Wokingham.Today December 30, 2020

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THE NEW NAME FOR THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPECIAL EDITION

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Happy New Year

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 No. 294

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Christmas from farm to table

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today

HEALTHY TEAM-UP: Ryan Simpson, Matthew Belcher , Matthew Knight and James Whittingham delivered food to the vulnerable Picture: Steve Smyth

A FRUIT and vegetable wholesaler has joined forces with a produce-growing charity to feed the homeless and vulnerable this winter.

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From the editor DO WE really need to look back on 2020?

Well, maybe not now, but in years to come we will need to be reminded of this extraordinary year.

In this special issue, we have distilled the coronavirus pandemic as it affected Wokingham borough.

Keep it for future years – and to tell your grandchildren who will never quite believe it.

Next week, we will resume our regular publication date of Thursday and looking more like a normal issue of Wokingham.Today.

Throughout Tier 4 restrictions, we will continue to publish every week, keeping you up to date with everything that is happening across Wokingham borough.

However, with limited sport or arts events taking place, we will continue to produce slightly smaller papers, and thank you for your

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

understanding during this time.

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

We are making every effort to ensure that your favourite local newspaper is available to you in printed form. You will be able to buy Wokingham.Today from all good supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations as normal.

They are essential retailers and we are essential reading.

There is also a digital version, which will be available on Friday evenings. And our website is updated seven days a week.

At times like this, it is important that the community has a local voice. We are proud to be yours.

The best way for you to support us – lockdown or not – is to buy a copy of the paper each week.

Thank you for your support.

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Lower Earley-based C.A Belcher & Son and Winnersh-based Freely Fruity are aiming to supply fresh produce for those in need.

Since April, Freely Fruity has donated hundreds of kilos of fresh organic produce to different organisations and foodbanks in the area.

And C.A Belcher & Son has expanded its fresh fruit, vegetables and provisions services since the pandemic, including launching a Saturday farmers’ market from its Danehill depot.

On Saturday, December 19, it packed and sent food to the New Beginnings charity at the Queens Arms in Reading.

The food was then cooked into a Christmas meal for the homeless.

Freely Fruity’s Ryan Simpson said: “It's been amazing for a local charity to collaborate with a local business to provide so many people with a hot meal

or a vegetable box in such testing times.

“Together we are feeding around 700 to 800 people over the festive period.

“We hope to continue our partnership with C.A Belcher & Son in the future and we can help the vulnerable people and reduce food waste as we do it".

New Beginnings focuses on preventing and relieving poverty and financial hardship for people in trhe greater Reading area.

The charity has transformed the former pub in Great Knollys Street. It offers a number of services, including

the All Night Café, a night shelter for the homeless and a community fridge for distributing free food for those in need.

C.A Belcher & Son and Freely Fruity also supplied Brighter Futures for Children a further 150 Christmas-themed vegetable boxes on Tuesday, December 22, to ensure families have essentials to cook Christmas dinner.

C.A Belcher & Son’s director, Matthew Belcher said he is delighted to partner with Freely Fruity this Christmas to give back and feed those most in need.

£1.7 million pushed into new year roadworks ROADS across Wokingham borough have been resurfaced following an investment of more than £500,000 — and the council says there’s more to come.

Nine key transport routes throughout the area have been resurfaced this autumn, as the council completes the second phase of its £8 million road improvement project.

Some of the roads completed over the last few months include Longwater Road in Finchampstead and Davis Street in Hurst.

And the next phase of work is due to start in the new year, with £1.7 million allocated for road works until the end of March.

“Keeping road surfaces up to scratch

is important for our residents, especially in the winter months when it can be icy,” said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport.

“We continue to invest in our road network on routes which are most used to ensure the work benefits as many residents as possible.”

According to Cllr Jorgensen, more than 100 roads have been improved since April.

All of the roads resurfaced

by Wokingham Borough Council have had the top layers of worn out surface removed, and replaced with new material.

There are a number of works already planned for early January, including

resurfacing on Rushey Way in Earley and Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead.

Roads are selected by the council’s highways team in order of “most in need of attention”.

The borough council says it is also making plans to invest £20 million to tackle congestion across Wokingham over the next five years.

Help us limit the virus says RBH THE ROYAL Berkshire Hospital is calling for residents to follow the hands, face space guidance to limit the spread of Covid 19.

Nicky Lloyd, acting chief executive officer of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said the hospital is seeing a rise in coronavirus patients.

“As with the first wave earlier this year, we are managing them safely and separately from other patients,” she said. “So the hospital is a safe place for you to attend for treatments or appointments.

“However, the introduction of Tier 4 restrictions, coupled with the increase in covid positive patients, shows we must all do everything we can to prevent the risk of spreading the virus.

“It’s vital for you to abide by the ‘hands, face, space’ rules, along with other Tier 4 regulations.”

Ms Lloyd said the hospital has had to limit footfall on site, and visits are only allowed in exceptional circumstances, by prior agreement with the ward sister.

“We know that this is very difficult for both patients and their loved ones and we will do all we can to accommodate phone and virtual visiting requests,” she said.

Travel restrictions in Tier 4 do not affect services at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and patients are encouraged to still attend as planned if they have an appointment booked, or need emergency treatment.

Anyone in need of urgent medical attention should call 999.

Those that need medical attention for a condition which is not life threatening should call 111, where a trained operator will refer residents to the most appropriate place for treatment. This could be the hospital’s Emergency Department (A&E) or Minor Injuries Unit or Reading’s Walk-in Centre.

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Waitrose spreads festive cheer

MINCE PIES ALL ROUND: Waitrose Wokingham store manager, Chris Prest organised a festive delivery for Citizens Advice

Covid-19 vaccine marshals wanted WOKINGHAM Volunteer Centre is offering residents the chance to help in an historic event.

It is currently recruiting a team of vaccine marshals to lend a hand with the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

The Volunteer Centre is looking for people who are willing to offer assistance outside of local vaccination centres, at GP surgeries and community sites across the borough.

“We need volunteers to help deal with people on arrival by checking their temperatures and making sure they’re following all of the covid-secure measures, like social distancing and wearing masks,” said Helena Badger, volunteer services manager at Wokingham Volunteer Centre.

Vaccine marshals will also advise people on where to go, and make sure nobody suffers

any adverse effects from the vaccine.

And Ms Badger said she feels honoured to see Wokingham residents helping the NHS in what she deems “a historic event”.

“It’s huge for us to be asked to do this —it’s absolutely fantastic,” she said.

“This is a massive programme that will be going on from month to month, so we feel really proud to be asked to step forward.”

According to Ms Badger, without the work of volunteers, the entire coronavirus pandemic would have been infinitely more difficult.

“It hit home how essential volunteers were back in March, she said.

“And we’ve been blown away with how quickly people stepped forward.

“We literally could not have got through the pandemic without volunteers, and it really is a matter of life or death when they are out helping people.

“There’s a massive amount of people the NHS needs to get through with the rolling out of this vaccine, and volunteers are essential to making

IN A BID to repay some of Wokingham’s hard working volunteers, a local supermarket has donated a trolleyfull of festive treats to Citizens Advice Wokingham.

Staff at Waitrose, on Rectory Road, say it’s “mince pies all round” after delivering a hamper full of sweet treats to the charity to say thank you for its work throughout 2020.

Chris Prest, store manager, said he was inspired after speaking with one of the charity’s trustees.

He was told how Citizens Advice had been looking for a way to thank its volunteers for their hard work this year, but knew that every penny spent on ‘thank you’ gifts meant one less penny to spend on services.

And Mr Prest says he was delighted to be able to help such a worthwhile cause.

“Staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice in Wokingham have helped more people than ever in 2020,” he said. “They have been leading the One Front Door service for coronavirus-related issues, on top of all their usual services.”

Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham was grateful for the treats.

He said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Waitrose for their really kind donation. We have worked to support and encourage our team throughout this challenging year.

“Jan, one of our trustees, mentioned our work to Waitrose and they were happy to help us. This is a really nice festive boost for our volunteers.” sure this is done quickly, efficiently and safely.”

At the time of writing, Wokingham Volunteer Centre is working with Brookside Practice in Lower Earley and Wokingham Medical Centre, but it intends to help administer the vaccine in more practices over the coming months.

It is now looking to recruit volunteers in the New Year for four hour shifts which run on Mondays through until Saturdays.

These can be booked as one-off sessions or on an ongoing basis.

“We’re launching our own booking system online,” Ms Badger explained.

“It means that people can choose which practice they go and help with, and they can choose for which session.”

She hopes that this will make it easier for people to volunteer because they are able to pick and choose flexible shifts. � For more information on how to volunteer as a vaccine marshal, visit volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk

Have your say on equality practices IN A BID to create a fairer Wokingham, the borough council is asking residents to pitch in on its latest equality drive — and there’s a prize for doing so.

It is currently updating its Equality Plan, with residents’ views welcome.

The draft proposal has three overall objectives; to listen and learn from the community, to champion its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and build a diverse and engaged workforce where everybody is respected.

All who take part in the consultation are offered the chance to enter a prize draw to win either a £100 Amazon or One4all voucher.

“We are a council that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, tackles discrimination and is anti-racist,” said John Halsall, leader of Wokingham Borough Council.

“Our vision is to be a great place to live, learn, work and grow and a great place to do business – and this includes everyone.” � The consultation is open until Sunday, January 24, via: www.wokingham. gov.uk/news-and-consultation

For advice and assistance on Family Law matters including: • Divorce and separa�on

• Property/financial settlements

• Child arrangements

• Family disputes

• Cohabita�on agreements

• Prenup�al agreements

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

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

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Too-da-loo Crowthrone PUBLIC TOILETS in Crowthorne may be demolished, as the parish council says it cannot afford to run them.

Currently owned by Bracknell Forest Council, the local authority asked Crowthorne Parish Council to take over responsibility for the public toilets on Napier Road.

This would have made the parish responsible for costs for the repairs, maintenance, cleaning and insurance.

The parish looked into the facilities but discovered “a substantial amount of urgent and very costly work to make the building structurally and legally sound”.

This includes a new roof, brickwork repointing, replacing softened bricks, new door cils, new toilets and hand dryers, electrical wiring checks, regrouting and making the building accessible.

A spokesperson from the parish council said: “Bracknell Forest Council was charging us about £12,000 to £14,000 per year for cleaning and maintaining the facility and to cover the utility charges.”

The other costs would have been taken from the parish council’s budget.

They added: “The charge for electricity consumption and for water plus the charges for the Napier Road site equated to that for each of the Parish Hall and Morgan Centre.”

The parish owns, manages, and operates public toilets at the Morgan Recreation Ground, approximately an eight minute walk away from the Napier Road loos.

Bracknell Forest Council will now decide whether to demolish the toilets and use the space for car parking and electric car charging points.

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Pupil power will help reduce air pollution

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today A PUPIL has a strong message to the borough as we head into 2021: switch off your engine.

Mahveen Rafay won a contest organised by Wokingham Borough Council to create a poster that could be used to encourage motorists to help tackle the climate emergency.

The council is committed to being carbon neutral by 2030, and launched the competition for the artworks to be placed around Twyford Crossroads and Wokingham Station: two hotspots for engine idling.

The eight-year-old, who attends St Paul’s Junior School, created an entry that caught the judges’ eyes and will soon be helping improve the borough’s air quality.

Her design included a picture of the earth surrounded by children encouraging drivers to help save the earth with less air pollution.

It also includes a thumbs up to cycling and walking and a thumbs down to driving with statements including “Earth wants you to use less cars – ride a bike” and “Earth wants you to use less cars because they cause air pollution”.

WINNER: Mahveen Rafay’s poster will be used by the council

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for climate emergency, was delighted with the quality of the entries.

“Congratulations to Mahveen and all our young residents who entered our design competitions,” he said.

“We are working hard to improve air quality across the borough but we can’t do this without the support of our residents, businesses and visitors so it’s fantastic to see the younger generation so passionate about protecting the environment as well as our health and wellbeing.”

Mahveen’s winning design was selected by the council’s My Journey team.

“We’re dedicated to

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promoting borough-wide active and sustainable travel,” said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways.

“Our My Journey team aim is to help and inspire residents and employees of all ages to walk, scoot, cycle or use buses or trains where possible and in turn improve air quality across the borough and bring us one step closer to carbon neutrality.”

MyJourney is working with schools and have welcomed an eco-travel officer to join them recently to work with schools in the Wokingham and Twyford areas, which is paid for through the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) funding from the government.

Forget the dragon, St George has covid CROWDS used to cheering on traditional mummers’ plays with St George, a Turkish Knight and a dragon in combat outside a pub can still enjoy the fun despite Covid rules, writes Sue Corcoran.

Squire (leader) of Hurst Morris People, Karen Ricketts, has written her own, really funny, one character version of the play.

“Normally we have a cast of five or six for our St George’s Day mummers’ play, but Covid put paid to that.

“So, on behalf of Hurst Morris, I wrote and acted an online version, featuring just me as St George, to cheer people up now,” said Karen.

“I released it on Boxing Day, another traditional time for the plays.

“I adapted our usual script.

St George, instead of being stabbed to death, dies of Covid but, as usual, he miraculously recovers with a wonder drug.

“And I have a six-foot sword to keep social distance, all the while keen to carry on slaying.”

Karen, an accountant from Twyford, working at Peter Upton chartered accountants, Maidenhead, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed writing and performing the play.”

Her daughter Helen 12, a pupil at The Piggott School, Wargrave, did the filming and her son Daniel, 11, at Polehampton Juniors, Twyford, made props including the giant syringe.

Viewers have acclaimed the

GAME ON: Karen Ricketts plays all the roles in a special Covidsafe Mummers Play, which can be watched for free on Hurst Morris’ social media channels

production. One said: “After the strangest of Christmases, this is a brilliant treat.

The play has all the traditional elements but with very funny and sharp twists to reflect our Covid times. It’s such clever writing.”

The play has been entered for a mummers’ play for one online festival.

It can be seen online at the Hurst Morris

People Facebook page, on their website www.hump.org.uk

Leader’s support for schools THE LEADER of Wokingham Borough Council has pledged to support schools as they prepare for the new school term.

As we went to press, there was pressure on the government to delay reopening due to the surge in coronavirus cases.

At the moment, primary school and Years 11 and 13 pupils will return as normal on Monday, with the rest working from home for a week. Lateral testing will be introduced to check if pupils have Covid-19.

In a statement issued on

Christmas Eve, Cllr John Halsall said: “Children’s education is extremely important, and I know it’s been a huge joint effort to ensure that our education settings were able to stay open throughout the last few months.

“Everyone has had a role to play and I appreciate how much pressure you have been under.

“We, as a Borough, will continue to support you in whatever decisions you take, which under the current circumstances will be difficult, as you balance the wish to

continue education for all with the need to do it safely.”

He added that the council had experience in setting up the testing facilities needed after launching a visiting scheme for care homes and that the council was in a “strong position” to help schools.

“We will continue to make regular contact with our schools, as we have been, and work together to protect our community,” he said. “Thank you again for your hard work, commitment and resilience during these challenging times.”

Jail for petrol station raider A HOMELESS man has been jailed for four years after an early morning raid on a petrol station.

Gary Smith was found guilty at Reading Crown Court, by unanimous jury verdict of one count of robbery, in a trial that lasted four days.

The incident took place around 4.45am on Sunday, June 28.

The court heard that the 37-year-old had knocked on the night pay windows of the BP garage on Reading Road in Winnersh.

The doors to the forecourt’s store were unlocked to let him in and he went to the counter,

produced a claw hammer from his pocket and demanded money.

The cashier, a 24-year-old woman, gave him the contents of two tills totalling £265 in cash.

Thames Valley Police arrested and charged Smith on

the same day.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dennis Hicks, of the Priority Crime Team, said: “Smith was allowed inside by a staff member at the BP petrol station and threatened the cashier with a hammer, demanding money.

“The victim was naturally traumatised by this experience and I am pleased that Smith has been brought to justice.

“I know that the victim in this case will have to deal with the impact this incident has had on her for some time to come, but I do hope that the verdict and prison sentence will help her to move on from this.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

The value of looking back and forth THIS WEEK’S edition is different from usual: an opportunity to reflect on the journey we have undergone together this year.

While for most of us, coronavirus didn’t impact our lives until late March, the new virus that is thought to have originated from a wet market in Wuhan has been part of our lives since January.

This has not been a usual year. All the events we look forward to were cancelled or moved.

Our days out and holidays replaced with staycations, weekly doorstep claps and online quizzes.

It has seen the best of us as we have rushed to support charities and good causes helping those most affected by the virus.

Community champions have been good neighbours and faith groups have stepped up to help out in so many ways.

Home schooling, working from home and extended periods of furlough have been the norm.

Yes, this year has been really difficult, not least having Christmas pulled away from us at the last minute, but it has shown just how resilient, just how supportive we can be.

As you look back over the events of the past 12 months, it’s worth patting yourselves on the back.

Coronavirus is still here. We will likely to be in Tier 4 for several weeks. Life will not return to normal for a good while.

Until then, remember hands, face, space, and look out for each other.

A Happy New Year to you.

CHURCH NOTES

Re-evaluation

H

APPY New Year!

As we breathe a sigh of relief that 2020 is over, we look forward in anticipation to new beginnings in 2021. However, perhaps we should not totally dismiss 2020. Are there some things that we learned among all the trauma that we should take forward into this new year?

We had to re-evaluate who are the important workers in our world; the ones we truly rely on, who provided us with essential services.

Did we become more conscious of the inequalities in our society and the needs of those who are struggling financially and mentally?

Maybe we learned the need to live in the present moment and not plan too much. And as we took our daily exercise in the quiet and stillness of the Spring lockdown, we became more aware of the beauty in Nature all around us.

So let us take what we have learned forward into the New Year. The future looks brighter, but there are still uncertainties with Covid and Brexit, but may we meet the challenges with fortitude. The churches of Wokingham wish you all the best for 2021.

A blessing for the New Year May God bless you with hope: hopes and dreams that will direct you and give you energy to strive for a better life.

May God bless you with faith: faith in your own abilities so that you can make your dreams a reality.

May God bless you with love: an open heart to give and receive love with families and friends, neighbours and strangers.

Sue Cooper is from Corpus Christi Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

New Year Greetings Reading East MP Matt Rodda OUR community has been through a lot during the last year, 2020 has been difficult and challenging and I want to thank everyone for their determination to get through the pandemic.

In particular, I would like to thank our NHS and care staff, together with key workers and volunteers.

Our whole community has pulled together and showed how much people want to support one another.

There is now some light at the end of a very long tunnel, with a vaccine on its way and some people already being vaccinated in recent weeks.

This is a huge step forward and the start of a brighter future, we need to maintain our guard and there will still be difficult times ahead, but there is hope for the future.

The pandemic has also come at a time of acute change for the country, as we leave the EU. I believe we should build a close working relationship with the European Union after the end of the transition period and I will continue to call for a sensible approach to working with our partners.

At the same time the world is facing a climate emergency and urgent action is needed to tackle climate change and I want to thank all those who are making a difference.

Our community is pulling together in the face of these challenges and we do have the chance to shape a better, brighter future. We have a strong local community and live in an attractive area with a wide range of opportunities.

We can and we will build a better future for our families.

Wokingham Town Mayor Tony Lack IT’S that time of year when we clear up from Christmas and start looking at a new year and a “new me”. I am sure that the sports pages of Wokingham Today will offer us some motivation to improve our own bodies and minds as we begin our personal spring clean.

At this time, I really want to recognise the great work performed by a silent squad that has looked after our elderly, our vulnerable and our desperate throughout 2020 and over Christmas.

As a Town we must remain proud of our charities, volunteers and organisations that are there at the drop of a hat to help where they can.

