Wokingham Today, July 29, 2021 by Wokingham.Today

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

WOKINGHAM.TODAY ‘WORK TOGETHER ON CARBON GOAL’ UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, July 29, 2021 No. 322

70p

TEENS GUILTY OF OLLY’S MURDER P4

Rallying cry for climate target

TWEEN’S £10,000 CHALLENGE P13

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A COMMUNITY effort will be needed if Wokingham borough is to reach carbon net zero by 2030.

That’s according to Conservative councillors responsible for Wokingham’s climate emergency response. At Thursday’s full council meeting, Cllr Gregor Murray and his deputy, Cllr Laura Blumenthal, announced The Big Idea, an initiative designed to pull together different groups to help deliver carbon reduction. “We want businesses, schools, places of worship, charities all to get in touch with us to express interest in taking part in The Big Idea for when it’s launched. They’re the organisations, the groups, that can have real influence to bring employees, students, parishioners and volunteers on board to embed environmental behavioural change in a structured and impactful way,” said Cllr Blumenthal. “Ensuring diverse voices from our local community are heard will help ensure we’re making the right decisions. We need active participation from residents, who must be consulted on decisions that may impact the way they live their lives. Through the right methods, which look likely to be focus groups and online panels from this council’s research, we can hear their voices and get the insights we need to make sure we can bring residents along with us towards net zero carbon.” n Continued on page 14

TWYFORD’S RURAL PIE CO WINS BIG P10

PUPILS’ FAREWELL TO A GREAT HEAD P7

Swanderful world

Two stabbed in early morning fracas AT THE COUNT: The Queen’s official swanupper David Barber was in the borough last week. See page 27. Picture John Tippetts

MUM’S THE WORD FOR CHARITY P21

2 ||NEWS NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July22, 29,2021 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, Thursday, July July 22, 2021

St Paul’sWokingham.Today hosts a mouse hunt Your is up for awards

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WE COVER WOKINGHAM EWOKINGHAMPAPER TH THEWOKINGHAMPAPER BOROUGH Thursday, March 5, 2020 No.

251

Thursday, May 28, 2020 No.

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

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

its promise of THE Government has broken pandemic reimbursing councils for their the borough expenses, said the leader of council.

Cllr John Halsall told Wokingham. has shifted Today that the Government multiple its position on financial help Wokingham with — times in the now receiving the least help

SHOPS PREPARE FOR RE-OPENING

263

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

are looking RETAILERS across the borough after the forward to reopening their doors they can start Prime Minister announced trading again.

said that On Monday, Boris Johnson shops will from June 15, non-essential customers. be allowed to welcome country. can return from changes Outdoor markets “We track our expenditure Monday if they have been closed. the to them submit Woodley everyday, and While Wokingham and weeks,” markets Government every two have both operated smaller with explained Cllr Halsall. pandemic, the that we during stalls, “Our original prognosis was essential retailers running have not been could recover the money spent. recover specialist markets “Then we thought we could of projects running. the money spent on behalf is to relaunch its Artisan Woodley directly related to the Government Market on Wednesday, June 3. This actions. was runs from 9am to 2pm. is “But it changed from being what Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood actually spent to being formulaic. all one of those who have been advocating “We will not be recovering and has welcomed the borough. a return to retail it will save income or expenses lost in the lowest announcement, saying “Once again, we are the lives. But livelihoods as well as council to receive funding support. be Wokingham Business the And would that it the promise was that it Association wants to ensure shoppers reimbursed.” does what it can to entice Cllr Halsall believes the deprivation back to the town centres. need was outdoor model used to judge financial Under the new rules, nature of are being not a good measure for the markets and car showrooms the pandemic. earlier that indoor formula allowed to reopen the He said: “I feel that the transmitting an stores as the risk of is deprivation than on based coronavirus is lower outside to apply social inappropriate measure for Covid-19. high inside, and it is easier a has “Wokingham – that is keeping and we distancing rules demographic of older people, from each other – than suffering 2 metres apart are people older that know associated inside shops. more deaths and more costs Although supermarkets, pharmacies with Covid-19. have continued is a and newsagents “So I can’t see how deprivation through the pandemic, have a to trade as usual good model to use. It will is now planning on financial the Government retailers significant negative impact to allow non-essential it reserves.” start trading again, which to out how Now, the council is working to restarting the UK funds and says is vital they will top-up their reserve economy. maintain its services. � Continued on page 5

YOUTH CLIMATE CONFERENCE P11

The cause of a week’s uncertainty

confirmed in Schools close after coronavirusto come, as borough. Expert warns more l report inside specia — empty s shelve supermarket

FIND IS A BIT OF A BOMBSHELL ... P3

RUBBISH RECYCLING? P4

‘PUT DOWN DOG WHO ATTACKED MY SISTER’ P5

MASKS ARE A REAL WINNER P21

happy pigs who CONCERNS OVER PAMPERED PETS: Meet the tricks P16 CYCLEWAY P6 enjoy going for walks and learning

� Continued on page 2

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Three seriously injured in crash ‘Get out of your car and walk’ FIND FINDTHE THEMOUSE: MOUSE:St StPaul's Paul'sMothers MothersUnion Unionheld heldthe thehunt hunton onSaturday Saturdayafternoon afternoon

FAMILY FAMILYTIME: TIME: Harry, Harry,3, 3,on onthe theMouse MouseHunt Huntwith withthe thehelp helpof ofmum, mum,Sarah SarahHolmes Holmes Pictures: Pictures:Steve Steve

