

Yakou Méïté marked his return to the side with an equaliser but the Reading boss was not satisfied with just a point.

Lucas Joao drops to his knees after an agonising miss sees him hit the post from close range Pictures: Steve Smyth “I’m not happy we lost our three game clean sheet streak so this is something we have to look back and recover but there was a good reaction after that,” Paunović said.

“We created so many opportunities that we could have won this game.

“The equaliser came very late and we spent so much energy to get it and with the chances we had after it, we were not fresh or clinical.

“I’m happy with the attitude, the identity and character, but we’re not happy with a point.

“It feels like we lost the game, towards the Forest box, but didn't although we are now four unbeaten included a few familiar faces as the way of Reading top scorer João, in a row and it’s good for the spirit in the 37th minute. former Reading players as Lewis give Brice Samba too much to do as Grabban and Tyler Blackett were he saved his tame effort. and momentum.”

A short corner routine was named on the bench, while Glenn There was another chance for Reading’s run of three executed brilliantly as the ball was Murray started up top. the hosts as Joe Lolley sprinted consecutive wins without played short to Tom McIntyre, who Reading lost concentration in the forward and cut inside onto his conceding a goal was put to an end flicked the ball to João who was just second minute of the match as right foot and curled a testing effort eight yards out in the centre of the as Tom Holmes’ own goal put the inches wide of the far post with Royals behind in the 49th minute goal but he completely mishit his Rafael Cabral gave away a sloppy but Méïté found the back of the net shot which he scuffed onto his corner after a poor short goal kick Rafael scrambling to try and cover but the Royals cleared to prevent the shot. to make sure the points standing foot as the ball rolled any early danger.

The best chance of the half fell were shared. towards goal and hit the post.

There was an important bit of Lucas João had the best chance Despite having more of the ball defending from skipper Liam Moore of the first-half for the visitors and the best chance of the half, the who got his head on Cryus when he struck the post after a first 45 ended goalless at the clever corner routine and Reading City Ground.

Chrsitie's cross after the full-back NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Samba, came close again in the second-half made a dangerous overlapping run A terrible start to the half Christie, Figueiredo, and was found by Sammy Ameobi. as they hit the post for the second saw Reading go behind in the McKenna (c), Bong, Cafu, After a quiet opening 20 occasion in the match as Andy 49th minute.

Garner, Lolley, Krovinovic, minutes, there was then a flurry of Yiadom was denied a goal in A long ball down the right-wing Ameobi, Murray chances for both sides. consecutive matches. found Ameobi who showed great SUBS: Smith, Mbe Soh, Filip Krovinovic worked space But Méïté made an important strength to shrug off the challenge Grabban, Freeman, contribution from the bench of Omar Richards and then fired an for a shot from 25 yards out but Mighten, Yates, Blackett, Knockaert only forced a routine save from as he made his impact to fire in inviting ball into the middle of the Rafael, but the Brazilian keeper was READING: Rafael, Yiadom, an 81st-minute equaliser. box that was inadvertently diverted Holmes, Moore, Richards, Veljko Paunović's Royals lined up forced into a much more impressive into his own net by Tom Holmes, McIntyre, Laurent, Semedo, save just moments later as he got unchanged from their victory over who was under pressure Olise, Pușcaș, João across to keep out Murray’s flick at Sheffield Wednesday, meanwhile from Murray.

SUBS: Southwood, Esteves, the near post. both Yakou Méïté and Lewis Gibson Reading had a superb chance Gibson, Tetek, East, Aluko, Méïté, Camara, returned from injury to be named to level the game just moments The Royals had their first Baldock attempt at goal in the 27th minute among the substitutes. after going behind as Josh Laurent when João went on a charging run Chris Hughton's Forest side threaded a perfectly weighted ball GOALS: Holmes OG 49', Méïté 81'

Match stats

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RAW ON RETURN Rafael Cabral flies to his right to make an important save

Liam Moore tussles to win the ball

George Puscas fights for the ball

through to Pușcaș, but the Romanian striker got under the ball and lifted it high over the bar from just 12 yards out.

Rafael came to Reading's rescue to keep out Ameobi as he bent a shot that looked headed for the top corner, but the Royals shotstopper made a flying stop to keep him out.

Reading continued to search for an equaliser as Olise worked his

way into the middle as he breezed past a few attempted tackles, but his shot flew just wide of the far post.

The Royals struck the post for the second time in the match in the 75th minute as Olise found Yiadom in the box but the Forest keeper parried the ball onto the frame of the goal. The ball fell for Aluko on the rebound for Samba gathered his

effort comfortably.

Yiadom continued to get forward from right-back and whipped in a cross to find João at the back post, but the Portuguese forward couldn't head his effort on goal as another chance went begging.

With 10 minutes to go, Reading got themselves level as substitute Meite marked his return to the team with an equaliser. Joao held off the

Tom McIntyre rises to win a header

challenge of two defenders on the halfway line and fed the ball into the path of Meite who hit a shot which squirmed past Forest keeper Samba.

With just a minute left, Reading had a big chance for a winner with a free-kick from 25 yards out but Olise hit a disappointing effort over the bar as Reading had to settle for just a point.

