Wokingham Today, April 22, 2021

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

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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, April 15, 2021 No. 308

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Borough pays tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921—2021 P2-3

Town’s half marathon returns in September

ARE WE REALLY TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE? P8 VOTE 2021: PCC CANDIDATES REVEAL PLANS P6

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM Half Marathon returning this September.

is

The 13.1 mile race will start and finish at Cantley Park on Sunday, September 19.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to confirm the good news,” said Graham Ebers, deputy chief executive and director of resources and assets, at Wokingham Borough Council.

“With the ongoing pandemic and restrictions on live events, it’s been a tough year for so many of our residents.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to invite all runners to the race, our route is equally as suitable to established runners, as it is for those looking to complete their first official halfmarathon.

“I’m hoping for fantastic weather on the day and plenty of cheerful atmosphere throughout.”

The event is approved by the United Kingdom Athletics and includes a race village with catering, massages, shower facilities, race medals, pace runners, bib-tag race timing and kit tents.

Runners are encouraged to wear fancy dress, support a cause or donate to one of the charities suggested by the organisers.

Introduced in 2020, the Wokingham Mini Mile is running again this year.

Open to the family, and offers t-shirts and medals to all young participants.

There will be a full refund if the event is cancelled.

Entry price starts at £28 for the first 500 entries.

Entries will close when the event reaches capacity at 3,500 runners. Last year entries closed early after filling up.

There are no entries on the day. � For more information and ticket prices, visit www.wokinghamhalf.co.uk

TOWN’S NEWEST GYM OPENS UP P4 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS ON HAND TO HELP P11

The boys are back in town…

The town and borough mayors were in Wokingham on Monday to celebrate the reopening of shops, gyms, cafes , pubs and alfresco restaurants Picture: Andrew Batt � Continued on page 4

FOUNDER OF TOY RUN DIES

BUILDER TAKES ON ACTING CAREER P8 FOODBANK HUNTS FOR NEW SITE P9

‘He lived a life that leaves a huge legacy’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today TRIBUTES have been paid to Ben Spiller, the organiser of Reading Toy Run who has died following a short illness.

His family said he passed away peacefully on Friday, April 9, in the Sue

Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst.

A statement, released by Jane, his wife of more than 40 years, and his family, said: “While there, he had been constantly surrounded by his family, where he faced his failing health with dignity and a genuine sense of peace that his Christian faith brought.

“For those of us close to Ben, we are truly heartbroken.

“As a husband to Jane for over 40 years, a Dad to three amazing kids and a grandfather to their children, our prayers are very much for them in these days of heartache.” � Continues on page 12

CHASING DREAMS WITH A BRUSH P24

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2 | NEWS

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THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH 1921-2021

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THE BOROUGH has been paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, who died last Friday aged 99.

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Borough pays tribute to Prince Philip

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Flags across municipal buildings have been lowered to half-mast ahead of his funeral and a national moment of silence, which will take place on Saturday at 3pm. This is the final day of a national period of mourning, although the Royal Family will continue to mourn for a further week.

During this time, members of the Royal Family will undertake engagements appropriate to the circumstances.

Mourning bands will be worn where appropriate.

The funeral service will be preceded by a ceremonial procession inside the grounds of Windsor Castle and is being organised in line with the Duke’s wishes.

Tributes have been spearheaded

by Cllr Malcolm Richards, the mayor of Wokingham borough.

“On behalf of the residents of Wokingham Borough and the staff and members of the borough council, I would like to express my deepest condolences following the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh,” he said.

“Many of us will be very saddened by the news today.

“His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has played a significant part in our country’s history, both in terms of supporting Her Majesty The Queen’s following her Accession in 1952, and his role in founding the hugely successful Duke of Edinburgh Awards more than 60 years ago.

“He was also heavily involved in the work of many charities and organisations reflecting his wide range of interests and was Patron, President or a member of more than 750 organisations, many of which operate in the Wokingham Borough.”

Sir John Redwood, Wokingham MP, has also expressed his condolences.

“Many people’s lives were touched by the Duke and the work of the organisations he created and supported,” he said.

“His energy was spent in many areas from helping young people aspire to better lives, through science and technology to sports and the environment.

“As a boy I first became conscious of him when he spoke out for better treatment of wildlife.

I wanted sufficient wild areas for animals to be able lead their own natural lives free from human interference and was delighted to learn of a powerful force to help bring that about.

“Later in life I met him in my

roles as a constituency MP and as a minister and saw how he supported the Queen and served the nation through charities.”

Political leaders have also shared their condolences.

John Halsall, leader of the Conservative group, said: “Despite the Duke of Edinburgh’s advanced age, his death was a shock to so many of us.

“His steadfast service to his country, his devotion to Her Majesty the Queen, and indeed just his presence, have been constants throughout my life, and the lives of millions and millions in the UK and around the world.

“A void is left in our nation, and among his grieving family, by his absence.

“My heartfelt sympathies, and that of the councillors and officers of Wokingham Borough Council, go out to The Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

Wokingham Labour leader Andy Croy said: “The Duke was a muchloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

“He was also to some extent a part of all of our lives and the sense of loss and bereavement extends far from his household into homes all across the Borough and our country.

“The Duke of Edinburgh belonged to that finest generation which fought to rid the rid the world of fascism and dictatorship.

“His service ethos continued in his support for his wife and of innumerable institutions and charities the world over.

“We are a much poorer country without him.”

And Lindsay Ferris, the Lib Dem leader, said: “We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“Our thoughts go to the Queen and her family at this difficult time.

“After 73 years together, it will be a massive gap for our Monarch and we hope that all the necessary help can be provided to support our Queen at this sad time.”

In accordance with public health advice, residents have been asked to continue to follow the current Government guidance on coronavirus.

“This includes not to gather in crowds, and not to visit Royal residences to pay their respects – the Duke’s funeral will take place at Windsor Castle on Saturday with attendance limited to just 30 people.

If people wish to pay tribute to the Duke, the Royal Family has asked that a donation is made to charity instead of leaving floral tributes.

An online book of condolence has been opened on the Royal Family’s website, royal.uk

‘A man ahead of his time’ MAIDENHEAD MP Theresa May paid tribute to Prince Philip during a special session in the House of Commons on Monday, paying tribute to “a man of so many talents”.

These, she said, included being a distinguished naval officer, an inventor, an innovator, a designer, a painter, and a sportsman.

“What always struck me when he spoke, when I was having those conversations with him, was not just the incredible breadth and wide range of interests that he had, but the depth of knowledge that he had about each of those interests.

“He did not just dip into a subject; he did not pick something up because it was fashionable.

“He was deeply interested, he cared, and he understood the importance of getting to know the issues that he was involved in.”

Mrs May praised Prince Philip as “a man ahead of his time, particularly in the areas of the environment and conservation”.

She added: “I remember, on my first visit to Balmoral as Prime Minister, Prince Philip driving myself and my husband around the estate and talking to us about it. It was as if he knew every single inch of it. He talked about the ancient Caledonian forest, about the birds, many of which were protected, about the animals and plants on the estate, about the changes he had seen over the years, and about what was needed to ensure that the environment could be protected and enjoyed by future generations.”

Mrs May also highlighted the Duke’s connections to Berkshire: “He set up the Prince Philip Trust Fund, which provides grants to individuals and causes in the royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and many of my constituents will have benefited from that trust.

“It is one of his particular legacies that he had this passion for enabling young people to find themselves, challenge themselves, broaden their horizons and develop what are, for some, lifechanging skills.”

She concluded: “All of us here in the UK and across the Commonwealth have so much to be grateful to him for, and we say thank you. He understood the requirements of responsibility, the demands of duty and the sacrifices of service.

“We will never see his like again.”

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Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 3

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH 1921-2021 Bishops assures Queen of prayers THE BISHOP of Oxford has assured the Queen that the diocese’s prayers will be with her as the nation mourns Prince Philip.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft issued a statement on behalf of the Anglican communion across Oxfordshire and Berkshire, expressing his sadness that the Duke has passed away.

“We give thanks for Prince Philip’s long and extraordinary life, his faithful service to Queen and country, his support especially for young people, his humour, honesty and integrity and strong Christian faith and especially his steadfast support to the Queen over the long years of their marriage.

“Philip has been at the centre of our national life for so many decades offering a model of strength and stability.

“He will be greatly missed.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may God’s peace and love be with all who mourn his passing, and most especially his immediate family.”

‘This is a very, very sad day’ “THIS is a very, very sad day and the end of an era”.

Bracknell MP James Sunderland, who was an officer in the British Army prior to becoming an MP, says Prince Philip will be missed by the Armed Forces.

“It’s a very, very day for everyone – for Britain, the Commonwealth.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was just such a magnificent public servant. He was a very loyal consort to Her Majesty for over 70 years and he was a very proud veteran with a fantastic war record.

“I am a proud monarchist; they do a fantastic job for the country.

“The prince did over 20,000 solo engagements in his working life, it’s just extraordinary. He was working through his 90s. He did that not because he felt as though had to do it, he did that because he wanted to.”

Mr Sunderland also said that the Duke understood the pressures of people serving in the Armed Forces because he had served himself, during the Second World War. “The prince served in the Indian Ocean, in the Mediterranean. He’s a very successful Royal Navy officer, he’s seen extensive wartime active service operations. This is a guy who wear medals, medals earned on operations.

“He was looked up to and revered by the Armed Forces.

“Don’t forget that thread runs through his family. Prince Charles served, Princes William and Harry have both served. I think he instilled those values in his family.”

Mr Sunderland expects that there will be an appropriate Royal funeral, “which will allow the country to pay him the respects that he is widely due”.

� To help parishioners, an

Earley church has released a video service.

The three-minute service from Earley St Peter’s opens with the church bells ringing and features the church’s vicar, the Revd Dr Philip Hobday.

As well as paying tribute to Prince Philip, it aims to bring comfort and help people as they prepare to sign the national online book of condolences.

Dr Hobday said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s death is a sad loss to the country and Commonwealth he served with such distinction.

“From wartime service in the Second World War to his devoted support of Her Majesty The Queen we want to commemorate and give thanks for his life.

“The pandemic means we can’t meet in the way we would like to mark this moment.

“We’ve put a short video of prayer and reflection online so people can share in commemorating the Duke and praying for The Queen in her loss.”

It can be seen by logging on to the church’s Facebook page.

� READING EAST MP Matt Rodda has praised the Duke of Edinburgh’s lifetime of service, adding that the Royal Family will greatly miss him.

“Prince Philip had a lifetime of dedication and service including his period in the Royal Navy; supporting countless charities and good causes, and as the consort to The Queen,” he said.

“It was clear he loved and valued his family who will feel his loss terribly.

“As the nation comes together to mourn his passing, I send my thoughts and sympathy to the whole Royal Family on their loss.”

The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Willie Hartley Russell MVO Dl, writes: IT is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and all members of the Royal Family.

The Duke of Edinburgh dedicated decades of his life to Royal Duty and became the longest serving Consort in British history. As well as supporting a wide range of interests in the armed services, he founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) in 1956 which now operates in 144 countries.

The Duke had a great affinity with the Royal

Police chief’s privilege THE Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police said it has been a privilege to protect and serve the Duke of Edinburgh.

John Campbell, QPM, added that it was with great regret that they learnt of the death of Prince Philip.

“The Duke of Edinburgh is the longestserving British consort and Thames Valley Police has had the privilege to protect and serve both the Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen while in residence at Windsor Castle,” he said.

“We have a long and proud association with the Royal family and have had the privilege to

County of Berkshire and particularly Windsor, where he lived for nearly 70 years.

He was an inspirational Ranger (Chairman) of Windsor Great Park for almost 70 years and Patron of The Prince Philip Trust which supports projects and people across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

He was also Founder and President of the Guards Polo Club.

His Royal Highness was instrumental in helping to launch and support the Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) some 30 years ago and his grand-daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York, has continued that involvement and has been Patron of BCF since 2014.

He will be fondly remembered by many people across the County. police a number of Royal events, from the annual Windsor Garter Ceremony, to State Visits, to Her Majesty’s 90th birthday and more recently the Royal Weddings.

“On behalf of the whole of Thames Valley Police, I offer our deepest condolences to The Queen, to all of the Royal Family and members of the Royal Household.”

He added: “I am so proud and honoured to lead a police force that gets the opportunity to work with the Royal Family on so many occasions.

“We always receive letters of thanks from the Queen’s private office after policing Royal events which is an extra special little touch of thanks.”

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4 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

CORONAVIRUS LATEST Infection rate falls again and free tests available to everyone THE RATE of infections in Wokingham per 100,000 is continuing to decline, as restrictions ease.

The latest figures for the borough showed the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents is 14.6, down from 26.9 last week.

There was one positive test recorded on Monday, April 12, bringing the total number of infections to 8,144.

It comes as all residents are now eligible for free lateral flow tests. Residents can be tested in one of the borough’s centres at Sindlesham Court, Shute End and Microsoft Campus in the Thames Valley Park, or collect a pack of seven tests from the same location — to last a week.

It is part of the Government's plan to increase community testing and stay aware of the spread of infection as restrictions ease.

The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are higher than in Wokingham, with an infection rate of 32.1, up from 22.3 last week.

On Monday, Reading reported seven new positive cases.

Bracknell Forest has seen its rate per 100,000 decline over the past seven days. It is now 15.5, down from 33.5 last week. On Monday there were five new cases.

Windsor and Maidenhead had two cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 is now 29.1, down from 41.6 last week.

West Berkshire recorded eight positive cases, and its infection rate is 13.3, down from 20.8 last week.

Slough remains the highest in Berkshire, and its rate per 100,000 is 65.5, down from 79.6 last week. It also recorded 11 covid cases on Monday.

In England, 32,190,576 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 7,656,205 have had their second dose. � For more information about lateral flow testing, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/health/public-healthcampaigns/lateral-flow-testing

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

KEEPING FIT: Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack opens énergie Fitness, Wokingham town centre’s newest gym Picture: Phil Creighton

Gyms celebrate opening EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S newest gym opened this week, but members have already been keeping active for months, with online classes.

Adam Piper, from énergie Fitness, said it’s been a “rollercoaster of a year”.

“Opening a gym in 2021 has been a different kind of challenge,” he said. “Our equipment is spaced out at a two-metre distance and sanitising stations and anti-bacterial wipes have been placed at many locations around the gym.”

The club has also installed two different air purification systems that kill 99.7% of airborne and surface bacteria and viruses.

“We want our members to feel safe and welcome and know that the énergie Fitness team is there to help people get fitter, healthier and live a happier life,” Mr Piper said.

This has already started, as the team organised a virtual collective walk from Lands' End to John o’ Groats, as well as free live classes with it’s app.

“We are proud to have helped the community during this difficult and isolating time,” Mr Piper said. “Exercise and mental health are so closely intertwined and we have hopefully played a part in helping to keep people active.”

Also live streaming classes was Places Leisure — which runs Loddon Valley, Bulmershe, St Crispin’s, Ryeish Green Sports Hub and Arborfield Green leisure centres, and will run the new Carnival Pool centre once open.

Keith Love-Evans, area manager for Places Leisure, said they ran virtual sessions and ondemand workout classes.

He said: “It’s been an important tool to keep our members engaged throughout the pandemic; giving them the ability to stay active while our centres have been closed, and an alternative form of activity for those who may not feel ready to return to our centres.”

Places Leisure has also launched a new feature on its app called Tailor Your Programme.

Mr Love-Evans said it will help customers reset their fitness goals after lockdown.

“We’re delighted to be reopening the centres and are looking forward to welcoming everyone back,” he added. “Booking volumes demonstrate just how much we've been missed, along with interest from parents in returning their children to lessons.

“We know from feedback that a winter lockdown made it tough to keep active, so it’s great to get back to helping our customers achieve their goals.”

He said last month, the company launched a

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack visits town centre shops as they opened on Monday Pictures: Andrew Batt

campaign in partnership with the council, to celebrate acts of kindness, with residents nominating their “Hometown Heroes” for a free annual membership.

“They are due to be announced shortly with all nominees being given a free 14-day pass as a thank you for their heroism and acts of kindness,” Mr Love-Evans added.

Staff have kept active too, with upgrades to Loddon Valley Leisure Centre’s disabled changing area, and a new sprung wooden sports hall floor.

The studio hall floor at St Crispins Leisure Centre has also been upgraded and reception improved.

The gym floor matting at Ryeish Green has been updated, and graded and the 3G pitch at Arborfield Green was also refurbished. � For more information about énergie Fitness, visit: www.energiefitness.com � For more information about Places Leisure, visit: www.placesleisure.org

Libraries to open next week SOME OF the borough’s libraries will reopen next week.

Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley libraries will be open on set days at reduced hours for browsing and borrowing of books.

Woodley Library will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm, and Thursdays from 1pm to 5pm.

Wokingham Library will be open on Tuesdays from 1pm to 5pm, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

And Lower Earley will be open on Mondays from 9.30am to 1.30pm, Tuesdays

from 1pm to 5pm and Thursdays from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

All three will open for click and collect only on Saturdays, from 9.30am to 1pm.

A one-way system is in place, and all visitors must wear masks and use the sanitzer stations.

Graham Ebers, deputy chief executive at the council said: “Our libraries offer muchneeded facilities to a broad range of people and we’re doing everything we can to keep all of these venues open and as safe as possible during the easing of restrictions.

“As we move through the roadmap out of lockdown, it is important we all continue to play a part in protecting one another. So, please follow the rules and take every precaution necessary when visiting and using these venues.”

Mr Ebers added: “We want to thank everyone for their understanding and patience and we’re very excited to be getting these services back up and running for you.” � For more information, visit Wokingham Borough Council’s libraries webpage: www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 5

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Mayor opens interiors shop EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today HOMEWARE is the order of the day at Wokingham’s newest shop.

After months of waiting, Peacock House Interiors opened its doors to the public earlier this week.

On Monday, April 12, Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Malcom Richards, performed the ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the retailer’s grand opening, following weeks of online-only sales.

The new store on Elms Walk offers a range of bespoke homeware as well as its own design service.

It was launched by husband and wife duo Ruby and Mohammed Azbar Bhatti, after Ruby discovered a love for interior design.

“This is our first big venture into home interiors,” Mr Bhatti said.

“Ruby has always had a passion for it, so one day we decided why not take it further.

“She’s already designed our own house, and it’s been hard work setting up the shop but so worthwhile.”

Peacock House Interiors has a range of room displays and its own

BLOOMING LOVELY: Cllr Malcolm Richards, Wokingham borough mayor opens Peacock House Interiors with the Bhatti family. The shop is currently filled with floral displays to mark the spring season Picture: Phil Creighton

“Instagrammable” welcome area. It also stocks Heyland and Whittle — a brand commissioned by the Royal Family.

The store is themed to match the season, meaning it is currently decked out with flowers and blossoms to mark the beginning of spring.

Mr Bhatti said the team are feeling ecstatic after welcoming customers inside for the very first time.

“We’re really happy to be open,” he said. “Online pictures don’t always do the stock justice so now, people can come in and pick things up, and see the quality for themselves.”

He said despite being new to the area, lots of residents have already been “popping their heads in to say hello” while the team set up the town centre shop.

Peacock House is following covidsecure guidelines in line with Government restrictions to keep customers safe, including enforcing social distancing and setting up hand sanitising stations. � For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ peacockhouseinteriors

Jabs for over 45s

from a range of venues, including the Madjeski Stadium.

CORONAVIRUS vaccinations are now being offered to the over 45s.

It is expected that borough residents will be able to choose

� For more details, or to book, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ book-coronavirus-vaccination/

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6 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER’S ELECTION

Candidates set out their views on police On Thursday, May 6, voters will choose the next Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley. JESS WARREN meets the three main candidates

Matthew Barber Laetisia Carter

POLICE visibility in the community is the main priority for the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate.

Matthew Barber, who was the deputy PCC for Thames Valley, said his main concern is creating the capacity to deal with neighbourhood crime more effectively.

Although this will not mean the return of a police station in Wokingham town centre, he said.

Instead, he is considering more “response bases” to ensure officers are “based in the right place” to respond to community call-outs.

Reflecting on recent national issues surrounding policing and protests, Mr Barber said his priority is to get the “little things” right, as that helps until public trust as much as “the big things”, such as policing protests.

“For me it comes down to local neighbourhood policing,” he said. “If the victim doesn’t feel the police have responded adequately, that damages the public confidence in policing.”

Other priorities include “serious organised crime”, which includes burglary and drug dealing,” Mr Barber said.

Off the streets, he wants to focus on cybercrime and fraud.

“It's not always at the top of the list of concerns that people have when they think about policing,” he said. “But we've all spent a lot online this year.

And that also makes us more vulnerable. You are much more likely to be a victim of cybercrime of some kind than physical.”

Mr Barber said improving criminal justice is also a priority for him.

“I think there’s a huge amount of work to do there,” he said. “And part of this is about reducing reoffending, to prevent more people becoming victims of crime in the future.”

He said while courts have resumed, there is a need to improve on the turnaround time from charges being made to court appearances.

“We need to vastly improve on where we were a year ago,”

he added. “Going back to precovid levels would not be adequate.”

This can be sped-up, he said, with new methods in policing.

“There's a new piece of kit that is being trialled at the moment, that allows police to download mobile phones at the scene.

“That sounds like a really small thing but it speeds up prosecutions, and it means witnesses are more likely to cooperate with the police.”

He said another trial, currently running in Buckinghamshire to reduce prosecution wait times for domestic abuse cases, is something he would like to roll-out, if the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is willing.

And Mr Barber’s final priority is to more effectively police illegal encampments, as police powers increase in this area nationally.

“There are good and bad elements in every community, static and traveling, and the police need to be able to deal fairly,” he said. “It’s the action of the illegal encampment, it’s absolutely not about persecuting a particular community.

“But doesn't mean someone can turn up on a school playing field just before a bank holiday weekend when the school fete is going to happen, and cause damage.”

Outside of his key priorities, Mr Barber said he wants to open up bigger discussions surrounding young people, knife crime, extortion, grooming and drugs problems.

“But I think there's also a lot of other work around diversion,” he said.

“Because sadly these offenders are often known to local authorities, they’re the children excluded from school.

“We need to have a much better system that wraps around those young people.”

Part of this, he said, is bringing independent mentors in, to support young people in custody.

THE LABOUR candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in the Thames Valley, said her background in public sector work gives her an advantage over “career politicians”.

Laetisia Carter, said her main priority in policing is to tackle violence against women and girls — and it has been for years.

“Where there is silence, I will be vocal,” she told Wokingham.Today.

Having worked in this area for 16 years, Mrs Carter said the issue is close to her heart.

She said she was “absolutely furious” at the violence against women during the week between International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, including the response to Sarah Everard’s death.

“There was absolute silence from the PCC,” she said.

“Nothing from Matthew Barber, nothing from Anthony Stansfield.