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today

Sergeant Matthew Cadmore of the Joint Operations Policing Unit, appealed to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come THREE people were seriously ofthe theissues issuesin inthe thearea,” area,”Cllr Cllr walking or or cycling cycling routes routes to to of struggling with with regular regular walking walk]. walk]. But But it's it's gotten gotten worse worse struggling forward. injured in a collision at a busy EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE Jorgensen Jorgensen added. “They “They get them them safely safely to to school. school. “I’d also inconsiderate inconsiderateparking parking— —also also get since since the the lockdown.” lockdown.” urge any added. motorists with Woodley junction on Saturday have have worked worked closely closely with Mr Mr Rowland Rowland said said some some on the the weekends. weekends. He He is is urging urging parents parents to to on dash-cams, and who were in thewith area night. By ByJESS JESSWARREN WARREN the thetime council’s council’s active active travel travel footpaths had had been been installed installed Parking Parking on on dropped dropped curbs curbs footpaths “get “get back back on on their their feet” feet” and and round the that this happened, In the incident, which took place jwarren@wokingham.today jwarren@wokingham.today team, team, My Journey in fields, fields, to to help help families families on and double double yellow yellow lines lines can can in walk walk to to school school with with their their and toon please review theMy footageJourney in case around 9.50pm, a silver Ford Galaxy Wokingham Wokingham on on their their travel their journey. journey. be be enforced enforced by by the the borough borough their children. children. it has captured something thattravel may was travelling alongparking Colemansmoor INCONSIDERATE INCONSIDERATE parking plan, plan, which contains contains 75 75 This This includes includes aa assist path path with council, and and Cllr Cllr Kerr Kerr said said aa He He believes believes itit would would help help council, thewhich investigation. Road junction of has has approaching returned returned thealong along initiatives initiatives to encourage linking Viking Viking Field Field with with number of of fines fines have have been been linking resolve some some of of the the number “Further, I wouldto ask encourage the same Evendons Evendons Lane, Lane,Road prompting prompting aa leftresolve Loddon Bridge when it the walking walking or or have cycling cycling to to Leslie Sears Sears Playing Playing Field. Field. handed out out in in recent recent weeks. weeks. Leslie frustration frustration residents residents of of the the handed of anyone who may personal call callfor for parents tointo get geta out out of of post. road andparents crashedto lamp school.” “There “Thereroundabout is is aa network network of of orschool.” “There are are way way too too many many lane lane have. The lamppost has bent“There CCTV doorbells that can capture their their cars. cars. The three occupants – a man in have. in three, Woodley to Winnersh The The school school also also won won the the footpaths footpaths around Evendons, parents parents not not considering considering it’s it’s for Cllr Cllr Sarah Sarah Kerr, Kerr, Liberal video footage.” hisFor fifties, 19-year-old man and bollards haveLiberal been damaged, and – was closed severalaround hours Evendons, to For the the alast last four four years, years, Modeshift Modeshift Regional Regional Award Award people could could use use them them aa residential residential area,” she she said. said. people Democrat Democrat councillor for for to the Anyone with information can anuisance 19-year-old woman – sustained therecouncillor is also damage road and area,” allow emergency services to attend nuisance parking parking has has been been for being being the the best best in in the the more,” he he said. said. “But the answer answer isn’t just just more,” Evendons, Evendons, said said on one one person contact for police by calling 101, quoting serious injuriesraised and wereby taken to fencing theperson opposite“But side. the theisn’t scene. an an issue issue raised by borough borough at at encouraging encouraging Cllr Cllr Pauline Pauline Jorgensen, Jorgensen, fines.” fines.” missed an an appointment reference 43210330603. hospital where Town they The appointment junction – which connects Senior Investigating Officer, Wokingham Wokingham Townremain. and and missed pupils to to walk, walk, cycle cycle and and executive member member for for pupils She She is is concerned concerned that that executive earlier this this month, month, after after Evendons Evendons Neighbourhood Neighbourhood earlier scoot to to school. school. highways at at the the borough borough scoot adding more more restrictions restrictions highways being blocked-in blocked-in on on their their adding Action Action Group, Group, said said chair chair Ken Ken being The The on councillor councillor said they they council said said she isits aware aware of along along the the entire entire lane lane will will council driveway. driveway. positive testsshe andis rate of Rowland. Rowland. And Monday,said have have cases also also were installed installed the issue issue and sympathises just “move “move the the problem problem the Where Where Evendons Evendons Lane Lane just is 278.2, upand fromsympathises 213.3 last With With pandemic pandemic 24,950 reportedaa temporary temporary chicane chicane outside with with nearby nearby residents. residents. elsewhere”. meets Finchampstead Finchampstead Road, Road, elsewhere”. week. restrictions restrictions easing, easing, Mr Mr meets across the UK. In theoutside past the school school to5,496 control control speeds, speeds, She She rates said said in the the council council is is the “Evendons “Evendons Primary Primary thereis isaashort short road roadpositive running running rate And West per 100,000 is currently were 45 new Rowland Rowland said parents parents inare are there seven days,to people THE RATEsaid of infections deter admitted through throughtotraffic traffic and and developingcontinue controls controlsto to to deter deter deter School Schoolrising is is from excellent excellent at developing parallel, with with aa dead dead end. end. Berkshire 458.6, 421.1 lastat cases. driving driving their their children children to parallel, were hospital the borough soared beyondto provide better better experience experience poor parking parking at the end end of of provide encouraging sustainable sustainable poor Also Also referred referredReading to to as as aa encouraging increase, withat 27 the new cases week. Neighbouring Evendons Evendons Primary Primary School School with theaavirus, a 26% 400 infections per 100,000 for people people walking walking and Evendons Lane Lane and and in in for transport,” she said. “But “But it’s it’s Evendons banjo, banjo, ititnow provides provides aa safe safe transport,” and its weekly rate at 334.5, Windsorshe andsaid. borough has 366.5 more more and and more. increase on the previousand people, butmore. has since fallen cycling. cycling. Tanners Row. Row. at at the the stage stage where where we need need Tanners turning space for forup residents residents more than 249.9 last week. Maidenhead had 49we new cases perspace 100,000, from This, This, he hesaid, said,rates leads leadsremain to tocars cars turning week. back. However She Shethe same said saidday, there several several “The “Thenational school schoolratehas has an an the onborough borough council council whose whose homes homes line line its itsitlength. length. the The cases Tuesday, with its 296.1 last week. And blocking blocking driveways. driveways. On high. Evendons residents residents took took excellent excellent record record in in terms terms of Evendons involved.” Cllr Cllr Kerr Kerr said saidpositive she she would would involved.” rate per 100,000 at 357.3, 35 new “You’re “You’re always always going going to reported were 14 deaths in the UK The weekly rate is now to of infection is 461.9 per of part 28in indaysaaof a positive walking walking encouraging good travel part She She believes believes some some encouraging like to to Tuesday. see see double double yellow yellow significantly higher than tests on get get people people rushing rushing about in in like within 368.7, up from 253.6 about cases 100,000 people,good which travel has consultation, which will will be be behaviour from their staff families are are “forced “forced into into behaviour lines on on this this stretch, stretch, as as families 276 last week. Bracknell Forest reported the the 100,000 car car — — last they theyweek. don’t don’t give give lines Covid-19 test, which and per dropped byfrom 21.5%their in thestaff last consultation, usedinto tothe inform inform any any changes. changes. and students students and and are are aware aware used cars” due duereported to to aa 54 lack lack of of and residents living here here are cars” Slough 42 positiveliving tests, and its are themselves themselves enough enough time time27, [to [to residents And on Tuesday. July week. 445 last week.

Covid infections rise to 368

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Ex-police officer makes 100 women in cycling list for club By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A RETIRED police officer is being celebrated for encouraging women to get on their bikes.

Charlie Parker, from Bracknell, has been named in Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling. It’s part of the organisation’s Women’s Festival of Cycling, which ends on Sunday. After joining Twyford’s Bia Cycling club, Ms Parker founded a group for those new to the pedals. Her Charlie’s Angels female group is part of the Twyford centre, and focuses on helping others get into the sport. “Riding with the angels has been amazing,” she said. “It has given me an opportunity to help women riders get the most out of cycling, achieve their own personal goals and be best cycling buddies.” After launching the group, Ms Parker went on to train as a coach through British Cycling. She is now a new coach at a club for six- to 17-year-olds, and is working towards her level two qualification. “Coaching is so much fun and rewarding,” she added. “It’s been an amazing journey.”