From caring phone calls to prescription collections, from food deliveries to lifts to clinics.

We have all helped neighbours and supported each other and have done what we could to get through. We should all feel proud of ourselves and others and while ‘Thank You’ is just two small words, I really do mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Things will get better and we will return to a new normal eventually, so we just want to wish you all a successful New Year, particularly in our lovely town of Wokingham.

Cllr Tony Lack and Mrs Claire Lack Town Mayor and Mayoress

Woodley Town Council leader Cllr Keith Baker I thought I would look back at events during the previous 12 months. It has been a bit of a roller coaster year with the biggest impact being the pandemic which started in March. The Covid-19 virus hit the country hard and has severely impacted every aspect of all our lives. From financial stress, businesses collapsing, job losses and severe health issues including untimely deaths this virus has hit in a way never

Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood

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020 was a year many will wish to forget. It is also a year which will stick in the memory.

For some it will be painful memories of sickness and death.

For others it will be harrowing memories of lost business, squeezed incomes or a lost job as the economy struggled with the measures taken to stop the disease.

Many people will remember cancelled holidays, delayed weddings or parties, frustrations over how many of life’s normal pleasures were curtailed by the need to enforce social distancing.

There will be some with better recollections.

Families have learned to talk to each other by video link, more families have spent time at home together developing shared interests and pastimes, and some have benefited from the flexibility that home working can bring.

I will long remember the huge acceleration in cases and queries, as government took over so many parts of people’s lives.

Naturally, they wanted answers, wanted changes or just wanted to express their view of what should be done.

We all want 2021 to be more like the world we temporarily lost. We look forward to early full reopening of hospitality, entertainment and sport for the many.

We want to see small business recover, the selfemployed have a full workload again, our shops with more customers and jobs restored.

I have been working away to get prudent relaxations so more can earn their living whilst taking sensible precautions against the virus.

The rapid take-up of vaccines as people who want it get access to it should allow relaxations to progress.

Further improvements in the way the disease is treated would also help. Above all we wish to see success in taming this pandemic, to relieve pressure on health care and reduce fear amongst the vulnerable.

There are reasons for cautious optimism as we enter the new year.

Most economists expect a strong recovery in jobs and incomes, and this time I think they are right.

Most medics and epidemiologists expect to see a

experienced before since the war.

But when such horrendous things happen it brings out the best in people and our residents have been exemplary in this. For example, I manage a group of 200 volunteers who act as a single point of contact for every road in Woodley, all 314 of them. The Facebook group “Woodley Volunteer for COVID-19” has a membership of over 1,400 every one either living in Woodley or has a connection with Woodley. One of the admins for this group has, since March, collected over 45,000 items of food and toiletries for the Woodley Food Bank. These are just a few examples of our great caring community and you all probably know of many others.

At the same time as all these volunteers stepping forward there has been a huge number of key workers carrying out their normal work only this time under very difficult circumstances.

We have the teachers who have been working throughout, initially just for key workers children but now with schools fully open. Then there are the care workers with an incredibly difficult job looking after the most vulnerable in our community. We then have the NHS workers who have definitely been in the front line right from the beginning and have experienced a tremendous amount of heartache as they have nursed their patients through their illnesses. We also need to remember those “hidden” key workers – the refuse workers, the delivery drivers, the shop workers in food shops – all playing their part in providing essential services.

Every single day there are amazing examples

downturn in the disease by the spring if not before.

I have been pleased to see some life and custom return to Wokingham town centre in the run-up to Christmas, and to hear some better news from various local businesses.

I want to help the government move on from reacting to Covid-19, to an exciting agenda of levelling up.

To me that means government supporting everyone to go on their personal journey.

It may mean new training or education, a move to a better paid job.

It may mean establishing their own business or working for themselves, it may mean people with some savings making new investments and taking a new turning.

It may mean more people owning their own home, building some savings and earning their way to a better lifestyle with more choices.

It may mean for the retired taking up new interests or gaining new skills.

The New Year is a time for resolutions. It is a time to take stock and to ask if you want a new direction.

I wish you all every success with choosing. If you want a better life it may there for the having, especially as we recover from the miseries of lockdown.

of individuals going that extra mile. They do not look for any recognition. They do not look for any praise. They simply care so very much about others. They are shining beacons of hope for the New Year especially after the traumatic year we have just had.

If you are looking for a New Year’s resolution how about – I am going to be more like them.

Happy New Year

Earley Town Council leader Cllr Clive Jones Most of us are very happy that 2020 has finally come to an end. It has been one of the most difficult years that I have experienced. We haven’t been able to enjoy the company of friends and family and some people have lost loved ones all too soon as a result of the virus.

Hopefully with vaccines being approved we can look forward to a return to some kind of normality during 2021.

In the meantime we have to properly follow the scientists recommendations so we can get on top of the virus and suppress it.

We are all very grateful to those who are working hard to keep us safe. All our NHS and emergency services workers. Teachers and local government officers and of course those working in food retail and distribution to ensure that we are still able to be fed. It’s important that we continue during 2021 to look out for our neighbours, our friends and family to make sure they are all safe.

Very best wishes to all our residents for 2021.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Your letters

tonyjohnson That was the week

Centuries Past

W

ITH the continent fast running out of HGV Lorries, because they’ve all been parked in Kent somewhere, just before Christmas France gave in to continental pressure to let them get running again.

Contrasting last week’s assessment of 2020 where times haven’t been so much ‘interesting’ as downright difficult, by way of light relief, here some contrast with events of 1920 and 1820.

What can we learn from 100 and 200 years ago?

Politics in 1920 The great influenza epidemic finally burned out with the fourth wave ending in the spring of 1920.

The first mortalities had originated in Kansas in December 1917, then spread throughout the allied troops still fighting in France in 1918.

By 1920, the pandemic had spread around the world and while estimates of mortality vary between 17 and 50 million, with some going as high as 100 million. The suspected total number of cases worldwide is thought to be in excess of 500 million.

As newspapers at the start of the outbreak were only permitted to report on neutral Spain and the serious impact there, it was seen as “Spanish” flu, despite having originated in the midwest of the US. In the United Kingdom, politics of 1920 were dominated by “the Irish question” and the events of ‘Bloody Sunday’ on November 21, 1920 were uppermost in many minds as the year drew to a close.

The day started with the IRA under Michael Collins killing or wounding 15 members of the ‘Cairo Gang’ the undercover agents of the London government. It ended with the Black and Tans, supported by British troops, opening fire on spectators and players at a Gaelic football match at Croke Park, killing and fatally wounding 14 people, two of whom were children.

Three further deaths followed that evening and the later retaliation by the British was to lead to the truce of May 1921 and the Irish secession from the UK in December the following year.

Politics in 1820 William Hone's biting satire The Political Alphabet, with illustrations by George Cruikshank, was originally produced around 1820 during the aftermath of the Peterloo Massacre in August

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk 1819 when a cavalry charge into a crowd of ~60,000 resulted in 18 deaths and circa 400 to 700 injured.

The satire is a response to intense social unrest that derived from factors including extreme poverty and the lack of political representation for many thousands of British people. Hone and Cruikshank target the pillars of power: the King, parliament, law, the church and the aristocracy.

The copy in the British Library dates from around 1830, but its messages would still have resonated with those campaigning for political reform.

It was not until 1832 that the first Reform Act was passed in parliament, increasing the number of adult men allowed to vote from under 400,000 to over 650,000 in a British population of around 12 million at the time.

The Political Alphabet of 1820 A' s Aristocracy—hideous sight!— Nourish’d by those, too, who ’same divine right!

B is a Brave one in Liberty’s cause, Who’ll slay the Monster contemning her laws.

C is a Contrast—revolting, but true, Want with the many—excess with the few.

D is a Despot, in whom ye may see A symbol of all who hate the word—free.

E is an Eye whose glance scatters the crew Of knave and corruptionist— jobber and jew.

F is fair Freedom, sustain’d by the Press, Our rights to assert, our wrongs to redress.

G is a Gen’ral of insane renown, He madly stood forth to act for the crown.

Here is the Hero who’ll carry reform; With unquailing heart he’ll weather the storm.

I s an Incestuous—mischievous Thing, Who boughs, and bleeds, and snarls at the king.

J is a Janus, with his double face, Now for the gibbet and then for free grace.

K stands for kingcraft, of Vanity born Here you behold its legitimate form.

L is a Locust of infernal birth, Sent forth to consume the fruits of the earth.

M is a Mask, an able invention, For those who would hide dishonest intention.

N is a Noodle, who croaks for the Church, Clings to corruption, and holds out the birch.

O is Old Bags, whose hope’s the forlorn.

For he’ll die in a ditch, to put off Reform.

P is a picture of Poverty’s sons.

Whose complaints must be cured by sabres and guns.

Q stands for Question—How long shall this be A portrait of man—destin’d to be free?

R is a Rat, known in Westminster Hall; Apostate and In grate—Oh, what a fall!

S is the Standard, now boldly unfurl’d; The terror of tyrants—the hope of the world.

T is a Temple, some fondly suppose To distinguish the land where Liberty grows.

U’s the Unhuman and putrescent corpse Of despots, who’ve reign’d by perj’ry and force.

V are the Vermin who swarm through the land, And plunder the people on every hand.

W is Wealth, but not for the poor, Who are but to shew what men can endure.

X an Example of paternal rule, Deriv’d from the liberal Castlereagh school.

"Y" yields to no one—nor cunning nor force, But beats back assailants, and keeps on its course.

Z is the ultima ratio regum ; And then for the Paean of Justice and Freedom!

Acknowledgements Viscount Castlereagh was Foreign Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons when the Peterloo Massacre took place and was strongly disliked for his approach to liberty and reform.

The king at the time was George III who, nearing the end of his life, was said to be severely mentally ill.

It’s worth watching the film The Madness of King George to see more – originally, it was to be called The Madness of George III, but movie bosses were worried cinemagoers would wonder where parts one and two were.

King George was monarch during the revolt of the American colonies in 1776 and subsequent war of independence.

I’m indebted to the British Library for the majority of the introductory text to this piece.

The Poem is entirely William Hone’s - nothing added and, save for the supporting text (of which there was much) nothing cut out either.

How much the English language has changed in two centuries – as much as our politics. caveat.lector@icloud.com

Immunity In Pam Jenkinson’s letter ‘Vaccinations? Yes please’ (December 17) she says she thinks it is nonsense that one of her members doesn’t believe in vaccination and that he thinks one’s immune system should fight off all infection unaided. She quotes Louis Pasteur, dairy maids and smallpox.

According to my information, in 1796 dairy maids often had beautiful unmarked skin which some said was because their exposure to cowpox gave them immunity to smallpox, a belief contradicted by physicians at the time. A far better explanation for their beautiful skin is that unlike most people of the time, dairy maids had daily access to a superb source of nutrition which made them healthy and protected them against diseases, including smallpox.

Their healthy immune systems fighting off infection unaided.

It was Edward Jenner who scraped pus from cowpox blisters on the hands of a milkmaid and inoculated a child with it. He claimed that his vaccine gave immunity to smallpox for life.

Statistics taken from Reports of the Registrar General of England indicate that the vaccine was not a success, with deaths from vaccination outnumbering deaths from smallpox. In 1854-1863, following the introduction of compulsory vaccination programmes in Europe, smallpox

claimed the lives of over 33000 vaccinated people. In 1907 when the failure was too obvious to disguise, compulsory vaccination laws in England were repealed.

Louis Pasteur followed in Jenner’s footsteps in vaccine development. Upon his death Pasteur passed his laboratory notebooks to his heirs with the provision that they never made the notebooks public. His grandson Louis Pasteur Ballery-Radot, who apparently didn’t care for him much, donated the notebooks to the French national library, which published them. In 1914, Professor Gerard Geison of Princeton University published an analysis of these notebooks, which revealed that Pasteur committed massive fraud in all his studies.

M Hopkins, Wokingham

Thank you I would like to thank the community for their incredible support of the Foodbank this year.

Local schools, churches, businesses, supermarkets and individuals have donated a phenomenal 55 tonnes of food and other household essentials.

We have distributed food parcels to almost 5,000 people across Wokingham Borough representing a 100% increase in demand when compared to last year. Sorting this volume of stock and making up so many food parcels would not have been possible without our

VIEWPOINTS | 7 incredible team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly. Their compassion towards people who find themselves unable to afford food and their constant can-do attitude when faced with such high numbers of referrals is to be applauded. I find it very sad that in this day and age so many people are struggling to afford the basics and I would love to see a time when we can close our doors.

I am so incredibly proud of the Foodbank team's dedication to supporting residents across the borough during 2020 especially with the added challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anne‫מּ‬e Medhurst, manager, Wokingham Foodbank

Apology My wife thinks I should write to the paper and apologise to a few residents of the Wokingham area that I might have been perceived to have been rude to in the last month or so.

I would rather write and thank the vast majority of people that have been encountered on my walks and shopping trips that have made every effort to maintain a safe social distance, normally with a smile and a thank you.

What is wrong with a small number that make no effort to abide by the simple rules on tackling Covid infection spread?

So, if you are too selfish or stupid to keep a safe distance from me and get a comment such as “doesn’t the 2 metre rule apply to you?”, or something similar, tough!

Oh, and thank you for your contribution to getting us into tier 4.

Name and address supplied.

8 | NEWS REVIEW

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JANUARY 2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The last normal month as coach company helps bring Brits back from Wuhan as new respiratory virus takes hold

Before coronavirus changed our lives

I

T ALL started so brightly.

The first issue of 2020 was packed with everything that you would expect a local newspaper to cover: community groups meeting, pantomime magic and features on forthcoming events. The council announced the first draft of its £24 million green deal, as it started work in earnest for being carbon neutral by 2030.

Another big project planned was to build 1,000 council homes in a bid to alleviate homelessness, both seen and hidden, across the borough.

The gig guide was full of pubs featuring live music events, and the Royals began 2020 brightly thanks to a great goal from John Swift in the club’s victory over Fulham.

Wokingham Borough Council said that it hoped plans for 15,000 homes if a new town in Grazeley would help protect other parts of the borough, and residents were concerned about Network Rail’s tree felling measures.

There was no hint of the new respiratory illness that had been making waves in Wuhan, China.

It was on January 1 that the Wuhan Muncipal Health Commission closed down a seafood market after several cases of a cluster of pneumonia

cases were linked to it. Symptoms included a fever, a dry cough and breathing difficulties. A week later, on January 9, it was revealed that Covid19 was responsible for 15 out of 59 cases.

On January 20, cases were confirmed in Thailand, Japan and South Korea – all three had links to Wuhan, a city linked to much global trade.

Three days later, Wuhan became the first city to be locked down.

At the same time, the threat to the UK was perceived to be low: similar viruses had appeared before including SARS, which had been contained to the Asian region. Arrivals from Wuhan were screened as they arrived at Heathrow Airport.

The month ended with two people in York testing positive for Covid-19 – they were from the same family and had been staying in a hotel. At the same time, a plane evacuating 83 Britons from Wuhan arrived in the UK, and Horseman Coaches ferried the arrivals from RAF Brize Norton to a hotel in Merseyside, where they were quarantined for 14 days.

In normal times, many Wokingham schoolchildren use the company to get to and from their schools, under-

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presented Anastasia, thought to be to be the first pantomime to be based on real-life events

standably some parents were concerned about safety. At the time, we knew little about the virus and how easily it transmitted.

Five coaches took the passengers and images of passengers in protective gear, but drivers wearing normal clothes went around the world.

In a statement, the company said: “Government officials confirmed that drivers wearing PPE equipment while driving posed a greater risk to the safety of passengers. This was a governmental decision based on a risk assessment conducted by the Department for Health and Public Health England.”

Although the drivers had been cleared by PHE to return to work, the company asked them to stay at home

for 10 days on full pay as a precaution and the five coaches used were quarantined for 10 days in a locked compound, and cleaned to militarygrade standards.

In the summer, Horseman Coaches won a We’re Good To Go Industry Standard, for its commitment to providing Covid-secure travel.

Measures include enhanced cleaning regimes.

Company director James Horseman said that they were extremely proud of the award, presented “in recognition of the extraordinary measures we have implemented to protect our passengers and staff”.

Also in January … there was relief that Linton Pet Supplies, which had sold puppies, had left Ladds Garden Village. Although the company insisted that it did everything by the book, protesters had fought a long campaign to see them vacate the centre.

A new transport strategy suggested that a motorway link could be built through the borough, but the details were vague to say the least.

The latest names for Elms Field was revealed including the borough’s first Starbucks and a soft play centre to be called Pirate’s Landing.

We also revealed that KFC were recruiting for a potential Wokingham store – around Elms Field – but while the company said it wanted to move in, it didn’t have a branch to move in to.

The Rural Pie Company held a pop-up event in Emma’s Kitchen in Twyford, giving them a taste for the centre and residents a taste of their meaty treats. The company took over the venue on a full-time basis in the autumn.

After 200 years, Newman’s shoe shop in Crowthorne announced that it was to close down at the end of February.

Plans were made for an Easter panto at The Hexagon, featuring CBeebies legend Chris Jarvis, while amateur groups including Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group, which staged The Jungle Book, and Wargrave Theatre Workshop’s Anatasia.

The annual civic awards saw both youngsters and community stalwarts receive recognition for their hard work to make Wokingham a better place.

Judging for the 2021 awards took place in early December, with the winners announced in an online ceremony next month.

FEBRUARY 2020

The first indications that Covid-19 would affect our everyday life, while winter has a sting in its tail

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER : EWOKINGHAMPAPER TH ON THE BALL FREE KIR TO FINCHAM PSTEAD, EARLEY,

‘Corona virus could hit UK by mid-March’ EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A TOP medical statistics professor start of a has predicted the possible UK. coronavirus epidemic in the Professor Ben Cowling, 40, a former Sonning CofE Primary virus School pupil, warns that the is a real risk to global health.

Now director of a World Health Centre in Organisation Collaborating has Hong Kong, Professor Cowling been analysing coronavirus in patterns transmission China.

He has been working on this with China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The results have already been medical published in world-leading journals.

The In an exclusive interview with Cowling, Wokingham Paper Professor Sonning, whose parents still live in how said it was “a bit early to say” effective UK measures against coronavirus were. say But the Department of Health daily that they will be publishing will updates on its website, however not comment on speculation.

They add that the UK Chief the risk Medical Officers have raised to low to the UK public from moderate.

The professor warned: will “My prediction is that cases by early begin to pop up in the UK March. older “Specifically I predict that adults will start being admitted to UK hospitals with pneumonia the for and testing positive links coronavirus, but having no to China or contact with travellers they from China and no idea how were infected.

“This will alert health authorities to the start of an epidemic.”

WINNER SH, SHINFIEL

NEWS WITH A HEART FOR

www.wokingham.today

Thursday, February 6, 2020

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RAMS RALLY AYER HELP PL£500 ,000 gift to

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As Denmark Street Car Surgery gets deep clean as coronavirus ’S ST CRISPIN d fears sprea

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

give player with spinal injury an accessible home EXCLUSIVE

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outbreak. closed It comes as a GP surgery was after a on Tuesday for a deep clean visited visit from a patient who had Thailand.

Boundary House Surgery in

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Park set to reopen, we say:

GIVE TOWN SOME LOVE FOR VALENTINE’S

THE World Health Organisation in professor who went to school fresh Wokingham borough has made warnings about the coronavirus

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By JESS WARREN Bracknell is close to Bracknell jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk College and the surgery Wokingham

as aaprecautionary was closed injury, AFTER a life-changing spinal The surgery reopened measure. has been former Rams rugby player her Wednesday from afternoon. inundated with support week medical statistics expert This £500,000 teammates, receiving almost

“We have Professor Ben Cowling said: firmed seen numbers of laboratory-con Dani Watts from Wokingham the cases stabilise 25, butin Wuhan [where started playing rugby aged first reported in China], but virus wasplaying only two years later, whilebe premature to conclude that it may her back for Rams RFC, she broke reached a the epidemic in Wuhan has during a tackle.