“I wrote to them, and said publicly, where is your reassurance for half of your population, where is your reassurance for women living in Thames Valley that police are there to protect us — and not as perpetrators. I'm yet to have a reply.

“Where we're different is that I will speak up for what I feel is right.”

Mrs Carter said it is important for her to rebuild public trust in the police, and this begins with opposing the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

“It’s pushing police into a role I don’t think even police officers are comfortable with,” she said. “Shutting down protests that are too noisy — it's completely undemocratic.

The police officers should never be foot soldiers.

“It’s not their role, policing is by consent.”

She said her inbox is full of Thames Valley residents that feel “threatened” by the “authoritarian” move, and said electing a Conservative PCC means they are unlikely to challenge the Government

on decisions such as these.

Her other priorities include “visible and accessible policing”, which could see the introduction of “weekly listening events” where residents can have their concerns heard.

“This role really is the voice of the people of Wokingham, the people of Thames Valley,” she said. “It’s the opportunity to hold the police to account, which is so important.

“No PCC should get lost in police bureaucracy — you’re there to question, and listen to where things aren’t working, or where there are frustrations.”

While this may not see a return of a police desk in Wokingham, Mrs Carter said she would look at making police more accessible, especially with response times to live incidents.

Her other priorities include protecting young people, with a focus on preventative work to “raise the profile of the issue”.

She said the rise in knife crime, youth exploitation and county lines show a need to protect vulnerable young people. And she proposed this could be done with more partnership working.

This would expand on existing projects, and involve councils.

“We have an absolute responsibility to make sure young vulnerable people aren’t being drawn to this type of crime and become victims of this type of crime,” she added.

Mrs Carter said she also wants to improve the experience of victims of crime, having previously created a standard operating procedure for victims.

She said there is more that can be done to support residents, particular when it comes to the criminal justice system.

Her final priority is to focus on fraud and cyber crime, which has risen recently.

“We need more information out there to protect vulnerable people,” she said.

John Howson

THE LIBERAL Democrat candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said one of his key aims is to “make sure the rest of the criminal justice system pulls their weight”.

John Howson, who is standing in the Thursday, May 6 election, said the Thames Valley is worse than the national record for the time taken to solve crimes and progress them on to court.

“People are just not getting to court and justice is not being served,” he said. “If you're a witness in a case, it’s disturbing having it hanging over you.

“We went into the pandemic with a bad record, we must not come out with a worse one.”

Commonly called for in Wokingham, Mr Howson said he “would love to see” a police station in the town centre, but said he “doesn’t think it will happen”.

Instead, he placed an importance on establishing a local point of contact.

“If you were walking on the street, and found that somebody had dropped their credit cards and £50, what would you do with it?” he said.

“The first thing I want to do is to talk to local authorities about libraries, centres, where those sorts of things can be handed in by responsible members of the public.”

He said borough libraries could also provide a useful point of contact for residents to use the internet and contact the police over an issue.”

This is part of his vision to create a “police service” instead of a “police force”.

“Our fundamental role is policing by consent,” Mr Howson said. “And our officers recognise they are serving the public.

“You have to, as the police, tread a very delicate line of enforcing the law. But you should start from a police service, not a police force. The challenge for the PCC is, how do you do that in those circumstances — and we're trying to regain the trust

ALSO STANDING: ALAN GORDON ROBINSON, INDEPENDENT. AT THE TIME OF WRITING, HE HAS NO WEBSITE

of the people who are protesting.”

He said other priorities surrounded reducing the number of young people in the criminal justice system.

He added: “We know that most people start a life of crime when they’re young, and the decimation of youth services and transforming secondary schools into academy chains with lots of different headquarters has made it much more difficult to provide new services for vulnerable children.

“We need the sorts of services that keep those vulnerable people out of the life of crime and ensure they become useful responsible citizens. The role of the PCC is to stand between the operational role of the chief constable, and the strategic role of the government, to ask ‘what are you doing to ensure the number of people coming into the criminal justice system is reduced’?”

Mr Howson said he specialises in crime and education. As a former teacher, he has experience of violence in schools, and was stabbed while on duty at school in Tottenham.

He said he was concerned about the home secretary’s recent announcement to move fire and rescue services into regional hubs.

“That would mean a single fire and rescue service for the whole of the Thames Valley,” he said.

“If I was PCC, I would want to do everything possible to ensure that there is local involvement.”

Another of Mr Howson’s concerns is the rise in fraud, which he said “not enough resources are spent on”.

“It's part of 21st century policing,” he said. “If crime is changing then policing has to change as well. If it is a national internet scam.

We have to find a way policing that keeps the public safe from those.”

He also wants to focus on knife crime, as it rose during the pandemic.

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

THE CANDIDATES Bulmershe & Whitegates Ward Andy Croy, Labour Sheila Jordan, Lib Dem Smauel Langlois, Green Party Fiona Morley, Freedom Alliance Shahid Younis, Conservative

Charvil Ward Sam Akhtar, Conservative Martin Alder, Lib Dem Brian Scott, Labour Kathy Smith, Green

Emmbrook Ward UllaKarin Clark, Conservative Morag Malvern, Lib Dem Llewelyn Reed-Jones, Labour

Evendons Ward Daniel Hinton, Conservative Annette Medhurst, Labour Ian Shenton, Lib Dem Louise Timlin, Women's Equality Party

Finchampstead North Ward Martyn Foss, Green Alex Freeney, Labour Charles Margetts, Conservative Jordan Montgomery, Lib Dem

Finchampstead South Ward Mike Eytle, Lib Dem Rebecca Margetts, Finchampstead Grace Tapping, Labour

Hawkedon Ward Mark Craske, Labour Clive Jones, Lib Dem Eileen Kessel, Conservative

Hillside Ward Wes Budd, Lib Dem Pauline Jorgensen, Conservative Hari Sarasan, Labour

Hurst Ward Paul Montie, Labour Brent Smith, Green Wayne Smith, Conservative Sam Turvey, Lib Dem

Loddon Ward Anne Chadwick, Conservative Majid Nagra, Labour Beth Rowland, Lib Dem James Towell, Green

Maiden Erlegh Ward Andrew Gray, Labour Norman Jorgensen, Conservative Russell Seymour, Green Mike Smith, Lib Dem

Norreys Ward Jane Ainslie, Lib Dem Phil Cunnington, Conservative Nick Fox, Labour

Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe Ward Martijn Andrea, Lib Dem Stuart Crainer, Labour John Halsall, Conservative

Shinfield South Ward Chris Johnson, Lib Dem Marcus McDowell, Labour Jakie Rance, Conservative

Twyford Ward Martin Coule, Green Lindsay Ferris, Lib Dem Caroline Hill, Labour Grant Woolner, Conservative

Wescott Ward Peter Dennis, Lib Dem Colin Heath, Labour Julian McGhee-Sumner, Conservative

Winnersh Ward Karen Clyde, Freedom Alliance Bernadatte Mitra, Conservative Allan Murungi, Labour Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey, Lib Dem

Wokingham Without Ward Robert Comber, Lib Dem Pauline Heilliar-Symons, Conservative Brent Lees, Labour

Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Matthew Barber, Conservative Laetisia Carter, Labour and Co-operative John Howson, Lib Dem Alan Robinson, Independent

Woodley Town Council byelection Coronation East Ward Gregory Bello, Labour Robert Horskins, Conservative Paddy Power, Lib Dem

Wokingham town council byelection Wescott West Ward Michelle Douglas, Conservative Mariangela Ferrai, Lib Dem Colin Heath, Labour

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Still time to register for a postal vote

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today AS THE local elections draw closer, Wokingham residents are being urged to make their choice now.

No, who they will vote for but how they will vote.

Every effort is being made by Wokingham Borough Council to ensure that the poll, on Thursday, May 6, will be held in a covid-safe way.

Although polling stations are open, residents are being asked to consider alternative ways of casting their votes not just in the borough council elections, but to determine who will be elected as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley and in town council elections for Woodley and Wokingham.

There are 18 wards where elections are being contested for the borough council and, unusually, all three main party leaders are standing for reelection: Labour’s Andy Croy, Liberal Democrats’ Lindsay Ferris and the Conservatives’ John Halsall.

Other parties standing include the Green Party, the Women’s Equality Party and the Freedom Alliance.

This is a new party that says it is committed to principles of personal liberty, sovereignty, and human rights. This includes objecting the lockdowns, which the government has used to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The party also says

X MARKS THE SPOT: Postal votes are encouraged this year Picture: Ulrike Leone

it would launch a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to respond to the events caused by the pandemic.

The deadline to register to vote in May’s local elections is 11.59pm, on Monday, April 19.

The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 20.

The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 27.

Those who want to maintain tradition and vote in a polling station are asked to wear a face covering, bring their own pen or pencil, clean hands before and after entering the polling station and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.

Voters should not attend the polling station if they have symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been asked to self-isolate.

There will be provisions in place to apply for an emergency proxy vote if required due to health circumstances.

Andrew Moulton, assistant director governance, said: “It’s important to make sure your voice is heard at the elections in May, and we are putting measures in place to help you cast your vote safely. You can vote either vote at a polling station, by post or by proxy.

“You can find more information about how to apply to vote by post or proxy on the council's website, by searching for elections 2021.

“However you choose to vote, you must be registered in order to have your say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online.”

Residents will receive a polling card informing them of the elections taking place in their area including details of when and where to vote.

Individuals do not need their polling card with them to vote but will be asked to provide their name and address to a member of staff on duty.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

ACTION: From home to Hollywood A HOUSEBUILDER put down his tools for a week to star in a new film, writes Laura Scardarella.

Sam Lester, senior site manager at Emmbrook Place in Wokingham, worked as an extra in a reboot of Rise of the Footsoldier.

The Vistry Group employee spent one week on set with the cast and crew for the new film, which is due to be released later this year.

Filmed in Essex, Mr Lester acted alongside Hollywood actor Vinnie Jones, Keith Allen and Roland Manookian.

The site manager said his experience on set was “a different world”.

Mr Lester said: “I loved it – it was a full-on week, but I had a great time with all the actors, they’re amazing and we’d have a drink with them at the end of the day.

“They were down-to-earth guys, who made us feel so welcome.

“There was no looking down at anyone, it was just a great laugh between good people, similar to

being on a building site.”

Used to wearing a hard hat and building gear, Mr Lester saw what it’s like to wear different costumes and have his hair and make-up done.

He played a variety of roles throughout the week for some of the scenes that’ll be shown in the film.

After appearing in a group photo on Vinnie Jones’ Instagram, Mr Lester was called by friends and colleagues, all excited for him.

“I had kept it quiet and they all thought it was great, they couldn’t quite believe it,” he added.

Mr Lester said: “I always like to try something once, that’s a little bit different and I hadn’t done any acting before but I was up for a new experience.

“We’re extremely busy at work at the minute, but I had a little holiday to use and Vistry is really supportive in encouraging us to take time for ourselves.”

Mr Lester has kept in touch with his fellow extras and is hoping to appear in more films in the future.

a Councillors clash over Enjoy curry to carbon neutral targets help Dawson EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE LIBERAL Democrat group has accused the borough council of “not being honest” about progress in the plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for climate change, said the party thinks the current plan will only achieve around 50% of the goal.

“Not only will the plan get nowhere near the net-zero target, the challenges are being hidden from the public,” she said.

“It’s not clear whether the Conservative leadership simply doesn’t understand this, or whether they think for some reason it doesn’t matter and should be hidden.”

But Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for emissions at the council, said he is “hugely proud” the plan has been “held up as best practice”.

He said it has been supported by Professor Paul Chatterton of the University of Leeds, The South East Energy Hub and Extinction Rebellion Reading. It has had financial support from the Woodland Trust.

Despite support for the plan, the Liberal Democrat group believes there is more to be done.

Cllr Kerr said the plan works on the assumption that national initiatives will lower more than half of the borough’s emissions.

“However, the latest government forecast … is that emissions will reduce by only 23% in that timeframe,” she said. “This is the same data source for the current emissions profile of the borough.”

Cllr Paul Fishwick, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for highways and transport said the difference between the council’s assumption and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy forecast is 176 kilotons of carbon dioxide — 30% of the borough’s carbon emissions.

“These are not accounted for in the plan,” he said.

Between 2017 and 2018, carbon emissions decreased by 1.4% in the borough, a quarter of what was assumed would happen, Cllr Fishwick added.

He said the council has “not taken into consideration” the need for local action to support many of the national carbon reducing initiatives.

“An example of this is the plan’s assumed carbon dioxide savings from the switch to electric vehicles,” he said.

“To achieve the government’s ambition of banning the sale of internal combustion engine cars by 2030, the necessary infrastructure will need to be in place to support this, which requires involvement from Wokingham Borough Council.”

He said this has not been factored into the action plan.

Responding, Cllr Murray said he wished he could scrutinise a Liberal Democrat Climate Emergency Action Plan.

“As they haven’t actually written or published one I can’t,” he said.

Cllr Kerr said building solar farms in the borough does not reduce emissions, but offsets them.

“The solar farms will accelerate the decarbonisation of the national grid, but the contribution to the carbon dioxide footprint of electricity consumed in Wokingham is tiny,” Cllr Kerr said.

“The danger of offsetting is that it allows people to continue to emit high levels of carbon dioxide rather than reduce it.”

Cllr Murray challenged this.

He said: “The Liberal Democrats are the party who objected to the development of Elms Field, which looks amazing and is hugely popular, objected to the regeneration of Wokingham town centre, which is a huge success, don’t understand how to calculate Wokingham’s debt, don’t understand how the National Grid works or how a solar farm will benefit local housing and can’t understand how the need to travel is more of a cause of congestion than how quickly vehicles can travel through a town.”

Where Cllr Kerr said the climate emergency action plan is “inadequate and misleading”, Cllr Murray questioned whether it was the Liberal Democrats that were “wrong”.

Cllr Kerr added: “We are not claiming to have all the answers to this problem, but we are determined that the true situation is made clear to the public and that a plan for net-zero is based on sound and realistic assumptions and developed in conjunction with the public.”

But Cllr Murray criticised the party for “politicising” climate change.

“They are doing just that by timing their concerns during an election cycle and airing them only in the newspaper rather than directly to me, along with supporting evidence,” he said.

“While actual experts have faith in our plan I am not concerned that the liberals don’t.”

WOKINGHAM residents are being invited to have a curry for a good cause.

Sultan Balti Palace, in Market Place, is hosting a charity fundraiser this weekend to support a local youngster in need.

In February, Wokingham.Today reported on Paul and Nathalie Gosling, who are hoping to raise £60,000 to pay for vital surgery for their two-year-old son, Dawson, who has a rare form of cerebral palsy.

They are currently fundraising to pay for an operation and aftercare, which will allow him to walk on his own.

Shortly after the Gosling family launched their fundraiser, Sultan Balti Palace’s executive chef, Kuldeep Singh, created a new ‘Dawson Dish’ in an effort to raise extra funds for the cause.

Now, throughout tomorrow and Saturday, the restaurant will be selling the dish — a chicken biryani — outside to passers-by and plans to donate every penny raised to the family.

Raja Majid, owner of Sultan Balti Palace, has expressed his thanks to customers and business associates for supporting their work so far.

Since February, the restaurant has also been donating £1 from every order to the fundraiser.

Anybody in Wokingham town centre can sample the dish and make a donation tomorrow and on Saturday between 9am and 5pm. � For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ SultanPalaceWokingham

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Foodbank hunts for second premises EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM Foodbank is set to expand following a surge in demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

The foodbank, which is currently based on Broad Street in Wokingham, is looking for a second premises in an effort to support more people in need across the borough.

Annette Medhurst, manager of Wokingham Foodbank, said its current home is “just too small” to manage both collections and deliveries. “[The Broad Street building] is quite small and narrow, and it’s been a massive challenge over the past year,” she explained.

“Throughout covid, we’ve increased deliveries to households and we currently have no car parking space.

“We want to continue offering deliveries, because we’re aware accessing the foodbank is a barrier for some, so we need additional space.”

Over the last year, Wokingham Foodbank has seen a 130% increase in demand and now supports more than 5,500

residents with food parcels.

To keep up with increased demand, it is looking for a new site to store food, sort stock and deliver food parcels from, while continuing to distribute supplies from its town centre location.

“We also want to use it to organise community donations, for example during Easter and Christmas,” Ms Medhurst explained. “We also have backup stock in case of an emergency which we need to store.

“Our operation has grown so much over the past year.”

Ms Medhurst said while the number of referrals to the foodbank are stable at the moment, footfall remains high compared to pre-covid levels — and she fears it will not decrease any time soon.

“I’m quite concerned that when the freeze on evictions is lifted, some people will suddenly find themselves in a difficult position,” she said. “It’s so expensive to live around here and, with the end of the furlough scheme, it’s going to put quite a strain on people.

“I certainly don’t think our numbers are going to drop to pre-covid levels, and I think the demand on our services is going

to be higher for a while.”

She said the 5% rise in council tax in the borough may also be hard for residents “just keeping their head above the water”.

Now, the team at Wokingham Foodbank is on the hunt for an additional, larger building with toilet and kitchen facilities, as well as allocated parking for volunteers.

Ms Medhurst is asking residents to keep an eye out for any units for sale which could be suitable.

“Ideally, we’d like a 3,0003,500 sq ft warehouse-style unit somewhere slightly outside of town,” she said.

“So if you’re out and about and you spot anything, please get in touch on Facebook or email manager@wokingham. foodbank.org.uk.”

Ms Medhurst is the Labour candidate for Evendons ward in the May 6 elections.

Daniel Hinton is the Conservative candidate for Evendons and Ian Shenton is the Liberal Democrat candidate. � To find out more about Wokingham Foodbank, including which supplies it needs, visit wokingham.foodbank.org.uk or search for ‘Wokingham Foodbank’ on Facebook

RESEARCH: The £5,000 donation has been given to The Brain Tumour Charity

Chocolatiers donate to tumour charity WOKINGHAM chocolatiers have sent £5,000 to The Brain Tumour Charity, to support its research.

Staff at Mondelez International chose the charity, as part of The Cadbury Foundation's Your Charity Your Choice scheme.

The grant will be used to continue research into brain tumours, with the aim to half the harm they cause and double patient survival rates.

Sharon Mann, a technician at the site who nominated the charity , said: “In 2013, my grandson was diagnosed with an inoperable low-grade brain tumour when he was just two.

“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the

under 40s and, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not improved over the last 40 years, so I wanted to nominate this charity for the grant so that they can continue in their amazing work.

"A cure can’t wait, and with this donation we can take a step closer to it.”

Claire Howell, community fundraiser at The Brain Tumour Charity, said they are hugely grateful to The Cadbury Foundation for the donation and support.

“The substantial contribution will help ensure that research continues into finding a cure, increasing survival and improving treatment options, as well as

raising awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring earlier diagnosis," she said.

The Cadbury Foundation was set up in 1935. Across all Mondelēz International UK sites, £55,000 will be pledged as part of the Your Charity Your Choice campaign.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, said they are extremely proud to support the charities that are important to employees.

“The Brain Tumour Charity provide an invaluable service to those in need, and everybody at Mondelēz International is thrilled to be able to help," she said.

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Tiney Home Nursery: Change lives from your living room

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e're so excited to introduce you to Amy she's recently started training to become a childminder with tiney and she's been documenting her journey for us, as she juggles preparing to become a tiney home leader with her busy life as a new mum.

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To be completely honest, I had never considered childminding or running my own business as a career. Before I became a mum, I loved my job as a Reception Teacher and had no plans to change careers.

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Secondly, my eyes were opened to a whole new part of Early Years, that I hadn’t experienced before. I have always been passionate about Early Years and the power of play but never realised just how crucial the first years of a child’s life are. By the time children are three years old, over 80% of their brains are already formed. That means no matter how dedicated teachers are, how many interventions they put into place or how detailed their lesson plans are, they have already missed the most important time of children’s development. So I decided two things. Firstly, I would return to work part time and secondly, I would encourage my school to promote the importance and educate parents.

This would have been perfect if it was not for Covid.

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On top of this, my son’s grandparents were his childcare and they are clinically vulnerable to Covid. I suffered stress and anxiety and ultimately had to make the decision to leave.

This is something I found incredibly difficult but I had to stay positive

PICTURE: New mum Amy, has started training to become a childminder with the help of tiney.

for my son. I continued to focus on his development and learning and that’s where I stumbled across tiney. While researching diverse books, I found the National Literacy Trust’s Instagram and noticed they had teamed up with tiney to start a book club. I thought this was an incredible idea so started to have a look around their Instagram and website.

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I was so nervous about the call, but within minutes of talking to Lucy, one of tiney's advisors, I was totally at ease. Lucy was absolutely amazing and really demonstrated what a passionate, welcoming and diverse company tiney is. She made me feel like I was joining tiney’s family rather than business. Lucy signed me up for the Discovery Week and I was hooked. “tiney is on a mission to unlock the potential of every child.” They do this in an incredibly passionate way by education and empowering adults to become tiney home leaders and I can’t wait to start my journey. The fact that I’ll be able to complete this journey at home, playing with my son, is a dream come true. To finally encourage him to play with other children, after spending most of his life in lockdown, is the cherry on the top! � Interested in joining the growing community of tiney home leaders like Amy? Or looking for childcare for little ones? Find more information about Tiney at tiney.co

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Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

‘Mental health first aiders will be able to spot service gaps’ EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today MORE mental health first aiders are popping up across the borough, thanks to a training initiative launched by Citizens Advice Wokingham.

Led by chief executive, Jake Morrison, the two-day course teaches people about supporting others with their mental health.

By the end of June, there will be 189 mental health first aiders trained by Mr Morrison.

Far from diagnosing mental health conditions, the course helps people recognise the signs and symptoms of poor mental health, Mr Morrison said.

“It’s about being treated with empathy,” he said. “From our team at Citizens Advice, callers say they’re just grateful to be listened to, and not rushed off the phone.

“We hear of people struggling everyday. This is about being there, and responding sensitively.”

Volunteer assessor at Citizens Advice Wokingham, Jane Nelson, said the “excellent” training has given her more insight into the

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underlying causes of vulnerability.

She said: “It has made me take a more measured approach when talking to clients over the phone, listening more carefully.”

She recently used the training to support a vulnerable person “living on the streets”, and said recognising their anxiety made it easier to deal with the situation “holistically”.

She added: “We are extremely lucky to have access to this training because it will place our larger community in a stronger, united position to support mental health and take away the stigma which to date has kept this issue out of the spotlight.”

Mr Morrision said he hopes trained first aiders will be able to recognise the gaps in services across the borough, as time goes on.

This, he said, will address any barriers the community faces when accessing mental health support. It could also help improve services in the future.

Francesca Chapaneri, people and organisation development manager at the borough council, is leading the initiative in the council.