CHARLIE’S ANGELS: Ms Parker founded the group at Bia Hub to help women become more confident on two wheels Pictures: courtesy of Cycling UK

Ms Parker was nominated by Julie Rand, founder of 100 Women in Cycling. She said Ms Parker is an enthusiastic and committed volunteer for the Pumped Up Crew, which promotes the sport for Cycling UK. Ms Parker joins TV and film actress Maxine Peake, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Melanie Abbott and gold medal winners Katie Archibald and Elinor Barker in the cycling charity’s list.

It comes as Cycling UK found more women have taken up cycling during the pandemic. A survey found that 31% of women switched from car to bike for everyday journeys, and those who cycled regularly reported improvements to their wellbeing. But men are still cycling nearly twice as much as women. Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK chief executive, said: “During this year’s festival we’re asking every woman who already cycles to find just one

Cantley’s new £450,000 play area to open in autumn WORK will start next month on a £450,000 play area at Cantley Park. It will replace the current equipment, close to the tennis courts and is hoped to complement the redevelopment of the leisure facilities. It is hoped to be ready by October. The play area is being funded by developer contributions from house building projects in the area. It has been designed to appeal to a wide age range – including teenagers — and will include wheelchair accessible equipment. The play area will also feature Yalp interactive equipment which is designed to make playing outside as addictive as gaming — without the screen time. Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment at the borough council said it is important for children to be

attracted to the outdoors. “That is why we have opted for a design that will allow and encourage as many of our local youngsters as possible to enjoy the park,” he said. “Cantley Park is already one of our premier leisure attractions – a place where people go to exercise, play sport, relax, enjoy a meal or a night at the theatre – so it is the perfect

place for another great destination play area for the borough.”

FACILITIES: The park will open in October Picture: Stuart Turkington

more woman they can help and inspire to get on their bike.” “Every woman on our list is a powerful ambassador for women’s cycling, and many have done outstanding work supporting women to cycle during lockdown. But sadly, women remain underrepresented when it comes to everyday cycling. “Congratulations to Charlie for making it into our 100 Women in Cycling in 2021. It’s an incredible achievement and testimony to the tireless work she’s done to raise the profile of women’s cycling.”

Weekend gigs through month A YATELEY pub will host a range of live gigs throughout August. The Dog and Partridge, on Reading Road, will host an evening of live music each weekend. Abi Powell will be kicking off on Friday, August 6, with her open mic night, followed by a performance from Ashley Stone on August 7. On Saturday, August 14, visitors will be dancing the night away for MMBO Presents Garden Grooves. Punters can enjoy listening to old school anthems for The Ultimate 90’s Disco on Friday, August 20, with a night of entertainment from Robbie Lee on Saturday, August 21. Finishing off the month with David Julian on Saturday, August 28, and Pixie Devalle on Monday, August 30. Most shows will start at 8.30pm, excluding Garden Grooves, which will begin at 3pm. n For more details, visit: dogandpartridge yateley.co.uk

NEWS | 3

Plasma donors needed THE SHORTFALL of plasma donors means the UK is reliant on imports to create life-saving medicines. With only 11 donation centres in England, the Reading donor centre in Kennett Place on Kings Road is the closest site for borough residents to help. National plasma donation restarted in April this year, after a 20-year gap. This means few know plasma donation is, and how it helps. Donna Blofield, manager at the Reading Donor Centre, said: “We need the public’s help to expand our pool of plasma donors and meet the targets which will help make England more self-sufficient in the supply of these lifesaving medicines.” With 876 active donors, the site was aiming to secure 1,059 donors by this time. To get back on target, it wants to find 1,000 more people over the next three months. The plasma is made into antibody medicines used to save the lives of people with immune disorders.  Last year, 750 people living in the Thames Valley area received medicines made from plasma. This was 17,000 in the UK. With the NHS entirely reliant on imports, the newly restarted donation scheme will bolster national supplies.They will be used for medicines from next year. n For more information, or to donate plasma, visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma

Shape your reading spot BOOKWORMS can have their say about the look and feel of the new library in Wokingham town centre. As part of the Carnival Hub scheme, the new site will include children’s sections, a research area and computers. “The Carnival Hub will be home to a traditional library – but with scope for a bit extra,” said Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities at the borough council. “We are not looking to change what people love about libraries, which are places of inspiration, connection, learning and culture. “But the new site has more usable space and is also a chance to refresh the look and feel, so we are keen to hear what residents think.” Residents have until Sunday, August 29, to share their ideas. n To take part in the survey, search consultations at: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Sharing the fruit and vegetables A WOKINGHAM boarding school is donating food for families this summer. Ludgrove School is delivering fresh fruit and vegetables each week to SHARE Wokingham, via Fletchers, its suppliers. Based at Norreys Church, it provides free food for the community. n For more information, search @sharewokingham on Facebook.

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4 | NEWS

‘Children are being failed by poor climate education’ CHILDREN are being let down by poor climate education, but will feel its biggest impacts, experts have warned. In an open letter, students, teachers, climate scientists and environmental campaigners warned more effort is needed to teach the topic. On Wednesday, September 15, the University of Reading will hold a Climate Education Summit, aiming to create a nationwide action plan to improve climate education in schools. It comes as a survey of teachers by Teach the Future showed nine in 10 teachers think the topic should be compulsory, but only three in 10 feel equipped to teach it. The university’s free event will bring together young people, teachers, policymakers, and climate and education experts. It is being held in partnership with the Office for Climate Education, Royal Meteorological Society, Met Office, EAUC and Ashden. COP26 president, and Reading East MP, Alok Sharma will also attend the event. Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor at the University of Reading, said climate education is crucial for making changes and facing the future. “Many groups and individuals already do good work in this area, but we must bring together experts across all areas of climate education if we are to genuinely address the issue,” he said. “We hope the summit can help deliver muchneeded action and resources that make an immediate difference.” The aim is for lessons learnt from the summit reach COP26, and that any partnerships and initiatives are rolled out and replicated widely to support as many schools as possible. n Residents can get involved via: www.reading. ac.uk/en/planet/climate-education-summit

Watch says no to scammers A CAMPAIGN to tackle scams ran throughout the month in an attempt to address the issue. Sling Your Hook, started by Neighbourhood Watch, helped point out scenarios where victims get caught out. It said common behaviours to look out for are reciprocity, social proof, urgency, connection and commitment. The campaign encouraged residents to stop and think if something doesn’t feel, seem, look or sound right. John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said: “Everyone likes to feel special but watch out, if a stranger is going out of their way for you, something fishy may be going on instead. “Scammers like to offer one-off deals and favours so don’t be afraid to tell them no.”

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Court finds two teens guilty of murdering Olly Stephens By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today TWO TEENAGE boys have been found guilty of murdering Olly Stephens on January 3 this year, with a 14-year-old girl guilty of manslaughter.