Warnings of new virus and a not-so friendly visit from Ciara and Dennis

in donations .

GOLDEN COUPLES TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY P3

Picture: Paul Clark

COVERIN G WOKING HAM,

NEWS REVIEW | 9

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

with a peak.

The mum of two was left case “We have seen increases in spinal injury to her clusters of numbers globally and some central vertebra and concern infections which raises the spent six months in in that transmission has begun hospital after the locations outside of China.” to 2017 accident.

Professor Cowling, who went She said: “It has is School, Sonning CofE Primary been a very difficult director of a World Health time and I just Centre in Organisation Collaborating want the ability working with Hong Kong, and has been and to carry out China Centre for Disease Control ‘normal’ everyPrevention. day tasks for my His main focus now is on whether family, and to yet showing some infected people, not get back to be coronavirus symptoms, might work.” infectious.

Continued on atic He said that “pre-symptom page 6 but not infectiousness” was unusual infectious unheard of for some other diseases.

3

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

have the town “WE couldn’t be happier to step forward. car park back, it’s a massive for all.”

What a Valentine’s present

one of the That’s the message from Business organisers of the Wokingham that the Association, after learning reopening

is Denmark Street Car Park ‘PLEASE HELP for business.

Car Park Last August, the Euro BRING MUM Wokingham section of the popular planning HOME’ P9 town car park was shut after

Continued on page

failed. permission for a housing scheme has Council But Wokingham Borough

Storm Ciara brought down trees in Finchampstead and caused widespread damage across the borough

CHARITY’S APPEAL AFTER STORM P6 DESTROYS BARN the land announced that it is buying as soon as and it will be reopened possible. the town Now, shopkeepers across will come centre are hoping customers flocking back. park is car “The reopening of the Business something Wokingham for for a Association has been calling long time,” said Colin George. for wish couldn’t “We this. than better anything town has “Trade at that end of absolutely suffered – this news is brilliant for the town.” very good He added: “We’ve got a

is getting range of shops, and the town better. for quite “People have been put off have a road some time, when you to the other diversion you get used her: route. That’s what’s happened that people we’ve got to get over to for business, Wokingham town is open shops – come we have some really good back to us.” massive a is park car “The He added: back in boost to us. People will come have now to see what new shops arrived.

“Happy Valentine’s to everyone.”

For more see page 4

PIES TAKE OVER CAFE P18 PANCAKE RACES FOR ALL P29

The first time coronavirus made our front pages: on February 6, Professor Ben Cowling’s warning that the virus will be here in March, and a surgery’s deep clean a week later

T

HE FIRST mention of Covid-19 in our pages came on February 6, 2020 with a front-page headline that showed how new it was: Coronavirus was split into two words with the warning that it ‘could hit UK by mid-March’.

This was a warning from Professor Ben Cowling, a former Sonning CofE Primary School pupil who is currently a director of a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre in Hong Kong. As our exclusive revealed, he had been analysing covid’s transmission patterns in China.

He felt that it was ‘too early to say’ how effective the UK measures against coronavirus were, but expected cases to pop up in the UK by early March.

“I predict that older adults will start being admitted to UK hospitals with pneumonia and testing positive for the coronavirus, but having no links to China or contact with travellers from China and no idea how they were infected,” he told Wokingham.Today.

“This will alert health authorities to the start of an epidemic.”

The fears about the new virus started to be felt locally. On February 11, Boundary House Surgery in Bracknell closed to allow for a deep clean about a suspected coronavirus case. It ultimately turned out to be a false alarm, but as it was one of the first such moments in the county it made BBC and ITV regional news broadcasts.

Daily test results became part of our national routine, with updates published by the Department of Health at 2pm.

Life did continue reasonably normally throughout much of February.

Students from three schools pitched ideas for clamping down on graffiti and litter to Wokingham Town Council in a special contest, impressing town mayor Cllr Lynn Forbes and her panel.

Loddon Valley leisure centre’s £2 million makeover was completed – and christened by borough mayor Cllr Bill Soane joining Cllr Parry Batth, the executive member for environment and leisure, for a spin on the bikes.

It was announced that Farley Hill Primary School could be moved to a new site in Arborfield, something is now in the process of being built.

There was bad weather too, as Storm Ciara ripped through the

borough. Trees came down in Finchampstead, Foresters Way and also the A329m. Hare Hatch-based rehabilitation centre Yeldall Manor also suffered severe storm damage.

A week later, Storm Dennis brought major flooding to the borough, seeing roads underwater at Showcase Roundabout in Winnersh, Mill Lane in Sindlesham, Sandford Lane in Woodley and Church Lane in Arborfield. Our photo of the flooded Tesla charging station at Sindlesham Mill went viral.

A big boost for the borough came when it was announced that a £200 million film studio – the UK’s biggest – was being planned for Shinfield. Cine Valley would be part of the University of Reading’s science park and bring Hollywood to the Thames Valley. By the end of the year, further details would emerge, including the new name of Shinfield Studios and the promise of 3,000 jobs.

It is hoped to open in 2022.

Shinfield St Mary’s Primary School installed a book vending machine, allowing studios to feed their mind rather than stocking up sugary snacks.

Revised plans to revamp Dinton Pastures activity centre were unveiled, showing a building more sympathetic to the lakeside location, with controversial red funnels removed.

The Wokingham Half Marathon took place as on the final Sunday in the month, one of the last big races to take place across the UK this year as coronavirus started to make its way into the country.

Earlier in the month, a third case was identified in a 53-year-old who contracted the virus while attending a conference in Singapore. He was later linked to 11 cases, five in the UK and was said to be a ‘super-spreader’.

Doctors were able to order people to self-isolate if they had the virus.

The first British person to die from coronavirus was a tourist who was onboard the Diamond Princess, a cruise ship moored off Japan.

On February 22, Italian authorities reported cases in holiday resorts, including Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto. As this came after half-term, it would have repercussions for the spread of the virus in the UK in March.

The first confirmed case in the borough was a staff member at Willow Bank Infants School in Woodley who had been on holiday in Italy during that half-term break. The school was

A week later, Storm Dennis brought widespread flooding to the borough, including at Sindelsham (left) and the Showcase Roundabout, bringing traffic misery to many

closed for deep cleaning, and staff from The Bulmershe School selfisolated as they had children attending Willow Bank.

It later turned out that the staff member had attended a training event at another school, leading to more tests, but these came back as negative.

The news was broken by Wokingham.Today during the evening of Saturday, February 29, and saw Cllr Charles Margetts, the executive member for health and wellbeing at Wokingham Borough Council, appear as the main story on the national BBC news bulletin the next evening.

He told us: “We want people to stay calm and focus on the advice from Public Health England” and pledged that council officers were working around the clock to ensure that appropriate information was shared with residents.

Reading East MP Matt Rodda raised the case in parliament, asking health secretary Matt Hancock what would happen to help protect schools.

Responding, Mr Hancock said that it was important for schools to stay open and staff and parents should follow medical advice.

“If there is no epidemiological reason to close, a school should not be closing,” he said.

Above: pupils shared with Wokingham Town Council their ideas of how they can tackle graffiti and litter Right: Wokingham Borough Council bought Denmark Street Car Park and reopened it Below: The book vending machine installed at Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School

10 | NEWS REVIEW

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MARCH 2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

As Covid-19 comes to Wokingham borough, shelves empty, hand gel is in short supply and the big shutdown begins

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Thursday, March 5, 2020

Closure date revealed for Carnival Pool site on Sunday, CARNIVAL POOL will close revamp the May 10, as preparations to site get underway. y work Earlier this week, preparator chopped saw trees around the site season. nesting down ahead of the leisure And work on the new, larger, the library centre will ultimately see Work is move into the complex. and won’t expected to take two years Centre in Leisure Bulmershe until begin is planned Woodley is fully open. This to be Wednesday, April 22. alley and The car park, bowling open Burger King will remain throughout. a sixThe new complex will include and a lane 25m swimming pool floor moveable a with teaching pool and a splash pad. fitness There will also be a larger cycling suite and specialist group four-court a studios; studio; two large wellbeing sports hall; a health and space for centre; larger café; and children’s parties Taylor, Cllr Charlotte Haitham on at regenerati for member executive said: “Its Wokingham Borough Council, Carnival fantastic news that the summer this redevelopment will start fantastic a complete, once be, and will for all our state-of-the-art complex

residents to enjoy.” for Tony Penge, contract manager said: “The Places Leisure, Wokingham, the great new plans will build on have facilities that the local residents Carnival as enjoyed over the years at features. well as bringing lots of new of the “It will build on the success and fitness current swim school provision.” being built, is centre While the new facilities at fitness centre users can use Arborfield St Crispin’s, Loddon Valley, .

Green, Ryeish Green and Bulmershe

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Ebayers sold hand gel for large sums

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The cause of a week’s uncertainty

rus confirmed in Schools close after coronavi to come, as borough. Expert warns more ial report inside — spec supermarket shelves empty

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‘PUT DOWN DOG WHO ATTACKED MY SISTER’ P5

Above and below: familiar sites in March were empty shelves and queuing for food Fred Dinenage temporarily stepped down from hosting Meridian Tonight so he could shield – he is over 70 Retail sites shut down to help try and stop the spread of the virus

A staff member of Willow Bank Infants School (right) had one of the UK’s first reported cases after a half-term holiday to virus-hit Italy

Week of uncertainty that changed everything

T

HE CASE at Willow Bank Infants School set the tone for March.

Although there had only been 85 cases confirmed in the UK by the time our March 5 issue had come out, coronavirus was on the rise.

Professor Ben Cowling predicted that there would be more than 1,000 cases within three weeks. He was right, and as we end the year, we are seeing more than 36,000 cases a day.

He said: “One of the priorities for the government is to implement measures that will slow down the spread of infection so that hospitals do not face a major surge in cases in April or May. “A brief window still remains within which to prepare for what will shortly be recognised as a global pandemic.”

He also called for the closure of public venues, such as schools, places of worship and sports stadiums to minimise contact among the community.

At the same time, supermarket shelves were starting to empty as people stocked up on items such as hand sanitiser, pasta and toilet paper.

We reported one shopper who said: “There was a woman in my local supermarket wearing a face mask with two trolleys. One was laden with four packets of 24 rolls of toilet paper, the other stacked with paracetamol, anti-bacterial spray, soaps and wipes.

“It seems like an overreaction.”

At the time, the wearing of face coverings was unusual.

Supermarkets and chemists started to introduce rationing in an attempt to meet demand.

Elsewhere, life continued as normal with plans being made for summer fun days, neighbourhood meetings, crime conferences and skittles nights.

A vegan wedding fair was planned for Trunkwell House and churches in Crowthorne asked people to save the date for a big VE Day street party.

Our issue of March 12 was the last one fully produced with our team working from the Wokingham.Today offices as we started working from home, as did much of the country.

The front page featured a petition organised by Woodley Conservatives to try and save the Good Companions pub from being turned into housing, while the annual exotic cat show was held once again in Twyford.

Page 2 contained news that a patient in the Royal Berkshire Hospital had died after testing positive for the coronavirus, the first local death.

The mixture of normal life continued in our pages: quiz nights, nestled with a wassail for a community orchid, a group of residents huddled together to protest plans to install a phone mast in Winnersh, and a variety show raised more than £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care.

But, the London Marathon was postponed and the Reading Half Marahon as well as football matches were suspended. Then there were 200 confirmed cases in a single day, a new record.

The Chancellor had initially announced a £12 billion package of emergency support in his budget, but this would increase later in the month.

The key seven days to the year began on Monday, March 16, when prime minister Boris Johnson asked people to work from home and avoid pubs and restaurants, although they can stay open. Two days later, it was announced that schools would close on Friday, March 20, until further notice – and on that day, Boris

Johnson ordered pubs, restaurants, gyms and other venues to shut.

To soften the blow, the chancellor announced the government’s furlough scheme, paying 80% of workers wages for the next three months. The scheme would be extended several times and is currently due to end in April.

That week, we helped launch the borough’s community response to coronavirus: One Front Door.

The idea was revolutionary but also very simple. Wokingham Borough Council teamed up with charities to offer resources for people who had to self-isolate, be it shopping, a listening ear or picking up prescriptions.

Spearheaded by Citizens Advice, residents could call one number and get connected to the support they needed. The service is still in use today, and seeing demand increase.

Our front page of March 19 featured two telephone numbers: one to get help and the other to give it. You responded in droves, and council staff

were deployed, so the services were fully staffed fairly quickly.

The same issue had a large photo of something that has now become normal life: people queuing for entrance into the supermarket.

But unlike now where we stay two metres apart, this was a huddle as demand outstripped supply, particularly for toilet roll.

As ever, some people try and take advantage with bottles of hand gel going for £100 each on eBay. Although the government hadn’t called a lockdown, shops and businesses started to make their own arrangements: Reading Buses made its Saturday timetable a daily one, local elections were postponed for a year.

However, the situation changed rapidly over the weekend and on Monday, March 23, the Prime Minister made an address to the nation, announcing the first national lockdown.

“The coronavirus is the biggest threat this country has faced for decades,” he said. “If too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it – meaning more people are likely to die, not just from Coronavirus but from other illnesses as well.

“So it’s vital to slow the spread of the disease.”

He added: “From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home.”

The exceptions were for shopping, daily exercise, medical need and commuting. Fines were threatened for non-compliance.

It was intended to be for just three weeks and then review the situation.

“We will come through it stronger than ever,” he said.

“We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together.”

Although Boris Johnson had said that parks could remain open, the borough council closed play parks out of concerns that children would increase any transmission of the virus. re3 recycling centres were also closed.

Council leader John Halsall said that covid was the biggest challenge the country has faced since the Second World War, pledging that his team were ready.

“We have well established plans in place with our Public Health colleagues,” he said. “Our technology is robust, our staff are resilient and determined to provide the services people rely on.”

As part of this, daily meetings were held to meet the latest concerns and challenges.

Although council meetings were postponed temporarily, meetings of the Maiden Erlegh Residents’ Association were among the first go virtual.

Elsewhere, BBC Radio Berkshire moved to a new broadcast pattern of four-hour shows featuring popular presenters such as Bill Buckley, Phil Kennedy and Sarah Walker. Its Make A Difference slots explained how communities were coming together in unique ways to help each other.

Events were being cancelled left, right and centre: the Berkshire Show and the Wokingham May Fayre were among the early casualties.

There was one other story that appeared in the March 26 edition of the paper: the AWE Burghfield site had to extend its emergency zone, and this would affect the council’s plans to create a garden town in Grazeley.

Quite how was then not known.

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

APRIL 2020

NEWS REVIEW | 11

Stay at home is the message– but there is an urgent need for medical grade supplies, fulfilled in part by borough companies

Lockdown life and the mad dash for PPE

L

OCKDOWN was the new normal for the country as stay at home became a fact of life. Pupils remained off school and it seemed quite jolly despite the increasing spread of the virus.

But it was not without problems.

PPE became the buzzword, as demand outstripped supply.

A cottage industry started to sprung up, masterminded by Leighton Park School, with volunteers and groups producing face masks using 3D printers and plastic sheeting and we featured several such initiatives across the month. There was also a team in Twyford who made surgical scrubs to help the NHS. And in Wokingham, Intersurgical was hard at work ramping up its production of medical grade equipment designed to help protect the NHS. More than 500 people worked round the clock to help create the right pieces, and saw designers, lab technicians and sales reps temporarily switch to the warehouse to meet demand.

It was a team effort: support had come from companies such as Brown Bag which supplied lunches to the Molly Millars Lane company.

Wokingham Borough Council also appealed for donations of masks, gloves and aprons so its supply of PPE didn’t run out, and there were also calls for virus tests to be used in care homes to help avoid Covid-19 from spreading.

There were concerns over the pressure that Covid-19 was placing on care homes in the borough, with some not having enough support and in others stories of residents being placed from straight from hospital even if they had the virus.

In the end, Wokingham Borough Council turned to the Government and said no to accepting patients into its care homes until testing for Covid-19 could be guaranteed.

Professor Ben Cowling hoped that the lockdown would see the UK “avoid the situation unfolding in parts of Spain and France” where infection rates were rising rapidly. He also encouraged people to wear face coverings when going shopping, saying it could help protect a healthy wearer from infection.

The One Front Door scheme had been busy, helping 370 people in a week, as well as receiving donations of food to send out. They included chocolates from the Reading branch of Thorntons. Foodbanks accepted food donations and made their wants lists clear.

Hare Hatch Sheeplands put in place a scheme to try and help Twyford villagers receive their groceries, and gave away free face shields at a time when they were still a novelty.

Support for businesses started appearing, with the council opening a £10,000 Small Business Grant scheme and another grant for Retail, Leisure and Hospitality sectors. Cllr John Kaiser encouraged people to apply. By the end of the month, the council was given £7.3 million by the Government to help its efforts among the community.

In a sign of the times, foreshadowing the weekly clap for the NHS, signs starting appearing the borough, one saying ‘Thank you front line staff’. A ‘Thank You NHS’ was painted on to the road in Twyford, and rainbows sprung up in people’s windows.

In Winnersh, the clap was led by teenager Asyushi Chopra, a talented Dhol drummer. Just down the road, her near neighbour Steve Block performed Somewhere Over The Rainbow on his cornet, a weekly impromptu concert that was much admired.

And in Emmbrook, Pipe Major Ron Paterson gave a blast on his bagpipes as he led his neighbourhood clap.

This community spirit was echoed in other initiatives and schemes. We reported on Winnersh man Christopher Elvin who bought a load of funny costumers and went for a daily walk wearing one of them. Sparkles the Unicorn,

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for THE NUMBER hospital admissions across the drug misuse in young people a decade borough has risen by 95% in according to Government figures.

Health Earlier this month, Public figures for England released the latest been people aged 15-24 who have their main admitted to hospital where diagnosis were mental and to opioids, behavioural disorders due cannabinoids, sedatives, hallucinogens and psychoactive substances. there 2010/11, and Between 2008/09 for drug were 18 hospital admissions misuse in young people. heroin, This includes the misuse of LSD, cannabis, xanax, alcohol, cocaine, ketamine and spice. between This rose to 35 admissions the 2016/17 and 2018/19. And across admissions South East, the number of decade. rose by 45% during the last Cllr Charles Margetts, executive and member for health, wellbeing that explained WBC, at services adult the statistics are now calculated increase differently, which means the is greater than the reality. to He said: “Also, the data refers could be episodes not persons, so it that one person has multiple

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By SUE CORCORAN tens of lockdown has averted news@wokinghampaper.co.uk the UK or thousands of deaths in thousands of World Health perhaps even hundreds of WOKINGHAM borough’s predicting the deaths.”

Organisation professor is of a will have saved Professor Cowling, director UK’s coronavirus lockdown correctly lives. of centre, WHO thousands Hong Kong at least tens of Paper Professor Expert on disease spread, predicted in a Wokingham of to Sonning in early February the start Ben Cowling, who went worried interview by early March. In early CofE Primary School, is though and a UK epidemic about hospitals in London the UK had just two cases. attendances. situation February most of Birmingham. He fears their On Monday he said: “I think “Saying that, we aren’t of course in the next avoided the will become very serious complacent.” the country [UK] will have Continued on page 4 week or two.

Rasher the Pig and a host of others were pressed into use (see page 7).