She said so far, almost 50 council staff have been trained as part of the programme.

“[It] has really raised the profile of talking about mental ill health, and demonstrated the council’s commitment to employee wellbeing,” she said. “We now have a diverse team of people, that span all directorates, that feel much more knowledgeable and confident to respond to anyone that reaches out to them to discuss how they are feeling.”

This is also helping to change the internal workplace culture, she said.

“I have suffered from mental health issues myself and experienced first hand how hard it is to talk about poor mental health – there is a real fear people will judge you, and treat you less favourably because of it,” Ms Chapaneri added.

“I wanted to contribute to raising the profile of mental ill health and be able to offer tangible support to anyone in distress.”

Since December, the council has supported more than 24 people thanks to the mental health first aid training.

And it has also launched a virtual Wellbeing Café.

“It is a really warm and welcoming place to meet the MHFAs and talk about topics relating to positive mental health,” Ms

Chapaneri said.

Open to companies, charities and other organisations across the borough, Ms Chapaneri said the course is “intensive”, “enjoyable” and “provoking”.

She said Mr Morrision’s personal experience of mental illness and “his dedication” to destigmatising the subject makes it a valuable learning experience.

She added: “All colleagues that took part in the training found it hugely beneficial, learning not only from Jake, but also each other as people brought a huge amount of their personal and professional experience to the training.”

She said the council will soon be focussing on developing the skills of managers, to support their own team’s mental health.

“We know that good physical and psychological wellbeing is imperative for people to thrive,” she said. “So equipping our line managers with the right knowledge and skills will make a huge difference in ensuring we are doing all we can as a council to support workplace wellbeing.” � For more information, visit: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/ mental-health

Train station launches hosts FRIENDLY faces will be making an appearance at Wokingham station soon.

South Western Railway (SWR) has launched a new Welcome Hosts initiative, to support residents as they return to the railway.

The travel operator revealed the new service earlier this month, which will see hosts offer travel advice and enforce covid guidelines to keep customers safe.

The new service will be trialled at eight stations,

EASTER CELEBRATIONS: Residents and families at Shinfield View painted stones hunt on Easter Monday. Emilia (6) and Olivia Burke (10) met the Easter Bunny on their search for painted stones on Shinfield Green Picture Steve Smyth

ATMs close as cash declines in borough THE NUMBER of cash machines in the borough is declining, as part of a national trend away from notes.

Between January 2019 and September last year, 12 ATMs in the borough were closed — meaning there are now only 66 available to residents.

According to merchant payment provider, Dojo, 340 ATMs close on the UK high street every month.

And free-to-use ATM machines are declining at a faster rate than those that charge.

This means residents may be left with little choice over where to take out their money.

Jon Knott, head of customer insight at Dojo said the British highstreet has “changed enormously” during the pandemic.

“While it’s long been evolving in the face of the rising of the digital marketplace, coronavirus has reaffirmed the dominance of financial technologies,” he said.

“The contactless limit could increase once again from £45 to £100, allowing people more convenience to tap for their in-store purchases.

“With more and more people opting for Apple and Google Pay which has no capped limit for contactless payments, consumers are welcoming the efficiency and speed at which they can purchase larger value products and services.

“It is no surprise then, in our digitised economy, that the use of cash is decreasing, making ATMs redundant.“ In the UK, York saw the biggest decline in cash machines, followed by Edinburgh and then London.

Sheffield has the least amount of cash machines per capita, with one cash machine for every 3,925 residents.

including Wokingham, for four to six weeks.

James Dolling, head of customer experience change programmes at SWR, said: “We’re living through uncertain times so want to do everything we can to help reassure customers as they return to the railway.

“We hope the Welcome Hosts will provide a useful new service for passengers, as well as helping to reduce the need for queuing at ticket offices or gatelines for travel related questions.”

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our customers back to Wokingham station and

hope the new Welcome Hosts will provide the reassurance they need to feel safe when using our network.”

If the trial is successful, Welcome Hosts could become a permanent feature in Wokingham.

12 | NEWS

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New greenway would ‘spend taxpayers money frivolously’ EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

Bag your cardboard if you can

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today RESIDENTS struggling to fit cardboard boxes into the new green recycling sacks are being told that they can, for now, leave them next to the bags – as long as the cardboard remains dry.

The roll-out of the new scheme is now complete and every household in the borough should have their sacks, which replace the black boxes, except for a small area where lids have been issued.

A Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson said that while nearly all residents have the bags, some cannot use them.

“A small number of residents live on lanes with limited access that cannot accommodate our normal waste collection vehicles,” they said.

“These properties, which total less than 1% of the borough, will continue to use the black boxes as the new waterproof bags are not compatible with the specialist smaller collection vehicle.

“These properties will receive lids to help keep the contents dry and ensure their paper and card can be recycled.”

For residents who are receiving more online deliveries and struggling to fit waste into the sacks, the spokesperson said: “We encourage residents to breakdown large cardboard whenever possible and place it in the new waterproof recycling bags. That is the best way to ensure it stays dry and can be recycled.

“We know that because of the pandemic, residents are getting more deliveries than usual and so have more cardboard. We also know it takes time for residents to get used to a new system.

“So, while it is best for all recycling to go into the green bags, crews continue to collect extra cardboard wherever possible for now, but we are asking residents to break it down and make every effort to keep it dry.”

Residents can continue to use the black boxes, but this should be for other recyclables such as cans or plastic.

“We ask that residents use the new waterproof bags for paper and card to keep it dry and ensure it is able to be recycled. We are still collecting from the old black boxes during transition period but, if they are still used, it would be better if that is only for cans, bottles etc.”

And the council says that every effort is being made to ensure the emptied sacks are left securely for residents: “Residents can use their black boxes or food waste caddies to weigh down their bags. We have also asked our crews to secure the bags whenever possible once they have emptied them.”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

A WOKINGHAM resident has accused the borough council of “spending taxpayers' money frivolously” over plans for a new Greenway.

Dr Kate Benson is calling on the council to reconsider a new path on Jubilee Avenue, which has been proposed as part of the Greenways Project, but Wokingham Borough Council said the route would offer convenience and enjoyment to the local community.

The council launched its Greenways programme in a bid to connect pre-existing footpaths and create new, traffic-free routes across the borough. One is already in use, connecting California Country Park with Arborfield Green.

Following a recommendation from the Planning Committee, the council submitted a Path Creation Order last month to connect Arborfield Cross with north Wokingham via Woosehill, passing through Jubilee Avenue.

Dr Benson, who lives opposite Jubilee Avenue, said the new path would “serve no functional purpose”.

Now, she and fellow neighbours are objecting to the plans, and have accused the council of not taking their concerns into consideration.

“My family and I are very keen cyclists and we enjoy many of the traffic-free routes and Greenways Wokingham borough has to offer,” Dr Benson said.

“The California Greenway is great, but now it

Tributes paid to Toy Run’s Ben � Continued from front page

Ben had organised the Toy Run for more than 30 years, and saw it grow into a Guinness World Recordholding event. Bikers from across the country would gather at the Foster Wheeler Building in Shinfield before driving through Wokingham to High Close School where they would donate toys to Barnardo’s children in time for Christmas.

feels like the council is finding locations in order to spend the money for the sake of it.”

Last summer, the borough council launched a consultation on the disputed Greenway before amending the route.

Originally planned to run through Joel Park and along London Road, the new Greenway would use the verges of Jubilee Avenue.

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said residents’ views were taken into account during this initial first consultation.

“A report was [then] published detailing the results and the council’s decisions going forward in light of the responses,” they explained.

Dr Benson said residents are worried the path could impact wildlife near Jubilee Avenue if it goes ahead.

“There are foxes, deer, woodpeckers, hedgehogs and many more species of plants and wildlife that live in that area,” she said.

“This is unnecessary destruction of their habitat for no added value.”

The council spokesperson said the proposed route would have “minimal impact” on the surrounding environment.

“The design has been developed to minimise impact on the trees or the ecology of the area, and an arboricultural survey, topographic survey and a preliminary ecological survey were commissioned,” they added.

He also organised Dr B’s Custom and Classic Bike Show, which was held annually in Wokingham.

The Spiller family’s statement said: “Ben lived his life in a way that leaves a huge legacy that came from his huge heart.

“An ordinary bloke that dared to believe you can make a difference to the lives of others – for good. The Toy Run is only part of the story.

“Many of us will bear witness to his friendship, his infectious enthusiasm to be a ‘doer’ not just a

“No particular concerns were raised in these surveys.”

Dr Benson has also accused the council of wasting taxpayers’ money on the proposed path, and said it has a “responsibility” to ensure public money is “well spent”.

“This specific route seems a poor choice of location, and unnecessary destruction for nothing gained,” she said. “It seems like a crazy waste of money. “[The council should] reconsider and spend the money on a useful path elsewhere that adds value to the people it serves.”

The council spokesperson said the Greenway would provide “a safe, off-road route” for cyclists passing to and from Cantley Park.

“The Greenway has been a long term strategic objective of the council, and contributes to our climate change and sustainable transport objectives,” they explained. “This part of the scheme aims to create a safer route for active travel in the area, avoiding the need for cyclists and pedestrians to use the busiest part of Jubilee Avenue where it meets Holt Lane.

“The route would add significantly to the convenience or enjoyment of a substantial section of the public.”

Wokingham Borough Council is currently running a statutory consultation on the Path Creation Order and is accepting objections to the Greenway until Friday, May 7.

talker. He had an ability to co-opt a mixed bag of people to get a job done and many us shared deep friendships together because Ben was the original connecting point.

“He didn’t see himself as a leader, but he was.”

A committed Christian, the Spiller family said that his faith was “the hub of his turning world”, while the biking community was “his tribe”.

“That community respected Ben just for him being uniquely him and

responded to his call to get involved”, the tribute adds.

The family are planning a private family funeral held under current covid restrictions, but are planning something bigger when circumstances permit.

“It was his wish that when we have the freedom to gather once again, we meet to celebrate his life and mourn together as a wider community of people on the road and in church at a memoral service,” the Spiller family said

Consultation planned over riverside space

WOKINGHAM Borough Council says that campaigners hoping to thwart development on a land of green space close to the start of the Kennet and Avon Canal should wait for a consultation planned for later this year.

SOAR – Save Our Ancient Riverside – is calling on the council to designate the Kennetmouth area as a Local Green Space, to ensure that it can’t be built on. The group successfully campaigned against the building of a single-track bus lane bridge over the area, and point out that similar schemes have been proposed in previous decades.

They want the issue settled once and for all, and have launched a petition calling for this. It has attracted nearly 2,500 signatures so far and this could be enough to trigger a debate if it was presented to a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council.

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said that the area SOAR refers to didn’t meet the criteria for designation as a Local Green Space under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The scheme allows communities to identify and protect green areas which are of particular importance to them.

Proposals must meet the criteria set out in national policy and guidance, and designation must be through a local plan or a neighbourhood plan.

The spokesperson added: “Since then, the council proactively invited nominations from parish and town councils and other groups. In response over 100 nominations have been received across the whole borough.

“Some nominations were for new areas; some were for areas already submitted but with

different boundaries to those previously considered; and others provided additional information to areas already nominated.

“In the Kennet Mouth area, a wider area than the original nomination has now been suggested as well as additional information provided.

“The new wider area incorporates the open space and river frontage along the Thames and so incorporates a much larger area used for recreation and leisure, whereas the previous nomination covered only a narrow strip of land between the railway line and the river.

“This wider area is currently being assessed and if found to meet the criteria will be included in the revised draft local plan, which the council will consult on later this year.”

SOAR’s petition can be seen at change.org.

Search for ‘Protect the Thames Path from future development’.

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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14 | BUSINESS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

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

Connect Reading: Bringing people together to benefit all EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

LOCAL CONNECTIONS have been cultivated over the last 18 years by a Reading organisation. And there’s more drive than ever before.

Connect Reading was founded on the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and works to link businesses and charities together, for mutual benefit.

Managing director Lorraine Briffitt said the idea of “supporting local” has grown considerably during the pandemic, as residents were confined to their towns for half a year.

This, she said, has made more businesses and third sector organisations realise the importance of working together on specific projects to improve the town for everyone.

With a tagline, “a better Reading for everyone”, Ms Briffitt said the company helps people feel proud of their town.

This has been helped by a shift in perspective.

Last year, Connect Reading had a strategic review, to reevaluate longterm goals and values, Ms Briffitt explained.

“Business doesn't look how it used to, and the whole third sector has totally changed too,” she said. “Equality is one of our core values now, it’s about treating the voluntary sector as equal to the business sector.

“They’re different and that’s a great thing, but they’re also equal in that they have expertise that they can learn from.

“And business must also not be seen as the cash cow, because they too have expertise, and employees that live and work in the community.”

The company also broadened as part of the review, and launched an individual membership for residents that want to link with other organisations.

Connect Reading also helps companies transform

PARTNERSHIP: Lorraine Briffitt is bringing companies and the voluntary sector together

their CSR policies to create measurable impact, Ms Briffitt said.

“People have great values and aims, but really fleshing it out, and having that local impact gives their employees a sense of pride because they can see the direct impact on their way to work, or on the streets.

“It also helps employees see their company doesn't just have a lovely website, it does some really good tangible, local work.”

The company has 102

HELPING HANDS: Participants get stuck into a clear up

members at the moment, and is open to working with Wokingham businesses as well as those in Reading.

In May, it will be running Reading Rescue, a clean-up event in partnership with Thames Water.

Clean up teams are provided with litter pickers, gloves, bags and a scheduled rubbish collection to take-away what’s been found.

It will run from Monday, May 3 until Sunday, May 9. � To join, or find out more information, visit:connectreading.org.uk

Redwood Technologies acquires US firm A BRACKNELL-BASED customer experience firm has its sights set across the pond.

Redwood Technologies Group, which works with cloud provider Content Guru, has acquired US firm Potomac Integration and Consulting (PIC) as it grows its global presence.

Established in 2006, PIC supports high-profile

government clients with communications solutions.

Sean Taylor, CEO of Redwood Technologies Group, said his firm has worked with PIC for more than 10 years.

“We felt that the company was well-aligned to the group’s mission of creating outstanding customer experience through seamless

engagement and datadriven insights,” he said.

“Our business has seen very exciting developments in the US marketplace over the past couple of years and PIC will considerably enhance our public sector credentials.

“This is a really exciting development.”

Mick Shaw, president of PIC, added: “We are

delighted to be joining the fast-growing Redwood family, as a trusted and experienced partner of ours.

“We are certain that, with over 15 years of experience in servicing federal agencies, the acquisition of PIC will stand Redwood Technologies Group in good stead for their expansion plans in the US and other domains.”

Employment charity signs up to disability scheme EMPLOYERS in Berkshire and beyond have committed to supporting the region’s disabled workers.

New figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed that more than 1,800 employers in the South East have signed up to the Government’s Disability Confident scheme.

In total, 1,834 firms have registered so far, for the initiative which works with businesses to recruit and support disabled people.

Adviza, a Bracknell-based charity which helps young people and adults in employment, is one of the local businesses to sign up to the programme.

A spokesperson for Adviza said: “As a registered charity that inspires and supports young people and adults to progress in learning and work, it is important to us that we reflect that same commitment as an employer.

“Among our core values we aim to champion equality, diversity, accessibility and simplicity as well

as to break down barriers to effective service delivery and customer progress.”

They said to do this well, the country needs a workforce that reflects wider society.

“Being enrolled as a Disability Confident Employer is one way that we can outwardly demonstrate to potential candidates that we are an employer who looks for talent and potential first and foremost,” they explained.

Justin Tomlinson, minister for disabled people, added: “I know the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce, so it is fantastic to see so many employers across the South East becoming disability confident.

“I would encourage other organisations, big or small, to follow their example and help disabled people unlock their full potential.”

Mr Tomlinson said the Government aims to see 1 million more disbled people in work by 2027.

Flexi-office for Winnersh IT’S GOOD news for anybody considering flexible working postpandemic.

Arena Business Centres, the flexible office space provider, is moving to Winnersh Triangle next month as part of an £8 million project.

With workspaces for groups of two people up to 500, it wants to help businesses relocate, upsize and downsize with ease.

Helen Deverill, marketing director at Arena Business Centres, said: “This is an exciting project to help businesses around Reading and the Thames Valley find a new way of working in the coming months.

“Now more than ever we are helping businesses of every size from entrepreneurs, SMEs to corporates with their flexible office space requirements.”

Arena Business Centres will provide 50,000 square feet of offices over three floors at Winnersh Triangle, including desk spaces and collaboration zones.

“Understanding that one size does not fit all, Arena has the unique ability to create bespoke packages to deliver the right space for their clients,” Ms Deverill added.

“The team is now working with businesses looking to avoid the ties of a lease, move out of the city or create a local hub with a shorter commute.”

With centres in Basingstoke, Farnborough and Camberley already, the team is now carrying out viewings for anybody interested in the new site.

Arena Business Centres will open its doors in the borough on Saturday, May 1. � For more information, contact hello@arenabusinesscentres.com

Blandy & Blandy welcomes new partner Accountancy company merges with Reading firm CHANGE is on the horizon for a Thames Valley law firm.

Manisha Bhula is gearing up to become a new partner in Blandy & Blandy later this year, after spending several years leading the way in residential property.

With nearly 25 years’ experience, Ms Bhula joined the firm six years ago.

Over the years, she has been given a thumbs up from the local community for her “high quality” service and “supportive” advice — but now, she is ready for a step up.

She said she is excited

to be welcomed into this partnership this coming July.

“I look forward to continuing to grow our team and to supporting clients in Reading and Henley,” Ms Bhula said.

Nick Burrows, chairman of Blandy & Blandy, added: “Manisha and our dedicated Residential Property team have worked tirelessly throughout an extremely busy and challenging year, delivering time and time again without compromising on the standard of legal advice and client care.

“Thank you to them and NEW PARTNER: Manisha Bhula has almost 25 years experience in the congratulations to Manisha.” field

ANYBODY looking for business advice will soon get a helping hand.

Fortus, an advice and accountancy company, is strengthening its southern roots by merging with HJS Accountants in neighbouring Reading.

The business already operates from 12 locations across the country — and now, it will help Thames Valley firms with their auditing, tax and accountancy needs too.

Mark Rogers, Fortus’ new director, said: “What I enjoy most about my work is playing a key role in assisting clients to achieve their strategic goals.

“Becoming a part of Fortus means I can take this level of support even further.

“We’re really excited about the additional knowledge and expertise we can tap into, without sacrificing any aspect of how we work with our clients. That’s extremely important to us.”

Gordon Johnston, executive director of Fortus, said he is delighted to welcome Mark and HJS Accountants’ Reading team to the company.

“It’s an exciting time for all business owners across Reading and the Thames Valley area as the team will have greater access to specialist support, including expertise in international taxation issues, services which will help meet the existing and future needs of its clients,” he said.

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Elms Field homes selling quick EXCLUSIVE

IN DEMAND: Phases one and two of the development have been sold Picture: Stewart Turkington

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today IT’S ALL EYES on Wokingham as movers continue to snap up apartments in the town centre.

The ongoing development at Elms Field, which is part of the town centre regeneration project, is seeing more and more interest in the homes on offer.

With more than 120 new houses and apartments, the development sits by the new play area and above new businesses on Elms Walk and Denmark Street.

The properties, some of which are being marketed by Wokingham’s David Cliff Estate Agents, are said to be proving popular.

“They are right in the heart of the town centre close to all the fantastic facilities Wokingham has to offer,” said Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration.

“It is also the perfect place

for people looking to work from home as, despite being in the centre of town, the use of insulation and glazing makes them incredibly peaceful and quiet places to be.”

So far, 30 of the 68 properties released in 2020 have been exchanged or completed, and 42 offers have been accepted.

David Cliff, owner of David Cliff Estate Agents, said he is thrilled with the response.

“We’ve only got two apartments left to sell, as well as a few maisonettes and houses,” he said. “It’s gone really well.”

Due to be launched last year, the grand opening of the Elms Field development was postponed because of the pandemic.

“Due to covid, we ended up doing quite an unconventional launch,” Mr Cliff added. “It was a shame to not be able to show off the units how we wanted, but we’ve been really impressed with how it’s gone.”

With phases one and two already sold out, David Cliff Estate Agents is now marketing phase three.

“A lot of the remaining homes are internal, so you might not see them when you

drive past,” Mr Cliff said. “But they’re there, and they’re selling quickly.”

The houses and apartments in the Elms Field development all have allocated parking, and most overlook the park or the town.

They are also a short walk from the train station, and will be near the borough council’s Carnival leisure complex — due to open next year.

“It’s great to see how well the new homes are selling as, like the new apartments being built on the Carnival site, the profits made from sales are being ploughed back into the regeneration,” Cllr Haitham-Taylor said.

“This helps us deliver facilities like the Carnival Hub and Elms Field play area for free.

“They are also helping to secure a long term source of income that can be used to fund projects and services throughout the borough for years to come, which is a massive win for all our local residents.”

New president for chamber of commerce THERE’S a new kid on the block at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC).

At the end of March, the group’s Reading and Wokingham branch welcomed Marcus Johnson as its new president.

The group, which represents the TVCC in local policy discussions in Wokingham and beyond, has been working hard to provide an active voice for the business community throughout the pandemic.

Mr Johnson said the region has a “strong and well-connected

Wilko marks milestone WILKO is celebrating one year of helping its customers go green.

The retailer, which has a store in Reading’s Broad Street Mall, has reached its one year anniversary of being plastic wipe-free.

In March 2020, Wilko switched to more eco-friendly clearing wipes and has now removed 1,500 tonnes of plastic from the environment.

Jerome Saint-Marc, CEO, said: “We’ve been focused on meeting

business community”.

“With its ease of access to London and the rest of the country, it has a legacy of wellknown firms over the last 40 years,” he said.

“The Reading & Wokingham LCAG members and I are working to promote the sector and market strengths of the region and ensure that it continues to receive appropriate financial injections to strengthen local infrastructure and secure the future success of the region.” our environmental ambitions for some time and proud to have been the first high-street retailer to offer plastic-free wipes across all our own brand options.

“We’re a family-owned retailer and understand the importance of making little changes for the better and our responsibility to future generations.”

In June last year, Wilko launched its Plastic Plan and is striving for at least 30% recyclable packaging by April next year. It wants to offer 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.

16 | NEWS

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FROMTHECOURTS � A WOMAN who allowed her home to used as two flats has been fined £2,800.

Mandy Lee, of Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead, pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 19.

The court heard that on August 12, 2002, it was found that she had permitted her home to be used as two self-contained units for the purpose of living accommodation.

This was in contravention of Section 20 of the Housing Act of 2004, relating to a category 1 hazard, relating to an order made on October 10, 2019.

In addition to the fine, Lee must pay costs of £1,513 and £190 to victim services.