One of the 14-year-old boys and the girl were also guilty of perverting the course of justice. The verdicts were delivered at Reading Crown Court on Monday, July 26, following a trial. Due to their ages, we are unable to disclose their identities for legal reasons. Thirteen-year-old Olly was stabbed in Bugs Bottom, Emmer Green on Sunday, January 3 – just 200 yards from his home. The court heard how the three defendants conspired to lure Olly to the field, following an argument he was involved in with one of the group. When Olly arrived, the two 14-year-old boys, one of whom was 13 at the time, started a fight, in which he drew a knife and stabbed Olly twice. He was left critically injured as they fled the scene. Significant attempts were made by the public and the ambulance service to save Olly’s life, but his wounds were too serious and he was declared dead at the scene. A police investigation was

launched, and the defendants were all identified. Despite their efforts to pervert the course of justice, they were charged on Wednesday, January 6. Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “I am pleased that the full facts of Olly’s death have now been established and that those responsible for his murder have been held to account. Olly’s family have told me on many occasions how he was a young man who stood up for the underdog and what was fair – I hope that Olly would feel that in that sense, justice has been achieved. “But this is not a case where any of us should be celebrating these verdicts and this outcome. “The circumstances of this case are horrific and will no doubt shock and appal people. Olly’s completely unnecessary killing, orchestrated and carried out by three other children, should horrify us as a society. “A 13-year-old boy with a bright future ahead of him has died in the most tragic circumstances, over a childish argument between a group of his peers. “His family and friends have been devastated by his loss.” He continued: “The impact of this case on those involved cannot be overstated. One young life has been

MURDERED: Olly Stephens was stabbed on Sunday, January 3. Picture: courtesy of Thames Valley Police

ended, and three others have been changed forever, not to mention the lives of everyone else who knew and loved Olly. “I would like to pay tribute to Olly’s parents, sister and his wider family who have had to listen over the last four weeks to details of the terrible events that led to Olly’s tragic death. “No parents should be made to endure this kind of horror and then have to listen to detailed evidence of their son’s final moments, along with the dreadful revelation of the determined plan by those involved to ambush Olly and attack him. “The courage, patience and dignity they have displayed from the first tragic moments of this case has been truly remarkable and I cannot thank them enough for this.

“I would also like to thank those members of the public and medical staff who provided first aid and comfort to Olly and his family that afternoon. “They were faced with a shocking situation and the courage, determination and public spirit they showed was exemplary. I know that Olly’s family are incredibly grateful for their efforts and take real comfort in the care and support that Olly was given. “Olly’s death is a tragedy that should never have happened. We all have a duty to educate and protect the children of our communities to ensure other families do not suffer the same devastation.” The three defendants will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court at a date to be determined.

Family issues tribute to kind, loyal son “OUR BOY Olly was born to us at 21.21 on the 1/11/2007, he was taken officially from us at 5.00pm on 3/01/2021,” the family said. “He left our home on that fateful afternoon with love and laughter in his heart, with the hope of a bright fun filled future ahead of him. “Within 13 minutes of leaving the safety of his loving home Olly had left us forever. “Two minutes was all it took to end him and cause us and our family catastrophic heartbreak. “When I reached where Olly fell, I gently held his hand, willing him to respond, with the same love and devotion as I had on the day we met, the day he was born. “Olly was our boy. We raised him to the best of our ability. He was a huge character in and around our home, with his friends and at school. “He made people laugh, he could

dance with the best of them, and he gave his love freely. His sense of humour and his wicked comic timing had us and his friends in stitches many a time. He was warm, kind, soulful, a deep thinker and a great carer to those around him. He was loyal and trusted people to a fault. He would never back down from a fight; he would defend those that couldn’t or wouldn’t defend themselves. I pressed on him the importance of running from a fight, to get clear and take stock of events later, we would deal with the fallout together. He did not see it my way. It cost him his life. “His Autism and suspected PDA was never seen as a problem by us just something we would all work together to understand, to overcome his fear of feeling different. Since moving to Secondary School he had found

education and learning difficult, but he made up for this in so many other ways. We had just got him to understand Autism was a gift, something that made him unique. We loved him for it and always will. “We had put so much love, care, learning and understanding into Olly over his 13 years that we hoped he would become a reflection of this in the many years to come. His friends and teachers have already confirmed that at such a young age he had more than excelled our expectations. “The memories and stories we have of Olly’s short life have now become priceless treasures locked away in our hearts and minds forever. “We are sad for the life not yet lived, for the friends he will never meet, for the travel he will never undertake and the journey he will

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never fulfil. Olly missed the birth of his little cousin by six months. Upon hearing the news of an addition to the family on Christmas day Olly was excited to meet her and was very happy at not being the baby of the family anymore. He would have loved to have held her, he would have looked after her with love, the same way in which he loved and held in high regard his sister. “It was an honour to call him our son, we could not be prouder of the man he would have become. We loved his company, his smile, his laughter, and his mind but most of all we miss his hugs. “Gentle shoulder charge, love you mate. Xxx “Today is a sad day, so many young lives and the lives of their families have been devastated by this callous and cold-hearted act. Knife crime needs to stop. Now.”

Brand upgrade offered by uni BUSINESSES in need of a brand refresh could benefit from the University of Reading’s latest project. The Typography Department is calling for not-for-profit firms interested in taking part in its branding scheme. The programme will see students spruce up

the visual identity of different organisations, charities and social enterprises. The briefing day will take place on Monday, October 11, with presentation scheduled for December. n For more information, contact s.k.chapman@ reading.ac.uk

Male domestic abuse victim services given funding boost ALMOST £1 million will be spent on supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the Thames Valley. More than £980,000 of Ministry of Justice funding awarded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, for victims and survivors. It will be used to fund third sector organisations, charities, social enterprises and public bodies. Mr Barber said he was delighted to support some of the “exceptional” organisations in the area. “Increasing specialist service provision will give victims better access to much needed support to help them recover from the harm they’ve experienced,” he said. Some of the funding will go to Trust House Reading, to develop Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and Independent Domestic Violence Advisers to support male victims. “Some of the posts funded are dedicated to supporting particular groups who for a range of reasons can be less likely to access support,” Mr Barber said. He said this includes men, disabled, LGBTQ+ and BAMER victims. “A focus to increase tailored provision for these groups will, I hope, result in services being better resourced to meet victims’ specific needs,” the PCC said. More than £550,000 will go to 22 organisations for one year to help with staff costs, training, group work and counselling support.

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Demolition works are rattling our homes say drive residents EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S houses are being rattled by construction in the town centre, according to a group of residents.

People living on Oakey Drive are frustrated at the ongoing demolition behind Burger King on Wellington Road — and said it’s making their homes tremble. Since Wednesday, July 7, developer Bellway Homes has been demolishing the office block behind the fast food chain to make space for a new housing estate. It plans to build Silkmakers Court, which will include a range of oneto three-bed flats. Oakey Drive resident Lisa Johnston, whose name has been changed, said the construction has been a big disturbance. “It’s shaking our foundations,” she said. “You can feel the houses moving and there are massive dust clouds everywhere.” According to Ms

Johnston, residents were not told work was taking place until contractors turned up in early July. “There is a lack of courtesy and respect for us,” she added. “When the railways are being worked on, a note is often stuck through people’s doors but we’ve had nothing.” But a spokesperson for Bellway Homes said the developer informed residents and businesses in the “immediate surrounding area” that work would begin, when and for how long. Contractors are not legally obliged to notify neighbours about building work unless, for example, it is taking place on the shared boundary between the two sites. Ms Johnston said she is also worried the work is causing noise and environmental pollution for Wokingham residents. “It’s been extremely loud,” she said. “Most of us are working from home so we have to shut the windows, which has been pretty horrendous in the heat.