Another idea that caught imaginations was Spoonyville. The first appeared to crop up in Robinhood Lane in Winnersh. Creative residents added their own wooden spoons decorated as different types of people – musicians, children’s characters, a T-Rex and the Queen were among the initial 40 creations. They’ve been saved for posterity by Winnersh Parish Council.

A Woodley youngster, Dexter Rosier, helped raise £600 for the NHS by organising a quiz.

Colourful questions set by the seven-year-old spelt out a hidden message. He vowed to create a second quiz if he raised £1,000.

In Wargrave, villagers clubbed together to present a cheque for £2,000 to Praba and Murthy Sreemurthy, who run their village shop.

It was to express their gratitude for the way in which the Sreemurthys had kept the store operating during the pandemic.

Thames Valley Police set up roadblocks in some places in a bid to encourage people to stay at home.

Optimistically, rock band The Filf announced plans to go on a truck tour of Wokingham to cheer people up when the pandemic was over.

Unfortunately, it’s not been safe to do so, and the band remain in the garage.

Sir John Redwood argued on his blog that the lockdown should end urgently, finding other ways to protect the vulnerable. But with the World Health Organisation suggesting otherwise and France staying closed until May 11, ending early would seem dangerous.

And there was confusion after a chain letter containing Bible verses and comments about the dangers of a Covid-19 vaccine, along with a £5 note, was posted anonymously to homeowners in parts of Wokingham.

Council meetings started again, but in an online format – as we joked, it meant that we wouldn’t know if the councillors were wearing any trousers under the desk. Originally it was thought that the public would have to register to

The Community Hub launched by Wokingham Borough Council: volunteers created food parcels

in parts situation that is now unfolding of Spain and France.” parents Professor Cowling, whose UK health still live in Sonning, believes what authorities were now considering after case policies might be possible levels decline to low levels. could be “Perhaps the lockdown some degree relaxed later in April with as well of social distancing maintained, allow to testing as expanded of cases in identification and isolation the community,” he said.

Continued on page 6

BOROUGH P6 BATTLES COVID-19

KEBAB VAN OWNER FIGHTS COUNCIL OVER TRADING P13 HOSPICE FOUNDER’S PLEA FOR SUPPORT P21

tune into an audio link, but the reality was a Microsoft Teams meeting broadcast on YouTube Some initial teething troubles have now settled down and the council has kept to its usual programme of meetings.

Elsewhere, vandals damaged a bus which Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School had intended to use as an additional classroom.

Generous residents rallied round to help with the repairs. The vandals also damaged floodlights at Shinfield Tennis Club as well as the windows of Davis Tate in the village.

On Easter Monday, an historic oak breathed its last and fell on to Luckmore Drive in Earley.

Thought to be 300 years old, it thankfully fell into the road and not the homes nearby.

The trunk is to be turned into benches, and The Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association mourned its passing.

The lockdown had a knock-on effect on your favourite local newspaper. Like many publications, advertising revenue dipped forcing a reduction in pagination. However, there was still the same content produced as normal, even though some team members were on furlough.

We also introduced our new centre spread featuring a mixture of off-beat, interesting, quirky and different stories from every corner of the borough … and beyond.

The potpourri is hugely popular and we’re intending to keep it when everyday life resumes.

One of our favourite stories from this was of a dog called Pebble (see page 17).

He chewed up 12-year-old Chloe’s glasses while she enjoyed a night in a tent. Specsavers in Denmark Street rushed to the rescue – and her story later formed part of a TV advert for the company.

12 | NEWS REVIEW

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MAY 2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The new routine: residents make the most of good weather while staying at home and protecting the NHS

Keeping calm and carrying on in lockdown

M

AY was a month when we’d been in lockdown for six weeks, so we were getting into a routine. Schools were still off, exams had been cancelled and every event that would normally take place had been mothballed.

But fine weather meant we made the most of our daily exercise and found some great things to do to bring communities together in a socially distanced way.

Covid-19 in care homes still dominated the headlines, when a leaked report revealed that 12 of them had residents with the virus. One, Austen House in Lower Earley, had sadly saw 21 residents pass away after testing positive.

Work to create PPE at Leighton Park School continued and we were able to feature a picture of RBH staff wearing the homemade visors. And a Woodley woman, Tina Hancock, raised £5,000 to set up the Scrub Hub South Oxon so that the NHS had enough medical grade scrubs to wear.

A big occasion in the calendar for Muslins, Ramadam, was marked in lockdown. Instead of coming together to end their daily fasting, members of the Aisha Masjid Islamic Centre had to take part at home. And Eid, which took place on May 23, was also a muted celebration.

There were fears that the pandemic would lead to people being forced into homelessness. Bracknell-based Pilgrim Hearts trust said that they were concerned that bankruptcies, housing eviction and domestic violence would cause the increase. As the year progressed, Wokingham Borough Council has made tackling this a priority and now says that there is only one person in the borough who is homeless – and that’s because they won’t accept help.

Some things started to reopen, carefully. They included parking facilities for the country parks including Woodford Park, Dinton Pastures and California.

Borough leader Cllr John Halsall expressed a desire to make the re3 recycling centres reopen so that residents who had been decluttering in lockdown could book a slot and drop their waste off.

Our coverage of the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic was celebrated by trade publication Press Gazette. It said that it was a top example of breaking news and live blogs and showcased excellence in reporting the coronavirus.

The 75th anniversary of VE Day was marked by socially distanced picnics and tea parties, a far cry from what Boris Johnson had hoped we’d be able to do in March. As part of the day, Wokingham Town Council’s honorary bugler Damion Eames performed a

PPE at Hare Hatch Sheeplands

Jed and Anya created a blind date book exchange in Winnersh

Last Post at 2.55pm, while town crier Nigel Hopkins performed in the international cry for peace at 6.55pm.

The community continued to find ways to keep people’s spirits up.

Brother and sister Jed and Anya created a book exchange in Winnersh.

The youngsters said that they chose popular authors such as Roald Dahl and then wrapped the books in paper so that people could have a blind date.

Wokingham Lions launched a Thursday night pub quiz, and saw more than 250 teams take part, raising a lot of money for charities.

Quizmaster Ian Grange said that he was inspired to start it after missing the quiz night at the Two Poplars pub in Finchampstead Road. Entrants came from all over the world including Singapore and Scotland.

Spoonyville in Winnersh continued to attract attention, with its fame seeing others spring up including a site in Australia, while in Sonning a Ministry of Silly Walks zones was established. Signs were erected in the High Street telling pedestrians to take it less seriously – and they did in their droves.

An ice cream home delivery service was launched by Sir Whippy, bringing all the fun of stop-me-and-buy-one to a street near you. The Crowthornebased firm was making up for lost business after his usual events were cancelled.

Photographer Tammy Kazhdan created some doorstep portraits of people.

In Crowthorne, firecrews moved into their new purpose-built station, but the community centre aspect of it can’t be pressed into use just yet due to the pandemic. While the site was being built, crews were based at Wellington College.

With local elections cancelled, the annual mayor making ceremonies were very different this year.

Wokingham Town Council held a virtual ceremony to appoint Cllr Tony Lack and his wife Claire. He’s taken his chain of office seriously, attending what he can across the year.

Tina Hancock with the Scrub Hub

Spoonyville went international

Woodley took a starring role in a TV advert for NatWest. In it, staff filmed themselves showing how they were working from home during the pandemic. The Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct was shown with the caption ‘things are a bit quiet here right now’.

Another TV star was St Nicolas Earley minister Emma Major, whose artwork appeared on the Channel 4 programme Grayson’s Art Club. It went on to appear in a festive special in which works were exhibited for the public to enjoy. Emma would also appear in the paper later in the year to talk about her book Little Big Guy, written to help people struggling with this year’s events.

The Queen’s Head team had been busy during lockdown. Queen Bee Carol Williams had given the muchloved historic inn a makeover fit, well, for a queen, ready for when it could reopen.

One of our favourite stories of the year was that of Susan Player, who has fulfilled a lifetiime’s ambition of having two pet pigs. She’s reared them since they were seven weeks old and could be held in one hand. Now the pampered animals live the life of riley with a paddling pool, toys and treats.

Oh, and plenty of suncream as they don’t have any natural sun protection.

Emma Major appeared on Grayson Perry’s Channel 4 show dedicated to art

Celebrating VE Day were Dave and Tasha, Olivia, Isabella Moore

Crowthorne fire station left Wellington College for its new home

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

JUNE 2020

NEWS REVIEW | 13

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Lockdown starts to lift and retail reopens – but life is far from normal as community groups continue to offer help and support

Shops allowed to reopen

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ON-ESSENTIAL shops were given permission to reopen from June 15, while outdoor markets were able to resume from June 1. It was the first sign that lockdown was starting to ease – and it was welcomed by Sir john Redwood, Wokingham MP, who said that it would save livelihoods as well as lives.

But to ensure 2 metre social distancing could take place, measures had to be put in place and these proved to be controversial.

One way systems on wide pavements were straightforward, but there were barriers erected in Rose Street, Wiltshire Road and Peach Street to help people stay away from each other. However, they took away space for motorists including disabled parking bays.

Ultimately, the council removed them as quickly as allowed, but it took some weeks for this to happen.

And both Bracknell MP James Sunderland, and Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood called for the two metre rule to be relaxed, and it was changed to 1 metre plus where possible.

With retail environments, spot checks were promised to ensure that companies were sticking to the guidelines aimed to be a ‘vital framework’ so that they were safe for everyone.

Help was continued to be dished out by the One Front Door scheme, although the community hub which had been based at St Crispin’s leisure centre was to be wound down as demand for food parcels fell. This was because supermarkets had had time to create a priority delivery scheme and also people were started to return to normal life.

However, £100,000 was given out in emergency grants by Wokingham United Charities, to help residents with white goods such as a washing machine, or a cooker. They had been referred by One Front Door.

Other schemes included The Cowshed’s goodie bags which contained craft materials, colouring books and pens, funded by a grant from the National Lottery.

Taxi drivers appealed for help from the council after seeing fares drop – with few people commuting, or going out out, their income had dropped massively. Some were considering giving up the trade and finding alternative work as they couldn’t make a living.

There had been widespread anger over Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s advisor who took his family to Durham instead of self-isolating at home and then claimed a trip to Barnard Castle was to test his eyesight before driving. One Wokingham man added a message to the side of his van that read: ‘Dominic Cummings advice on double standards, hypocrite tips, Durham tours, taking the p*ss, references from Downing Street’.

Colin Ballard said: “I created the sign to highlight the hypocrisy of the situation after reading about it in The Wokingham Paper”. He added that the response to it had been very positive.

A sure sign that nature was healing was the return of traffic wardens to the streets of the borough. After a lockdown rest, they returned first of all with warning notices before handing out tickets once again. Cllr Pauline

Above: Town mayor Cllr Tony Lack with his wife Claire celebrate the return of shopping Below: The temporary social distancing measures were controversial

Jorgensen, the executive member for Highways, said that it had been the right thing to suspend ticketing during lockdown, but they needed to return to ensure roads were kept clear and safe.

During lockdown, Wokingham Borough Council had used the reduced volume of traffic to work on the roads, notably a major project at Showcase Roundabout in Winnersh, which is hoped will avoid any major flooding events in future. And a major project to install a cycleway from the Coppid Beech roundabout to the town centre was launched, with kerbstones made from recycled plastic – one of the ways in which the council hopes to reduce its carbon footprint.

One of the big stories of the year was a row over the council’s support for Black Lives Matter. Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall gave a statement at a virtual council meeting where he said he couldn’t support it over fears it was becoming an antipolice message in the United States.

He made the situation more

complication when his initial statement about the terror attack in Forbury Gardens linked a Black Lives Matter protest earlier in the day. Cllr Halsall has since apologised for this error and vowed to make good his mistake by doing everything he could to ensure the council was committed to equality.

Another Spoonyville appeared, this time outside Emmbrook Infant and Junior schools, featuring colourful characters created by children who were attending the school. And there was also one in Winnersh Farm.

The coronavirus sadly led to the demise of the John Nike Leisuresport Complex – no more dry skiing, or ice hockey. The closure was mooted in June, and announced later in the summer. It meant that the Bracknell Bees had to move, with their games going to Slough.

Residents had been asking for doorstep glass collections, and an enterprising company launched such a scheme. For those willing to pay, The Glass Company will make regular pickups to save trips to bottle banks.

And two summer events were cancelled: Dinton Pastures Country Show was due to be held for the first time in August, but moved to 2021, while the Earley Green Fair was also pulled.

Zoom calls have been one of the watchwords of the year, and the use of technology has allowed groups to do some amazing things. They included Woodley Concert Band who recorded a version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow using the conference call technology, each musician playing a part and then having it stitched together. The result was quite amazing.

The Earley Panda made his first appearance in our pages at the end of the month. A cyclist wearing a panda costume used GPS to create routes that would eventually draw an object such as a turtle, raising funds for mental health charities (see page 16).

James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails

Unspeakable tragedy AN UNSPEAKABLE tragedy befell both Reading and Wokingham on Saturday, June 20, after three men were killed as they enjoy the summer sunshine with friends in Forbury Gardens.

Joe Ritchie-Bennett, David Wails and James Furlong died of stab wounds following an incident described by police as a terrorist attack.

Martin Cooper, from Reading Pride, paid tribute to the three men, saying that they were true gentlemen, each with their own unique personalities.

The home secretary Priti Patel thanked Thames Valley Police for their work in the town in the aftermath of the incident, offering heartfelt condolences to the families.

Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds visited with

Reading East MP Matt Rodda.

He said: “I wanted to show respect for those who lost their lives in this horrible event”.

Mr Furlong was a teacher at The Holt School, respected and admired by staff and pupils alike.

Their shock was palpable as they came together on the Monday after the event to pay tribute to him and his two friends.

The moment’s silence was broadcast live on news channels.

Floral tributes were left at the school gates, and pupils were given the opportunity to say prayers and light candles in neighbouring St Paul’s Church.

Charities offered counselling and a listening ear to those affected: Soulscape, which works in the borough’s schools, and LBGTQ+ group SupportU.

Holt School pupils hold a two-minute silence for the Forbury Three, including one of their teachers, James Furlong

14 | NEWS REVIEW

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JULY 2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

As the first wave of Coronavirus started to die away, other issues in the borough came back to the fore

Borough mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards was able to open a new GP surgery in Winnersh, while Cllr UllaKarin Clark, the executive member for children’s services, joined staff at Alder Grove Primary School to hand over keys to The Keys trust which operates the facility. It opened in September

Cllr John Halsall, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, with Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, leader of Wokingham Town Council mark the borough’s first Pride event – at a distance, of course

Colin Thoreau, manager at Brighton’s News was pictured celebrating after seeing its home delivery service increase – as well as newspapers, it also delivers fresh produce such as bread and milk

Leader’s naked threat over housing numbers

I

F there’s one issue that affects the borough other than coronavirus, it’s housing numbers.

In July, the Government launched consultations over the future of the planning system and suggested that Wokingham should take 1,635 new homes every year, nearly double the current target.

In a bid to make Whitehall pay attention, council leader John Halsall threatened to walk naked through Westminster.

Our front page of July 30 mocked up what this would look like, complete with his trademark bow tie and, in keeping with his carbon neutral target, a protest sign made from recycled cardboard.

The council’s green deal, setting out a road map as to how it would reach carbon neutrality by 2030, was approved by councillors at a meeting.

It includes 37 core targets, 123 key actions and 385 milestones, along with a financial plan and a carbon budget.

As part of this, it was announced that residents would see their black boxes for recycling replaced with sacks. Originally described as hessian, they are actually made of recycled plastic with a weighted rubber mat at the bottom or stability. The aim is to keep recycling dry during the wetter winter months.

An experiment was conducted to see what Wokingham town centre would be like if Denmark Street was closed to traffic. Two Saturdays were planned after road use declined during lockdown and people

rediscovered the joys of walking and cycling. However, it didn’t work and was scrapped after one weekend.

The idea might gain more traction once the distributor roads are completed and traffic can avoid the town.

Traffic was also a concern for residents of the A327 Finchampstead Road. They have been calling for the road to have a reduced speed limit, saying that vehicles are driving too fast causing windows to shudder in their homes. And we revealed that children living on the road were being ferried to school in taxis as it was considered too dangerous for them to cross the road to catch the bus.

Wokingham Town Council reported the sad news that Cllr James Box passed away suddenly. The first Labour councillor to represent Wescott ward, he was married with two young children.

As lockdown restrictions eased, pubs prepared to reopen for business: staggered entry times, booking systems, one-way routes, queuing to get in and additional hygiene measures in place.

As result capacity shrunk: The Redan reduced from 224 people to just 50, while The Rifle Volunteer introduced a special website so people could log their visit.

And to encourage people to support their local pubs, the Chancellor announced the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, offering a 50% discount, up to £10, for meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

It was due to start in August and Pete Scott, from the Lord Raglan, was excited. “We’ve very keen to get on board … it will definitely drill-up trade and help to get more customers through the door”.

Also allowed to reopen were leisure centres, from August 3. In preparation, the borough council arranged for previews of the new Bulmershe Leisure Centre.

But the community hub, which had delivered food parcels to isolating and vulnerable residents, announced it was to wind down its operations as council staff were returned to their usual roles. It had delivered 4,600 parcels, and supported 1,174 households.

Our edition of July 2 featured picture stories of the new normal: people socially distancing from each

other. Borough mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards opened the new Winnersh GP surgery, keeping well away from Dr Matthew Pearce who said that the new site would allow it to train more staff.

And underneath that story we featured the handover of the presidency of Wokingham Lions: the chain of office was slipped along a tape measure laid out to exactly two metres so that Nigel Page and Lyn Bailey didn’t break the distance rule.

The first Wokingham Pride event took place – although coronavirus meant it wasn’t a day-long jamboree as planned.

Instead, borough council leader John Halsall teamed up with Wokingham town council leader Imogen Shepherd-DuBey for a socially distanced gathering in Market Place.

Hopefully next year a larger event can take place.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital revealed that donations given to it during the Covid-19 pandemic would be used to create a staff welfare centre so they had somewhere to go to after stressful situations on wards.

With people still staying at home where possible, The Wokingham Paper teamed up with Sultan Balti Palace to launch a new delivery service. Anyone who ordered a takeaway was given a free copy, so they could keep up with all the news and enjoy a curry at the same time.

There was more good news – the Public Interest News Foundation awards £3,000 grant funding to us as support for quality independent

journalism during the pandemic.

Jonathan Henwood, the executive director of PINF, said: “There’s so much more to do to support independent public interest journalism in the UK. “Everyone has a role to play … we all need to pull together if we want to see a positive future for journalism.”

We were delighted to report that Brighton’s News had seen its delivery business soar in popularity during the pandemic as people switched to home deliveries not just of their favourite newspapers and magazines, but also essential supplies such as bread and milk.

There were more cancellations, as the organising committee of Wokingham Winter Carnival felt they had no option but to pull the November event, replacing it with a socially distanced charity market.

The community spirit for which Wokingham borough is famous for was in evidence when Wokingham Men’s Shed revealed that Wokingham Town Council had asked them to create more than 100 fair doors and windows for the Grub Club (now Share Wokingham) to distribute to the families it helped.

Looking to the future, staff at the new Alder Grove primary school in Winnersh were handed the keys by Cllr UllaKarin Clark, the executive member for children’s services, while a new SEND school is being mooted for Winnersh Farm.

NEWS REVIEW | 15

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

AUGUST 2020

The month of summer dining, thanks to Eat Out To Help Out saw some semblance of normality during this tumultuous year

The big reopen as life feels more normal TWYFORD & SURROUND ING

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER WIN A PRIVATE SCREENING AT THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Woodcray: residents ITY HELPS celebrate CHAR appeal win WITH UNIFORM SHORTAGE ING

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BOROUGH CELEBRATES GCSE RESULTS DAY P4

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

arrested on TWO men have been murder suspicion of attempted Reading on following a stabbing in east Tuesday evening.