� A SHINFIELD man has been banned from entering The Black Boy pub after being found guilty of sexual assault.

Appearing at Reading Magistrates Court on March 22, Rajnish Bavaria, 48 and from Tabby Drive, was found guilty of the incident which took place on August 10, 2019.

He had previously pleaded not guilty on February 20 last year, and elected for a summary trial.

For this, he was ordered to pay

£100 compensation to his victim, £350 costs and £95 to victim services.

He cannot enter the pub, which will be renamed to The Shinfield Arms, for six months.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath specimen for a drink driving test on August 10, 2019.

For this, Bavaria was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £300.

A third charge – failing to stop after damaging another car – had no separate penalty.

Bavaria may pay his fines at a rate of £20 per month. � A WOKINGHAM man who failed to provide a sample for a blood test has been given a community order and banned from driving.

Michael Adrian Beckett, 30 and from Queen Victoria House in Peach Street, was stopped by police in Reading on January 29 last year.

Beckett had pleaded not guilty on February 13 last year, but was found guilty by Magistrates on February 23 this year.

At the sentencing hearing on March 23, Beckett was order to wear a tag until June 29, and must be at home between 7pm and 7am daily.

His licence has been revoked for

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings

Meetings online – contact councils for details

Monday, April 19 Shinfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Tuesday, April 20 Wokingham Town Council. Annual town meeting. 7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Planning and community. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Tuesday, April 27 Winnersh Parish Council. Finance and general purposes committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Finance and Personnel meeting.

7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Strategy and Resources. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, April 28 Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning Committee. 7.30pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk

Thursday, April 29 Shinfield Parish Council. Recreation and Amenities. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Monday, May 3 Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk

Tuesday, May 4 Winnersh Parish Council. Recreation & Amenities Committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk

Wednesday, May 5 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm. www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk

Thursday, May 6 Local and PCC elections take place today. The count will take place over the weekend.

Shinfield Parish Council. Planning and Highways. 7.30pm. www.shinfieldparish.gov.uk

For the latest news visit

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks

40 months, but the ban would be reduced by 40 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

Beckett pleaded guilty to a second charge of possessing the class B drug cannabis on the same date. No separate penalty was issued, but the drugs were destroyed. � A SPENCERS Wood man has been banned from driving for six months for driving without a licence.

Kristoffer Paul Arthur White, 32 and from Appleby Walk, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on August 23 last year in Eversley Road, Arborfield.

He was also guilty of driving without insurance.

White was ordered to undertake 80 hours of community service within the next 12 months, and to pay costs of £85 and 95 to victim services. � A WOODLEY woman who pleaded guilty to assault has been

given a restraining order preventing her from contacting her victim until September 24.

Esther Green, 51 and from Drovers Way, committed the offence on August 19 last year.

When she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 25, she was given an 18-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £85 costs and £22 to victim services. � A WOODLEY man who damaged the cell intercom at Loddon Valley Police station and threatened a police officer has been given an electronic tag and placed under curfew.

Richard Douglas Cutting, 54 and from The Close, was in custody at the Lower Earley station on August 21 last year when he caused the damage.

The second charge related to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that led two officers to believe that immediate, unlawful, violence would be used against them.

Cutting must pay £100 compensation, and remain at his home address between 7pm and 7am daily until June 3.

He must also pay £95 to victim services.

Homeless charity calls for donations EXCLUSIVE

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A HOMELESS charity says it has seen a rise in demand since the pandemic began.

New Beginnings has transformed a former Reading town centre pub into a nonalcoholic premises, which is now a base for its operations.

The Great Knollys Street venue offers a range of services for members of the community who are struggling and need extra support through their daily lives.

It is free to access.

Providing an all-night café and shelter, the charity runs a community fridge to distribute surplus food and an after-school café which provides families

Support for drug and alcohol addictions A WOKINGHAM charity is to support residents struggling with drug and alcohol misuse.

Cranstoun has been awarded a council contract to deliver the adult service alongisde Here4YOUth, a separate and dedicated service for young people up to the age of 18.

Charlie Mack, chief executive of the charity,

with hot meals, clothing and support.

Grace Gomez, founder and chair of New Beginnings, said it is “humbling” being able to give to the community.

“I am always blown away by the generosity of people and all our volunteers are just incredible,” she said.

“We don’t just offer food and clothes, people can come to us if they just need someone to talk to and having a conversation with somebody can make a huge difference especially when they are going through a very difficult time.”

Grace had been volunteering with other charities for eight

years before she set up New Beginnings saying she wanted to create a new shelter in Reading.

P r e pandemic, it had 150 volunteers, this is now 60, who work in rotation to offer their help to the charity and the community.

Ms Gomez hopes that businesses and residents can continue to donate food and other items that could be shared by the charity’s clients, which include people from Woodley and Earley areas.

said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver the substance misuse service in the borough of Wokingham, offering recovery support and harm reduction to adults and young people in need across the borough.

“Our mission is to empower and support people to make positive changes and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live healthy, safe and happy lives”.

The service supports, provides treatments and

promotes recovery.

It includes psychosocial and medical interventions, needle syringe and Naloxone distribution programmes.

There is also support for families and carers affected by substance misuse.

Here4YOUth focuses on helping young people develop life skills to make healthy choices around their alcohol and drug use.

� For more details, or to get involved, log on to: visit newbeginnings.org.uk

� For more information, or support, visit: www.cranstoun.org.uk/ wokingham

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Charity challenge aims to help children affected by abuse EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A FINCHAMPSTEAD charity is pulling out all the stops to get people talking in April.

To support National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kaleidoscopic UK has launched a new ‘one in five’ fundraising initiative.

It wants residents to take on a challenge which could be anything from doing five hours of keepy uppies, a five-hour sponsored silence, or a five-mile swim.

The charity, which supports survivors of domestic abuse with legal support and group sessions was launched by Vickie Robertson after she experienced domestic abuse, both as an adult and a child.

Now, she wants to raise vital funds to help children living with domestic abuse today.

Ms Robertson says that one in five youngsters in England and Wales are currently without support.

“We created the one in five challenge because it is something

that children can get involved in,” she said. “We want to help open up the conversation about child abuse, in an age appropriate way.

“People can take part as families, giving them an opportunity to raise awareness and re-engage with their kids.”

Ms Robertson said it is vital parents make an effort to talk to their children about abuse, following the Government’s new Domestic Abuse Bill which will see children recognised as victims in their own right for the first time.

“We need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable,” she said. “As a victim myself, I was never involved in conversations about domestic abuse, but children who suffer abuse live it, breath it, and normalise it.

“We can’t help them heal if we don’t engage with them.”

Ms Robertson is now hoping to raise £500 through the one in five challenge, which will help fund a range of new children’s projects at Kaleidoscopic UK. So far, the charity has raised nearly £100.

“We want to develop our ‘prevention programme’ and improve how we implement support

services around children in the area,” she explained. “We want to help educate people working around kids to be able to support and deliver help.”

She said the charity also wants to develop a ‘toolkit’ to help children recover from trauma.

And the founder said this will be vital in the coming months, as she expects incidences of child abuse to rise post-lockdown.

“Perpetrators and victims have spent so much time at home together and abusive behaviour is upping,” Ms Robertson explained.

“If adults who are in abusive relationships have children, those children will also be massively impacted.

“We need to make sure people have the knowledge and support to help these children now and in the future.

“If we don’t implement healing and ongoing support, we are not doing enough.”

And she said while trauma has a lasting impact, with the right support there is life after abuse.

“Your child abuse does not have to define you,” Ms Robertson added.

“It’s not something you can ever

take away, and the memories and triggers will be there, but support will help and you can live a healthy and amazing life.

“We want to best support people by helping them turn the lens and find their colours.” � For more information on the one in five challenge and to download the sponsorship form, visit: www. gofundme.com/f/childrens-supportafter-domestic-abuse � To find more about Kaleidoscopic UK, log onto: www.kaleidoscopic.uk

To get help: In an emergency, people should call the police on 999.

In a non-emergency, people can: Call Wokingham Borough Council’s Home Refuge Officer on 0118 974 3799 Call 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police website Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 Contact Women’s Aid via: www.womensaid.org.uk Call the Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327 Call Mankind, a helpline for male victims: 01823 334244 Call Galop, for members of the LGBT+ community: 0800 999 5428 Contact Victims First via: victims-first.org.uk Call SAFE! For victims of crime aged 5-18: 0800 1337938.

NEWS | 17

Knit for innocence KNITTERS across the borough are being encouraged to join the Big Knit campaign to support Age UK Berkshire.

Now in its 18th year, innocent drinks are calling for “wooly warriors” to craft some little hats to sit on innocent smoothie bottles.

For each hatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 25p.

Fiona Price, chief officer of Age UK Berkshire said they’re aiming for a 1,990 hat target.

“It’s been a challenging time for everyone, but this is a really fun campaign to get involved in and it’s a great activity to do while we’re all spending more time at home,” she said.

“The money raised from these little hats will make a big difference to the lives of older people in our area, many of whom have been badly affected by the pandemic.

“Every hat knitted will help to fund our hugely important services, including befriending lonely and isolated people, providing essential information and advice, supporting those who’ve just come home from hospital, and more.”

Katie Simpson, head of brand at innocent drinks, said they’re delighted to be working with Age UK again.

“After a hard year, we want to make this campaign as big as possible so we can help more older people than ever,” she said. “We’re incredibly grateful to all the heroic volunteers helping us get there.”

For more information visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/ bigknit Completed hats should be posted to Age UK Berkshire at Huntley House, 119 London Street, Reading, RG1 4QA by the end of June.

18 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

The great reopening – let’s not blow it MONDAY was a day to remember. We woke up to an unexpected snowfall.

Although it settled, the spring sunshine meant that winter’s final act came to naught.

By the lunchtime, there was no evidence that it had even been so cold at the start of the day.

It meant that those of us who were ready to head to the pub for the first time in ages didn’t have to nurse pints in bitterly cold conditions.

The sunshine felt cathartic. The pint in hand miraculous.

Things are looking up.

And it’s not just the pubs. Shops reopened for the first time since Christmas.

A chance to get out of the house and see old friends, to experience some kind of normality.

For the first time in a long time, the coronavirus seems to be on the retreat.

The rate per 100,000 is coming down and down. Vaccinations are increasing and the introduction of rapid lateral flow tests at home is a step forward.

But what felt good on Monday will only continue to feel good if we stick to the rules. Keep our journeys to a minimum, stick to groups of six or two households, keep your distance and remember the virus will look for any chance it can get to spread.

Let’s not blow this wonderful freedom.

CHURCH NOTES

Here for the community

E

ASTER is always the most important time of year for Christians.

All we have recently gone through and are still going through, as individuals and as a community together in Wokingham, made Easter even more moving this year Add to this the fact that we were able to meet together in person for worship on Palm Sunday for the first time since mid-December (keeping to the rules of social distancing of course) and it’s clear why Easter felt especially important this year.

And, specifically in our case, add in the fact that an incident of arson saw considerable damage made to some of the holy things in the building.

All of these things came together to give a focus to our keeping of Holy Week and Easter this year, balancing the tragedy of Good Friday (as we focused on the fact that every one of us is flawed and damaged) with the joy of Easter Day (that love wins in the end and death and fear and pain will be scattered).

Easter is about proclaiming the victory of hope and love and light and joy and life over death and shadows and selfishness and cruelty and injustice.

The events of the last year make those truths even more important – and so have the events of the last few days.

We continue to pray for people who come into Church with needs – and we are committed to continue to being there for the whole community, as we have tried to be throughout the last year and before.

Father Richard Lamey is the rector of St Paul’s Church in Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 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

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Highlighting what is wrong with the council Last week’s Cedric Landers letter (Vote for an Independent) highlighted much of what is wrong with Wokingham Borough Council.

Unfortunately, as there are no Independent candidates standing this year so it will not be possible to vote for an Independent.

It is unsurprising that finding new blood is proving difficult given the current Council culture and behaviours.

A culture that has driven away some excellent and experienced Councillors, who are sadly not standing again. Some are a real loss to Wokingham.

Even the parties are finding it difficult to find new blood and are resorting the same old party names or to ‘bussing’ in candidates from outside of the communities they are meant to represent.

As Cedric highlighted, we have a Council that epitomises a culture and set of behaviours of; � Talk but no action � Promise but don’t do � Speak about how much has been spent but not about the value or benefit of that spend � Is difficult to contact � Makes it extremely difficult to get to actually talk to a human � Doesn’t listen to residents � Lacks democracy and true engagement � Lacks transparency and openness � Is quick to deny responsibility � Is quick to apportion blame elsewhere � Is slow to act � Is reluctant to work together (cross party) in collaboration as one team for the benefit of residents � Is being run by a small political clique.

Whoever you choose to vote for make sure your candidate is committed to changing this culture and set of behaviours so that Wokingham can have a Council that works for residents and with residents, not one that simply dictates and imposes on communities.

If we can change the culture and behaviours, we may, just maybe, encourage residents to take interest and an active participation in Wokingham Borough Council giving all residents the Council they deserve , not simply reluctantly accepting the one they have.

Name and address supplied

Mental health support I am following, with interest, developments in mental health, as reported in Wokingham Today.

Much more practical help is certainly needed. Recently, I submitted a reference for one of our, former, Master’s Psychology students.

She had applied to a mental health charity, for the post of WELLBEING NAVIGATOR. How about that, for a fancy title!

I am always very happy to supply references for our former students – in order to help them get established in their careers, though, if they wish to work in mental health, I think that they might as well have followed tradition, studied medicine, and then, specialised.

Rather than assuming fancy titles, I prefer to stick with the practical.

Duke of Edinburgh’s links to Woodley The Museum of Berkshire Aviation (see www.museumofberkshireav iation.co.uk ) is located in Woodley, on Mohawk Way (off The Bader Way) and, as its name suggests, focuses on aviation activities in the County of Berkshire.

There is a link between the Duke of Edinburgh and the Museum via its largest outside exhibit which is a "Handley Page HPR.7 Dart Herald 100" ("feeder" Airliner with a capacity of 44 passengers, see the picture).

This first Production Version of the "Herald" which had a Call Sign of "GAPWA", often abbreviated

by Air Traffic Control to "WA" (in NATO Phonetic language to "Whisky Alpha", see the Nosewheel Door in the picture).

During the Heralds' working lives a Herald was sent on a Sales Promotional Tour of South

American countries flown by a normal Herald crew with the Handley Page Sales staff and the Duke of Edinburgh as passengers.

What is not commonly

I tell people here, that, if as a result of psychoanalysis, or whatever treatment they are having, their life is better, then all is worthwhile. But if, at the end of it all, their life is no better, then there is no point in any of it.

Furthermore, I tell people that, often, the best thing that I can do for them, is to improve their circumstances, financially.

You will get a severely mentally ill person, with an exhausted, carer.

Since the mental patient can’t work, the carer has to work full-time, to get a sufficient income, look after the patient, and do all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, and housework, as well. No wonder he is exhausted.

Then you find that they haven’t been getting benefits. If I can get for the patient, Enhanced Personal Independence Payment, the carer can then get Carer’s Allowance, as well.

He can then afford to reduce his working hours, and pay for domestic help. All round, a better quality of life, for them. I agree, wholeheartedly, that money cannot buy love, health or happiness, but it doesn’t half help along the way.

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

106,000 older households in the South East missing out on vital payments The last year has been tough for a lot of people, particularly those who are living in poverty.

All too often at Independent Age, we hear from people in later life who have to choose between eating and heating their homes.

That’s why we were pleased to see the annual increase of Pension Credit last week – a single person who is

revealed is that the Duke of Edinburgh was a Qualified Pilot and did pilot the Herald during the Tour.

Inside the Museum's Main Building there is a

eligible for the entitlement will now receive up to £177.10 per week, and couples who are eligible will now receive up to £270.30.

We know this money is a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people, but we estimate that up to 1 million older people who could be eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it.

Our analysis shows this could be affecting up to 106,000 households across the South East. This means there is more than £265million that isn’t reaching those who need it most.

Uptake of Pension Credit has not risen above 64% for around a decade – the worst uptake of any income-related benefit.

It acts as a gateway to a free TV licence for over 75s, free NHS prescriptions, council tax support, Housing Benefit, free eye tests and much more. Combined, this could be worth around £7,000 per year for an individual.

We welcome efforts by the government to ensure more people receive Pension Credit but they haven’t yet had the impact needed. We need the government to urgently produce an action plan to tackle low uptake in a more strategic and effective way. This should include a full communications strategy, including awareness raising campaigns, as well as new high-quality research into who is not claiming Pension Credit and why.

As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, full uptake could also bring savings to the taxpayer. Research we recently commissioned suggests that full take-up could over time result in net savings as people’s health improves and they are less likely to need health or social care services.

By working together with the government to identify and overcome any barriers, we are confident we can

photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh saying goodbye to WA's Flight Crew after his flight to South America.

Harry Atkinson, Wokingham

increase uptake and ultimately, improve the lives of people in the South East in later life who are facing unnecessary financial struggles.

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age

Help us ‘ease’ into the new normal With lockdown restrictions easing, there is an understandable buzz of excitement in the air as people head outside to see loved ones and enjoy the warmer weather. But we are hearing from many blind and partially sighted people who are anxious about public spaces becoming busier and have lost confidence in going outside after a year of Covid restrictions.

Measures to enforce social distancing often rely on the ability to see things like signs, queuing systems, or barriers. When you can’t see these changes, they can create new obstacles to navigate and further erode confidence.

We’re asking the public to help us safely social distance as the restrictions change. By being aware of the challenges we might face, and simply asking if assistance is needed, you can help us keep our independence and stay safe.

We’re also calling for local authorities and businesses to take action, so that measures designed to protect us are inclusive to everyone, not just to those who can see them. RNIB’s website has more information about this.

Our ‘new normal’ should be as open and inclusive as possible, to help everyone get back outside – not make it more difficult.

David Clarke, Director of Services, RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

VIEWPOINTS | 19

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Another view Neil Coupe

From the stump

Vaccine joy

Peter Dennis

Protecting more than our spiky friends

A

Wescott resident recently posted on Facebook a picture of lovely Hedgehog; there was a follow-up comment about never having seen one in the area. What a sad indictment of what’s happening to Wokingham!

It’s not just hedgehogs; it’s trees, hedgerows, watercourses and ponds (and the joy of taking children to look at the tadpoles) which contribute to the beauty of our area.

Once gone, they’ve gone forever.

Conservative Planning Laws are giving Developers a pretty free hand. When presenting at the Judicial Review against the speculative development along Finchampstead Road I was dismayed at the dismissive approach, the developer had against the Wokingham Veteran Tree Association.

This whole process is almost designed to

From the stump

Andrew Gray

A brighter future for the community

T

HE Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways; the way students learn, our relationship with local green spaces, and our innate sense of community in a crisis.

We have all learnt so much from the past year and I believe that we’ve got to use those small rays of hope to develop a brighter future for everyone. We simply can’t go back to business as usual.

As a teacher, I have seen first-hand the challenges young people have faced in this pandemic.

The abrupt move to online learning suddenly exposed the digital divide faced by students of all years.

I know how hard schools have worked to support students, but we need long term action from our Conservative-run council and government to make sure all students are well equipped with suitable technology to prepare

I trample over the concerns of local people.

We must ensure that development doesn’t have a negative impact on the environment.

For example, chopping down a 200-year-old tree and replacing it with 20 saplings simply does not cut it. If we win control of the council, over the next few years, the Liberal Democrats will plant 300,000 trees across the borough, and in places where they will grow and thrive, not end up as a pile of discarded twigs.

To protect our environment and our quality of life, transport infrastructure is tremendously important. Just making space for even more cars leads to more costly road maintenance, more pollution, more jams.

Speeding, particularly in both London Road and Finchampstead Road is an issue that needs to be addressed by the council.

As Liberal Democrats if we are running the council, we will look at enforcing speed limits and providing safe options for all forms of transport, be it motorised, ‘pedal power’ or just walking.

This needs more than just ‘magic white lines’. them for a 21st-century education- this has to be non-negotiable.

At the forefront of concerns in the pandemic has been mental health support for young people.

There is a growing crisis with mental health referrals and the threshold to receive counselling is too high.

This has been seen all the way from primary school students to school leavers.

Too little is done too late: these are complex problems with complex solutions and only adequate funding will allow these solutions to be achieved.

It is therefore vital that investment is made in this area, to ensure earlier intervention is possible and to protect our children from falling victim to a decade of underfunding from the Conservatives.

I want to see a brighter future for our community, but unless we deal with the urgent issue of the Climate Emergency this won’t be possible.

The restrictions over this last year have allowed me to rediscover the green spaces on my doorstep (Maiden Erlegh and Whiteknights Lake to name a few).

As we emerge from the pandemic we must ensure these spaces are protected and we need to take radical steps to cut our Borough’s carbon footprint for good and do our part to save these beautiful areas that have provided a welcome change of scenery during lockdown!

The Climate Emergency affects everyone, which is why I want to see a Citizens’ Assembly created to give the power back to the people of Wokingham.

The Conservatives’ Climate Emergency plan does not go nearly far enough to address the crisis we are facing.

The Labour group are committed to carrying out the recommendations of any Citizens’

I’m also committed to protecting ourselves and our children.

I’m really pleased that residents approve of our policy of reducing assessment times for children and adolescents who are showing signs of having mental health issues?

If we are in charge, Liberal Democrats will work to reduce waiting times for an assessment from nearly two years to around six weeks.

This will make an incredible difference to both the child's life and to their families.

Finally, as Liberal Democrats we must look after your money.

Like many residents across the Borough, I am concerned about the level of borrowing at Wokingham Borough Council. £750 million by 2024 is an incredibly large figure.

We need to look after resources, ourselves, our neighbours, our environment, and yes, our small spiky friends.

Peter Dennis is the Liberal Democrats Borough Candidate for Wescott. Also standing are: Colin Heath, Labour and Julian McGhee-Sumner, Conservative

Assembly; it takes courage to propose big changes to the way we lead our lives, but Labour are the only party willing to step up and take action.

I have been overwhelmed by the amazing community efforts across Earley in some of the trickiest times this year.

As a volunteer, I saw the community hub in action, delivering thousands of food packages to elderly and vulnerable people.

This strong sense of community shouldn’t just appear in a crisis but should be sustained well into the future.

Councillors have such a key part to play in supporting a cohesive community.

I am proud to be standing to represent Maiden Erlegh, and am delighted that my fellow Labour candidates are committed to putting their residents before party politics.

We understand that some local issues crossparty political lines, and that is why I am promising that my loyalty to my area will always come first.

I feel strongly that a council should be representative of the people it seeks to represent; we need more voices from a range of ages, backgrounds and professions.

Despite currently only having four councillors, Labour are currently the only effective opposition to the Conservatives on Wokingham Borough Council.