NOISY: Neighbours say the demolition work is shaking their homes Picture: Phil Creighton “All the dust is coming in so all our houses and gardens are filthy. “It’s impossible to not have dust when you knock down a building, but it feels like there’s no regard for neighbours.”

A spokesperson for Bellway Homes said the developer apologises for any inconvenience caused by the demolition. “[We] are investigating the issues raised to help mitigate any unnecessary

impact,” they said. “The demolition has taken eight weeks and will be complete in August with the construction of 49 new apartments commencing soon after.”

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6 | NEWS

Two stabbed in early morning home invasion A MAN from Hull has been arrested after two men were stabbed in Wokingham on Sunday.

Now, Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. The incident took place around 4am on Sunday, July 25, at a home in Toutley Road. The attacker forced his way into the home and, during a row, stabbed the two men. One of the victims, aged 23, was taken to hospital for treatment where he remains in a stable condition. The other man was also taken to hospital with superficial injuries. The arrested man is 25, and police said they are treating the incident as assault occasioning GBH, and he remains in police custody at this time. Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Greig Williams, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I’d like to appeal to anyone who has any information at all about this serious incident to please get in touch. “We believe this incident to be isolated, with no threat to the wider community at all. “If you have any information which you think could help us, please call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101, quoting reference number 43210331050. “Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make a report online.”

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Soft play centre plan hit by covid By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today RETAILERS have been waiting more than a yearand-a-half to move into Wokingham town centre as the pandemic has put their plans on hold.

In January last year, Wokingham Borough Council announced a range of new firms planning to set up shop in the Elms Field development — but 18 months later, the units between Starbucks and Everyman Cinema are still empty. At the beginning of last year, the borough council revealed Kaspas Dessert parlour, independent childwear boutique This Little Piggy, and indoor play centre Pirates Landing would be taking up new units as part of the town centre regeneration. Chris Jefferson, owner of Pirates Landing, said he is frustrated his firm is still

waiting to make the move to Wokingham. “It’s disappointing,” he said. “[Pirates Landing] should have been open in June 2020 and we had the entire plan lined up, but, with the pandemic that all got pulled out from under our feet.” Wokingham Borough Council said coronavirus has prevented both Kaspas Dessert and Pirates Landing from importing the equipment needed to set up shop. Mr Jefferson said the Pirates Landing team, which already runs a soft play centre in Camberley, was looking forward to launching in the borough before the virus created financial difficulties. “We’ve been on a rollercoaster trying to get our Camberley site open with updated covidsecure procedures that are constantly changing,” the owner explained. “It

also made it really hard to raise the money to open in Wokingham. “But we’re beginning to feel more confident moving forward with the future.” He said once open, Pirates Landing will offer a new indoor play area for young children in Wokingham which includes sea-themed features and a hand-crafted pirate ship. It should be smooth sailing until launch day, as long as no more coronavirus restrictions are put in place. “Every little detail from kitchens to bathrooms to soft play frames is designed,” Mr Jefferson said. “It’s a big empty unit at the moment and it will take two months to fit out. “We’re really looking forward to opening in Elms Field and feel very lucky to have secured a unit there — Wokingham town centre is great and the council has done a cracking job.” Cllr Stuart Munro,

EMPTY: Two units are yet to host a business Picture: Phil Creighton regeneration has executive member for the business and development, played a significant part said nearly all of the sites at in this renaissance for the Peach Place and Elms Field town, not just in creating are fully let with just two attractive new spaces and shops, but also in larger units remaining. “We’ve been very pleased helping raise awareness of with the level of interest,” Wokingham as a place to visit and to do business,” the he said. “We’re especially councillor added. “We continue to work pleased with the number of independent businesses closely with all the who have come forward businesses to support them as this echoes our vision with opening at the right for Wokingham to offer time.” The Elms Field something different from development is part of larger neighbouring towns.” According to Cllr Munro, Wokingham Borough approximately 25 new firms Council’s town centre have opened in the town regeneration project, since March 2020 — and which includes a range of at least half are part of the new shops and businesses town centre regeneration. alongside open public “We very much believe spaces.

No sixth form means 89% of pupils will leave area EXPAND: The trust wants to launch a sixth form Picture: Bohunt Education Trust

EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A FINCHAMPSTEAD councillor presented another petition for a Bohunt sixth form at the council meeting last week.

Cllr Charles Margetts, who represents Finchampstead North, said 1,325 residents were calling for post-16 provision in the area. He said opening the facility at Bohunt Wokingham would reduce congestion, as many students currently travel out of the borough to continue learning. “The public is speaking and making their voice clear,” he said. “There are many reasons to progress a sixth form in Bohunt. “There’s been increased house building to the south of Wokingham for the last 10 years, the local population has grown and will continue to expand in current years. “If houses are built, we need the services to support them.” This September, 89% of students that finished Year 11 at Bohunt will leave the borough to continue their education. The trust said without a sixth form, more than 400 pupils from the school are predicted to leave the borough by 2022. A spokesperson for the trust said the vast majority of pupils want to stay on at Bohunt Wokingham, and said the loss of pupils is concerning. They said: “It has already been publicly identified that within two years, there will be insufficient sixth form places in the borough and that situation is set to worsen steadily. “With further housing development

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in the south of the borough yet to be completed, the situation locally is already critical, and with numbers of Year 6 students needing secondary places also increasing, there is a pressing need for additional capacity in the system.” Neil Strowger, Bohunt Education Trust leader said the school is offering a solution. “The site at Bohunt Wokingham was originally designed to have scope for substantial increase in capacity and, with the area facing not only these challenges but also an urgent need to increase the range of provision on offer at post-16 level, we offer an obvious and ‘oven-baked’ solution,” he said. “We have explored building design options to help facilitate meeting this need and have offered a significant contribution towards the construction costs from our own reserves.” Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services at the borough council, said they will be looking

into the issue in autumn. “The work will include considering current capacity, future projections and solutions to meet future need,” he said. “We are aware of the aspiration for a sixth form provision at Bohunt Wokingham and are engaging with them on their ideas and plans. “As a responsible local authority, we will do what we can to support all of Wokingham schools to develop and thrive in the best interests of all children and young people in the borough, while keeping in mind the impact on other schools in the borough.” The spokesperson for the trust said discussions with the council have included the potential for a bespoke facility for post-16 students. It may also offer T Levels, new courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A-levels. They added: “We are all hopeful that, together with Wokingham Borough Council we will be able to find a swift and sustainable solution to meet our children’s needs now and in the future.”