EXCLUSIVE appealing Thames Valley Police are

By JESS WAREEN which took for witnesses to the assault, jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A4 London place around 6pm on the declared by with St VICTORY has been Road, close to its junction an appeal to Wokingham residents, after Bartholomew's Road.

Meadows main busy a is build 217 homes on Woodcray The junction – which inspectorate. borough was rejected by the planning road connecting Wokingham by off to cordoned was – It was the second application Reading with to build causing property developer Galdmans give police time to investigate, and on countryside off Finchampstead jams across Reading, Woodley Road.

Earley.

Woodcray that the Members of the Save Police said on social media Group had and (SWC) Countryside Campaign victim sustained stab wounds year treatment said it has been a three-and-a-half and been taken to hospital for council the condition. stable a between in is battle where he man residents against Gladmans.

The arrested – an 18-year-old protested both from Campaigners previously and a 21-year-old man – are yellow custody the development by tying Reading and remain in police fences along ribbons to trees, gates and as we went to press.

Detective the road.

Senior investigating officer and said: “We Councillors across Evendons Chief Inspector Dave Turton, opposed the thorough Wescott wards openly are carrying out a leader incident plans, including then council investigation following this to be McGhee-Sumner.

Julianthe which at this stage appears said: of Cllr John Kaiser, deputy leader Clarissa Flynn from SWC Group targeted. shops and a huge and member for to homes, hospitals, schools, is a fantastic result and council and executive “Thissaid “Two men have been arrested EXCLUSIVE finance, relief to everyone who has helped in this time. offices. and they remain in custody at made in housing to see the idea who may The announcement was our campaign.

“We are asking anyone where Mr Jenrick was floating the all followingplease By JESS WARREN Sunday Telegraph, thank to before to The assault like the response, “We would aper.co.uk have witnessed land across the public the to these we are jwarren@wokinghamp Mr Jenrick explained that information about residents who wrote to object come forward. Additionally into three up with who have been the UK would be designated the plan. and to the councillors plans asking anyone who may across the borough are protection. intricacies of : “We Gladmans. at around COUNCILLORS zones; growth, renewal and He told Wokingham.Today supported our battle against driving along London Road a naked protest will do system work Mark dash cam concerned that Mr Jenrick said the new how the system will “We would also like to thank 6pm, to please check your housing development under “build, build, don’t know you believe little to stop would help developers to his team at Wokingham plans.

Mark Croucher, footage and get in touch if for yet, nobody does. homes the housing secretary’s latest lots of barrister, affordable Jenrick build” “At the end of the day, it’sBorough Council and our Robert it may assist our investigation.”

Sunday, who have been On such call 34-year-olds forward can to put 16who QC, generation Sasha White Anyone with information onto the property bravado.” announced a “once in a page 9 4/8/20.

Continued on which unable to climb a compelling case at the appeal.

101, quoting reference 920 reform” to the planning process, spaces at due to rising prices.

“We hope that the green Alternatively, call Crimestoppers would give automatic permission ladder for 111.

Woodcray can now be protected anonymously on 0800 555 future generations." inspector In his decision, planning "Overall, the Jonathan Manning said: result from level of harm that would the scheme is very substantial." lack Reasons for the refusal included oak of local amenities, loss of protected Road, traffic trees on Finchampstead services. congestion and limited bus was for The first application rejected 250 homes.

‘NEW PLANN RULES ENDANGER OUR BOROUGH’

national reform plan Councillors concerned over

ANIMALS ARRIVE AT SHEEPLANDS P8

COUNCIL BUYS P13 RECYCLING SACKS TODDLER HIT WITH ELECTRIC P11 SCREWDRIVER

BIKERS’ RIDE -BY FOR LEWIE P2 CITIZENS ADVICE REVEAL FREE HELP PHONES P15

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Emma Cantrell, founder of First Days Children’s Charity

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Motorbike mad Lewie (in blue T-shirt) had a special surprise: kind-hearted motorbikers took part in a drive past his Norreys home While coronavirus continued to make its presence felt, it wasn’t front page material during August

A

UGUST was the month that life started to return to new normal. With pubs and restaurants taking part in Eat Out To Help Out, leisure centres and gyms open again and good weather, there were reasons to be cheerful.

Jon Levene, the general manager of Sindlesham-based The Walter Arms said that thanks to Eat Out to Help Out, the pub had seen a huge rise in bookings, with the specials being popular.

A similar story was told by Angelo Caloro, the owner of Ruchetta in Wokingham’s Rose Street.

Joining the list of reopening venues were libraries. Just two to start with: Wokingham and Woodley, and with limited hours. Books touched but not checked out had to be quarantined for three days to ensure safety. Throughout lockdown, the libraries have offered digital services for people and continue to do so.

To celebrate the reopening of cinemas, we were able to offer readers the chance to win a private screening at the Showcase Cinema De Lux in Winnersh, complete with snacks.

It was a happy day when Bulmershe Leisure Centre was finally allowed to open. It had been delayed due to the initial lockdown in March, but could now welcome residents ready to use its new pool, gym and badminton courts.

Plans to force outdoor trainers to pay £1,500 for a permit to use council parks for group sessions were announced, and then withdrawn within days.

On the Thursday, Cllr Parry Batth said that the permits gave trainers and coaches a different option of venue for the clients. But on Saturday, Cllr John Kaiser said: “It is suspended, and will be cancelled on Monday”, and he blamed Covid-19 for the council taking the eye off the ball.

As schools prepared to reopen to pupils in September, we reported on concerns that it wasn’t yet safe for them to reopen. Parent group Brutus (Boycott Return To Unsafe Schools) wanted lessons to continue at home, however, Labour councillor Andy Croy said that “we have a moral duty to get kids back to school” as well as keeping them safe, and Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, commended school staff for their mammoth effort in preparing for the new term.

The lack of exams, and lockdown, meant that A-level and GCSE reporting was muted this year: unlike our usual practice of visiting different schools, taking photos of jumping children, we instead worked from home and welcomed photos sent to us from the various schools across the borough.

Even then, the results were changed days later after the Government’s algorithm went wonky, giving lower grades than predicted for many.

In a boost for Wokingham town centre, M&Co announced it would retain its presence in the town, while a new Indian takeaway open in Peach Street.

Mumbai Wokingham attracted huge crowds for its opening event, which included a free lunch of Indian street food.

Wokingham town mayor Cllr Tony Lack opened new Indian takeaway Mumbai

Georgina Hustler launched a Christmas shop

Wokingham takes a knee during the Black Lives Matter event

Georgina Hustler, who runs Maison Rustic and Antique Rose, announced she was taking over the former Wallis shop in Bush Walk to create a Christmas store, selling high quality decorations and gift ideas.

Sadly petty vandalism returned to Wokingham town centre, with trees uprooted and gates damaged in Howard Palmer Gardens, plants taken from Elms Field. Members of the Great Langborough Residents Association and Wokingham Town councillors came to the rescue, but a search was on for witnesses to come forward.

Elsewhere, eight-year-old Orson Lewis showed the grownups how to do it, by launching

a litter picking scheme. Armed with the right gadgets, it took him just an hour to fill one blue bag with litter including empty drink cans and miniature wine bottles.

Tributes were paid to former Wokingham Borough Council leader Frank Browne (pictured inset). He became opposition leader in 2000, and led the Conservatives to victory in 2002. Away from the council, he helped campaign for Barack Obama in the US presidential elections. Former prime minister Theresa May said:

Orson Lewis picked up lots of litter

“Frank was not only a good friend, but a dedicated public servant and an effective council leader. We campaigned together in many elections and campaigns.”

Hundreds of bikers gathered in St Crispin’s School to take part in a special ride-by. They wanted to support three-year-old Lewie, who was diagnosed with leukaemia during lockdown. The surprise event for the bike-loving lad put a massive smile on his face.

Those taking part included a Mod club and a group of bikers from Cheltenham.

Looking ahead to 2021, Wargrave Festival announced that its theme would be the Summer of Love and run over 19 days from June 9 through to Sunday, June 27.

The month ended with a seasonally chilly Black Lives Matter event, attended by residents and councillors including leader John Halsall, making good his promise to listen, learn and work to make the borough as equal as possible. A range of speakers shared their experiences of racism and spoke of the importance of stamping it out.

The event concluded with people being asked to take a knee in symbolic support for the movement’s commitment to racial justice.

16 | NEWS REVIEW

If you’re missing Tony’s poetry April 16 – REGULAR visitors to Wokingham Station may already know of a poetry-reading station caller, but for those who have missed out – fear no more.

Tony Knight is a familiar voice for Wokingham commuters, and has long been recognised for his distinctive and cheery announcements.

Bringing his poetry reading to the masses, Mr Knight is now part of a Spread the Joy campaign which launched on Monday, April 6.

During the month Mr Knight is working to put a smile on people’s faces through regular YouTube videos.

Launched by advertising agency Flamingo Punk, the campaign involved 10-minute videos to uplift the mind and tackle social isolation.

Company co-founder Amanda Baker noticed that she was missing her daily commute to work from Wokingham Station – and the poetry that came with it.

In a bid to cheer the nation, the Spread the Joy campaign began.

A new poem is being posted at 9am on weekdays.

Ms Baker said: “Since moving to Wokingham a few years back, I can hand on my heart and say that my mornings aren’t that blue anymore because I’m greeted with an uplifting poem or two from a chirpy chap called Tony.

“He is the platform announcer at Wokingham station and has been working there for a good five years now.

“His mission is to make everyone that steps onto that platform, a little bit happier before they get stuck into their busy day.

“The poems he reads have become an integral part of people’s lives at Wokingham. When Tony isn’t there, I actually really care.

“In fact, I miss him. He brings happiness and joy to my mornings before I get sucked into my laptop screen.

“I actually call him my morning maker because no matter how anxious and stressed I feel about my intense day ahead, I know that I can expect a few minutes of calm and charm from the short poems he’ll read. Those few minutes mean the world to me.

“He hasn’t been able read his poems to an audience for a little while now with the lockdown, so we’ve spent the last few weeks working with Tony – remotely of course – to bring his poems online for the world to hear and enjoy.

“I hope Tony makes your mornings with his poems as much as he makes mine.”

Project manager Niki Igbaroola said: “At this moment in time, people are missing the human interaction they usually have day to day. So we wanted to add some pep into people’s days with daily videos each morning.

“Tony chooses which poems he wants to read, so far he has read something related to Spring and soon there will be Easter ones.”

The campaign will introduce other creative people across the country as it progresses — united by building a platform of positivity during these uncertain times.

To watch the Mr Knight read poetry, search for Flamingo Punk on YouTube.

Gone, but not forgotten September 10 – Like many of you, we were sad to see the Winnersh Spoonyville taken down – but also pleased that it will be archived. It appears that the village of colourful wooden spoons has been appreciated so much that a sign pointing visitors in its direction has been installed on Robinhood Lane.

Don’t worry, it’s not the real thing, just a very witty and clever fake. At least we think it is …

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Susan has her ha One day swan-der one but two eigh

One innovation this year has been our new centrespread feature packed with your stories. Here’s some of our favourites

September 24 – THERE was an unexpected visitor to Reading's recycling plant earlier this week.

Staff at the re3 centre said that a young swan decided to poke his beak around to find out more about recycling.

And the cheeky bird didn't even have a booking.

A spokesperson said: “Thank you so much to the Swan Support who responded to our call and came to site and collected him.

“He had some blood on his face so they made sure he’s okay before releasing him back into the wild.”

A century of advice helps Suki pick up a new skill JUNE 18 – A LOCAL care assistant has been stitched up by her love of crochet, which she took up in 2018 after visiting a 100-year-old client.

Suki Bhamra said: “She was a lovely lady who would always share her memories. She explained that during the war, knitting and crocheting was something a lot of women did to pass time.

“How it was a way to calm their nerves while sitting for hours in raid shelters.

“She gave me inspiration to pick up crocheting again, as it was something I was interested in as a child. I drove myself to the crafts shop and bought some wool and crochet needles, and created my first piece, a small teddy bear. I took the bear to show the customer, she was over the moon and so happy with my efforts.”

Suki made a Peppa Pig crochet doll for a Bluebird Care customer in Windsor who had asked if she could have one made.

She also donated a crochet doll of an NHS worker to Wexham Park Hospital as she wanted to show thanks to all the NHS workers there

who have been working so hard at this difficult time.

By hook or by crook, Suki would recommend everyone picks up a needle and tries crocheting over the lockdown period, she added: “Crocheting for me has become a special hobby in many ways. Not only does crocheting give you a chance to create beautiful gifts for friends and family but can also relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

“I learned watching YouTube videos and researching online, starting with a scarf and eventually being able to make these dolls.

“During this lockdown it is a great way to keep your mind occupied just like the ladies did during the war and I can’t express how much I enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces with the things I make.

“Believe in yourself and do not give up.”

Rebecca Hawkins, business development manager at Bluebird Care, said: “Suki’s dolls are wonderful; it’s so lovely she gifted them to Bluebird Care customers and our local NHS hospital.”

Susan Player’s pets a learning tricks, going

MAY 28 – HAVING an eight-stone toddler run around the house can be chaotic, as Susan Player knows.

Eight stones? A toddler?

Well, these are no ordinary youngsters, they’re her two pet pigs, Hippo and Tulip.

The two animals may only be 10-months-old, but they’ve grown considerably since they arrived in their new home.

“We got them when they were only seven-weeks-old,” said Susan. “They were tiny, and you could hold them in just one hand. But now Tulip weighs eight stone.”

Tulip – who was originally hoped to be a girl – kept his name anyway to fulfil Susan’s dreams.

“Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted a pink pig called Tulip.

But pigs are very social animals and can get bored easily, so we decided to get two,” she explains.

“They were a present for my 50th birthday.”

Spoilt with treats and toys, the pair have been enjoying the sunny weather, but not too much.

“They’ve got a paddling pool each, and love playing with toys. But we have to keep them inside from noon until 3pm when the sun is at its hottest. Pigs don’t have any natural sun protection, so we have to apply factor 50 suncream before they go in the pool.

“The reason pigs roll in mud is actually to protect their skin.

“And they don’t sweat either, so they need hosing down with water to keep them cool.”

Bamboozled! Who is Earley’s two-wheeled panda?

June 25 – Giving Top Gear’s Stig a run for his money, the newest addition to Wokingham’s roads has got residents talking.

The man in the Panda suit, also named Earley Panda, has spent the last two weeks cycling around the borough, always to be met with the same question – who are you?

Covering areas including Earley, Woodley, Sonning and Reading town, the furry rider uses a GPS system to track his every route, sometimes matching them to memorable shapes such as turtles or jellyfish.

Earley Panda has also cycled in the shape of the Deliveroo logo in memory of the food delivery worker who died on Addington Road earlier this month.

And the panda man’s ventures don’t stop therehe next plans to raise money for mental health charities with his cycling, starting with those that have helped him in the past.

Reaction to the bear has so far been positive, with locals greeting him with smiles and waves.

But curiosity still remains among residents as temptation to unmask the peculiar panda rises.

For now the mystery remains unclear, the answer behind who wears the suit isn’t as black and white as it seems.

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NEWS REVIEW | 17

ands full with not ht-stone toddlers Still friends: Chloe has forgiven puppy Pebble for chewing her spectacles

The dog ate my glasses APRIL 23 – IN NORMAL times, schoolchildren everywhere have often promised the teacher that the dog definitely ate their homework.

are unusual – Hippo and Tulip are 10-month-old pigs who enjoy g for walks and splashing about in the back garden

When they’re not paddling in the water, the duo are busy learning tricks.

“They’re nothing like dogs, they’re much smarter. They can learn a trick within 20 minutes,” a proud Susan explains.

“They sit, and lie down, and nod their heads to say they want something.

“You have to stay one step ahead of them, because they can outsmart you all the time.”

The four-legged friends are often seen in local parks too.

“We had to apply for a license to walk the pigs in the park,” said Susan.

“We take them out on their harnesses and people love them.

“We decided to drive to the parks because we don’t want to cause a road accident with drivers getting

distracted by a pig walking down the pavement.

“Even our neighbours love them.

And our grandchildren were delighted with them.”

Susan has documented her experience of keeping pet pigs for all to see — and learn from too.

“We set up the Facebook page, Little Pigs at Home to help show people what it’s like, and what lovely animals they are.

“The most important thing is the setup, they need the right spaces.”

Over the last 10 months, Susan has helped other local families to learn about the animals, and then get pigs of their own. � To follow Hippo and Tulip’s adventures, visit: facebook.com and search for Little Pigs At Home.

Eleanor makes a hash brown of her day out October 22 – THE old advertising slogan was simple but effective and, for one Sonning resident, it has never been more true: a visit to McDonald’s makes your day.

Last week, Eleanor Smith chalked up a first after she and two of her fellow residents were taken on a socially distanced drive around – her first visit out since February.

After months in lockdown conditions, the Sunrise of Sonning residents were overjoyed to get out and about.

But there was one aspect that particularly touched Eleanor.

She said: “I want to send a heartfelt thank you for the outing us three residents had in the car.

“I have not been out into the big wide world since February.

“I am lucky at Sunrise of Sonning as I can move around and we have such a delightful garden which I visit most days so I can experience the

fresh air and the trees and flowers.

“We now also have a place out there where I can sit and have a rest and take shelter if it starts to rain.

“However, to be driven along the roads and to see the outlying villages and so many people being sensible and enjoying themselves along the side of the Thames through walking, cycling, running and boating was a lift to the spirits.

“To have this all capped by my first drivethru visit to McDonalds and to taste their hash browns was entirely unexpected, thanks for the photo to mark this historic moment.”

She added: “I can’t help wondering how I would have survived all these months if I had still been living on my own, which I had done for 12 years. It is such a joy to be greeted by smiling faces each day and to know I can be helped over any hurdle.”

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

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

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

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

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

Estelle said: “Pebble had eaten the lenses out, and broken the arms off.

“Luckily she didn’t swallow anything, but treated them more like a chew-toy to play with.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christopher Elvin out for a walk with Sparkles the Unicorn Picture: Tony Johnson

Why Christopher is now a zookeeper APRIL 30 – ONE thing that a Winnersh man didn’t expect when the coronavirus lockdown was announced was to become a zookeeper.

Every day, Christopher Elvin can be spotted taking one of his menagerie out for an evening stroll.

His brood includes a flamingo called Agnes, a pig called Rasher and Dorothy the zebra. Oh, and there’s Sparkles the unicorn and Tommy the dinosaur, complete with giant face mask.

Each of them is taken for some exercise from around 5pm daily, except for Sundays.

Christopher and his colourful costumes brighten up people’s days on 12 set routes, each one starting from Sainsbury’s in Winnersh.

And it’s been so popular that he’s even started to take requests.

“It’s all wonderfully barmy and quintessentially English,” the 54-year-old IT genius says, with a twinkle in his eye.

“I want to put a smile on people’s faces and I’d seen someone wearing a dinosaur suit on the news, so I thought I could do something silly like that.

“It started with a flamingo suit and then a friend lent me a dinosaur.”

Pig

APRIL 23 – WHEN A new Banksy is posted on the streets, the world takes notice.

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

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

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

His collection is now eight-strong, with two new ones making their debut this week.

“My wife’s favourite is Rasher the pig, but for me it’s horses for courses, I have no favourites,” he said.

“This week, we went to a home in Sadler’s Lane to help some three-year-old twins celebrate their birthday, it was the highlight of their day.”

And the costumes have been so popular that people wanted to support his efforts.

“People stopped us and asked if we were collecting money, so we’ve set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS foundation,” he explained.