The current stale, tired council that we are used to isn’t working.

We need to learn lessons from the pandemic and there is no better way to put that into practice than at the ballot box in May. Andrew Gray is the Labour candidate in Maiden Erlegh Ward. Also standing are: Norman Jorgensen, Conservative, Russell Seymour, Green, and Mike Smith, Lib Dem

T is quite exciting to be one of the 52% of the population to have had at least one vaccine.

As everybody I have spoken to has said, the vaccination process has been superbly organised.

I turned up at the Madejski Stadium at the allotted time, and as there was a chill in the air, was told to sit on my car for five minutes.

Literally five minutes later I was whisked into the facility to join on to the end of a socially distanced queue, which never stopped, and seamlessly went from stage to stage with my various details being checked before finding myself in a booth to face up the needle.

Two minutes of small talk and one injection later, I was ready to face the world again (after a 15 minute rest).

For the first time, I felt privileged to be considered as a vulnerable older person.

The past 12 months have presented massive challenges, leaving some people bereaved, sick or with major financial problems.

For us adults, I am certain that the very strange period in our history will never be forgotten.

IT literate, communicative teenagers and young adults appear to have adapted to the new world reasonably comfortably, on the whole, but I wonder how younger primary school age children will remember this period.

It might be appropriate to create some type of memory book for the younger children, with photographs and other mementos and anecdotes about what they did when they were unable to go to school or see their friends and relatives in person.

Guide In 20 years time, for young adults it would surely be fascinating to look back at what they lived through and what their parents did to help and guide them through unprecedented times.

The roadmap out of lockdown set up a few weeks ago appears to be going to plan, and this week with hairdressers, shops and pubs reopening it really feels like a significant step forward.

Even a simple pleasure such as sitting for a limited period in a pub beer garden, or converted car park, in the unreliable April weather seems like an exotic thrill.

It is by no means straightforward to book a slot, which suggests that there is great demand for this, enabling our local pub landlords to start earning a living again.

One of the lessons of lockdown has been how much social activity we can still enjoy, just by using a little imagination and by taking advantage of the technology available.

Once the novelty of Netflix box-sets had worn off, it was the people with the more creative minds who seemed to thrive, whether converting real life activity to an on-line equivalent, be it say language lessons, wine tasting or organising murder mystery nights, giving a genuine reason to dress up.

Others may have enjoyed doing things they do not usually have time for such as building bird boxes or starting to read Dickens.

In our complicated post-lockdown world, no doubt the most successful businesses will be those able to adapt and make an imaginative offering. I am certain that there is a pent-up demand for people to start leading a normal life again.

It is tantalising to see on social media how local pubs and restaurants are reacting to the challenges of being alfresco, at least in the short term, by innovating and making their outdoor space as appealing and hospitable as possible.

I for one wish them all well and look forward to pursuing a social life as the country gradually returns to normal.

20 | NEWS

Life of Brian

Brian Hicks

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Forget Banksy, have you seen Catsy?

Prince Philip shoul as ‘a champion for

By DAVE LAMONT Plastic Free Home extra

Danke schön, Deutschland!

F

OLLOWING the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, I thought we would take a brief look back at his longstanding passion for the natural world.

W

HEN I moved to Wokingham in 2006, I was unemployed for several years and on disability benefits.

I thought, in my mid-fifties, that I would never get another paid job, although I applied for more than 100. I only got a single interview, for a market research position with a Bracknell company.

The company was openly sceptical about employing me, due to my age, but there were no suitable younger candidates with good German and so I got the job.

I spent three months working in Bracknell and then moved to Düsseldorf, coming back once a month to my flat in Wokingham. Rents were much cheaper than Wokingham, as they were controlled by the state. Beer in supermarkets was about half the price.

I found a nice flat near the River Rhinethat had no kitchen sink or cabinets. The previous tenant had taken them to his next flat, common practice in Düsseldorf.

There was an annual beer festival nearby and two Christmas markets. I got hooked on the huge number of German TV crime series and the lively Schlager music.

When washing my car on the street one weekend, my friendly neighbour Udo warned me it was forbidden, hence the many car washes in Düsseldorf.

I fell foul of another law when I cycled over a pedestrian crossing on a red light when there was no traffic. Two smiling policewomen told me firmly that being English was no excuse and gave me a EUR160 fine and a point on my driving licence. Had I been very drunk, I would have lost my driving licence.

The job was demanding but went well.

After four years I was made redundant. This could have been disastrous, but I had paid unemployment insurance as a part of my salary deductions in Germany, like every employee. As a result. I received unemployment benefit, earnings related and much more generous than the UK rate. I was taxed in Germany as I spent over 182 days per year there.

After a year on benefits, I managed to pick up some freelance assignments and these went on for another four years. I continued my nomadic existence between Düsseldorf and Wokingham, opting now to be self-employed in the UK tax system.

Following the 2016 Brexit vote, I applied for German citizenship to keep my options open. After a long process, the Immigration Office in Düsseldorf officially granted me citizenship on March 19, 2019.

The official told me that Düsseldorf wanted to help Brits as much as possible as they saw us as valuable assets. After Brexit it is no longer possible for new applicants to hold British and German citizenship.

One of the first times I ever voted was in the UK referendum on June 5, 1975 when 67% of us opted to stay in the European Community, just two years after we had joined it. I was, and still am, a committed European and love the diversity, languages and peoples. We can learn so much, especially if we try to speak some of its languages.

I am sad that Brits are not as convinced today as 46 years ago to stay in the European partnership.

I am also disappointed that politicians have not fought more effectively to change how the EU operates and to make its institutions more democratic and accountable.

I would never have got this job if Brexit had already happened, as the Germany would have demanded that an EU national could and should do it.

I would then probably have been a big drain on UK resources, rather than contributing to both economies.

British citizens, young or old, will no longer have similar opportunities as me in the EU. I have every reason to say a big thank you, vielen Dank, to Germany and to Düsseldorf.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

WOOSEHILL’S own Banksy has been spraying the streets with their feline friends.

Cats of all colours have been popping up across the neighbourhood, with a few spotted around Morrisons.

One is even paying a visit to Emmview Veterinary Centre, in

Woosehill Court.

Veterinary surgeon Rosie Skinner says the staff are “enjoying the anonymity of ninja cat” with others at the vets describing the artist as their “own little Banksy”.

The paintings appeared overnight last week, and have yet to be claimed.

FRIENDS REUNITED: After a year apart, Ron and Francine Twitchett have been reunited

Together after a year apart A COUPLE separated by Covid restrictions have been reunited after a year apart.

Arthur Twitchett, known as Ron, lives at Lord Harris Court in Sindlesham. He has been unable to be in the same room as his wife, Francine for more than a year, due to the pandemic.

But now, Francine has moved into the care home, to be closer to her husband.

"I can't believe we are finally together," she says.

Ron says that he was lost for

words when they were reunited.

“It’s been so long and we have been looking forward to this day for such a long time,” he says.

Abigail Cranston, the home manager, was delighted to have the couple reunited.

“What a beautiful moment,” she says. “At long last you are together again. We wish you so many more loving memories here.”

During the pandemic, the couple met through the home’s covidsecure visitor pod, separated by glass.

Yes, we know what some of you are thinking… “But he enjoyed hunting…”, “How many large residences does one family need?” and “He regularly flew all over the world…”

Undoubtedly some of Prince Philip’s Royal duties and personal pursuits seemingly jarred with is environmental leanings but, as he once noted: “I think that there’s a difference between being concerned for the conservation of nature and being a bunny-hugger.

“Even naturalists drive cars occasionally.”

He added: “When I was president of the WWF, I got more letters from people about the way animals were treated in zoos than about any concern for the survival of a species.

“People can’t get their heads around the idea of a species surviving. They’re more concerned about how you treat a donkey in Sicily or something.”

Indeed, Prince Philip helped to found the UK-based World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 1961, serving as its first president between 1961 and 1982, and as president of

WWF International from 1981 to 1996. He was the charity’s patron and also later became president emeritus.

The Duke of Edinburgh also helped to launch the Australian Conservation Foundation in 1963 and has written a number of books about nature and conservation, most notably Wildlife Crisis, published in 1970.

Upon his passing, Pavan Sukhdev, President of WWF International, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh has been a tireless champion for the environmental cause and a passionate ambassador for conservation issues around the world for decades.

“His Royal Highness helped chart the course of WWF from

its very beginni truly made enor contributions to organiSation.

“Across more His Royal Highn Philip’s efforts o WWF have been visiting WWF p more than 50 co five continents, conservation iss highest governm corporate levels with essential f awareness prom “On behalf of WWF, I extend my sin sympathies to H the Queen, to th and to the famil Highness, Princ

That’s daily exercis

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM grandparents have walked more than 1,400 miles in five months for a cancer charity supporting their granddaughter.

Nick and Jenni McDonagh have walked 10 miles a day since November, to raise funds for CLIC Sargent — which is supporting one-year-old Emily.

In November 2019, Emily was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at five weeks old.

Just before Christmas the family found out that Emily was no longer in remission — and she is currently receiving further treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The couple started walking to keep themselves busy while Emily was receiving treatment. Their initial goal was 540 miles by Christmas Eve, but this grew to walking the distance between CLIC Sargent’s 10 Homes from Home across the UK, an additional 480 miles.

At each virtual stop, they also donated £50 worth of vouchers to the Home to help families staying there.

“Emily’s cancer is a step-by-step journey,” Jenni says. “And our walk mirrors that. It’s not easy but we remind ourselves it’s for Emily, and just keep going, one foot in front of the other.

“We wanted to raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity because cancer really turns families’ lives upside down and we want CLIC Sargent to be there to support every family who needs them.”

WE DID IT: Nick and Jeni McDo epic sponsored walk

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

ld be remembered r the environment’ NATURE LOVER: The Duke of Edinburgh planting a tree in Israel in 1994 Picture: Wikimedia Commons

ing and has rmous o the

e than 50 years, ness, Prince on behalf of n inestimable – projects in ountries on , promoting ssues at the ment and s, and helping fundraising and motion. f all of us at

ncere Her Majesty he Royal Family ly of His Royal ce Philip

at this very sad time.”

Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International, added: “We mourn the loss of a lifelong advocate for the environment.

“Engaged with WWF since its foundation, the Duke of Edinburgh also extended his patronage to various other environmental causes and organisations.

“His Royal Highness believed we must safeguard the planet and its resources for future generations, and dedicated his life, and position, to inspire individuals and world leaders to protect nature and wildlife."

The Duke of Edinburgh took the opportunity during many of his overseas visits to raise awareness of issues including poaching, conservation, deforestation and pollution at a time when such topics were far from “fashionable” or as mainstream as they are today.

He once said: “If we as humans have got this power of life and death, not just life and death but extinction and survival, we ought to exercise it with some sort of moral sense. Why make something extinct if we don’t have to?”

In 1970, Prince Philip gave a speech at the Conference on World Pollution in France that perhaps resonates even more so today, with the UK set to hold the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow this November.

Addressing the audience,

he said: “It’s totally useless for a lot of well-meaning people to wring their hands in conference and to point out the dangers of pollution or the destruction of the countryside if no one is willing or capable of taking any action.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s commitment and achievements have been acknowledged by members of his own family as well as the likes of Sir David Attenborough who commented that: “His importance to conservation worldwide has been absolutely huge. You can go anywhere in the world and he will know where you have to make the connection, where you have to put the pressure, what you have to do.

“He’s very practical in those terms.”

In the recent documentary ‘ Planet for Us All Prince William described Prince Philip as being “well ahead of his time” and added: “My grandfather and my father have been in conservation, the environmental world for years.”

With Prince William having launched the Earthshot Prize alongside Sir David Attenborough in 2020, let’s hope that future generations of the Royal Family, as with all of our families, are ready to pick up the environmental baton and run with it.

May the Duke of Edinburgh rest in peace.

se and then some …

onagh celebrate the end of their

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CLIC Sargent’s Homes from Home provide a free place for families to stay while their child undergoes treatment for cancer.

Lisa Terry, house manager at CLIC Court in Oxford, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Jenni and Nick for their kind donation. The families that use our accommodation always appreciate the services we provide and the huge generosity of our donors.

“Our homes always try to provide everything the family may require during their stay to make it as comfortable as possible during hard times. Through donations, we can stock up our family cupboards with food goods like pasta, tinned soup, biscuits, long life milk, and toiletries.

“These tend to be a godsend for families when they have to be accommodated quickly and have nothing with them or forgotten items.”

Last year in Berkshire CLIC Sargent supported 88 families and gave out 56 financial grants to the value of £10,270 helping families to cope with the costs of cancer.

The charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.

Rose Bailey, CLIC Sargent fundraising engagement manager for Berkshire, said the charity is grateful to Nick and Jenni for their personal donations, and their walking challenge.

“They are such inspirations,” she said. “The money they are raising is going to have a huge impact on young cancer patients and their families going through the toughest of times.” � For more information, or to support Nick and Jenni’s fundraising challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/granni-and-grumps.

Bringing dog theft to heel NEW DOG owners can find support this month, as part of a training company’s campaign for National Pet Month.

Berkshire-based Click-2-Heel is posting interviews, videos and advice on its social media — including free Facebook live puppy training sessions with company’s founder, Di Martin.

The campaign will also focus on the role of service and wellness dogs, and dog theft.

Ms Martin says finding a good breeder can also fight against dog theft.

“The emotional impact of losing a much loved family pet is devastating,” she said. “As the owner of dogs myself, I really couldn’t think of anything worse.

“Every day clients are telling me that they are more scared of walking their pet because of the risk that it will be stolen.

“We want to empower people with common sense advice on how they can put positive measures in place. We will also explain the importance of going to a reputable breeder, where to find them and what questions to ask before committing to buying a puppy.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said the number of reported dog thefts is low.

“This may mean that there are thefts or attempted thefts that have not been reported to us,” they said.

“If you, or someone you know, has experienced or witnessed dog theft or attempted dog theft, we need you to tell us.”

This can be done by calling 101 or visiting its website.

Police also urged residents to check social media posts about potential dog thefts for a police reference number.

POETRY CORNER Road Map part two Once again the rules will change on Monday of this week, Shops termed “non-essential” will let us have a peek, Their doors will all be open and covid rules observed, But people might be wary and feel a bit reserved.

Dare they go inside with their face mask firmly fixed?

This is a big decision, and views on this are mixed.

But coved jabs have now been given to half the population, So perhaps we ought to support our shops and ban all reservation.

With road map number two in place, dining out’s allowed, But only in the open air with friends (though not a crowd) “Rule of Six” is still in place, and our details will be taken, So if we pick the virus up, “Test and Trace” will be awakened.

Outdoor sports can also start, and barbers resume their clipping, The thought of all this freedom is positively gripping!

For far too long we’ve all been stuck in total isolation, So going for a haircut becomes an exciting consolation.

But these new freedoms might increase the virus escalation, So washing hands and wearing masks

PAWSOME: Di Martin and furry friend

“If you see a social media post without a police reference number, please either check with the poster that it was reported to us, or please encourage the person to do so,” they added.

National Pet Month’s chairman, Michael Bellingham, said it is “an excellent time to focus on celebrating our pets and making sure we are mindful of their needs”.

He added: “Good socialisation and training helps our dogs feel comfortable and secure and is part of responsible pet ownership. It is all the more important in the changing environments that the pandemic has created.

“We encourage anyone considering acquiring a pet to remain cautious of deceitful sellers by following the Government’s DEFRA #Petfished campaign. This helps buyers spot the signs of a deceitful seller.” � For information about Click-2-Heel’s campaign, visit: www.facebook.com/ click2heel

will still need full attention, It means we must be cautious, if road map three can come, So stick with social distancing as a general rule of thumb.

Meanwhile our Prime minister is thinking “covid passport”, Some in parliament approve this plan, while others feel it’s fraught.

They think it is discriminatory, but this must be expected; I bet they have some Club cards, so their entrance is not rejected.

A passport seems the obvious way as proof of vaccination, Then everyone can feel relaxed in various locations.

So Boris, get your skates on and come to a decision, Issue a ruling from the top, and end all this division.

Having reached road map stage two, we want to get to three So that sociability can be widened, once you’ve issued a decree.

For next on the map is travel, and we’d love to leave these shores, But some countries are badly affected; let’s holiday on our moors.

Lorna Minton

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

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Harry’s world

Harry Bradley

Easing lockdown

O

N Monday the day finally came.

After months of home workouts and trying (and failing) to hide my long hair under hoodies, I’ve finally been able to get back to both the barbers and the gym.

Monday, April 12 is a date we’ll all remember.

It marked a big step forward in the map out of lockdown for everyone, with pubs, gyms and hairdressers all fully booked.

I managed to get two out of the three booked in on that first day – unfortunately, the pub had to wait until Wednesday.

For those who are able, I’m sure you’ll agree that it feels good to get out of the house at long last.

Monday was the busiest day I’ve had in a long while – it was the first time in a long time that I had my alarm set as I needed to be online early to option my University accommodation.

I then popped into Headcase Barbers in Denmark Street for a haircut (gosh I felt good), and then in the evening I was at SAB Fitness for my first proper workout in a while.

On Wednesday, my friend Izzy booked us an afternoon slot at The Cunning Man over in Burghfield.

Since my friends and I all turned 18 in lockdown, this was the first time we’ve ever really gone to the pub together.

Again, it’s the small things.

Fortitude and resilience during home learning

GCSE student Samuel Palmer, 16, was extremely relieved to get a negative Covid-19 test just before he started back at The Piggott School last month. In his own words, here is his story.

Samuel, who is from Hurst and went to St Nicholas Primary there, gives an insight into learning during this past extraordinary year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has unquestionably made GCSE students indignant, despondent and stressed throughout the last year.

Beginning from the first lockdown in March 2020, I thought that we would be sitting our GCSE examinations in June 2021.

Despite the abrupt closure of schools and the national lockdown, I couldn’t possibly foresee abandoning our GCSEs a year later.

Fortunately, I adopted a positive attitude and work ethic: I started working independently in all my subjects aiming to continue the same school routine.

In the summer term, towards the end of the school year, the school provided online lessons. Classes were divided into abilities and we had interactive learning via Microsoft Teams.

On returning to school in September 2020, many students argued it would be unlikely there would be GCSE exams the following summer. However I was much more optimistic.

I believed, with the help, determination, and resilience of everyone, that it was possible to sit our exams in June 2021. However my attitudes started changing when Wales, and then Scotland cancelled their GCSEs or equivalents.

Luckily, the Piggott School continued its tradition of mocks in November/December which, in hindsight, gave indispensable

evidence towards our deserved grades.

However during November and December last year, there were cases of Covid-19 in our year group.

Unfortunately, I had to self-isolate, along with about 50 other students for 14 days.

During self-isolation, I was psychologically fatigued and drained; revising relentlessly accompanied by the stress and pressure I put on myself proved to be difficult. When we got back to school we did two exams every day for a week to make up for the ones we missed.

Despite fervently anticipating

GCSE examinations in the summer, I understood the government’s reasons for cancelling them.

From January this year we focused on online learning and the other half of the content we had not covered during the mocks in November.

Many students have found online learning extremely monotonous and tedious, and felt detached from the work.

I have certainly experienced motivational issues throughout the last few months and fatigue after the online lessons, heightened by the fact we were expected to fixate on a screen for many hours.

I am extremely relieved to be enrolling in school life again: to be able to see my friends, to use the school facilities, and to talk to the teachers who have been phenomenal during the lockdown.

I think we must recognise and respect the efforts of the teachers during the pandemic and over the last few months.

We tend to, whether consciously or not, admire and acknowledge the young children and students within society.

However we forget about the teachers. So I would like to say thank you to them, and raise a glass for their fortitude and resilience.

Pitch And if the week couldn’t get any better, I managed to book a camping pitch – a UK holiday with my mates in late June will be amazing.

Last year I was desperate to get away to Greece, this year I’m just grateful to be leaving Berkshire.

I feel like I’ve spent the last year planning, so it actually feels good to be ‘doing’ and this week has felt like a positive move towards normality.

Having actual structure to my day, plans to look forward to, and actually doing stuff – walking into the barbers, the gym and a pub, makes me feel a lot better about summer and the rest of the year.

And with just six more weeks left at school after I go back next week, I’m glad to be moving forward.

A massive part of my life if coming to a close, I’ll be done with A-levels and sixth for all together and I’ll be hopefully settling in to my first choice of Uni halls.

But enough of the planning and dreaming.

I’ve done enough of that over the last year to last me a lifetime.

I want to just enjoy the next six weeks and the summer ahead.

After the week I’ve just had, I feel excited for what tomorrow and the next day after will bring.

I’m learning, all over again, to enjoy what each new day brings.

Wescott Infants celebrated the return to school last month with a World Book Day celebration, dressing up as favourite fictional characters

Poignant Lockdown Poetry Hawkedon’s SuperAnything Athon for comic relief raising a super £1738.75 HAWKEDON Primary School got involved in raising money for comic relief through setting a homework challenge of 'Super-Anything-Athon' This year's Comic Relief was based around superheroes and the children had classroom time discussing who their favourite superheroes were and how the pandemic has also highlighted some alternative superheroes such as the NHS workers.

The children learnt about how the money they raise goes towards

helping people that are not as fortunate as them and acknowledging that there are people less fortunate then ourselves.

They were set a homework task where they were asked to set themselves a challenge to undertake and gain sponsorship for – there were many amazing entries of children dancing, signing, wearing costumes, running and sporting challenges as well as joke telling.

Including gift aid, Team Hawkedon managed to raise a whopping £1,738.75 for Comic Relief.

A big well done to all Hawkedon Families for their fantastic efforts.

MRS Ciccazzo, Forest School English teacher recently asked her Year 10 class to write a poem about Lockdown.

The response she got was truly fantastic; the poetry was moving, honest and heartfelt. Year 10 Amarley A wrote a particularly poignant poem.

Showtime Life is a mess, it seems like no one’s winning Almost school holidays, but no one’s grinning We used to go out with our friends, life was a breeze But now we’re stuck indoors, because of this disease

Honestly it all feels like one sick dream Like we’re caught up in someone’s vile scheme Now we have to stick to this covid regime If not for yourself, do it for the team We are just one small fragment of this vast universe But now we have to play our part, no time to rehearse...

Head of English, Mr Saynor, commended Amarly. “This is a brilliant poem; well done.

“It communicates feeling really powerfully and is so well structured. There are some brilliant turns of phrase here too and I love how you have woven in hopeful notes among the pain and difficulty – excellent work and a joy to read.”

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Terry Miller’s three narcissi

Club is full of joys of spring

Terry Miller’s single narcissi

Stuart Slocombe three tulips

EARLIER this month, California Gardeners’ Club held a virtual spring show.

This was a popular event, open to nonmembers as well as members, with submission by photograph.

The entries were professionally judged for the quality of the flowers.