,ǇĚƌŽŐĂƌĚ >ĞŐĂů ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂŐƌĞĞĚ ƚŽ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĞƌŬƐŚŝƌĞ ĂŶĐĞ ĐĂĚĞŵǇ ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ Ă ůŽĐĂů ĚĂŶĐĞ ŐƌŽƵƉ ǁŚŽ ƚĞĂĐŚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽŵŽƚĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƐŬŝůůƐ ƚŽ ĂŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĚŝďůǇ ŚŝŐŚ ůĞǀĞů͘ >ŽƵŝƐĞ Θ ^Ğď ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĞƌŬƐŚŝƌĞ ĂŶĐĞ ĐĂĚĞŵǇ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ƌƵŶŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĚĂŶĐĞ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ĨŽƌ ŽǀĞƌ ϭϮ ǇĞĂƌƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ŚĂĚ ƐŽŵĞ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐ ŝŶ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝŽŶƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ǇĞĂƌƐ ǁŽƌůĚ ĐƵƉ ŝƐ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƉůĂĐĞ ŝŶ ŵĂŶǇ ĚŝĨĨĞƌĞŶƚ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽǀŝĚ ϭϵ ƉĂŶĚĞŵŝĐ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĚĂŶĐĞ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ĐŽƵŶƚƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŶŽƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƌŝŐŝŶĂů ǀĞŶƵĞ ŝŶ ^ƉĂŝŶ͘ ĞƌŬƐŚŝƌĞ ĂŶĐĞ ĐĂĚĞŵǇ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ŶƵĐůĞƵƐ ŽĨ ĚĂŶĐĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƚĞĂĐŚ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĂŐĞ ŽĨ ƚǁŽ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŽ ƐŝǆƚĞĞŶ ǁŚĞŶ ĚĂŶĐĞƌƐ ĐĂŶ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ ƚŽ ĚĂŶĐĞ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ͘ dŚĞ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ƌƵŶ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ dƵĞƐĚĂǇ ƚŽ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂǇƐ ĂŶĚ ŝĨ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚ ŝƐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ŝŶ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĚĂŶĐĞ Žƌ ǇŽƵ ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ >ŽƵŝƐĞ :ĂĐƋƵĞŵŝŶ ŽŶ Ϭϭϯϰϰ ϱϳϯ Ϭϵϲ WůĞĂƐĞ ƐĞĞ ďĞůŽǁ Ă ƉŚŽƚŽ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŐŝƌůƐ ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ϵ ĂŶĚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ĂŐĞ ŐƌŽƵƉ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐƌŽ ;ĂĐƌŽďĂƚŝĐͿ ĚĂŶĐĞ ĐĂƚĞŐŽƌǇ͘ / Ăŵ ƐƵƌĞ ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů Ăůů ũŽŝŶ ƵƐ ŝŶ ǁŝƐŚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĚĂŶĐĞƌ͛Ɛ ŐŽŽĚ ůƵĐŬ͘

Shinfield headteacher retires after 15 years at helm

ĞƌŬƐŚŝƌĞ ĂŶĐĞ ĐĂĚĞŵǇ ŝƐ ŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶ ƌƚƐ ĂǁĂƌĚ ǁŝŶŶŝŶŐ ĚĂŶĐĞ ĂĐĂĚĞŵǇ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌƐ ĞůŝƚĞ ƚĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝǀĞ ĚĂŶĐĞƌƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ƉƌŽƵĚ ƚŽ ƐĂǇ ŽƵƌ ŚĂƌĚ ǁŽƌŬ ͕ĚĞĚŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂƚƚĞŶƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ĚĞƚĂŝů ĐƌĞĂƚĞƐ ĚĂŶĐĞƌƐ ǁŚŽ͗ Ͳ DĂŬĞ ŝƚ ƚŽ dĞĂŵ ŶŐůĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĂŶĐĞ tŽƌůĚ ƵƉ Ͳ ůů ŶŐůĂŶĚ ĨŝŶĂůŝƐƚƐ ĨŽƌ ůů ŶŐůĂŶĚ ĂŶĐĞ Ͳ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů ƚŝƚůĞ ŚŽůĚĞƌƐ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝŽŶƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƌŝƚŝƐŚ ƌƚƐ Ͳ ŝƐƚŝŶĐƚŝŽŶ ĞǆĂŵ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐ Žƌ ĞƋƵŝǀĂůĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĞǆĂŵ ďŽĂƌĚƐ Ͳ WƵƉŝůƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ ƐĐŚŽůĂƌƐŚŝƉƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ĚĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ĂƌƚƐ ĐŽůůĞŐĞƐ͘ Ͳ ĂŶĐĞƌƐ ǁŚŽ ĂƌĞ ĐŚŽƐĞŶ ĂƐ ŵďĂƐƐĂĚŽƌƐ

END OF ERA: Amanda Turner retires after 15 years as headteacher at Shinfield Infant and Nursery School. She smiles on her last day, surrounded by some of the School Green school pupils Picture: Steve Smyth

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8 | NEWS

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Thames Water celebrated in gold for hiring veterans THAMES WATER has been awarded for its military recruitment programme. The company now has an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, for recruiting and supporting ex-servicemen, women and reservists.  In the last five years, more than 100 roles have been offered to military personnel. Lynne Graham, Thames Water’s director of HR, said she is proud and honoured by the award. “Building a diverse workforce is key to our success, and former military personnel often have the skills we’re looking for, from logistics and leadership to engineering and incident management,” she explained. “Not only do we get high calibre recruits who can help us shape the future of the water industry, they get the chance to work for a business that will respect and support them every step of the way in their new career.”  To win gold, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, and Cadet Force adult volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces.   Defence minister Leo Docherty thanked all the organisations to be given the award for their support of the defence community.

Don’t burn the bangers COOKING on the barbecue could cause an accidental fire, warned the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. It has joined the National Fire Chiefs Council’s cooking safety campaign, urging residents to take extra care in the warm weather. Ian Barks, central hub prevention manager, said half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen. This, he said, is often because people get distracted by their phone, TV from interactions with friends and family. “Whatever happens elsewhere in your home, please always

make sure you look while you cook and keep one eye on the hob at all times,” he said. “We also know that you might be starting to spend more time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather. “While having a barbecue is a great way to spend time with friends and family, we want to remind you that a barbecue could start a fire if not handled correctly. The fire service is encouraging people to keep tea towels and loose clothes away from the barbeque. It also suggests keeping handles out of reach of children.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

Wokingham’s Rose Inn to open by October say new owners IN PROGRESS: The Rose Inn’s general manager Will Upton, with Oakman Group’s property director, Malcolm Schooling Picture: Oakman Group

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WORK to restore a popular Wokingham town centre pub is continuing, with a view to opening in October.