He has set a target of £1,950 and already raised more than £700.

Has Christopher been storing these costumes for that rainy day? Quite the reverse.

“This is all new,” he said. “It is purely as a response to the current situation and allows me to let off steam.”

Just make sure you keep feeding them.

Christopher’s routes are usually posted to the Winnersh Community Facebook group, and on bit.ly/2y9Xsua The Just Giving page, to make a donation, is at bit.ly/nhsflamingo

18 | NEWS REVIEW

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SEPTEMBER 2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

As schools return for the first time since March, there’s also an increase in Coronavirus cases, leading to new warning:

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Fibro group push to save hydro pool

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of herself and others.

Debra Langley, 53, from Wokingham, condition has fibromyalgia, a long-term body. She that causes pain all over the is also epileptic. the RBH She said physio sessions in her blessed hydrotherapy pool give stiffness – relief, reducing her pain and and making her happier. public Now Ms Langley fears a new future will consultation into the pool’s March since end with the pool, closed ever. due to Covid-19, shutting for Reading of members She and fellow Group’s and District Fibromyalgia campaigning hydrotherapy section are hire for to keep the pool which they sessions. friends Ms Langley says she and her as mobile” are “a lot of stiffer and not since the pool’s Covid closure. now, “My pain levels are higher Ms Langley.

I have more flare ups,” said has benefits She feels hydrotherapy over land based physio: into the “A physiotherapist comes movements water to show us different to help us. supports “The water, which is warm, can exercise your body. In the pool I parts I can’t otherwise. dream of “I can do twists: I wouldn’t too much. doing them on land, it hurts “The difference is quite remarkable, looser, not and it’s lovely. My body gets so stiff.” former St Her son Dominic, 16, a going onto Crispin’s School pupil carer and Reading College, is her young after change mum his sees hydrotherapy.

I’m “He tells me I’m happier because said. not hurting so much,” she Ms Langley, a former administrator, shower. also has carers to help her 22 Continued on page

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Thursday, September 10,

Go slow: Speed signs to be installed after year’s campaigning

DRAG QUEEN’S P12 FUNDRAISING SHOW

the Royal A MUM is fighting to save pool which Berkshire Hospital’s treatment to the life she says makes a huge difference

FINCHAMP STEAD, EARLEY,

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EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk will soon see FINCHAMPSTEAD residents concerns, a response to their road safety than a year. after campaigning for more

PUPILS USE FACE P2 MASKS ON BUSES SUE RYDER CLOSES WOKINGHAM DAY HOSPICE P5

GOVERNMENT’S JOIN CAMPAIGN TO STOP SION • P4 HOUSE BUILDING EXPLO

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confirmed The borough council has when cars it will install signs that flash on the drive past, to help slow traffic A327 Reading Road. than This comes after more from 17 months of campaigning safer for residents to make the road families who live on the road. from moved who Paul Weeden, three London to Finchampstead his family months ago, said he hoped or cycle the would be able to walk nearby Post mile-long route to the Office and play park. drives the Instead, his wife Cleo now feeling route with their two-year-old, too unsafe on the pavement. a speed, “Cars are travelling at such pram they even when they see our said Mrs don’t slow down at all,” Weeden.

Mr Weeden added: “The pavements along due to are too dangerous to walk freight the speed of the passing drivers. vehicles and other reckless the road “I was almost sucked into evening by a lorry on a run one

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COVID COULD HIT 10,000 CASES A DAYWARNS PROF ‘Tough autumn ahead if swift

SACKS DECISION P6 PULLED FORWARD RESIDENTS WIN P16 BOLLARDS DISPUTE

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in July.” are used be closed fairly soon as The couple, who said they will be closed venues to in the being expects UK pubs and bars Covid-19 case numbers resurge to walking and cycling resurge. have now EXCLUSIVE “fairly soon” as Covid-19 cases in UK.” prioritised in London, could Sunderland, By SUE CORCORAN His work on virus superspreading Although outdoor seating contacted their MP, James per.co.uk is soon for longer. and cycling news@wokinghampa Hong Kong bars and restaurants mean venues can stay open calling for safe walking journal. to see to be published in a medical He added: “I'd expect routes in their community.

Organisation professor the area, A WORLD Health Prof Cowling, an epidemiologist, increases in daily case numbers over Mr Weeden said: “We love borough has predicted School Wokingham Primary from Sonning and to went weeks, perhaps 5,000 per we’ve got to know our neighbours the as many as 8,000 to 10,000 new Covid-19 who “A lot of the next few to by and Reading School, said: week and as many as 8,000 we feel incredibly welcomed has occurred day next cases each day in the UK soon. that. transmission after week Covid-19 the per day was the community. areas like pubs 10,000 Sunday’s figure, 2,988, how slow Continued on page 9 Ben indoors in crowded “It’s just surprising to see those highest since May. Professor bars, and I would expect and spread, been.” has disease progress studies page 13 Cowling, who

WALK RAISES P11 £2K FOR HOSPICE THERESA MAY P15 SUPPORTS NEW DIABETES GROUP

Continued on

Walking on sunshine: the Wokingham Walk returned

ING AREAS

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COVERING WOKINGH AM,

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Thursday, September 17,

H THE VOICE OF THE BOROUG

2020 No. 279

70p

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Second wave: RBH ready to go EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MAIDEN GOAL FOR MRS MAY P20

says it THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOSPITAL wave of the is ready for any second coronavirus.

Dr Janet Chief Medical Officer y that the Lippett told Wokingham.Toda Trust Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation first wave in had learnt a lot from the PPE for the the spring and has adequate future. to turn But it is not a place for people Covid-19 got up thinking they’ve symptoms and need a test. to do, if people for thing best “The they are they have got symptoms 111 and have worried about, is to call will be triage over the phone. People that they reassured or, if it was felt be able to need a test, then they will make provisions for it. the Royal “But please don’t come to busy as we Berkshire too – we are as already.” winter normal would be in a this Dr Lippett added that earlier department week, the hospital’s A&E year, so it was busier than this time last didn’t turn was important that people up hoping to get a Covid test. if any, “We are managing very few, if we do get patients with Covid, but again I don’t busy with Covid patients come to wanting think anyone will be she said. down here unnecessarily,” up Patients can also help by turning an essential to appointments on time, more so in normal times but even and has decided during the pandemic. to take a from the Association safely called for the borough council end his taxi career in “We are able to get patients with licence to permanently they’ve EXCLUSIVE more lenient approach Wokingham. through outpatients or when “We’ve tests and By JESS WARREN fees.

“I’ve had enough,” he said. come in for diagnostic Arshad, to jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk have but the council At the time, Muhammed “We radiology,” she explained. said: tried to find a solution with gaps who chaired the Association, the has offered no support at all. schedule the appointments across Wokingham are courses than giving us some relief, ensure the TAXI DRIVERS “They made us take online their families, “Rather in between so that we can nonusing foodbanks to sustain is forcing us to pay for which can cost £20 caused by a lack of council rooms are adequately cleaned. are out of a during lockdown, that which they say was urgent courses, while we working and they’re not the We’re during £50. to “If people attend late, it makes council we the money. If we start support from job and not making any pushing people to the limit.” scheduling complicated, appointment pandemic.

Continued on page 6 don’t, we’d face license suspensions.”

Wokingham the of running into the next down members stepped June, In Now, Mr Arshad has which isn’t helpful or wise.

Hackney Drivers Association Continued on page 17 Borough

SEEING DOUBLE: Ten pairs

of twins join Emmbrook • P4

DRIVEN OUT: CABBIES TURN TO FOODBANK Taxi association renews call

DJ’S NEW COFFEE SHOP VENTURE P21 RECYCLING SACKS APPROVED P12

for council support

Simon Suresh (centre) with neighbours celebrating Malaysia

AUTISM CHARITY P2 HIRE DOGS TO HELP FALCONRY CENTRE ON LOOKOUT FOR NEW HOME P4

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S pupils retuned to school for the first time since the March lockdown, Professor Ben Cowling predicted that the UK would see a tough autumn with 10,000 new coronavirus cases every day.

Cases had been rising in early September, with 2,988 recorded on one Sunday, the highest figure since May. Professor Cowling told us that he expected pubs and bar to be closed again as indoor areas was where the virus was more susceptible to be transmitted. He also said that once a vaccine had been made available, “we should start to see life gradually getting back to normal, although it may take years before we are back to 2019 normal”.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital said that it was ready for any second wave, having ample stocks PPE, and had learnt a lot from the experience in March. They urged people who had coronavirus symptoms not to come to the hospital, but to call 111 instead.

However, people who had outpatients appointments should turn up as normal.

Wokingham Citizens Advice said it too was ready for what was coming, reaffirming its support for the One Front Door scheme, as the Government reintroduced a work from home requirement, hospitality staff had to wear a face covering and the venues had to close at 10pm. Weddings were allowed to go ahead but attendance limited to 15 guests, and there was a ban for indoor sports featuring six people or more. The rules were expected to be in place for six months.

To help the borough cope, the council announced that it was planning to purchase its own Covid-19 tests so it was ready for every eventuality – at the time there had

been a lack of capacity in the Government’s own tests. They would be used for care home staff and not on councillors.

Seeing double was our headline for the Emmbrook School: its new year seven cohort features 10 sets of twins, while a story about Holme Grange School’s new farm animals was titled ‘You have goat to be kidding me’.

Although the Eat Out to Help Out scheme had ended, some restaurants decided to dig into their own pockets to keep it going.

They included The Tamarind Tree in Peach Street, the Lord Raglan Pub, Rossini’s and Sultan Balti Palace.

We revealed that the average saving made by Wokingham residents during the scheme was £5.89 – and across the country, more than 100 million meals were eaten, 39,000 of these were in the borough, while 90,000 were in neighbouring Reading East.

Sadly, more events were cancelled.

Reading Toy Run, which sees around 2,500 bikers dress up and donate toys to Barnardo’s was replaced with a dump, while Woodley and Earley Lions announced that it couldn’t make plans for its annual fireworks display in Sol Joel Park over fears that social distancing would be impossible at the big outdoor event.

Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice announced that it was to close its base at Wokingham Hospital, three years after receiving a £200,000 donation from Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust.

Although coronavirus had seen its services on hold, the charity said that attendee numbers had been dwindling for some time, and it would maintain its presence in Reading and Newbury instead.

Wokingham singer Simon Williams swapped the open mic for the open road, running in memory of his Mum

Ten sets of twins joined Year 7 at The Emmbrook School

Plans to rebuild parts of Gorse Ride in Finchampstead were revealed. The regeneration would create 249 homes, 71 more than currently present, and include landscaping such as a pond, and green spaces. Electric car charging points would also be included.

The size of road signs in Arborfield Court caught the ire of residents.

Christiaan Munro said that he felt they

were too big and would encourage people to come from all four corners of the country. “It feels like driving through Bracknell,” he warned.

Tributes were paid to Helen Power, a Lib Dem councillor for Evendons, who had the rare cancer of the unknown primary. Prior to her diagnosis, she had been healthy, fit and well. Initially given months to live after the 2018 diagnosis, she said that she had treasured the extra months she had enjoyed.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris said he was “always passionate about supporting the local community and residents”.

Wokingham resident Simon Suresh organised a celebration of Malaysia for his neighbours, organising a socially distanced party, serving traditional dishes from his home nation.

“It was amazing, just wonderful,” he said of the event and the turn-out. “We found neighbours meeting each other for the first time in months,” he said.

The Hope & Anchor held a fundraising event for the Forbury Three, welcoming music from bands including Flick and Stuart Hutton, and

Helen Power, who passed away

a drag artiste, Kara Van Park. The event took place in its beer garden, making it Covid-safe for guests.

And there was more fundraising from the Wokingham Walk, one of the few events to be able to take place this year, as it was outdoors.

There were three routes: five-, 10and 15-miles, and the glorious September weather made it a great day out. All being well, next year’s event will take place in May. A popular bird sanctuary said it was looking for a new home after it was given notice. Feathers & Fur, which has operated out of Ladds Garden Centre for 11 years was asked to move out, along with other business based there, after new owners came on board.

Plans were announced for festive shows at Show Hill Park and the return of theatre to Windsor – Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove appeared in Love Letters in October, the first of a number of two-handers in the run-up to a socially distanced Cinderella pantomime. It was a step forward for the arts, which had been mothballed since March.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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OCTOBER 2020

A name change, a colour for the new recycling sacks and a home for the first KFC in Wokingham borough Phil’s Good Food opened in Broad Street, Wokingham, offering groceries and specialist items, including organic goods

Tesco’s Louise Jedras showcases her labelling idea to help Wokingham Foodbank

, TWYFORD & SURROUN DING WINNERS H, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY

AREAS

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FINCHAM PSTEAD, EARLEY,

OKINGHAMPAPER

THE NEW NAME FOR THEW

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Grant help nets £42k for charities secure more A CHARITY has helped for other than £42,000 in grants within charities and groups working Forest Wokingham and Bracknell boroughs.

Services Community Involve service launched the free grant writing had in July and it has already significant success. writers It has two professional grant and charities who can write bids for are based in groups – as long as they Wokingham, Bracknell Forest or areas and provide services in these two by the impacted or affected have been Covid-19 crisis. more totalling bids funding far, So and or than £300,000 have been drafted funders for submitted to different consideration.

Involve, is Philip Cook, manager of of the delighted with the initial success scheme. helping “This unique service is some vital secure the futures of area,” he charities and groups in the said. to both “We are hugely grateful taking this borough councils for to see great proactive approach and it is some successes already.” welcomed The support has also been by charities. writing One group said: “The grant support at a service provided excellent and charity our for need great time of within the freed up time from on the organisation to concentrate delivery of our service”. aims to Based in Bracknell, Involve through of the B3430 to make a difference locally and knife by the road boundaries Road to the as well as crackdown on fighting, feuds the north, Wokingham support and information, EXCLUSIVE trustee crime across the villages.

Road to the south and opportunities, training known as west, Yorktown The force used its powers, volunteering By PHIL CREIGHTON Road into Foresters Way recruitment, support with to stop and Rackstraw news@wokingham.today Sandhurst Section 60, to enable it to the east, including and funding advice and guidance. groups anyone for items connected Ground.

Any charities or community was that youngsters search Initially in place Memorial were reacting to several Involve “OUR INTELLIGENCE needed to do with violence.

Officers looking for help can contact at 2pm were carrying knives and we for 24 hours from Friday violence, which they said by logging on to: www.involve. something about it.”

Saturday, it weekends of following the to through organised fights where community/ funding Nearly 100 people in Crowthorne was extended twice and ended at 2pm included email to: weapons had been used.

Alternatively, send an were searched for or call and Sandhurst Continued on page 7 on Monday.

Jackie.leslie@involve.community the weekend as Thames defined between weapons over The order applied to an area a major 01344 304404, weekdays Valley Police mounted 9am and 5pm.

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HEALTH CENTRE & FLOAT TREAT WORTH £1,416

Former Wokingham Times photographer Phil Penman hosted an exhibition of his New York pictures at Harrods

Bonds Brews celebrated its fifth anniversary with a socially distanced party in its tap yard in Wokingham

SHARE Wokingham (pictured last year) helped create half-term meals

Cancellations, cancellations, cancellations

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HE Wokingham Paper was renamed Wokingham.Today from its first issue in October.

The change came about to match our website which, like most local news outlets this year, has seen record growth as people turn to us for accurate and reliable information about the coronavirus.

Never let it be said that we don’t bring you the big exclusives: we revealed that the new recycling sacks that will replace the black boxes will be green in colour, and that households would receive two. They have a larger capacity so residents will not only be able to keep their waste dry, but they can recycle more of it too.

We also revealed that KFC was planning a branch in the borough: but it would be in Lower Earley rather than Wokingham town. The company applied for planning permission to open in Chalfont Square, next to a new Costa coffee and just around the corner from McDonald’s.

The number of people who had coronavirus was increasing, but slowly.

At the beginning of October, there were 40 positive tests per 100,000 people, below the then-England average of 55. By the end of the month, there were fears that the borough would be placed into Tier 2 restrictions – there had been 171 positives tests in one week, and increase of 53 on the previous week.

Coronavirus had had a massive effect on the council’s finances.

A meeting of the executive committee, held online, saw councillors learn that the reserves had dropped by £7 million. The council has since said it is confident that it can make up this shortfall when it presents its budget in the spring.

Another cancellation of Christmas was announced: Woodley town centre’s usual programme of carols and Christmas lights switch-on followed by the Winter extravaganza was halted. A virtual ceremony was planned instead and a fundraising day for local charities was mooted for the last Saturday in November.

As the month went on, residents were asked not to take part in Trick or Treat activities over Hallowe’en, much to the delight of dentists, as it couldn’t be guaranteed that sweets could be handed out without passing on Covid19.

The first round of grants were announced for arts organisations, with South Hill Park, the new Reading Rep theatre and Reading Arts all benefiting.

Also receiving support was Imagine Theatre, who produce The Hexagon’s annual pantomime, and the Museum of English Rural Life.

To help residents who wanted to donate to the foodbank, Tesco community champion Louise Jedras

placed tickets on the supermarket’s shelves next to items that were on the charity’s shopping list. The simple idea proved very effective, seeing donations soar, as demand for the foodbanks increased.

Over half-term, residents, restaurants, and cafes stepped in to help where the government had failed: providing meals to families who relied on free school meals during term-time. Three of the borough’s MPs – James Sunderland, Sir John Redwood and Theresa May – all voted against the proposals when raised in Parliament.

And First Days Children’s Charity appealed for winter coats to help keep struggling families warm this winter.

Thames Valley Police launched a major operation in Crowthorne and Sandhurst over fears of knife crime.

The force enacted its Section 60 powers to allow it to stop and search people, and said that over one weekend they carried out spot checks on nearly 100 youngsters following several weekends of violence, which they said included organised fights where weapons had been used.

A former Wokingham Times photographer, Phil Penman, revealed that he was exhibiting some of his work, featuring street scenes in New York, at Harrods in London, and that he owed his career to the borough.

“Treat everyone in the manner you would want to be treated yourself,” he said. “I was introduced to all walks of life and everyone had a story to tell.”

The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, announced she had switched to an electric car in a bid to help the Diocese of Oxford reduce its

Leona Knight organised a Hallowe’en display in her garden for people to enjoy

carbon emissions. She said her new set of wheels was lovely and “surprisingly zippy”.

Weeks after launching a search for a new home, Sadie Shepherd said that Feathers and Fur would be moving to Warfield’s Moss End Garden Centre.

The new site had enough space for the birds of prey to enjoy flying around in safety, while also enable the site to expand.

And there was a move mooted for the Royal Berkshire Hospital. It’s nothing more than an idea right now, but with the Government pledging funds to rebuild the Victorian healthcare centre, and Shinfield is one possible solution, as it is close to the M4.

Building work continued for the new Carnival Pool complex. During lockdown the old pool had been

demolished and removed. In October, Cllr Charlotte Haitham-Taylor, the executive member for regeneration, led the groundbreaking for the new site, which will also house the library and a concert hall.

There was a clutch of new openings: A new grocery shop opened in Wokingham’s town centre thanks to Phil’s Good Food, offering eco-friendly treats, fresh food and a friendly face.

We also announced plans for Chalk, a new restaurant, to open in the former Prezzo restaurant. In Twyford, Woksta brought oodles of noodles to villagers looking for a pan-Asian treat.

And a resident of Sunrise of Sonning care home enjoyed her first day out since March – Eleanor Smith was taken to McDoonald’s so she could enjoy her first drive through meal.

Her choice? A hash brown.