Local amateur enthusiast Terry Miller won both narcissi categories, as well as the vase of spring flowers, with his high quality blooms.

It was certainly a lift to the sprits to see all the colourful entries.

These are the first prize-winners:

John Hall’s one camellia bloom

� Terry Miller - three narcissi of the same variety � Terry Miller - a single narcissus � Stuart Slocombe - three tulips of the same variety � John Hall – one camellia bloom � Hermione Lewis – one cut hyacinth stem � Terry Miller – a vase of spring flowers Our Zoom talk this month was on ‘Rocky Mountain Railroads: the Colours of Colorado’, given by Paul Whittle. We were taken on a beautiful ride along some of the old mining railways in the Rocky Mountain area of

Hermione Lewis’ hyacincth stem

Western Colorado. These narrow gauge tracks were built following the discovery of silver and gold in the 1850s.

The area is a story of boom and bust, with many towns springing up, prospering, then declining as either the prices of silver and gold fell or the ore ran out.

Some of these towns and railways have reinvented themselves as tourist attractions.

Paul showed us some beautiful photographs of the spectacular scenery, as the magnificent locomotives wended their way along deep gorges and through the

Terry Miller’s vase of spring flowers

mountainous landscape.

We are proud of our interesting and eclectic range of talks. Our next is on Monday, May 3, will be on fuchsias and will be given by Derek Dexter via online platform Zoom.

Membership is free for 2021, so why not join our friendly, thriving club? It includes the monthly meetings currently via Zoom, a newsletter, access to a trading hut at reduced prices and more.

Visit californiagardenersclub.co.uk for more details.

JULIA GOODALL

Dam works for park

NEVER FORGET: Elmer the elephant features in this display Pictures: Steve Smyth

Trail brightens holidays

BRANCHES: Ribbons in a tree in Wiltshire Avenue

A LOT TO SEE: A bright display in Belmont Road

BRIGHT DAYS: Rainbows in Thornbury Close

CROWTHORNE’S colour scene has a whole lot going on – but you’ll have to be quick as the trail closes on Sunday.

Hundreds of families have been exploring the village to see the displays and raise funds for Hatch Ride School and Sebastian’s Action Trust.

Maps are on sale in the Co-op in the village’s High Street. For more, visit: crowthornetrails.org

JOINING IN: Pinehurst Care Centre is part of the trail

A PARK will be smartening up its premises for visitors to enjoy later this year.

California Country Park, in Finchampstead, will make improvements to its Longmoor Lake dam to create better flooding control during heavy rainfall.

Starting work on Monday, Wokingham Borough Council is set to take around 10 weeks to complete, along with further work on the footpath for easier access to the lake.

With some disruption to visitors, the circular route around the lake will remain in place as a floating pontoon path for people to enjoy

their regular walks in the park.

Clare Lawrence, assistant director for place services at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “These works are essential to ensure the long-term reliability of the dam at California Country Park.

“It should cause minimal disruption to visitors, who will still be able to walk around the lake easily, but please take care while construction teams are moving through the site with materials and machinery.” � For more information on California Country Parks’ works, visit dintonpastures.co.uk/california/

Charity concert treat CARE home residents will be treated to a special charity concert this week.

The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity, are warming up their voices for a performance at Wild Acres Care Home tomorrow.

The charity, supporting serving and ex-servicemen and women, is aiming to lift lockdown spirits with their spring concert, The Not Forgotten Springtime Specials.

Michele Munro, activities coordinator at the Finchampsteadbased care home, said: “We were lucky enough to have the entertainers from The Not Forgotten visit us in the summer last year.

“We had such a wonderful time in the sunshine with the talented team of performers – a real highlight of our Lockdown year and

one some residents still talk about till this day, we can't wait for the encore with their Springtime Special this Friday.”

Bringing music from the 60s and 70s, residents at the care home can dance and sing along as they will enjoy an afternoon of entertainment.

Brigadier James Stopford CBE is the CEO of The Not Forgotten. He said: “We’re thrilled to embark on this morale boosting tour, building on the enormous success of last year, which had such a positive impact on so many care home residents during the pandemic.

“Our Springtime Special tour will enable us to connect with many of these people, bringing joy and entertainment into their homes as sadly, extreme loneliness and isolation is set to endure throughout 2021.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

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Liz prepares to paint in the big outdoors again EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today A WATERCOLOUR artist whose paintings capture the joy of the natural world, has amassed more than 1,200 online students worldwide during covid.

EYE ON THE SKY: Shelagh Casebourne is urging fellow artists to sign up to the annual Sky Arts painting contest Picture: Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year

Follow Shelagh

A WARGRAVE artist who made it to the final of a television painting contest is encouraging residents to take every opportunity they’re presented with.

Shelagh Casebourne, who regularly features in the Henley Arts Trail, applied to be a wildcard contestant in this year’s Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year competition.

She made it to the final and is now encouraging other artists to apply for the show.

“I know it sounds like a cliché, but I really felt like a winner to have got so far,” she said. “I was genuinely delighted for Ophelia Redpath to win the final commission from the National Trust.

“If I learned one thing from the whole experience, it’s to take every opportunity that presents itself –

you never know where it might lead.”

She said her expectations were low when entering the competition, as she has “become very used to submitting work for exhibitions and getting no further”.

She said: “It was stunning to get a phone call to find that my submission had got me a place, and not even as a wild card entrant, but as a pod competitor.”

She painted the Palm House, at Kew Gardens in the semi-final, and Trinity Wharf, in east London for the final.

Applications are open for the new series of Sky Landscape Artist of the Year. They close on Friday, April 30.

For more information, visit: www.skyartsartistoftheyear.tv/ landscape

But now the inspiring Liz Chaderton is looking forward to live classes starting again on May 21 with an outdoor sketching session.

“We’ll use the beautiful buildings at Micklems Farm in Knowl Hill, near Twyford, as our muse and then hopefully move out into the area.

“Using pen and wash, we’ll look at composition, working on location, what to put in and what to leave out,” said Liz of Hurst.

“The full programme of live classes will start again, all at Micklems Farm, with covid security in place and as long as no other restrictions apply.

“I am really looking forward to

A HARE HATCH garden centre is looking for residents with green fingers.

Dobbies has launched a new series of awards to find the best gardeners in Berkshire and beyond – and there is a cash prize up for grabs.

The Not Your Average Gardener awards is looking for locals who have shown creativity and commitment to brightening up their gardens.

There are awards for experienced, novice and young gardeners.

Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “Gardening has proven benefits for our health and wellbeing and at Dobbies, we’re delighted to see so many people getting involved with gardening over the past year.

“These awards will allow us to celebrate those who love gardening and those who show promise as potential

gardening superstars.

“We look forward to seeing all the wonderful gardens from entrants in Berkshire.”

There are also awards for youngsters under 16, those aged 10 and under, and a special category for new gardeners.

The awards will be judged by journalist and Dobbies’ podcast host Louise Midgely and Mr Eyles, and winners will be awarded £250 to spend at a local Dobbies centre.

They will also get a one-on-one gardening consultation with the judges.

Dobbies is asking the public to nominate themselves or any amateur gardeners in their community for the awards. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 28.

For more information, visit: www.dobbies.com/dobbies-in-thecommunity

America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Liz also posts free weekly tips on the course website and YouTube: w w w.y o u t u b e . c o m / u s e r / lizchaderton.

She has 200 students registered for pre-recorded lessons and almost 1200 on YouTube.

One pre-recorded course online student said: “I am feeling pretty pleased with myself, I have achieved so much. Would never have thought I could produce the donkey I have painted.

“I loved every minute of it though obviously it wasn't always easy. But Liz just makes me feel I can do it.

“I think it’s the fun way she puts it over – how could it be difficult?

“I couldn't be more pleased with all I have achieved.” � For more details of the courses, which cost from £15, are at www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk

I’m in the mood for ska (and a haircut) A NEW barbers has opened its doors in Wargrave — and it’s offering more than just a trim.

The 2 Tone Barbers is a skathemed salon, which launched on the High Street on Monday.

Decked out with a black-andwhite theme, paying homage to classic checkerboard pattern that symbolises the ska genre, it’s offering a range of cuts accompanied by a drink.

In social media post on opening

Growing awards COULD THIS BE YOU: Dobbies has launched a contest to find the most interesting gardens across Berkshire

welcoming students back.”

There are still places on most of the courses which include painting watercolours on canvas, animals, pen and wash, a watercolour taster, gold and metal leaf with watercolour, lively portraits and birds.

Professional artist and tutor Liz started live online courses in June last year and also put short films on YouTube for students at her Shiplake weekly class. “Being creative during lockdown was so good for everyone’s wellbeing,” she said.

In November she launched prerecorded online courses including beginners’ watercolour, line and wash, painting animals, painting horses, negative painting and ink resist technique. Students set their own pace and repeat as they wish.

She’s had students from the UK, Italy,

day, the barbers said: “It’s finally done, welcome to The 2 Tone Barbers. Thank you to everyone that helped for all your hard work, [we] can’t wait to see you all soon.”

The barbers is also running a competition this month, and will be offering a year’s worth of free haircuts to one lucky customer that books in for a trim this month. � To find out more, visit: www.the2tonebarbers.com

Going around the world

Softball invite

A SONNING care home is going around the globe from the comfort of its front room.

Sunrise of Sonning is taking residents and team members on a 12-week journey to learn more about the countries of the world.

The Around the World programme, which began on Monday, will see the care home celebrate a different country each week with activities and events, from language lessons and virtual tours, to local music and culinary delights.

The team hopes it will give residents a chance to reminisce about their past travels over the next three months.

Carmela Magbitang, general manager of Sunrise of Sonning, said: “We believe that every person deserves to live a life of purpose and self-worth, no matter what their age.

“Travel is the most popular topic discussed in our home, because most of our residents enjoy sharing their experiences and love to talk about the beautiful landmarks, food and culture.

“We are so excited for our residents and team members as over the 12 weeks, we will all be

FORGET April showers — Sonning’s newest sports team has just completed their first training session in the snow.

Last week, Sonning Cricket Club welcomed its first-ever girls softball team for under-11s.

Battling gusty winds and snow, the 10 determined and enthusiastic youngsters had their first taste of the sport with help from the Club’s senior players.

Sonning Cricket Club launched its first women’s cricket team in November 2019, the Sonning Stingers.

Sharon Fleming, club secretary, said despite the pandemic, 2020 saw the club’s numbers grow, prompting it to branch out into new sports.

“With the support of the Berkshire Cricket Foundation, we looked at what else we could offer and we decided, as a starter, an under-11s girls softball team would be a good place to gauge local interest and grow from,” she explained.

Ms Fleming said Sonning Cricket Club wanted to encourage girls who had not considered cricket, but wanted to learn to play a team game.

“Softball cricket is a lot more inclusive with regards to abilities and age,” she said. “[And our first] training session went well, with smiling faces and rosy cheeks from an enthusiastic and engaging group.”

Sonning Cricket Club is hosting a free softball taster session for girls aged 11 and under next week.

It will run on Tuesday, April 20 from 4:30pm until 5.30pm. � For more, email clubsecretary@sonningcc.com

able to reminisce about our own travels.”

The Around the World in 12 Weeks initiative is part of Sunrise Senior Living UK’s #NewDawnNewDay campaign, created to reassure people moving into care homes at the moment.

“Our team will safely take residents back to those wonderful places, from the comfort of their own home,” Ms Magbitang said.

“This campaign will allow us to remind ourselves of life at Sunrise of Sonning before the pandemic.”

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

WOODLEY EARLEYNEWS Employability help THE EARLEY Crescent Resource Centre is running seven employability workshops starting later this month.

On Thursday, April 29, there will be a confidence building workshop, from 10am until 1pm.

It will include practical techniques to identify individual strengths and boost self-confidence.

It aims to help people in preparation for work.

On Wednesday, May 5, there will be a session on personality profiling for job searches, from 10am until 1pm.

It will focus on how profiling is used to recruit, and help participants test themselves.

The workshop also aims to broaden perspectives, and help residents consider other careers.

On Tuesday, May 11, there will be a session on creating an effective CV and application form, running from 9.30am until 12.30pm.

On the same day, there will be a session from 1.30pm until 4.30pm about using LinkedIn to find job opportunities.

It will be an introductory session for jobseekers new to the social networking site.

On Monday, May 17, there will be a session about preparing for an interview from 10am until 1pm. It will explore face-to-face, telephone and Zoom interviews.

On Friday, May 21, there will be an introductory session into starting a business, from 10am until 1pm.

And on Monday, May 24, there will be an interview skills workshop, running from 10am until 1pm and focusing on conduct in an interview, including a sociallydistanced practice interview with an industry expert.

All sessions are free.

For more information, or to sign up, visit: www.earleycrescent.org, email: earleycrescent@ btconnect.com or call 0118 921 0555

What’s in a street name?

RESIDENTS in Earley were surprised last week to find they had been moved to Crowthrone without notice.

Kenton Road, off Wokingham Road was renamed half way down to Hinton Close, a street off Hatch Ride in Crowthorne.

NEWS | 25

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Residents speculated whether the two streets had been swapped over.

A council spokesperson apologised for the mix-up, and said the sign was installed in error.

It will be replaced with a new one next week.

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

Charity’s uniform hub will help struggling families EXCLUSIVE

DONATION POINT: School uniforms can be left at Woodford Park Leisure Centre Picture: Steve Smyth

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM-BASED charity has expanded its services, and launched a new school uniform hub.

First Days is running the new hub from Woodford Park Leisure Centre, allowing parents to drop-off high-quality used uniforms, and discuss support options.

It started yesterday, and will run every Wednesday from 12.30pm until 2.30pm.

Lindsay Browne, community engagement manager at First Days Children’s Charity, said the space is a “neutral ground” away from schools or churches, for parents to come and discuss their concerns over uniform.

“We’ve chosen Woodley because it does have pockets of high deprivation, and a diverse community,” she said.

“With seven primary schools, two secondary schools and a SEND school, there’s definitely a need here.”

It comes off the back of a successful school uniform project, based in Norreys which was founded in 2018.

“I believe there’s still a stigma among parents for asking for support from schools,” Ms Browne said.

“Some people might feel judged, even though they’re not.”

She said the hub is run by volunteers who have used First Days’ services themselves.

“These people understand what it’s like,” she said. “We have more empathy and understanding about what it feels like when you can’t afford a new uniform.”

Last month, First Days ran summer uniform events at four schools in Woodley.

“We’ve already supported more than 50 families,” Ms Browne explained.” And some of these families include two or three children — it’s amazing to support so many people already.”

She said she hopes parents will come down to Woodford Park to not only drop

off donations, but also chat about their school uniform concerns.

Ms Browne said this can be particularly challenging for parents whose children are moving from Year 6, to Year 7 this September, and will need a new uniform for a secondary school.

“They can come talk to use about it now,” she said. “That way, there’s more chance we can help more people, and take away some of the anxiety about uniforms as the summer approaches.”

The hub is accepting uniforms with and without logos that are in good condition, as well as school shoes, football boots and trainers.

After months of home-schooling, Ms Browne is encouraging families who have better quality uniforms — due to a lack of use — to drop it off.

26 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

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Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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reports from your groups INTHECOMMUNITY Sendto news@wokingham.today Me2 Club receives funding boosts from Easthampstead Rotarians RECEIVING the £825 donation from Easthampstead Rotarians earlier this year, Me2 Club Fundraising Development Officer Liz McDaniel, said "The Me2 Club Team are delighted with this generous donation towards the recruitment and training of our amazing volunteers."

Liz explains, "Every year, Me2 Club aims to help more children with additional needs and disabilities to be able to join in with mainstream leisure activities with the individual support of a volunteer ‘buddy’."

She added "As more families ask for support, we need to recruit more volunteers to be able to deliver our mission of ‘Inclusion for All’.

“This support from the Easthampstead Rotary Club will help train more amazing volunteers to support more families and children."

Just last year, the UN Commission for Social Development Tweeted "Social inclusion is critical to end inequalities and discrimination."

THAMES VALLEY POETS OVERCOME THE PANDEMIC ONE thing that Covid 19 has not been able to stop is the weekly meetings of the Thames Valley Writers Circle, thanks to the technology of Zoom.

Nor has it prevented the holding of their annual members’ competitions.

In fact, this year’s annual poetry competition for the Chris Mundy Trophy, received record entries. Placing them all on the Circle website also enabled all members to view and vote.

Janis Doughty wanted her

And Rotary International under the heading 'Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion' adds "As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, coloyr, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity."

Speaking for Easthampstead Rotary Club's Community Service team, John Binney, said "In these tough times, we are delighted to support Me2 Club with the recruitment and training of their volunteers.

“With most public fundraising activities on hold due to the Coronavirus, we applied for and received a matching Rotary District Peace Grant for this project."

Promoting Peace is one Rotary focus, the others being Fighting Disease & Providing Clean Water, Growing Local Economies,

poem, ‘The Hospital Waiting Room’, to have a happy ending and it did in two ways as she took third place just behind two of the Circle’s noted poets.

Colin Ferguson, author of a number of books of poetry and Hymns, was runner up with ‘Broadstairs Nostalgia’, reviewing what’s changed on its seafront. Taking top spot and the Chris Mundy Trophy was poet David Baldock, whose ‘Noticing’, listed the everyday things he now noticed more on his lockdown walks.

More information on the Circle can be found on thamesvalleywriterscircle.org

WINNER: David Baldock with the Chris Mundy Trophy

People who have experienced mental health issues can offer privileged insight and understanding, and draw on their own experiences to help others.

All volunteers are offered a four-day training course and induction, plus additional group and phone support training.

businesses as we are a charity and the team of volunteers provides basic gardening, including lawn mowing, hedge trimming and weeding, to vulnerable people in need.

We are currently looking for a new Team Leader, ideally on Mondays, but we can look at other days to suit. Must have full driving licence and minimum age 25 due to the van insurance.

The role will involve leading a team of gardeners once a week, coordinating them out in the field with which roles the undertake at each garden along with gardening yourself and driving the van with the equipment between the gardens.

� Green 'n' Tidy' provides a basic gardening service for elderly and disabled residents of Wokingham Borough who cannot maintain their own properties, do not have local family support and/or lack the financial resources to employ commercial companies.

This project does not compete with established gardening

� The Friendship Alliance is a project brought together by The Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Berkshire, Involve Community Services and the Wokingham Volunteer Centre to tackle loneliness, promote friendship and improve the mental and physical wellbeing of residents in Wokingham borough.

We are looking to establish a

Helena Badger

www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk

B

Peter von Bergen

DICK SAWDON SMITH

Wokingham Volunteering

ERKSHIRE West Your Way is part of Together, a national charity working alongside people with mental health issues on their journey to leading fulfilling and independent lives.

We are looking to recruit Peer Support Volunteers to provide one to one support, phone support and facilitate group sessions.

Peer support takes place when people with experience of mental distress support each other towards better wellbeing, as people of equal value and on a reciprocal basis, using their own lived experience as a tool for support.

We know from experience that peer support can help people to take huge strides forward in their recovery.

Protecting Our Environment and Supporting Education - locally and globally.

And at the end of March this year, Easthampstead Rotarians donated a further £515 to Me2 Club towards their Easter 2021 programme.

"The Me2 Club Team have been hard at work putting together 46 activity packs to send to our families in preparation for the Easter break. The packs include activities, Easter themed art projects and craft supplies for us to use in some exciting online craft sessions in the holidays.

“A big 'thank you' to Easthampstead Rotary Club for making these packs possible through their continued support."

Easthampstead Rotarians - Making a Difference in the Community New members are always welcome. For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526.

network of Friendship Champions whose role it would be to promote the Friendship Alliance’s services, actively encourage friendships and develop community spirit.

We are currently running an online Friendship Café through Zoom for people to come together weekly for an informal chat and to make some friends.

We would also like to encourage local places such as cafés to reach out to us about setting up a Friendship Table where people can take a seat, feel free to chat and connect with others.

If you organise a group or activity, run your street’s WhatsApp group chat, work in your local café, library, or even if you’re just a friendly person who wants to spend more time in their community, we’d love a few hours of your time. � These are just a few of the opportunities on our books.

Contact us by calling: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wokvol.org.uk or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough. org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer.

SOCIETY | 27

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28 | LIFE

Watch Wokingham

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK

Wokingham Active Travel Community Hub

Baked Eggs Florentine

Adrian Betteridge

Are the times changing?

Adrian Betteridge from Wokingham Active Travel Community Hub (WATCH) writes:

I

T is said that “change is the new normal”.

Wokingham Active Travel Community Hub is advocating change to make Wokingham a great walking and cycling Borough, with journeys on foot or by bike the natural first choice for local travel.

We earnestly believe that the benefits of this will be immense: for the environment, for society and for individuals.

But we don’t under-estimate the challenge.

US Professor John Paul Kotter’s model for change is often used to navigate change of this scale.

The eight sequential steps are: � Create a sense of urgency. � Build a strong coalition. � Form a strategic vision. � Get everyone’s buy-in. � Enable action by removing barriers. � Generate short-term wins. � Sustain acceleration. � Institute change.

Our previous columns have focused on the urgency of this issue, covering the climate, air quality, the health impact of inactivity and the unsustainability of current highways policy.

We sense that this is increasingly understood by the public and politicians.

We are hopeful that Step 2 – a coalition of support – is coming.

In the literature from local politicians seeking our votes next month there is a proliferation of messages about walking and cycling.

The messaging sometimes gets a bit mixed up with “investing in the roads”, but every major party has something to say, and there is even a petition to fix the travesty of provision on the new South Wokingham Distributor Road.

There is some evidence of a structured approach to Steps 4 to 6, with consultation on a cycling and walking infrastructure plan.

But - hold on - what about Step 3, the strategic vision?

Only by committing to and quantifying a vision for the future can we ever hope to allocate the resources for sustained change.

Could the absence of this vision for Wokingham be the reason we lag behind our peers, both in levels of walking and cycling and the pace of change?

We are encouraged by the support being expressed for active travel in the local elections.

When the dust settles, we look forward to working with the new council on a proper long term vision and resource plan. . � You can find more from WATCH at facebook.com/watchwokingham

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

T

HIS dish is considerably more impressive than the effort it takes to prepare and it easily satisfies any meal of the day.

The luxury of cream, eggs and cheese is balanced with seasonal spinach leaves which are just jam-packed with nutrients.

Double yolk eggs would offer a dreamy yolk to white ratio if you come across a box of them in the supermarket.

Keep an eye on the cooking time to get the eggs just as you like them; yolks will turn from runny to hard in no time so start checking them from 8 minutes.