The Rose Inn in Market Place will fuse the best of the old with the new, including restoring fireplaces inside and creating a new steel and timber staircase leading to a private dining room upstairs. Food will be a big part of The Rose’s offering, with a theatre-style kitchen, complete with a wood-fired pizza oven and a Josper charcoal grill. Menus run from breakfast through to dinner and meals can be eaten in the bar, a dining room, a new conservatory or its alfresco terrace. The Grade II listed building is owned by The Oakman Group. Pub

manager Will Upton is working round the clock to ensure the pub can reopen and cope with the pressures caused by covid. But he is happy things are on track and with the way in which the project is coming on. “This has been a wonderful voyage of discovery. “For example, we have found old fireplaces which are being fully restored and we’ve replaced several areas with reclaimed timbers that had been damaged historically in several fires,” he said. “Passers-by will have spotted the many craftsmen, joiners, and other building trades hard at work, and this is a crucial time for the project if we’re to pour our first pint in early October.” This is not the first time that Oakman has taken on a building with heritage and given it a new lease of life.

The company’s property director Malcolm Schooling said the aim for The Rose is to harmonise the historic with the modern, creating a sustainable future for a landmark building. This includes sourcing materials and using traditional materials throughout, including brick, wood panelling, and restored plasterwork, to highlight the historical influences in Oakman’s restoration plans. “One of the central elements is a new steel and glass extension, which is a vital part of the design that will maintain the sense of the historic courtyard and allow the original buildings to be viewed from within the new restaurant,” Mr Schooling said. “We’re all thrilled that the project is now fully underway, and we hope that the people of Wokingham will approve of our careful restoration that is breathing new life into this

prominent and significant building in the heart of the town.” Another feature will be the opening of the first floor, and it will have a large bay window that overlooks Market Place. It will have its own bar making it perfect for weddings, meetings and private celebrations. “With The Rose being a new addition to the Oakman family, and since the town was called Oakingham for almost two centuries, we felt it appropriate to name it The Oak Room,” Mr Schooling said. The company will hire 30 people in full- and part-time roles for The Rose, which is intended to be a flagship for the group. It will hold a recruitment event on Saturday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 17. Mr Upton said that the company seeks to invest in its staff and cites The Rose’s head chef as an example of this: Matt Allen was previously the deputy head chef at The Royal Foresters in Ascot. “He is looking for four apprentices to join his team of 10,” he said. And for Oakman’s CEO, Dermot King, The Rose is going to be an integral part of its operation, with Mr Upton the right man at the helm. “Wokingham is gaining a good reputation as a food and entertainment destination and with our prominent position in the town, we are looking forward to playing our part in enriching its culture and vibrancy for both visitors and the local community,” he said. n For more details, log on to: www. oakmaninnsrecruitment.co.uk

Independent business throws leaving party ahead of moving for national chain A TOWN CENTRE business owner is packing her boxes after being asked to move out of her shop. Georgina Hustler-Sutton, owner of Maison

Rustic, moved into the former Wallis premises last August. One year on, she has been asked to move out to make way for a chain. Ms Hustler-Sutton originally took on the unit to open her annual Christmas store. The agreement was temporary but with nothing in the pipeline for the retail space, she hoped to make the business lease more permanent. “I’m so sad to see this space go,” she said. “The council feels that a large multi-national chain would be better placed here and are looking to maximise their revenue stream. “We hoped to at least see out another Christmas, if not create a more permanent arrangement. But unfortunately there is no way we can stay, believe me we have tried.” MsHustler-Sutton said small, independent shops are the life blood of the high street. With 11 years in the trade, she feels confident that Maison Rustic and its sister store Antique Rose will continue to be a success. She said the blow is a new chapter. “Although this is a difficult time for everyone involved, we have much to be grateful for,” she said. “We have had a great run in the larger unit and it has been a huge success enabling us to give better variety in a more spacious environment. “I am proud that we’ve not just survived, but

thrived, despite everything the pandemic has thrown at retailers.” Relocation to the original Bush Walk shop will begin on Thursday, August 19, with a clearance sale from Friday, August 20, and Saturday, August 29. And there will be a moving party in-store on Thursday, August 5, from 6.30pm until 9.30pm. The ticketed event costs £10 and includes bottomless prosecco, live music and one-nightonly discounts. After the move, Ms Hustler-Sutton will navigate the challenge of a smaller space by displaying homeware on the ground floor and with furniture and interiors upstairs. She plans to offer 80% of what the store currently sells, with more choice online. “I have a wonderful team who have worked so hard to help me create and maintain the best shopping experiences for our customers,” the business owner said. “Despite this latest challenge, we’ll continue with the same positive, can-do attitude. “We have the best customers and we are so grateful for their support. I am working hard with my team to create the best shopping experience everyone knows us for, just in a smaller space.” n For more information, visit: www.maisonrustic. co.uk/blog/appointments

MEETING: James Sunderland heads to pick-your-own hotspot to see issues for himself

MP gets down on the farm to learn about latest challenges EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE challenges farmers are facing was explored by Bracknell MP James Sunderland last week.

He met with Ben Gibbons from NFU Mutual and Peter Gray at his farm in Heathlands Road, Wokingham. During a tour of the popular pick-your-own venue, they discussed the need for more research into producing more productive crops, while reducing the need for pesticides and preserving the environment. Mr Sunderland heard first hand of some of the problems that Mr Gray had been facing on his 65-acre farm, which offers people the chance to harvest crops such as broad beans, raspberries, gooseberries, carrots, parsley, beetroots and strawberries. Grays Farm was, Mr Sunderland said, right in the corner of his constituency and is “in the lovely agricultural, rural part of the area”. The visit was good for his soul: “It’s fabulous. The sun is shining, there are families with young kids fruit picking, it’s all that’s good about being in the countryside. “The farm shop is very well stocked and it’s very rustic. What’s not to like?”

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Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

IN THE COUNTRYSIDE: From left: Ben Gibbons, Peter Gray and James Sunderland Mr Gray said it was important that MPs understood the major concerns that farmers face, particularly with the use of pesticides, hence inviting Mr Sunderland. “We use the minimum of chemicals because they cost us time and money, and we haven’t got that to spare,” he explained. “We do need to use chemicals to get the quality that people want. “They are completely safe, of course, and I, more than anyone else

in the country, am still alive and fit. There’s nothing wrong with using chemical medicine for plants to keep them healthy from a range of diseases and pests to which they are otherwise liable.” He said that by cutting back on research, it made it difficult for advances to be made. He hoped that Brexit would help with this situation as the UK was no longer beholden to EU rules and regulations on the issue. ELECTRIC DREAMS: An electric bus was trialled in Reading during July Picture: Reading Buses

“Things have been safe for many years. Pesticide sounds very lethal, but it’s only lethal to pests, diseases and weeds. We need to control the weeds otherwise we don’t get a crop.” Mr Sunderland felt that the visit was useful, calling for agricultural activity to be ringfenced and looked after for future generations. “I wasn’t particularly pleased to hear that this lovely farm has been sold for development, which I’m pathologically opposed to,” he said. “I think that it’s important to understand about agriculture, about the issues that farmers face about the battle with pesticides, the need to keep pests down, but do it in an ethical way. The need not embrace GM crops.” He also wanted to see farmers able to export their produce competitively, and said that free trade deals “on the horizon” would help. Mr Gray was grateful to Mr Sunderland for taking the time to visit, and added that he hoped he would do something over the pandemic and the problems caused by self-isolation requests. “It has serious effects – if our staff get pings, how am I supposed to run the businesses? The farm needs sorting out today, not in a month’s time,” he said.