20 | NEWS REVIEW

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NOVEMBER 2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Remembrance on the doorsteps, charity appeals launched and a new single from a Wokingham lad – it wasn’t a quiet month

Adrian Hansel, Charlie Kristensen, Jacqueline Hughes at Auburn Jam Music celebrating the launch of a new single You Will Be Found

Blueberry Toys opened in Wokingham’s Denmark Street – just as the second lockdown was announced

Remembrance Sunday was marked – but Covid meant the commemorations were muted

Gillian McKernan masked up to celebrate the launch of the annual Giving Tree appeal

Sophie, the Duchess of Wessex, visited Wokingham Foodbank to help prepare festive food parcels

Lockdown returns, but schools stay open

A

second national lockdown was announced, although it was very different to the first. Unlike March, schools remained open, and non-essential retailers were allowed to offer click and collect services.

The lockdown would last until the end of the month, but Professor Ben Cowling warned that this short time wouldn’t be enough.

“I am not sure if the lockdown would be extended to include Christmas, but I would expect social distancing measures will be in place for much of this winter,” he said and was, once again, correct in his predictions, adding that the vaccines in preparation would be light at the end of the tunnel.

Sadly, more than 90 people at Shinfield View Care Home tested positive for Covid-19, and there were five deaths. Almost two-thirds of residents were infected. The company’s CEO, Andrew Winstanley, said that the team was completely devastated by the outbreak. “Our love and prayers are with the families of those who have passed as well as those family members still fighting the virus,” he said.

To allow students at the University of Reading to return home for Christmas, it was announced that a testing site will be set up.

Thames Valley Police fined a homeowner £30,000 for holding a party within the Reading area. Fifty people were in attendance and each of

the three residents were handed £10,000 fines for the breach of Coronavirus rules.

“There is no place for poverty in the borough,” was the pledge of Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall, who said that even one person or child not having fair and equal opportunity in the borough was one too many, and promised that the council would launch an anti-poverty strategy to ensure it could keep to its word.

The Countess of Wessex gave a hand at Wokingham Foodbank, packing parcels with donated items and the Salvation Army announced that it would offer free hot lunches every day from its Wokingham base for the borough’s vulnerable residents.

Christmas appeals were launched to help the borough’s less privileged residents. First Days Children’s Charity had stockings to fill, and The Cowshed hoped to help 1,000 children. Yeldall Manor in Hare Hatch appealed for gifts to give to the men who are in residence, and The Giving Tree returned in a new format.

To ensure it was Covid-safe, people were asked to donate gift vouchers rather than toys. That way the charities involved in the appeal could buy the gifts and store them securely before handing them out before Christmas Day. The month ended with an in depth look at the work that pharmaceutical

company Sanofi is doing to create not one but two covid vaccines. Working in conjunction with its peers, the firm, which has its UK base in Earley, is optimistic that its researches are moving in the right direction.

The hard work by Citizens Advice chief executive Jake Morrison was rewarded by his peers. He had been instrumental in organising the One Front Door scheme back in March, and was awarded the charity’s Excellence in Leadership at its annual conference.

Remembrance at home – that was the request from the Royal British Legion for this year. The annual Poppy Appeal would go ahead, but with social distancing measures and limited venues taking part. Church services

were streamed online and big events, such as the civic parade from Wokingham town hall to All Saints Church, and the Twyford Scout parade, were cancelled. A small gathering took place at Arborfield Cross to allow wreaths to be laid and villagers did attend – keeping their distance.

Also staying at home was the Wokingham Living Advent Calendar: instead of a nightly activity at a town centre shop or bar, it would broadcast highlights from previous years so people could countdown to Christmas from the comfort of their living room.

A plan to convert the former Marks & Spencer store in Peach Street into a gym, three shops and office space was announced by Wokingham Borough Council, dashing any hopes that the retailer would return to the town.

The gym will be operated by a national chain, yet to be named, and an objection was lodged by eActiv, which had taken over from Curves and opened up in Peach Place.

A new owner for The Courtyard restaurant in Wokingham’s town Hall was announced. The previous incarnation had closed during the first lockdown. When it reopens, it will become RYND, and a taste of Hollywood is promised.

Five Guys, a burger chain, launched a planning application to build a drivethrough restaurant in the Showcase Cinema car park in Winnersh.

Sally and Rob Brown opened

Blueberry Toys in Wokingham’s Denmark Street, in a bid to help parents find some great items for children. Launching in lockdown, they offered a click and collect service.

Youngsters across the borough tuned into the first Youth Climate Conference, with speakers from groups such as Oxfam sharing tips and inspiration to help tackle the climate emergency. Sessions were recorded so they could be used for lessons over the coming months.

And 10-year-old Charlie Kristensen took his anti-bullying campaign to the hit parade, with the launch of his single You Will Be Found, recorded with the support of West End stars including Wendi Peters, Matthew Croke and cast members from Wicked, Hamilton and Annie. Charlie said that the theatre was where his tribe was to be found and the single will be sold to raise funds for The Diana Award.

Pupils from The Holt School revealed they were fundraising to build a mosaic in honour of James Furlong. Originally, they’d hope to raise £3,000 but smashed that within 24 hours. They raised more than £10,000 in the end, meaning they can plan for something special to remember the much-loved teacher.

To help children get their festive wish lists to Santa, Circus Scene organised a video call with the big man himself. “We’re very fortunate to know Santa personally,” Cathy Valentine promised us.

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DECEMBER 2020

After a new strain of coronavirus is discovered, the year ends with residents asked to cancel their Christmas plans

Borough moves from Tier 2 to Tier 3 and Tier 4 in one weekend COVERIN G WOKING HAM,

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Vandals wreck town for third xmas

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Michael Humphries, of Twyford, delighted to have the Covid-19 vaccine at Wargrave Surgery Picture: Steve Smyth

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Thursday, December

17, 2020 No. 292

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By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

NATIONAL GOAL P2 FOR FOOD CHARITY FALCONRY CENTRE MAKES A MOVE P3 RAMBLERS LAUNCH NEW ROUTES P4

MEMBERS of Wokingham Business Association (WBA) are furious at the latest attempt to dampen the town’s Christmas spirit.

Colin George, of WBA, devastated after Strange said he is the was a victim of vandalism Jewellers earlier this week — and he hopes the “mindless thugs” responsible will be made known.

On Monday, the power leads lighting up the store’s display on Bush Walk, including its famous Nutcrackers, were damaged.

Now, the shop is going annual festive light and without its sound display this year.

In a statement on Facebook, the store’s owners said: “We are really sad to say that unfortunately our Nutcrackers will no longer up Bush Walk or playing be lighting Christmas after somebody music this broke in ... and vandalised all the power leads to all of our decorations.”

And Mr George says it will no longer feel like Christmas inWokingham town centre.

“Those decorations are a feature of the town,” he said.

“You knew that if you walked by they would be there with the music.

“It really lifted your spirits and it made it feel like Christmas.

There was some real intent there to the vandalism caused ensure that permanent damage, since those responsible will have climbed over the gates at the end of Bush Walk.”

Continued on page 2

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HE November lockdown ended with Wokingham being placed not into Tier 1 as hoped but Tier 2, a placement that council leader John Halsall said was disappointing.

“We are planning for the winter and spring in the hope that next summer we will return to normal,” he said, adding that positive cases in Wokingham had been falling and hoped that when the Tiers were reviewed on December 16, Wokingham would drop down to Tier 1.

However, when the announcement was made, Wokingham was placed into Tier 3 – an effective lockdown – along with the rest of Berkshire. Rates were rising across the south east and a new covid strain, that spread more easily, had been detected.

As it turned out that was not enough. On Friday, December 18, we were in Tier 2, the next day we were Tier 3. That afternoon, Boris Johnson announced a new Tier 4 category and we entered it on the Sunday. Christmas was cancelled – households were only allowed to mark the big day in their own bubbles. Pubs and restaurants and non-essential retail had to close their doors again, although they could offer click and collect, and people were urged to stay at home unless necessary to leave it.

The next review of measures is due today, but with more parts of the country placed into Tier 4 on Boxing Day a change seems unlikely.

More libraries reopened at the beginning of the month, but these had to close just before Christmas as a result of the new restrictions.

Sir John Redwood was a lone voice in the borough calling for parliament to be recalled so a different approach could be found. He has been a critic of lockdowns and remains concerned over the economic impact they have.

Covid marshals, aimed at helping people socially distance and stick to other rules, started appearing on the borough’s streets.

While most schools in the borough

WE WILL GET THE JOB DONE GPs

roll out covid vaccine this week

Theresa May switched on the Christmas lights in Twyford – but the event was livestreamed on the internet due to Covid-19

SANTA SPREADS WINTER CHEER P5 COUNCIL DITCHES GRAZELEY PLAN P8

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN news@wokingham.today

ON TUESDAY, Wargrave was the first GP surgery in the borough to administer the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

It marks the beginning of community inoculation in vaccination programme the biggest in NHS history.

Dr James Kennedy, who has been with the practice more than 10 years, said he is incredibly optimistic about the process.

“General Practices will get the job done,” he said. “We’ve got registered patient lists — they know us, we’re their first port of call.”

It is the community connection Dr Kennedy believes is key to success.

Continued on page 7

DESIGN GROUP P17 OPENS SHOWROOM

have had to send pupils home to selfisolate, all remained open throughout the autumn term with the exception of The Emmbrook School. It had to close two weeks early after a member of its catering team tested positive for the coronavirus.

Possibly the best news of the year featured on our front page of December 17: the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine were being distributed in GPs surgeries in Wargrave and Finchampstead. Next week, these first patients will return to get their second dose and they should have immunity by late January.

The One Front Door scheme continues to operate and revealed that it had had a week’s worth of calls in a single day as demand soared.

The Link Visiting Scheme also pulled out all the stops to ensure that people on their own over Christmas would have access to at least a friendly voice They also provided meals – the scheme was almost thrown into jeopardy on Tuesday, when the chef tested positive, but thanks to a call for help via our website, a replacement was found.

Plans to build homes in Grazeley have to be scrapped after the Ministry of Defence objected to the plans following an extension of AWE’s emergency zone, announced in March.

Cllr John Halsall said: “Grazeley Market Town may no longer be achievable; we are in the uncomfortable place of being in a limbo.”

He promised that the council was looking at alternatives.

Thankfully, there is no chance of Cllr Halsall walking naked through Westminster as his campaign to reduce the housing numbers from 1,635 was successful.

Christmas spirit remained undaunted: generous donations were made to numerous good causes including £4,000 worth of food donated to Wokingham Foodbank by Molly Millars Lane based company

Bikers couldn’t take part in the annual toy run, but still visited the borough to leave gifts for Barnardo’s children, helped by the masons The Winter Carnival was replaced with a smaller festive market in Peach Place and Market Place Riverways Farm allowed visitors to meet its reindeer in the run-up to Christmas

TaxCalc. It was the charity’s biggestever gift. Seven-year-old Alfie Ferguson sold his toys to buy a trolley’s worth of food to add to the festive collection.

Tesco also donated food for the Salvation Army’s hot lunch offering.

The success of The Giving Tree saw more than 800 presents bought.

Given the pressures on the campaign caused by Covid, this is

amazing work and the charities are all so grateful that they posed with Thank You signs in last week’s paper to express their gratitude.

The replacement to the bikers’ toy run proved to be successful, with hundreds of toys making their way to Barnardo’s. Collection points were set up in the masonic temples in Sindlesham and Wokingham to ensure numbers arriving could be staggered.

School children once again created decorations for Wokingham town’s Christmas tree, but the annual presentation ceremony as switched to an online version.

However, a virtual Christmas market was held in lieu of the Winter Carnival and it was a great success according to organisers.

They are now considering adding a craft market to next year’s event.

Theresa May played good fairy to Twyford, by once again switching on the village’s Christmas lights. She also made a virtual visit to Sunrise of Sonning care home, updating residents on her work and answering their questions.

Father Christmas was also able to

make a Covid-safe appearance at Hare Hatch Sheeplands, thanks to the hard work of the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh.

And festive gifts were delivered

by Santa’s little helpers from COATS, a Crowthorne-based day centre for the elderly.

There’s always someone who doesn’t like Christmas, and some mean-hearted person had been going around Shinfield stealing festive decorations.

They weren’t the only Grinches in town: the nutcracker decorations outside Strange the Jewellers in Bush Walk were vandalised, depriving shoppers of their festive cheer.

Another win in the battle to reduce single use plastics came from the news that the council is to use washable plastic trays in schools.

Each can last for up to 100 washes – at five days a week, that’s 20 weeks worth.

BBC Radio Berkshire’s Michelle Jordan was announced as a patron of domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK. “I like to help in anyway to raise awareness of abuse,” she said.

22 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAMLOVESMUSIC

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Wednesday, December 30, 2020

With Chris Hillman bit.ly/2020top20

Listen in to our 20 top picks for 2020

E

ACH week, we present a top 10 of tracks, each with a connection to borough.

It’s the Wokingham Loves Music list curated by Chris Hillman from White Star Records.

Every genre is covered meaning that there’s something for everyone – and it’s not just a passive listing, as you can log on to Spotify and hear Chris’ picks and discover some new music at the same time.

As this is our last issue of 2020, Chris and his panel of experts has gone over the listings to produce their definitive 20 best records of the year.

Don’t say nothing good has come out of the past 12 months.

This playlist is on a different link to the usual weekly playlist. It is at bit.ly/2020top20

Kyros – Rumour It’s no surprise that this is Number One as the band have been one of the success stories of the year. They have local links with management and record label being based in Wokingham as well as their excellent drummer, Robin Johnson.

They released their Celexa Dreams album earlier this year to great acclaim. Despite lockdown they showed great creativity with their videos and online shows that were so innovative that they received extensive press coverage for them, including in this paper.

Following a surprise new EP release Four of Fear in November, things are looking very positive for the band in 2021 – www.kyrosmusic.com

Split the Dealer (Feat.

Deva St. John) – XV

Kyros (main picture) head our top 20 of the year .

Hester and the Heathens (bottom left) come in at number two, while Split The Dealer (featuring Deva St John) take third place.

You can hear the entire list for free on Spotify

This duet from these two talented solo artists from the local area is an example of modern indie pop at its finest – www.facebook.com/splitthedealer www.facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn

Kepler Ten – Falling Down This prog rock trio have just released their A New Kind of Sideways in November on Wokingham’s White Star Records featuring this track – www.keplerten.com/

Sarah Jane Morris – Solid Air Sarah Jane was due to perform her Songs of John Martyn show at Wokingham Music Club (WMC) earlier in the year but unfortunately it was cancelled due to covid – sarahjanemorris.co.uk

Zach Johnson – Mississippi Taken from the live EP Songs from the Riverhouse Barn by this local indie/folk singer-songwriter who has appeared at WMC and Wokingham Festival. – www.zjohnsonmusic.com

The Veras – Paper Cup Telephones A wonderful pop singalong from this local band, that you may have seen in their other guise as Small Faces tribute, The Small Fakers – theveras.co.uk/

Hester and the Heathens – Regenerate

Gemma Dorsett – Broken, Blessed and Beautiful

An energetic and powerful pop-punk sing-along anthem from this three-piece local band, who are definitely one to watch in the future – www.facebook.com/ hesterandtheheathens

As well as her solo work, Gemma also fronts the blues/rock band Eleven:11 who went down a storm at last year’s Wokingham Festival – www.gemmadorsett.com

Bradley Watmore – Rock Bottom Debut single from rising talent and local indie acoustic singersongwriter who featured in the paper earlier in the year – www.facebook.com/ bradleywatmore

Reliant – Antisocial This single release from the Wokingham/Reading-based fourpiece is an exciting and uplifting anthem that the band describe as an unconventional love song – www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant

Katrina and The Waves – Walking on Sunshine Katrina had been due to perform live at Wokingham Music Club in November but

unfortunately was another covid cancellation – www.katrinaandthewaves.com

Mordecai Smyth – Billywitch Wokingham musician whose album The Mayor of Toytown is Dead was released on Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records – www.facebook.com/ stickytapeanddust

Dennis Siggery and Neil Sadler – Don’t Want Your Tears Local blues rock duo with a track recorded in Wokingham’s No Machine Studios – www.ericstreetband.com/ dennis-solo.html

The Orange Drop – Make It Her, Forever

Never The Bride – You’re Not Alone

Here’s some psychedelia from Philadelphia in the US, brought to you by Wokingham based record label, Mega Dodo Records – www.facebook.com/ OrangeDrop

A great live band that is a favourite of Wokingham Music Club and Wokingham Festival and has returned to play here on a number of occasions – www.neverthebride.com

The Room – Broken

THE PANEL AND THEIR TOP TRACKS

Local band who went down a storm at 2019’s Wokingham Festival.

This is a track from their latest album Caught by the Machine – www.theroom.band

Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Music Is A local band that, in lockdown, created a new community-based video for this track – www.facebook.com/ SelinaandtheHowlinDogs

Mother Vulture – Tell Me This ‘hectic blues punk’ band from Bristol featured at the recent Jamma Presents: The Everyman Everyjam event – www.facebook.com/ MotherVulture

Duke Pearson – I Don’t Care Who Knows it Wallen Bink is a new record label in Wokingham specialising in quality vinyl reissues of rare jazz recordings.

Their first release was from this legendary pianist – www.wallenbink.com

Laura Marling – Held Down Laura grew up in the local area and has achieved great success with her music.

This track is from her Mercury Prize nominated album, Song For Our Daughter – www.lauramarling.com

Andrew Merritt (Andrew Merritt Photography) Top Track from the Wokingham Playlist – Regenerate by Hester and the Heathens Top Non-Wokingham Track – Shot in the Dark by AC/DC Chris Hillman (White Star Records / Magick Eye Records) Top Track from the Wokingham Playlist – XV by Split the Dealer ft.

Deva St.John Top Non-Wokingham Track – August by Taylor Swift Dean Nelson (Generation Studio) Top Track from the Wokingham Playlist – Antisocial by Reliant Top Non-Wokingham Track – Bloody Valentine by Machine Gun Kelly John Blaney (Mega Dodo Records / Billywitch Records) Top Track from the Wokingham Playlist – Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves Top Non-Wokingham Track – And by Colorama Stan Hetherington (Wokingham Music Club and Wokingham Festival) Top Track from the Wokingham Playlist – Rumour by Kyros Top Non-Wokingham Track – Cold Mine by Fil Bo Riva � The non-Wokingham panel faves have been added as extra tracks to the Top 20 Playlist of the year. Top 20 Playlist Link is at – bit.ly/2020top20

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LEISURE | 23

FREE AS A BIRD: The unveiling of the sculpture in Elms Field in January 2020 Picture: Jess Warren

FAMILY TOGETHER: Francis Berrisford (pictured right) and with his family. Back row: Stephen, Catherine, Francis and Andrew. Front row: Michael, Gillian and Helen

The Arts Society Wokingham’s Christmas Extravaganza

M

EMBERS of the Arts Society Wokingham really entered into the spirit of Christmas for their virtual Extravaganza just before the festive season.

Dressed in their Christmas sweaters and Santa hats we chatted together on Zoom until Pepe Martinez muted us all and started his interesting exploration of the origins of our Christmas traditions from crackers and trees to Santa Claus and pantomime.

We learnt that the tradition of sending cards started in 1843 when Henry Cole sent a beautifully illustrated card, shown above, to his friends.

Today more than one-and-a-half million cards are sent each year and the sale of charity cards raises £50 million.

After a short comfort break, the afternoon continued with Simon Whitehouse taking us on a journey through Dickens’ London through the pages of A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley’s Counting House (now a Fuller’s pub), St Michael’s Cornhill and Camden Town where Bob Cratchit and his family lived and also where Dickens himself grew up.