Serves 4

Ingredients � 20g butter � 1 small onion, finely chopped � 150g cheese, grated (e.g. Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère or a mixture works well) � 350g fresh spinach leaves � 8 small free range eggs or 4 double yolkers, at room temperature � 8 tbsp/120ml double cream � Freshly ground black pepper � Serve with crusty bread or toast

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas mark 5

2. Grease 4 gratin dishes with butter and set aside 3. Mix the onion and grated cheese together and set aside 4. Microwave or steam the spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted then place between sheets of kitchen paper and

press down to remove the excess moisture 5. Divide the spinach between the gratin dishes creating a hollow for each yolk 6. Crack two eggs into each dish 7. Pour 1 tablespoon of cream over each egg yolk and top with

the cheese and onion 8. Finish with a crack of black pepper 9. Bake on an oven tray for 8-12 minutes and serve with crusty bread or toast Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk/

healthwatchwokingham Joanna Dixon www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

Just who are Healthwatch Wokingham?

H

OPEFULLY, you enjoy reading our Monthly column, but you may be asking, who are Healthwatch Wokingham?

We are a statutory body that exists to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. We aim to improve services for all who use them.

Healthwatch Wokingham has four roles: � VOICING: we enable people to share their views and concerns about local health and social care services. � INFLUENCING: wherever decisions are made about the design and delivery of health and care services, we aim to make sure people’s voices are heard. � INFORMING: our helpline and hub gives information about local health and care services. You can contact them on 0118 418 1418. � REPORTING: we share concerns about the quality of health and social care with the people who provide them, the commissioners who fund them and if necessary with national bodies. # In the past year we have worked on projects regarding, accessing information via GP and dental websites, perinatal mental health

TAKING CARE: Healthwatch Wokingham is set up to help residents with four areas relating to healthcare Picture: andreas16057 8 from Pixabay

and the role of unpaid carers during the pandemic. The reports we produce are available for you to view on our website.

We are curently consulting on our 2021/2022 priorites and you can make your voice heard by visiting our website and completing our survey What Matters Most? or calling our helpdesk 0118 418 1418.

Would you like to support us in our work?

We are recruiting for two new non-executive directors who are passionate about improving health and social care; this role is voluntary.

Our staff team is small and so our Board members play an active role.

They have a variety of

backgrounds and expertise and we are open to a range of applicants.

We have identified that the Board would benefit from people with experience and/or knowledge in one or more of these areas: � Diversity and Inclusion � Co-production / patient and public engagement � Influencing at a strategic level to leaders and policy-makers � Adult social care, including care at home � Physical disability � Mental health, learning disability or autism � Health inequalities and the wider determinants of health � Communications, both traditional and digital.

For at least some places on the Board, we hope to appoint people who along with their other qualities bring personal experience of receiving health or social care either themselves, or as carers or family members.

Jim Stockley says: “I have been privileged for the last eight years to chair Healthwatch Wokingham Borough, since its formation in 2013, and two of our directors have the same vintage.

“Sitting on the board is another variety of volunteering. It is important to support our small staff team and volunteers.

“We develop relationships with an incredible variety of organisations from service providers to other volunteer groups which is one of the pleasures and challenges of our role. Being part of Healthwatch requires no specific qualification.

“Rather a passion and interest to help improve health and social care for our community, we are all qualified after all as we all are recipients of the services at some time in our lives.

“I have seen how we have made a difference to our community over the last eight years and we need more contributors.” � For more information, email hrsupport@helpandcare.org.uk or call Joanna on 01202 416021.

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

WOKINGHAMLEISURE Want some Culture?

Join the Club!

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

L

IVE music will be making its way to Theale for a special concert this summer.

Boy George and his band Culture Club will perform at Englefield House as part of the Heritage Live Concert Series, on Saturday, July 24.

The group, fronted by singer Boy George, with band members Roy Hay and Mikey Craig, will perform classic hits from the 80s, , including Karma Chameleon, and Do You Really Want to Hurt Me. Culture Club started in 1981, and has sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

The multi-million selling act will get people up on their feet dancing to some of their wellknown songs.

Special guests Lulu, Gabrielle, Kim Wilde and DJ Fat Tony will also join the chart-toppers on the day.

Fans can register for priority access to early bird tickets now with pre-sale for those registered taking place on April 21.

General sale tickets go on sale on Thursday, April 22, at 9am.

To purchase tickets, log on to heritagelive.net

History … in a car park

D

LAURA SCARDARELLA

Wokingham Loves Music

The Room – Broken This band, who released their ‘Caught by the Machine’ album to great acclaim, appeared at Wokingham Festival in 2019.

Festival organiser Stan Hetherington was so impressed that he invited them back this year – theroom.band

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

Moth Man – Fatal Blow

I

T’S GREAT to be able to talk about live music again. Sure the acts are some way off yet but we can at least give you a preview.

Some of the tracks in this week’s Wokingham Loves Music playlist will be performed at this year’s Wokingham Festival or at forthcoming Wokingham Music Club gigs. Something to look forward to.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

Crystal Jacqueline – Rainflower We featured a track from her latest album A Prayer for the Birds in the playlist last year and now, as she will be at Wokingham Festival in August, it’s a good reason to have a listen to the title track of Jacqueline’s earlier album, Rainflower.

Both albums were released on Wokingham label Mega Dodo Records, and Jacqueline has visited the area previously to perform a wonderful set at Wokingham Music Club (WMC) so we look forward to her visit to the festival – www.facebook.com/ crystaljacquelinemusic

62 Miles From Space – Sentinel Music from Moscow but released on a Wokingham-based record label as it’s another from Mega Dodo Records. 62 Miles From Space are a duo from Russia that create

LEISURE | 29

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A track from the band’s excellent debut album, Where The Dead Birds Go, released on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records – mothman.band

A Better Life (ft. Pete Rawcliffe) – Wicked Game RETURNING: Crystal Jacqueline interesting electronic instrumental music with a sort of psych-prog sound and with a melodic feel too. This track is taken from their recently released new eight-track double EP release Sentinel / Age of Discover’ which is well worth a listen – www.facebook.com/ 62milesfromspace

Kyros – Cloudburst (Isolation Sessions) This is on the band’s new album, ‘Celexa Streams’ which was recorded during their critically acclaimed virtual shows. They will be appearing at a real show when they perform at Wokingham Festival in August – www.kyrosmusic.com

A beautiful new version of the Chris Isaak classic by an electronica collective from the area recorded with the help of singer Pete Rawcliffe – abetterlifemusic.com

Keith Atack – Nine Lives Keith has visited the area to perform at WMC with his tribute to legendary guitarist Robin Trower, Bridge of Sighs. Here’s his new single in his own right – www.facebook.com/ Keith-Atack-Music-104709838281012

Red Tape Resistance – Time is a Killer The excellent single from this Bracknell based band has a mellow atmospheric opening gradually building in intensity to a strong and powerful closing section – www.facebook.com/redtaperesistance

The Wave Machine – Ocean’s Brew

Ben Portsmouth – The Only One

Here’s an artist that will be at Wokingham Festival for the first time this year. He’s a Brighton based singer-songwriter, originally from the local area, who writes songs with a summer feel – www.facebook.com/ thewavemachine

He’s from the local area and is well-known as one of the best Elvis Presley tributes there are. Here he is with a great track he’s written and recorded in his own name from his EP, Worth Fighting For – www.facebook.com/ benportsmouthmusic

RIVE into a world of hilarious history on stage in Windsor next week.

Car Park Party, created by Birmingham Stage Company and Coalition Agency, is bringing Horrible Histories – Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians to Windsor Racecourse on Thursday, April 22 for its drive-in experience.

After its showing of Billionaire Boy, written by David Walliams, on Tuesday, April 13, Windsor Racecourse is welcoming back the Car Park Party team for this fun-filled production.

Based on the bestselling books by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories live on stage is suitable for all ages and is set to entertain families through its hysterical historial storytelling on history.

Featuring characters such as Duke of Wellington and Queen Victoria, the 65-

minute two-hander play will present multiple fascinating characters following their comical journey through history.

With social distancing guidelines in place and all cars parked two metres apart, audiences will be able to experience a covid-safe evening and can enjoy the show from the comfort of their own car.

Neal Foster, director of Birmingham Stage Company, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing our special production about Georgians and Victorians to car parks around the country.

“We’re sure the Victorians would have been proud of our ingenuity, even though we’ll be telling horrible and hilarious stories about our illustrious ancestors.”

Tickets start from £39.50, for more information visit carparkparty.com LAURA SCARDARELLA

Still time to see Dorian A POPULAR production has extended its online run for two weeks.

The Watermill Theatre is streaming a digital performance of The Picture of Dorian Gray until Saturday, April 17.

Oscar Wilde’s faustian tale has been newly adapted by Henry FillouxBennett, telling the story of the filterfixated influencer, Dorian Gray, who makes a deal for his social star to never fade but as his mental health declines he starts to suffer with the consequences of the deal.

The original play has been transformed into the social media world

of Instagram, Facebook and dating apps.

The production stars Fionn Whitehead, playing Dorian Gray, Alfred Enoch as Harry Wotton, Joanna Lumley playing the role of Lady Narborough, Emma McDonald as Sibyl Vane, Russell Tovey as Basil Hallward and Stephen Fry as the Interviewer.

Tickets cost £12 and audience members receive a screening link which will be available to view for 48 hours after purchase.

For more information or to book tickets visit watermill.org.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

Fi, fee, fo, fun

M

USIC festival celebrations are taking to the stage this summer.

Fi Fest, a Berkshire-based music festival, will be held on Forest Green Road, Fifield, near Bray, on Sunday, August 29.

Providing 10 hours of entertainment for all ages, the festival will have live music on the main stage as well as a child-friendly area called the KidsZone.

The 2021 main stage line up will include well-known bands from the 90s and 00s such as The Lightning Seeds, The South, Toploader, Chico and many more.

The KidsZone section will feature a pop up play village, sandpit, soft play and

a disco creating an exciting space for all the children to enjoy.

With a range of food and drink stalls available on the day, the festival aims to provide much-needed entertainment for families.

Gaz Birtles, band member of The South, said: “We have missed the camaraderie of being in a nine-piece band, travelling the country and playing great songs to an appreciative audience.

“We are looking forward to being in a field full of music loving people, this will be our last festival of the year so we will enjoy it even more.”

For more information or to purchase tickets visit fifest.co.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

30 | PROPERTY

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Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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32 | CLASSIFIEDS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LOWER SANDHURST ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (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: 1. Lower Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Wokingham Borough Boundary and Cricket Hill.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Ambarrow Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue, B3348 The Ridges, B3348 Jubilee Road, B3016 Longwater Road and Cricket Hill or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th May and 19th May 2021 2. Dell Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3348 The Ridges and Lower Sandhurst Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Lower Sandhurst Road, Ambarrow Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue and B3348 The Ridges or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 20th May and 11th June 2021.

3. B3348 The Ridges, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3348 Jubilee Road and B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue, A321 Lower Wokingham Road, B3430 Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road and B3016 Jubilee Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 14th June and 9th July 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake BDUK Superfast Broadband work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (PUMP LANE, GRAZELEY) (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:

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

211081

Barkham Farms, Barkham

Environmental Impact Assessment

Full application for EIA development for the proposed installation of a new 52ha solar farm for a temporary period of 25 years including underground grid connection between site and Electricity Distribution Centre, laying of internal access road, the erection of substation building security fencing and associated landscaping with approximately 3.4ha of tree planting for carbon sequestration.

211085

Hare Hatch Sheeplands Nursery, London Road, Twyford

Major Application

Application to vary condition 1 of planning consent 192018 for the Full application for the Change of Use of three existing nursery glasshouses into events area relating to the existing nursery.

Condition 1 refers to temporary permission and the variation is to extend temporary permission to the 14 March 2024.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Grazeley Green Road, Mereoak Lane, Bloomfieldhatch Lane and Lambwood Hill or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 3rd May 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake location and clearance of a blocked duct in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 3rd May 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: 15th April 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For up to date news in the borough follow us on

Dated: 15th April 2021

@wokingham.today

Please recycle me !

It’s good news for everyone

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990

Pump Lane, Grazeley between its junctions with Grazeley Green Road and Lambwood Hill.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th May 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

@WokinghamToday

@wokingham.today

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 7th May 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: 15th April 2021

Thursday, April 15, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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PAINTING & DECORATING

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34 | SPORT

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 15, 2021

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

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JUDO

CRICKET

MEGAN SEEKS TO SECURE OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION

OAKS START OFF WITH AWAY WIN

AFTER a qualification period unlike any other, the finish line is in sight for Team Bath judoka Megan Fletcher with less than 100 days to go until the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games get under way.

Her place in the Ireland squad isn’t confirmed yet but she is well placed in the women’s -70kg rankings with just a couple of qualifying competitions still to go – starting with the European Championships which begin on Friday in Lisbon, Portugal.

After narrowly missing out on competing at London 2012 and Rio 2016, taking to the Olympic mat in Tokyo would be the perfect conclusion to Fletcher’s judo career but getting there will not have been easy.

“No athletes have had to qualify for an Olympics during a global pandemic before and I know if I get to Tokyo I will have really achieved something,” said Fletcher, who won gold for Team England at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games before switching to Ireland in 2017.

“It’s been a weird year but it will be worth the craziness if I get to the Olympics.

“I wasn’t sure for much of last year if I would ever get to compete again. Training was suspended and I remember having to practice throws with my boyfriend, who isn’t a judoka, on a mat in my parents’ garden centre in Wokingham while my coach advised over a video call.

“We’ve been able to compete

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today LOCAL cricket sides returned to action for the first time this year with a series of friendly matches to find sharpness before the various league season’s commence.

since November but it has taken a while for me to feel comfortable again on the circuit.

“I’m still not quite firing on all cylinders but as my coach keeps telling me, I just need to be flying on July 27. Everything else is about getting myself to the Olympics and I am in a good position at the moment.

“I’m currently 23rd in the World rankings but 17th in the Olympic qualification standings and the top 18 earn an automatic place at Tokyo.

While Fletcher continues her Olympic build-up, brother Ben – a fellow Team Bath and Ireland judoka – is continuing his recovery from a broken leg sustained while competing in Israel in February.

“It’s obviously not what we wanted five months out from an Olympics but he is recovering so well and hopefully he will be able to fight in Tokyo,” she added. “I don’t know how he is so tough. When it happened there was no negativity, he was just immediately focussed on getting fit in time for Tokyo. He is so mentally strong.”

BASKETBALL

Wokingham CC took two sides, a first XI and a second XI, to face two respective Bashley CC teams.

The Oaks first XI came away with victory with a three-wicket win.

Andy Rishton took three wickets, while Paul Dewick and Billy Rogers both took two each to help bowl the hosts out for 147.

Anthony Clapham top scored for the Oaks with the bat with 54 as Wokingham sealed the win.

Meanwhile, Wokingham 2nd XI were beaten by five wickets after being bowled out for 178.

Finchampstead were beaten away at Normandy in a friendly fixture, while Farley Hill 1s and 2s played against each other in an inter-club friendly match.

Binfield Cricket Club are busy making preparations ahead of the new season.

They kick off their campaign in Thames Valley Cricket League Division 2B with an away trip against Hurst 1st XI on Saturday, May 8.

“Everyone is looking forward to the upcoming season for all four of our sides now in the TVL,” said Binfield CC Senior Coach Matt Humphrey.

“There has been lots of hard work going on down the ground behind the scenes and we hope to take full advantage in what is looking like it will be a full season.

“All teams are looking to compete and challenge in every league game and cause a few upsets along the way.

“Last year was a good insight into the

Farley Hill 1s v Farley Hill 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth

standard for our first-team in division 2 with hopes to build on that position.

“This season is also a first taste for our fourth XI who came across from the Berkshire League, where we hope to promote our youth and give them a positive introduction to senior cricket.”

Sonning Cricket Club are also keen ahead of the new season, where their first-team face Finchampstead 3s in TVCL division 3A on the opening day of the season.

“We’re looking forward to returning to league cricket following a year where luckily we were able to play many

friendly fixtures both across the senior and junior sections,” said Sonning Club secretary Sharon Fleming.

“Our numbers are swelling and we are adding a new U11’s girls team and the growth of our recently formed women’s section sees us entering the HCWCL Super 8s hardball development league.

“Our members are chomping at the bit to get back out on the field and none of it would be possible without our loyal volunteers. We are back training, the members are smiling and can’t wait to see what 2021 brings.”

HOCKEY

ROCKETS LADIES ENJOY SONNING & SOUTH BERKS MAKE RETURN DOUBLE HEADER DELIGHT READING Rockets returned to winning ways after defeating both second-placed Loughborough Riders and BA London Lions II in consecutive days.

Rockets now sit fourth in the Women’s National Basketball League Division 1 and have taken their season record to an equal 7-7.

It was a highly impressive third quarter for the Rockets giving them a 12-point lead going into the fourth and final quarter.

Two huge three-point shots from Lecuyer and Dabbs and fast-break layup from Januszewska cut that 12-point Rockets lead to just four.

After a timeout from Coach Haynes, he was able to calm his team down and they were able to go out and establish a lead of nine following a series of quick-fire layups from Captain Candela and a Jessie Ford three-point shot from the wing. This was enough to see off a very-talented Riders team as the Rockets came away with a 70-64 win.

The team did not have too long to celebrate their marvellous win as they faced BA London Lions II the very next day.

Rockets advanced the ball cautiously up the court, before Mia Thompson put the dagger into the Lions hope of victory by sinking a corner three with five seconds to go as Rockets took the four-point victory over the BA London Lions II with the final score 59-55.

Stand-in head coach Charlie Haynes was delighted with the performances over the weekend.

He said: “The girls did an awesome job in practice preparing for a very tough double header weekend. The commitment to their own development as well as their commitment to each-other in practice and in games gave us this competitive edge this weekend to battle hard on the court. We are all very proud of the girls.”

The women are back in action next Saturday where they face BA London Lions II away.

SONNING AND SOUTH BERKSHIRE hockey clubs made a long awaited return with friendly action at the weekend.

Sonning Ladies 5s faced Wycombe Ladies 5s at Berkshire County Sports Club in a friendly fixture.

Meanwhile, South Berks Supervets played hosts to Reading Vets at Cantley Park as they made their return to the hockey field.

Sonning HC (pictured above) and South Berkshire HC (pictured below) in action Pictures: Steve Smyth

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Finchampstead were beaten by Wraysbury Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire Sumas v Chalvey Town (middle) and Sumas Development side (right)

Friday, April 16

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Watford 2-0 Reading

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Cardiff City (6pm)

Saturday, April 10

Saturday, April 17

FOOTBALL FA Vase Deal Town 1-4 Binfield

FOOTBALL Hellenic Challenge Cup Virginia Water v Sumas

Combined Counties FrippSmith Trophy Eversley & California 3-0 Ash United

Thames Valley Premier League Berks County v Wraysbury Village

Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 1-3 Newbury Berks County 6-0 Marlow United

Thames Valley Division One Hurst v Reading YMCA Wargrave v Rotherfield United

Thames Valley Division One Hurst 1-1 Cookham Dean Reserves Wargrave 3-0 Mortimer Reserves

Sumas Ladies v Tilehurst Panthers Women

FC Showcase v AFC Dukes

Finchampstead v Wraysbury

FOOTBALL

BERKS SMASH SIX TO STAY UNBEATEN Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD’s 10-game unbeaten run finally came to an end as they tasted defeat in for the first time this season against Newbury.

Daniel Langford put Newbury in front after five minutes and extended their lead, and bagged his second of the game in the 34th minute.

Finch fought back into the game when Callum Vallance got on the scoresheet in the 45th minute, but their fate was sealed when Toby Humphreys scored the final goal of the game just 10 minutes later.

Finch remain at the top of the table with a three point lead over Berks County, but have played four more matches than their title rivals.

BERKS COUNTY boosted their title hopes to cut the gap to Finch with an impressive 6-0 home win over Marlow United.

The Swords showed their superiority with six different players on the scoresheet as John Swift, Kai Hobbs, Harvey Griffiths, Shaun Wyllie, Ben Hall and William Day all found the net on a prolific afternoon.

Berks have been formidable in the league and have now won all seven of their matches in the Thames Valley Premier League. They host Burghfield on Saturday, while Finchampstead are away at Reading City U23s.

Hellenic League Cup WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK suffered the heartache of a last-minute defeat as Windsor

snatched the points with a last-gasp goal.

The Sumas went ahead when Day headed home from Nick Bateman’s cross but were pegged back before half-time.

The Sumas took the lead for the second time when Day notched his brace, but Windsor fought back with another leveller before they snatched the points in stoppage time.

Thames Valley Division Four

BERKS COUNTY ROVERS came away from Henley Town Development with a 3-1 win with goals from James Carter, Richard Cumner and Craig Lawson.

Meanwhile, FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT were beaten 1-0 at Reading YMCA Rapids.

Thames Valley Division One

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

WARGRAVE are at the summit of the table as they made it four wins from four in the league with victory over Mortimer Reserves .

Wargrave will look to continue their 100% record in the division when they face Slough Heating Laurencians on Saturday.

HURST earned their first draw of the season to take them further away from the relegation zone.

Jake Horwood score for Hurst as they shared the points with Cookham Dean Reserves in a 1-1 stalemate. They face Reading YMCA away from home at the weekend.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK LADIES were beaten by top of the table TILEHURST PANTHERS WOMEN DEVELOPMENT. Ellie Bishop, Elanor Pearson and Lydia Vettese scored to see of the Sumas, who are in sixth position in the table.

WAGRAVE WOMEN were beaten in a five-goal contest against City Belles Women.

Isabella Boonham and Sian Blissett scored late goals for Wargrave but couldn’t prevent defeat as the away side took the points.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES were beaten for the first time in the league this season with a 2-0 loss away at Carterton Ladies.

Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY RESERVES were beaten for just the second time this season in the league as they dropped to fourth in the table.

Lloyd Jacques was on the scoresheet but they fell to a 3-1 defeat against Maidenhead Town Reserves.

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE suffered a heavy home defeat as they went down 5-1 to Henley Town to leave them in seventh.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K LADIES continued their reign at the top of the league with their seventh win in 11 games.

S4K took a took three points away from home with a 3-1 win against Thatcham & Newbury Ladies after Kiah Owen, Sania Samad and Megan Cox netted for the Fawkes.