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

PREVIEW: PLAY-OFF PUSH CONTINUES IN HOOPS CLASH � Continued from back page

“For now, it doesn’t look like it, but we will assess them again this week,” said Paunović when he was questioned about whether any of his key players are close to making a return.

“Maybe, finally, we will get a nice surprise.”

Rangers upturn in form in the last couple of months has seen them steer themselves away from relegation danger after their early form suggesting that they could

have been in a battle for survival.

Mark Warburton’s side were in 13th position before last night’s fixture against Millwall.

Of course, this is not the first time the Royals have battled their hoopy counterparts. It was a tightly contested fixture when the teams met at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in December.

The game looked to be heading to a stalemate with neither side able to find the cutting edge.

That was until Michael Olise

marked his 19th birthday with a moment of brilliance as he sent a long ranged effort which flew into the top corner in the 89th minute to give Reading a vital win.

Reading are unbeaten in their last four against QPR (two wins, two draws), including a 1-0 win in their last meeting at the Madejski Stadium on Boxing Day 2019 which was won by a super strike from John Swift.

QPR have struggled for goals this season with just 35 in their

opening 35 games.

Ilias Chair is Rangers’ top marksman this season with even goals in 35 matches.

However, Warburton bolstered his team’s options in the striking department in the January transfer window as Charlie Austin, who has a clinical record in the Championship, re-joined QPR from West Bromich Albion and has already made an important contribution with five goals in 13 matches.

From The Tilehurst End Olly Allen

MÉÏTÉ’S RISE

I

COULD not have been happier to see Yakou Méïté return from injury on Saturday against Nottingham Forest and score a vital equaliser.

His journey over the last five years has been one of Reading’s true success stories in that time.

Méïté arrived in Berkshire in 2016 as an unproven prodigy barely out of his teenage years.

That showed on and off the pitch.

On it, he didn’t seem to quite fit into Jaap Stam’s system and was used sparingly as a substitute. He didn’t start a game until April against Rotherham, and was brought off at half-time with Reading 1-0 down to the side bottom of the league.

Away from football, Méïté could not speak a word of English when he joined and filmed himself driving and posted it on social media a number of times, pointing to a slightly immature side.

When he was sent out on loan to Ligue 2 side Sochaux in the 2017-18 season, many supporters suspected that his Reading career may be over and there seemed little chance that he would break into the team when he returned to the Madejski Stadium.

Over the last three years, he has become one of the standout names in the Royals side and often been the most dangerous player in the side’s attack.

He was the club’s top scorer in 2018-19 and 201920, with 13 and 17 in each campaign respectively, and only Adam Le Fondre (41) has netted more goals for Reading in the last decade than Méïté (38). All of this has come despite Méïté rarely lining up as a central striker for Reading – more often than not he is used wide on the right.

His English is now fluent and he gives considered, articulate answers in interviews that highlight his progression from boy to man.

Méïté is clearly well-respected and well-liked in the dressing room, and now the only videos we see on social media are of the 25-year-old inducting new teammates by getting them to dance.

He is one of the club’s longest-serving players and that shows in the regard with which he is held by other members of the squad.

Even though Lucas João has taken over much of the goalscoring burden this season, Méïté has remained an ally in attack.

He has been unfortunate with injuries and therefore only played 15 league games, but has still chipped in with seven goals and is on track for double figures for the third successive campaign. Of those 15 games, Reading have only lost two.

His infectious personality, his beaming smile and irresistible laugh make Méïté an incredibly likeable character for fans too.

The way he has responded to adversity, such as suffering racial abuse online and losing his father last year, has only increased the support in his corner.

A Parisian who has made Reading his home, he is someone you want to do well.

I am writing this column before Reading’s game against Birmingham City, and in fact it turns out that no Royals player has scored more goals against the Blues this century than Méïté who has five – three more than anyone else.

Let’s hope by the time you’re reading this he has added to that tally.

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HONOURS EVEN RIDERSTOO HOTFOR ROCKETSP28

SPOILS SHARED WITH SPURS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today IT WAS A FAMILIAR tale for Reading Women again as poor finishing led to their eighth draw of the season.

ROYALS RESCUE LATE POINT P30

RAMS REVEALNEW STAND P28

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

Kelly Chambers’ side were looking to bounce back after a shock defeat at Bristol City, but were

unable to find the cutting edge to break past Spurs.

Royals’ goalkeeper Grace Moloney made several stunning saves to earn them a point, while Reading came closest to breaking the deadlock when Jess Fishlock hit the post. � Match report on page 29 Picture: Neil Graham

ROYALS V QPR

I’M ‘AVIN HOOPS PLAY-OFFS PUSH CONTINUES WITH RANGERS CLASH AT MAD STAD

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

WHEN Saturday comes, it will once again be the battle of the hoops as Reading look to cement their play-off places.

The Royals will be welcoming the fake hoops – Queen’s Park Rangers – to the Madejski Stadium.

The game, kick-off 3pm, comes on the back of last night’s fixture against Birmingham City (match report online at Wokingham.Today).

Victory will see the home side consolidate their position in the top-six of the league.

With just eight games left of the season, Royals fans’ dreams of a return to the promised land of the Premiership continue.

It’s also the final game before the last international break of the season, and the Serbian boss is hoping to have some key players back available from injury but admitted that it is looking unlikely. � Continued on page 31

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