Dickens’ personal championing of social reform was the inspiration behind

FIRST CLASS POST: Henry Cole’s festive greeting started a trend for sending Christmas cards

the story which he hoped would strike a ‘sledgehammer blow’ on behalf of poor and uneducated children.

Written in 1842, it also proved to be his most successful and popular novel.

He earned more money from his public readings of the story then he did from the sale of printed copies.

Within weeks of its publication, it sparked five different stage productions and in more recent years many film adaptations. I’m sure The Muppet Christmas Carol (which is my favourite)

will be screened again this Christmas.

In January, our members are off on a virtual trip to sunny Barcelona to savour Gaudi’s ravishing Catalan architecture.

On Monday, January 18 at 7.45pm Jacqueline Cockburn will take us on a tour of Gaudi’s Modernista public and private buildings.

Membership from January for the rest of the season is only £40.

For more details, visit www.TheArtsSocietyWokingham.org.uk Sue Bryant

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PROPERTY | 25

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 READING ROAD, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING AND RIGHT TURN) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 24th December 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle: 1. To turn right into Woodward Close, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via the A329 Reading Road, the new “Winnersh Relief Road north roundabout” and return.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 4th January and 6th June 2021.

2. To proceed along Green Lane, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 1st February and 8th February 2021.

3. To proceed along Sadlers Lane, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 8th February and 15th February 2021.

4. To proceed along Woodward Close, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th February and 22nd February 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake construction of a new distributor road bypass 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 4th January 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: 31st December 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WATERLOO ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Waterloo Road, Wokingham for a distance of 20m on either side of the level crossing.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Waterloo Road, Old Wokingham Road and Easthampstead Road and Waterloo Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 22nd January and 25th January 2021 between 22:00 and 04:00.

2. Easthampstead Road, Wokingham for a distance of 20m on either side of the level crossing.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Easthampstead Road, Waterloo Road, Old Wokingham Road and Easthampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th February and 8th February 2021 between 22:00 and 04:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake cable duct installation work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 22nd January 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: 31st December 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert Description

203326

Major application

203535

Woodlands Farm, Wood Lane, Arborfield

Land at the junction of Major application Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane

Full application for the phased redevelopment, change of use of the site to a mixed use contractors yard with storage buildings, office and residential, following demolition of existing stables and storage buildings and the existing Bungalow to also include enhanced boundary landscaping.

Full planning application for works at the junction of the A321 Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars Lane comprising replacement of the existing threearm mini-roundabout with a larger roundabout; demolition of Nos 81 and 83/85 Finchampstead Road; and associated landscaping and changes to the pedestrian crossing environment.

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 20th January 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: 30th December 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (CHURCH LANE, 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: Church Lane, Finchampstead at its junctions with B3348 Jubilee Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 Jubilee Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th January and 12th March 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Networks contractors to undertake gas main reinforcement work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 18th January 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: 31st December 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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SPORT | 27

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A sporting year like no other With much of the sporting calendar on hold as a result of Covid-19, it’s not been a fine vintage. Over this page and the next, ANDY PRESTON looks back on 2020

I

N A YEAR unlike any other, there were multiple disruptions to fixtures which brought many changes to elite and non-elite sport across the country.

All sport was put on hold in March when the first wave of the pandemic hit. Premier League clubs cancelled fixtures over concerns at how the virus spread, especially in stadiums packed with fans singing their hearts out for their teams.

Initially, everything came to a halt including training.

But crowds didn’t return to stadiums at any level until months later, with the Madejski opening their doors for the first time to a crowd of just 2,000 in December, when Reading was placed into Tier 2 restrictions.

The return was short-lived, just three games were played before Tier 4 restrictions meant matches had to be played behind closed doors.

At the time of writing, only a handful of Championship games can have an audience, but the Mad Stad is off limits.

READING FC Reading FC played in front of fans at the Madejski Stadium in an FA Cup tie against Premier League Sheffield United on March 3. Little did they know that it would be the last time they would play in front of a crowd for nine months.

On March 13, the FA and all leagues postponed matches initially until April 3.

The season didn’t resume until June, and non-league contests were declared null and void.

Virus aside, it has been a turbulent year for the Royals, who began 2020 under the

management of Mark Bowen.

He stabilised the squad to take Reading away from the relegation places and ultimately led them to 14th in the Championship – their best position since their playoff final in 2017.

It wouldn’t be enough to save his job as the Reading hierarchy made a big change just a week before the 2020/21 Championship season began.

It was a left field choice to bring Serbian manager Veljko Paunović to Berkshire, but so far it’s a choice that has looked to have paid off.

Paunović made a flying start, winning his first seven Championship games, sending the Royals to the top of the table.

Fans finally made a return to the Madejski for Reading’s clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 5, which they won 2-0.

Reading’s form has suffered slightly in recent months, but overall it’s been a positive start to the season for the Royals who are pushing at the right end of the table.

Their Boxing Day win against Luton ensured they are still in the chase for at least the play-offs. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to say that – a good feeling.

READING WOMEN Reading Women’s 2019/20 Women’s Super League campaign ended in bizarre fashion when the decision was made to decide the league on a point per game basis.

Kelly Chambers’ side played 14 games, won six, drew three and lost five, seeing them in fifth position.

The 2020/21 season began in September with a heavy defeat to Arsenal. The Royals have since recovered with three consecutive wins.

Overall, it has been a mixed start to the campaign, with varied results combined with some frustrating games.

The Royals made a positive end to the year with an away victory at Brighton & Hove Albion to put them in sixth position in the table in their final game of 2020.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK The Sumas were in brilliant form throughout the 2019/20 season in Hellenic Division One East, but were cruelly denied promotion after the season was deemed ‘null and void’ when it was cancelled due to the virus.

The Sumas were in the fourth and final promotion spot when this happened.

They have made a storming start to the 2020/21 season with promotion very much the aim.

They are currently unbeaten after eight matches with six wins and two draws putting them top of the table heading into the new year.

Reading celebrate after scoring at an empty Madejski Stadium Picture: Steve Smyth

WOODLEY UNITED FC Woodley United faced a more difficult season, but managed to finish a place above the drop zone in the voided 2019/20 season in 15th after manager Jamie Williams steadied the ship after taking charge at the end of 2019.

The Kestrels have struggled in the 2020/21 season, with just one win from their opening six matches and will be looking to boost their league standing of 14th when the league restarts in 2021.

Wokingham & Emmbrook took on Woodley United Picture: Andrew Batt / FootballinBerk shire

Fans returned to the Madejski in December for the first time since March Picture: Steve Smyth

Reading Women FC’s squad for 2020/21 – the team have had a mixed start to their season

28 | SPORT

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FAREWELL IRISH, BRAVO RAMS BINFIELD FC The Moles were in super form in the 2019/20 in their final season under the management of Roger Herridge.

They were in second position in the Hellenic Premier Division before the contest was deemed null and void.

Under new management duo of Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers, the Moles have made a strong start to the 2020/21 campaign as they strive for promotion.

They are currently in second place, and just one point behind league leaders Reading City, with five wins and two draws from their opening seven fixtures.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA When the 2019/20 Combined Counties Division One league was abandoned, the Boars were in 18th.

Matty Angell’s team have fared slightly better so far this season, sitting in 16th position heading into the break after 12 matches.

Eversley & California in action Picture: Richard Milam

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL The conclusion of the 2019/20 Thames Valley Women’s Division One season saw Wargrave Ladies in fourth place, Eversley & California in sixth and Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies in eighth as the season ended abruptly.

Wargrave Women are currently in fifth in the 2020/21 season, Wokingham & Emmbrook are in seventh after eight games and Eversley & California are in 10h having played just four matches.

Woodley United Ladies have won two of their opening three

Eversley & California Ladies taking on Wokinghamd & Emmbrook Ladies earlier this season

fixtures to put them in sixth position in the Southern Region Women’s Premier Division.

S4K Ladies finished in fourth in Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S in the 2019/20 campaign with eight wins in 15 matches.

The Fawkes have made a flying start to the 2020/21 season and currently sit top of the table, with five wins from their opening nine matches to give them a two-point lead at the top.

LONDON IRISH London Irish played what was their final season in Reading after 17 years of being based at the Madejski Stadium.

They secured a 10th placed finish in their first season back in the Premiership but were denied a Madejski farewell – and a final St Patrick’s Day party – after the season was interrupted.

Their remaining home matches were played at the Twickenham Stoop.

In the new season, they have played three, winning one and lost two. Their Boxing Day clash against Bath was called off after coronavirus hit their camp.

RAMS Meanwhile, Rams enjoyed a superb season in their debut campaign in National Division One. Unfortunately the season wasn’t able to be concluded, but the Rams finished in a remarkable third place.

The squad awaits sport’s resumption so they can compete in the NCA Cup tournament, hopefully from February.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SPORT | 29

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FOOTBALL

DOUBLE AWAY DAY AWAITS ROYALS

Reading were beaten by Swansea City when they last met in July – they meet them again tonight in the first of two New Year away fixtures Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING make the trip to Wales to face Swansea City this evening (Wednesday) in their final match of 2020.

The Royals pushed their way back into the top six of the Championship with a win against Luton Town on Boxing Day and will be shown live on Sky Sports (8pm). A full report will appear online on our website, Wokingham.Today.

Reading have a poor record against the Swans and haven’t got the better of them since beating them in 2008, with a run of 13 games without a win against them, including the 2011 Championship play-off final.

The Swans earned themselves a late spot in last season’s play-offs with a 4-1 win at the Madejski last season, meanwhile the sides drew 1-1 in their last meeting at the Liberty Stadium after a

stoppage time equaliser from Andy Yiadom to rescue a point.

Swansea have made a strong push in the first half of the season and were in second place heading into Wednesday’s fixture, three points above Reading in sixth (this may change as some games were played last night, after we had gone to press).

A second away trip is on the horizon as the Royals begin 2021 with a trip to Huddersfield

Town on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

The Terriers have endured a mixed bag of results in the first half of the season to put them in 14th position in the table heading into the midweek round of fixtures.

The Royals picked up three points on their last visit to the John Smith’s Stadium with a 2-0 win, while the last meeting between the teams in the Championship last campaign ended goalless at the Madejski.

FOOTBALL

‘I AM CONFIDENT HE WILL BE HERE AFTER THE TRANSFER WINDOW’ � Continued from back page

“He has done very well. He didn’t start (against Luton) because he had a hamstring issue.

“I am confident (Olise) will be here after the window. But every player is exposed to the market. I’m working with him on a long term.

“He’s a young player and he has everything that super talented young player needs.”

“His ceiling is very high (Olise). If we are cautious with our approach we will have a fantastic player and hopefully one day in the future he is in the Premier League with us.”

The squad has struggled with injuries in recent weeks, although John Swift returned to the side for their win against the Hatters. Other team players are preparing to make their return.

Paunović said: “(Liam) Moore

has a stress fracture on his metatarsal bone so he will be away for some time. He is recovering well and we will look to beat the prediction of various weeks being out.

“Richards and João are both in the final stages of recovery, the medical team have done an amazing job with them. We hope to have at least one, if not both back next week.

“We have to look at the players we have injured. It’s obvious that the Brexit situation will change the possibilities and shorten the realm of players who a team from the Championship can sign.

“It’s another positive to have John Swift back. The 30 minutes he played he did a very good job in holding the ball. He gave us more consistency in possession. I’m very happy he’s getting match fit.”

Reading manager Veljko Paunović against Norwich City Picture: Steve Smyth

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Sam Walker joined Blackpool on a seven-day emergency loan period to allow the League One team the chance to complete its festive fixtures.

However, The Seasiders ‘ Boxing Day clash against Rochdale was called off

following positive Covid-19 tests among Rochdale players.

Their other game, away against Shrewsbury, took place last night, after we had gone to press.

EFL rules allow the loan if a team’s senior goalkeepers are unable to play.

30 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

ROYALS ENJOY BOXING MCINTYRE AND SEMEDO HELP READING RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

Reading 2 Luton Town 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING PUT PAID to two consecutive defeats as Tom McIntyre and Alfa Semedo netted to give the Royals a Boxing Day victory over Luton Town.

McIntyre opened the scoring with a sumptuous volley and Semedo doubled the lead just before the break as both players scored their first goals for the club.

Kazenga LuaLua beat Rafael with a long range drive in the 90th minute after an improved second half from the visitors, but Reading held on to take the points.

The win put Reading in sixth place ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Swansea City (report online at Wokingham.Today).

“It was a very important win. Not in the nicest way but it was a needed one,” said Paunović.

“In the first half we were clinical in our execution. In the second half we weren’t consistent with possession but defended well until we conceded the late goal.

“It was a beautiful goal and a very well prepared set piece.

“I know how long he (McIntyre) has been at the club, he’s practically the club’s child and he’s waited a long time for his opportunity.

“He was very solid.”

Paunović also praised Semedo’s winner.

“The second goal was a very good move. We had some positive turnovers but sometimes missed the final pass when we needed a bit more focus.”

The injuries continue for Veljko Paunović’s side, with captain Liam Moore the latest casualty to a growing list of concerns including the two top scorers Lucas João and Yakou Méïté.

Tom McIntyre came into the starting XI to replace Moore while Michael Morrison was handed the captain’s armband.

Sone Aluko replaced young midfielder Michael Olise, who was named among the substitutes.

Meanwhile, John Swift gave Reading a boost as he returned from injury to be named on the bench.

After a bright start, Alfa Semedo went down after four minutes as he rolled his ankle on what was an unusually depleted playing surface at the Madejski.

Thankfully, he was able to continue after some treatment.

Reading made their positive start count when they took the lead after nine minutes through Tom McIntyre – his first career goal was a strike to remember.

A perfectly executed corner routine saw McIntyre meet Sone Aluko’s corner at the front post and the defender provided a striker’s finish as he expertly volleyed the ball into the top right hand corner.

The Royals were in full control in the opening half an hour and looked comfortable with their one goal lead.

Martin Cranie picked up the first yellow of the game when he cynically brought down Andy Rinomhota who had intercepted the ball and threatened to run at the Hatters defence from the halfway line, but had his heels clipped.

The Royals hunted for a second goal when Josh Laurent drove into the box and won a corner, but after a short corner routine, Sone Aluko fired a shot high over the top of the bar.

Luton’s sloppy passing at the back almost cost them when Ejaria stole the ball, but he underhit his pass to Sam Baldock as the opportunity passed by.

But Reading did add a second before the break as midfielder Alfa Semedo, on loan from Benfica, scored his first goal in Reading colours.

A slick move saw a quick one, two played between Semedo and Baldock as the forward slipped a pass in behind the defence to find the midfielder who slid the ball past the onrushing keeper to double the score.

After a relatively comfortable half which rarely saw Luton threaten the Reading defence, the hosts were extremely fortunate not to have conceded a penalty: McIntyre clattered Cranie just inside the box, but much to his relief, the referee said free kick.

The resulting shot was completely wasted as George Moncur put far too much on his cross which flew over everyone’s heads and out for a goal kick.

Luton looked to hit back early in the second half as James Collins worked his way past Morrison in the box, but McIntyre got his body in the way of the shot to make a crucial block.

Reading had a shot for a penalty in the 59th minute when Morrison got his toe to the ball first in the box and went down under a challenge.

But the referee waved play on as Luton countered and won a free kick 30 yards from goal as Aluko was shown a booking. Luton’s goal shy form continued as they wasted another set piece opportunity.

Swift made his long awaited return in the 66th minute as he came on in place of goalscorer Semedo.

The visitors finally tested Rafael with their first effort on target in the 69th minute as Luke Berry got good power on his header but it was directed straight at the Brazilian shot stopper who made a simple catch.

The Hatters had a chance to claw a goal back in the 80th minute Kiernan Dewbury-Hall’s clipped free kick fund the run of Tom Lockyer who couldn’t direct a shot on target as Rafael eventually got hold of the ball.

Luton put on some late pressure as they looked to find a late lifeline and they were rewarded as Kazenga LuaLua’s drive from 25 yards flew past Rafael in the 90th minute.

But the Royals managed to hold on to their lead and claim the three points.

Tom McIntyre and Alfa Semedo scored their first goals for Reading to beat Luton Town on

READING: Rafael, Esteves, McIntyre, Morrison, Holmes, Rinomhota, Laurent, Semedo, Ejaria, Aluko, Baldock SUBS: Southwood, Dorsett, Bristow, Watson, East, Swift, Onen, Olise, Melvin-Lambert LUTON TOWN: Shea, Cranie, Bradley, Lockyer, Potts, Berry, Moncur, Rea, Clark, Collins, Mpanzu SUBS: Tunnicliffe, Pearson, Cornick, Hylton, Sluga, Dewsbury-Hall, Norrington-Davies, LuaLua, Nombe GOALS: McIntyre 9′, Semedo 42′, LuaLua 90′

Tomas Esteves is challenged by a Luton attacker

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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DAY KNOCKOUT

Boxing Day at the Madejski Stadium Pictures: Steve Smyth

SPORT | 31

WE WISH YOU A SAFE AND SPORTING NEW YEAR

OLISE ‘SHOULD STICK WITH ROYALS’

Transfer speculation: Michael Olise

SUPER TALENTED Michael Olise has a Premier League future ahead of him … if he sticks with the Royals.

Gaffer Veljko Paunović was responding to claims that there is a release clause in his young player’s contract that could see him leave in the January transfer window.

There is speculation that clubs including AC Milan and Leeds are prepared to make a bid for the player who scored an amazing goal from outside the box against QPR – on the day of his 19th birthday.

But Paunović feels that the best place for him is at the Mad Stad as they are nuturing his growth as a player.

And with their form making them play-off contenders, there is every chance that next season they could be in the Premier League.

Olise has 18 months left on his contract, and joined the team under Jose Gomes in the summer of 2019. Last season, he played 23 games, and has become an integral part of Paunović’s side, scoring three goals so far this season.

However, he didn’t start on Boxing Day, after complaining of a hamstring injury in the game against Brentford.

This hasn’t stopped the speculation of his future.

Dampening the rumours, Paunović said that he was confident Olise will stick with the club.

“I’m not aware of that (release clause). He has a found a place where he is protected, supported and is playing more games than ever,” he said.

ISSN 2634-8330 � Continued on page 29 53 ISSN 2634-8330 53

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LOOKING BACK AT SPORT’S STRANGE YEAR

TOM’S BIG STRIKE

‘HE’S ONE OF OUR OWN’ ACADEMYACE NETSFIRSTGOAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today TOM McINTYRE made it a Boxing Day to remember as he notched his first career goal in Reading’s win over Luton Town.

McIntyre, who has been with the club since he was eight, smashed a spectacular volley into the top corner to put the home side ahead.

“It’s something I’ve been looking forward to since I started playing,” said McIntyre.

“I’ve gone through it in my head so many times, so to finally do it is brilliant.

“I’ve come close before with headers from corners, but we practice in training.

“The gaffer and his staff are massive on set pieces, and that shows from the amount of goals we’ve scored from them.

“So, it’s about going out there and executing.

“It was all about the art of disguise, and it was a great ball from Sone (Aluko) as well, so it was perfect.”

Despite not being able to mark the occasion in front of the home fans, with the Madejski Stadium empty once again due to Tier 4 restrictions, McIntyre was delighted with his achievement.

“I lost my head, I didn’t know what to do at all,” he said of his celebrations. “You don’t know what you’re going to do until it happens, but it was as good as I imagined it.

“It’s another achievement that I’ve added to my collection and is a milestone that I really wanted to achieve. To get my first goal was amazing.

“It would have been great to have had everyone in, that would have added to how special it was.

“I’ll take it and hopefully when the fans are back in and my family and friends are here, I can get another one.” � Match report on page 30

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Tom McIntyre celebrates scoring his first goal during the Royals’ Boxing Day win against Luton Picture: Steve Smyth