Thames Valley Division Two Goring United 2-0 Hurst Reserves Twyford & Ruscombe 1-5 Henley Town Berks County Reserves 1-3 Maidenhead Town Reserves Friendly Sumas 3-1 Chalvey Sports

CRICKET Friendlies Wokingham v Alton Wokingham 2 v Alton 2s Normandy 2s v Finchampstead 2s Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Twyford & Ruscombe Eversley 1s v Eversley 2s Frimley 3s v Eversley 3s Wargrave v Henley

Sunday, April 18 FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Subsidiary Cup Abbey Rangers v Woodley United Ladies

CRICKET Friendlies Bashley (147 all out) lost to Wokingham (150/7) Normandy (228/7) beat Finchampstead (204 all out) Farley Hill 1s v Farley Hill 2s

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Eversley & California Ladies v Milton United Ladies Wargrave Women v Badshot Lea Ladies

Sunday, April 11

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Women Development v Caversham AFC Women Mortimer Ladies v S4K Ladies

FOOTBALL Thames Valley Women’s Division One Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies 0-3 Tilehurst Panthers Women Wargrave Women 2-3 City Belles Women Carteron Ladies 2-0 Eversley & California Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Divison 3S Slough Town Rebels 1-1 Wargrave Women Development Thatcham & Newbury Ladies 1-3 S4K Ladies

Monday, April 12 Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23 1-0 Finchampstead Berks County 2-2 Marlow United

Tuesday, April 13 Sumas beaten late by Windsor at Lowther Road Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

FIXTURES

RESULTS Friday, April 9

Hellenic League Cup Wokingham & Emmbrook 23 Windsor

Monday, April 19 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Wargrave Hurst v Holyport Reserves

Tuesday, April 20 FOOTBALL Hellenic Challenge Cup Sumas v Holyport Combined Counties Fripp-Smith Trophy Eversley & California v Cobham

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AFC READING: MEET THE TEAM NAME: Erin Whiting POSITION: Defender FAVOURITE TEAM: West Ham United FAVOURITE TV SHOW: Pretty little liars FAVOURITE THING ABOUT FOOTBALL: Being competitive and working as a team FAVOURITE SONG: Arms of a stranger by Niall Horan FAVOURITE FOOD: Croissants

NAME: Hanneke Morse POSITION: Left back FAVOURITE TEAM: Arsenal FAVOURITE TV SHOW: Brooklyn 99 FAVOURITE THING ABOUT FOOTBALL: Playing as a team FAVOURITE SONG: It changes all the time FAVOURITE FOOD: Roast dinner

WOODLEY APPOINT NEW BOSS AS WILLIAMS DEPARTS Williams took from Jon Laugharne in November 2019, making the step up having been the manager of Woodley United Royals previously.

He helped to steer the Kestrels clear of the relegation zone in Hellenic League Division One East before the 2019/20 season was deemed null and void due to the pandemic.

A statement on the club’s website reads: “With mutual consent Jamie Williams has stepped down as first team manager of Woodley United FC. “The club thanks Jamie for this dedication and contribution in the role which was

COMBINED COUNTIES FRIPP-SMITH TROPHY

BOARS BEGIN CUP WITH WIN EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA 3 ASH UNITED 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA got off to a winning start in the Combined Counties Fripp-Smith Trophy with a convincing victory over Ash United.

FOOTBALL

WOODLEY United FC has appointed Christian Parker as their new firstteam manager after Jamie Williams departed after mutual consent.

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not easy with the impact of coronavirus.

“Jamie can be pleased with the opportunities he gave to young players enabling them to make the transition from youth to adult football.

“Jamie is wished every success for the future.”

It added: “Woodley United FC is pleased to announce Christian Parker as manager of its first team.

“Christian managed the club’s Royals team in 2020-21 having previously managed Maidenhead United FC’s u18 team for two seasons and the Thames Valley Police forces’ side for the five years.”

Christian’s first training session took place last night at the 3G pitch in Woodford Park Leisure Centre.

Back in action for the first time since lockdown, the Boars ensured that their campaign in the Fripp-Smith Trophy in group A started with a win as they earned three points with a 3-0 victory.

It took Eversley just seven minutes to break past the Ash defence and open the scoring as Joe Pantony put in a low cross to Chinua Phinn Archer who applied the finishing touch to fire past the goalkeeper.

The Boars went into the break with a one-goal advantage and they made an early change in the second-half when Cameron Blackie replaced goal scorer Phinn Archer.

Two more changes came in the 64th minute to bring fresh legs to the game as Dale Small and Luke Frewin replaced Joe Moriarty and Ellis Wint.

The Boars gave themselves a twogoal cushion in the 69th minute when Pantony found the back of the net after Ross Mckernan got behind the Ash defence and unselfishly played the ball to Pantony to finish.

Eversley then sealed the points in the 77th minute when Pantony took advantage of a back pass from an Ash player and smashed the ball past the keeper to ensure a well deserved victory.

The Boars are back in action on Tuesday night against Cobham FC in the Premier Cup before their campaign in the Fripp-Smith Trophy continues on Saturday against Frimley Green FC.

Paras Gill takes on an Ash United defender

Chris Robson (left) and Ross Mckernan (right) break forward for Eversley

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA: Ahli, Robson, Knight, Marsh, Mckernan, Gill, Wint, Phinn Archer, Pantony, Dickie, Moriarty SUBS: Blackie, Small, Frewin, Appleton, Kouadio GOALS: Phinn Archer 7′, Pantony 69′, 77′

Eversley celebrate Joe Pantony’s second goal Pictures: Richard Milam

FOOTBALL

COLTS COMEBACK WITH AWAY VICTORY BRACKNELL U12’s took on Berks Elite FC at home and in an exciting match, with plenty of action and six goals as both teams enjoyed all 60 minutes of football.

The U13 Youth were on their travels to Reading City FC Utd and kept up their unbeaten friendly record in tacked with back-to-back draws. In a tight battle, the match ended 1-1.

U14 Colts bounced back from last week’s loss with a brilliant 3-0 win over Theale Tigers Black at Farley Wood.

After the disappointment of last week the Colts bounced back to take three points at Camberley Town with a 2-1 triumph.

A change in formation saw the Colts dominate the first half to take a 2-0 lead at half-time with goals from MotM Charlie Bray and a spectacular goal from Ethan Callaway. Colts’ goalie Dom Wall was very rarely troubled all game and had it not been for an own goal conceded from a corner three minutes from time would've kept a clean sheet which set up a nervy finish.

U16 Colts come walked away with all three points in a closely fought match against Whiteknights with a 1-0 win.

U16’s were away to AFC Charvil and after end to end match, honours even with the match finishing 1-1.

U16 Youth were home to Wokingham & Emmbrook Oranges and after going down one down after a minute, the Blues woke up and equalised from a corner.

With the Tangerines forwards taking their chances and their goalkeeper on fire, the boys put everything into the match but after a superb freekick from the visitors and another well taken goal the match ended 4-2. The whole team scooped man of t he match.

Laurel Park edged out FC Bracknell U17’s 3-2 to take home all three points in an end to end match with plenty of energy.

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From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Why are assistant’s flags so slow?

A

question often asked is why do assistant referees take so long to raise their flag for offside at Premier League matches? The short answer is that it is all to do with VAR.

Binfield celebrate after a superb display to progress in the FA Vase Pictures: Neil Graham

FA VASE

HARRIS BRACE SEALS THE DEAL DEAL TOWN 1 BINFIELD 4

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today BINFIELD avenged last season’s defeat in the FA Vase to Deal Town as they progressed to the fourth-round of the competition with an emphatic victory.

It was far from the ideal start for Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers’ side as they fell behind despite making an energetic start to the game.

Alfie Foster put the hosts in front as he connected with an inswinging cross in the seventh minute.

Binfield had to dig in to get back into the cup tie in difficult conditions and were rewarded with an equaliser just after the half-hour mark as Josh Helmore put the Moles level.

The first-half ended all square and Binfield came out firing in the second looking to edge in front but were denied in the 53rd minute when the home side’s keeper made an important stop.

But the Moles got themselves into the lead in the 62nd minute when captain Sean Moore struck a brilliant effort past the keeper.

Binfield stayed resilient defensively and were clinical at the other end as Ollie Harris gave the Moles a two-goal cushion in the 75th minute to put them in command of the contest.

Harris then capped off a superb afternoon for

the Moles with a superb strike in stoppage time to seal a convincing win for Binfield as they came away from Kent as 4-1 victors.

Binfield manager McClurg said: “A different way to prepare for a game, getting changed on the coach and team talks on the pitch.

“But the lads just got on with the job in hand and come away with a fantastic team performance and result.”

Binfield are in FA Vase action again at the weekend when they face Fakenham in the fourth-round.

Carl Withers added: “Today had it all, players getting changed on the coach, no showers but it doesn’t matter when you come away with a win.

Unbelievable performance in difficult conditions from our lads and now we regroup and look forward to Saturday.”

Having said that, there has certainly been a difference in raising the flag for offside since I started refereeing.

You would run the line for a league above where you referee and you were judged on how quickly you raised the flag. ‘Better late than never, but better never late,’ as one referee told me in a little criticism of my late flag.

It’s difficult to know why this was, because the Laws of the Game have been the same since the Laws were first written.

That is to say, players in an offside position, should not be penalised unless they play the ball or interfere with the play. This aspect of the Law was only taken seriously in quite recent times, and assistant referees are now taught to ‘wait and see’.

This means simply that when a ball is played to a team mate, who is in an offside position, the assistant referee will wait to see if the offside player, plays the ball or otherwise interferes with the game before flagging.

Waiting can take a little time. Take for instance an offside player, just inside the opponents half, chases a ball which a team mate has played over his head towards the opponents goal line.

If he is followed by an opposing player, the assistant referee must run after them, to see if the offside player plays the ball before flagging.

The delayed flag where this is VAR is slow for a different reason. Very often, the flag doesn’t go up until after a goal is scored, which is sometimes well after the suspected offside occurred.

The reason for this is that if the VAR disagrees with the assistant referee, the goal is allowed. If however, the flag was raised and play stopped denying the chance of a goal, only to find the VAR thinks it wasn’t offside, there is no going back to allow the goal.

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated STAR PLAYER Michael Olise

HORNETS TOO HOT FO WATFORD 2 READING 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

RAFAEL CABRAL Nothing he could have done to prevent the goals after two wonder strikes from Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.

LEWIS GIBSON Really struggled up against Sarr who had the beating of him on several occasions and was a thorn in the side of the Royals throughout.

LIAM MOORE Showed great commitment with several important tackles and blocks to prevent Watford from having many clear cut chances after the two early goals.

TOM HOLMES Slotted in well in the absence of Michael Morrison and made plenty of clearances and tackles.

ANDY YIADOM Went on a superb run towards the end of the first-half that almost led to a goal. A solid performance.

ANDY RINOMHOTA Looked less composed than usual and had to play most of the second-half on a booking after hauling back Sarr on the halfway line.

JOSH LAURENT Almost gifted Watford a third after playing a blind back pass that was nearly pounced upon by Joao Pedro.

OVIE EJARIA Equally as effective as Olise with his dribbles in the Watford half but did lack a bit of cutting edge in the final third.

MICHAEL OLISE Another outstanding display. Got Reading going in attack with some excellent dribbles in the Watford half and created some great chances for his teammates.

YAKOU MEITE Missed a glaring chance at the end of the first-half when he lashed a shot into the side netting one-on-one with the keeper.

GEORGE PUSCAS Struck the post from just a few yards out as the Royals somehow failed to capitalise on one of their several chances in the opening 45.

6 3 7 6 6 6 6 7 8 5 5

SUBSTITUTES Lucas João 5, Omar Richards 5, Sone Aluko n/a, Sam Baldock n/a

READING were punished by two moments of brilliance from Ismaïla Sarr as he struck a quickfire double to put the Royals’ Championship play-off chances in jeopardy.

Sarr found the net twice in two minutes with two stunning strikes but Reading created several brilliant openings but couldn’t find a finishing touch.

George Pușcaș had the best chance of the half when he struck the post from four yards out, while Yakou Méïté missed a one-on-one chance as the Royals were punished for their poor finishing.

But the Royals were left with nothing to show for their attacking work as they left Vicarage Road with defeat as their hopes to finish in the top-six took another hit.

“I think at the end of the day when you lose a game and don’t take your opportunities you can’t complain,” said Reading boss Veljko Paunović.

“Our issue is we created in the first-half very good chances and not converting them hurt us.

“We were putting a lot of effort out there, especially with the ball and the goal didn’t come. We were chasing a goal, the game didn’t start the way we wanted.

“We understood very quickly what we wanted but we didn’t start well, we were bad, but they were two fantastic goals. We maybe could have done better with second one.

“Those goals changed the game but we didn’t lose our composure and we kept trying. We just ran out of power to convert a couple of good opportunities.

“But I’m very proud of my team to come here and play the way we did with composure and being in charge of the game from the second goal, not many teams have done that.

“We know at this point it’s important to keep our confidence high. The result is not good but the football was good.”

Paunović opted to start with Pușcaș again ahead of Lucas João after the Romanian was the matchwinner when the teams met earlier in the season at the Madejski Stadium.

Ismaïla Sarr looked to use his searing pace to catch out the Royals defence early as he made a run in behind Lewis Gibson, but Royals keeper Rafael Carbal rushes quickly off his line to collect the ball first.

Watford had the first chance of the match in the fifth minute. Sarr got down the wing and laid the ball off for João Pedro who flashed a

Reading captain Liam Moore sinks to his knees after the Royals concede Picture: Steve Smyth

shot across the face of goal from a narrow angle.

Sarr continued to look dangerous in the opening stages and made Reading pay in the 12th minute when he scored the opener.

The Watford winger linked up with Kiko Femenia, got into the box, cut onto his left foot and curled a beauty beyond the reach of Rafael into the top corner.

Things went from bad to worse for Reading just two minutes later as Sarr produced another moment of magic to punish the Royals.

Gibson lost possession in the Reading half as Philip Zinckernagel transitioned the ball to Sarr who broke into the box wide on the right and hammered an unstoppable effort into the same top corner.

The signs looked ominous for Reading having gone two goals down early as Watford boast the best defensive record in the league and are yet to concede more than two goals in a league game all season.

However, the Royals responded well and created a plethora of chances which should have been enough to put them firmly back in the contest.

Michael Olise put in a dangerous cross to the back post as he searched for Meite, but Adam Masina covered well defensively to put the ball behind for a corner. The aftermath of that corner also produced a chance as Olise put in another inviting cross but Liam Moore couldn’t make contact on the volley.

Reading took control of the contest and dominated possession for much of the first-half. Pușcaș

was alert to intercept and win the ball in the Hornets half and played the ball in for Josh Laurent flashes a shot wide of the far post.

The Royals should have clawed a goal back when Olise went on a superb run as he weaved his way past two tackles, laid the ball out wide to Méïté who cut the ball back to find Pușcaș just four yards out, but his shot cannoned back off the post.

Sarr thought he had sealed a first-half hat-trick when he volleyed into the net, but was denied by a tight offside call as he made his run a fraction of a second too early.

But the chances kept coming for the Royals as Ovie Ejaria found Laurent with a superb ball into the box but his shot at the near post was smothered by Hornets goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann.

Ejaria’s quick feet saw him ease past the Will Hughes and open up space for a shot that was blocked

Match stats WATFORD: Bachmann, Femenia, Troost-Ekong, Sierralta, Masina, Chalobah (c), Hughes, Zinckernagel, Sarr, João Pedro, Sema SUBS: Foster, Ngakia, Cathcart, Gosling, Lazaar, Gray, Success, Sanchez Hungbo READING: Rafael, Yiadom, Holmes, Moore, Gibson, Rinomhota, Laurent, Olise, Ejaria, Méïté, Pușcaș SUBS: Esteves, Richards, Baldock, Lucas João, Southwood, Aluko, Semedo, Tetek, Dorsett GOALS: Sarr 12′, 14′

before the rebound fell to Gibson but he blasted an effort high and wide.

Paunović’s side created two more excellent opportunities in stoppage time of the first 45 as Méïté breezed past his marker to get into the box but swiped at his shot on his rightfoot which crashed into the side netting.

Andy Yiadom then determinedly drove his way into the box but had his shot at the near post saved as the Royals somehow went into the break without anything to show for their efforts.

Andy Rinomhota picked up a booking early in the second-half as he slid in to bring down Sarr as he looked to pounce on the counter-attack.

The Reading boss made a double switch just after an hour as Omar Richards and Lucas João replaced Gibson and Pușcaș.

Olise had a sight of goal with a 30-yard free-kick but his shot lacked the power to trouble Bachmann.

Richards had a shot with a half volley that flew over the target but the chances dried up for the Royals in the second-half as any hopes of a comeback looked to have passed them by.

Sarr had another chance to find his hat-trick late in the game as the ball dropped to him favourably in the box but a crowd of Reading bodies managed to deflect the ball wide.

The final chance fell to Sone Aluko after two chances were blocked but his powerful effort was hit straight at Bachmann who clutched the ball.

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OR WASTEFUL ROYALS

From The Tilehurst End Harry Chafer

Where would missing out on the play offs leave us?

A

T the end of January, after the 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Mad Stad, I'm going to admit that I had one eye on the top two – and I probably wasn't the only Loyal Royal thinking like that.

PREVIEW: PLAY-OFF QUEST CONTINUES WITH BLUEBIRDS VISIT � Continued from back page

“It’s a must-win game. Everyone here is aware of the situation.

“Everyone is embracing the opportunity in the best possible way.

“With five games to go, it’s not easy but it is possible. As long as the possibility is there we are going to fight.

“Our approach is to win and lay football to bring us opportunities to score.”

The Royals boss expects to have both John Swift and Omar Richards available for selection after they both completed in full training.

John Swift is in full training and will be available for selection,” he continued.

“It’s a big boost to have him back, it’s a great reinforcement for the team and the morale of everyone.

“We know how important he is for

our football.

“We need to be careful with how quickly we introduce him with the demand and workload on him.

“Omar is in training and is also a resource for us on Friday.

“Omar is a very favoured personality in our changing room, his commitment is very huge and important.

“He knows very well what he has to do and we have been very pleased with him throughout the season.”

Paunović also commented on the abhorrent racist abuse that club captain Liam Moore received on social media after Friday’s defeat at Watford.

“Liam was very affected. I spoke with him after I heard what happened and he needed support in that moment.

“He is a strong guy, he is a huge leader and

bounced back very quickly. He took actions that we as a club want to take and what we need is to report the case and give support to Liam and his family.

“It’s unacceptable behaviour and an unacceptable thing to ever happen. We as a club will look to provide help and look to support the cause.”

Friday’s opponents, Cardiff City, had been in the play-off picture after going on a scintillating run of form under new boss Mick McCarthy.

However, they have stuttered more recently, including a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of relegation candidates Sheffield Wednesday to put them 12 points outside of the top-six with just five games remaining.

The Bluebirds’ poor recent form has seen them win just once from their previous seven Championship matches with a memorable away victory against rivals Swansea City.

READING SKIPPER QUITS TWITTER AFTER RACIST ABUSE READING CAPTAIN Liam Moore deactivated his Twitter account after receiving shameful racist abuse after the defeat to Watford.

In what has become a sad indictment of the current climate and a sadly familiar tale, Moore posted a comment on social media informing fans that he would be deactivating his account after receiving unacceptable racist abuse from an anonymous account.

Moore’s final post reads: “I have enjoyed engaging with many of you

over the years on here but tonight was just another example of Twitter being toxic.

"You have to stand for something and for that reason I'm deactivating my account.

"Thanks for your support."

Moore has received a groundswell of support from football fans, teammates and also Reading football Club who posted a message on their social channels following the incident.

Reading’s statement reads: “All at

'insert club' condemn the vile, abhorrent, cowardly and plain racist abuse of 'insert player' on 'insert social media platform' during last night’s game.

"It’s all too familiar, isn't it? But we cannot let it become acceptable.

We are disgusted Enough. Is. Enough."

There have been calls for social media companies to do more to tackle this issue which has become a common occurrence.

In recent weeks, some big

football figures and football clubs have chosen to boycott social media until the companies take the issue more seriously.

Legendary former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was one of the first to take the decision to permanently deactivate his social media channels,.

Meanwhile both Rangers FC and Swansea City both suspended the use of their channels for a week in protest of racist abuse and discrimination.

Fast forward just over two months and at the time of writing we have five games left and are now sitting in seventh place, five points below the Cherries incidentally.

That in itself shows what a horrible, tricky couple of months it's been for us.

It's been so tricky for us that, I hate to say it, I don't think we will finish in the top six anymore.

We may well do – but it’s looking unlikely.

With this said, I've been starting to think about what this summer might look like if that is the case. Surely it can’t be as hectic or as shambolic as last summer, can it?

Well, who knows with this club.

Firstly, it looks certain that a few players are going to be heading out the exit door (some of the names will please the fans, some, not so much).

The likes of Michael Olise, Lucas João, John Swift and Yakou Méïté will probably be on the radars of some bigger and better clubs – and rightly so.

And there are still huge question marks hanging over the futures of the likes of Morrison, McIntyre and Holmes who, as it stands, will be leaving the club on a free transfer this summer.

This will worry the Reading faithful, it’s certainly worrying me. These are some big players, some of which you could even class as irreplaceable.

However, if Pauno and the club can get some things sorted in terms of getting some players on new contracts, and freeing up the wage bill elsewhere to be able to bring some new faces in – I truly believe there is a platform there for something really good to be built upon.

We have a young, progressive, impressive manager and backroom staff, an academy who seem to be producing gem after gem, and an atmosphere around that club that has been missing for some time. There are definitely reasons to be optimistic, even if we miss out on the play offs.

But, don’t get me wrong, there is also a rather large part of me that is worried.

This team has produced some wonderful moments this year and, amongst the recent hair pulling and anger, has given us a lot of excitement and joy, too.

So it would be horrible to see that team get completely dismantled.

Which makes this a huge summer for the club.

Everything possible has to be done in order to continue this upwards trajectory, because for it to be stopped before it’s even properly started would be heart-breaking.

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CRUNCH TIME FOR READING

ROAR FOR THE ROYALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today IT’S NOW or never for Reading as they face a ‘must-win’ game against Cardiff City on Friday.

The Royals face Cardiff City on Friday night as they look to get their play-off push back on track.

Reading are currently in

SONNING & SOUTH BERKS RETURN P36

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seventh in the Championship table, four points behind Barnsley and now five points behind Bournemouth who won their game in hand on Tuesday.

“This is a team that never gives up and gives its best,” said Paunović.

“Our team will do that.

Pride is very important for

BINFIELD MAKE MARK IN FA VASE

MOLES: REVENGE IS SWEET

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BINFIELD are dreaming of a trip to Wembley Stadium as they made progress in the FA Vase.

Last Saturday, the Moles were given the chance for revenge when they were drawn against the team that

knocked them out of last season’s competition, Deal Town.

Binfield ensured that there would be no repeat of that result – they were eliminated through the cruel fate of a penalty shootout.

Instead, Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers’ team made the trip to Kent and booked

their place in the fourthround with an emphatic victory.

Despite going down to an early goal, they made a miraculous recovery to fire four past Deal to set up a fourth-round tie against Fakenham this weekend. � Full match report on page 37

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everyone. I’ve seen many miracles in this game. You have to have belief and faith in what we are doing.

“You can’t help but be affected emotionally (by other teams results) but you have to remind yourself to focus on what you can control and the other results aren’t that.” � Continued on page 39