Hospital launches scheme to protect young people A NEW SCHEME has been launched by Royal Berkshire Hospital to support young people and prevent them from future harm. The Hospital Navigators programme will target people in the Emergency Department, offering them conversations with trusted adults to protect them from further incidents. The scheme takes a focus on those who have been admitted due to unsafe behaviour or who regularly visits the Emergency Department. Young people, aged 13 to 24, can meet and chat with a volunteer who will then advise what help they need such as one-to-one mentoring, support services and community groups. Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit and Reading-based mentoring organisation Starting Point also got on board with the scheme. Starting Point will be in charge of the recruitment and training and Thames Valley provided £25,000 as injection funding. “We are really excited to be welcoming the Navigators into our Emergency Department at Royal Berkshire Hospital,” said chief nursing officer Eamonn Sullivan. He said: “We’re proud to work alongside Starting Point and the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit to help make a difference to some of the young people that arrive at our Emergency Department, and help prevent them from ending up in the same circumstances that brought them to hospital in the first place.” Trained volunteers will be on hand on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm until midnight. Stan Gilmour, director of the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, added: “An admission to hospital creates an opportunity to reach a person and encourage them to reflect upon their actions or situation. “Through that engagement and by providing tailored support, we can positively change their behaviours and direction, reducing future risks.”

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Zero emission buses for commuter route ZERO EMISSION buses are planned for the route between Lower Earley and Reading. The borough council is backing Reading Buses and neighbouring Reading Borough Council to bring zero emissions vehicles to the Claret 21 service. It’s part of Reading Borough Council’s bid to the Department for Transport, for the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area Scheme (ZEBRA). It hopes to provide 59 zero emission vehicles to be operated on bus routes in the greater Reading area. The route covers almost 500,000km (310,685 miles)

each year. If successful, the swap would save 300 tonnes of carbon a year. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport at the borough council said the project will contribute to economic recovery and growth. “Reading Buses have been very successful in introducing low carbon technologies, and we are keen to see this continue to the next level,” she said. “We wish our partners every success in this bid and look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of climate change, air quality and

sustainable travel across our borough and the Thames Valley region.” Robert Williams, chief executive officer at Reading Buses, said electric technology is becoming more reliable for urban services. “Switching from private vehicles to public transport of any fuel type makes the biggest difference to overall carbon emissions and congestion,” he said. “But it is also important for us to lead by example and continue reducing our own carbon footprint. We welcome this bid to enable that switch to take place.”

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10 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

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Hip hop to the diddi A NATIONWIDE hip hop champion has taken over a Wokingham dance school, reigniting her passion for the arts. Bethany Bianga, a UK dance star and teacher is the new owner of diddi dance, which offers classes to pupils across Reading and Wokingham boroughs. She recently bought the business after the previous owner decided it was time to hang up her dancing shoes. “[The owner] approached me during the second lockdown,” Ms Bianga explained. “I was hesitant to begin with as being a selfemployed dance teacher during covid was difficult.

“I really lost my spark for teaching and was thinking about a complete career change, [but] after some consideration I knew it has always been a dream of mine to own my own dance school and that I would be a fool to turn this opportunity down.” Now, the new owner is adding three new classes to the timetable for September in Woosehill, Coley Park and Shinfield. Diddi dance offers classes to youngsters from 18 months up to five-years-old. n For more information, contact bethany.bianga@diddidance.com or call 07584 281174.

Blandy is a top tier firm

TEAM WORK: Caroline Casagranda, Graham Benwell and Jonathan Gater A THAMES Valley law firm has received national recognition in a prestigious 2021 guide. Blandy & Blandy, which has offices in neighbouring Reading, Henley-on-Thames and London, has been named a top tier firm for Private Wealth Law in this year’s Chambers High Net Worth Guide. And three of its employees were highlighted individually for their hard work, too. Jonathan Gater and Caroline Casagranda, partners in the firm’s Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team,

were recommended alongside solicitor Graham Benwell. Ms Casagranda said: “I would like to congratulate and thank everyone in our fantastic Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team for their hard work and dedication to our clients and their needs, during what has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone.” The Guide said Blandy & Blandy has “an excellent reputation in private client work” with “very personable” and “professional” staff.

Beauty and the beasts BEAUTY businesses must be vigilant against cybercrime, a South East support centre has warned. The regional Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC) is urging the health and beauty industry to take preemptive action against cyber criminals, after firms lost roughly £8,400 from attacks last year. According to the SECRC, virtual crime is on the rise as nearly four in 10 (39%) businesses were targeted in the past 12 months. Chris White, serving detective inspector and head of cyber and innovation at the SECRC, said:

“Cyber attacks are now a matter of when rather than if. “Every day we are seeing cyber attacks of varying levels, but many are preventable.” Mr White said there are a number of steps firms can take to bolster their online security, including: n Backing up data n Switching on firewalls n Avoiding unknown Wi-Fi networks n Updating passwords n Learning the signs of phishing attacks

Best in class: Rural Pie Co. wins big at SME contest WINNER: The Rural Pie Co. won best artisan pie company at the SME News awards Picture: Steve Smyth

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM borough firm has been keeping its eyes on the pies after coming first in the fifth annual Greater London Enterprise Awards.

Rural Pie Co., which sells sweet and savoury treats in Twyford, was awarded the Best Artisan Pie Company in the 2021 regional ceremony earlier this month. This year’s Awards, run by SME News, aimed to recognise businesses across and outside of London, which have continued to serve people during the pandemic. Amy McCarthy, co-founder of Rural Pie Co., said she and her partner Phil could not believe they had won the Award. “We were pretty shocked,” she said. “With the Awards being for Greater London and having a bit of a wider reach, we didn’t expect too much. “The fact that we have been recognised by our customers is amazing and it’s humbling to hear our customers think so highly of us.” She added: “Thank you, thank you, thank you to whoever nominated us.” Rural Pie Co., which

moved into Twyford last August, has been struggling for customers since the final lockdown restrictions lifted on Monday, July 19. According to Ms McCarthy, the village’s high street is surprisingly empty. “We have people booking tables, but the walk-ins have gone down,” she explained. “With the rules easing it’s really odd — but the amount of people around has just dropped.” She said navigating the coronavirus pandemic has been a huge struggle for the pie firm, which was able to offer takeaway meals

throughout lockdown. “Before we had our premises in Twyford, we weren’t entitled to any grants so we had to get through by ourselves,” the co-founder explained. “When we opened [in Twyford], we got a bit more support. “At one point, we had been open for six months but only properly open for six weeks.” And she and her partner have thanked the Twyford community for supporting them over the past year. “Everyone is struck by the same issues,” Ms McCarthy said. “Money is tighter and we are very lucky to have the support of the community.

“It’s been heartbreaking having to put staff on furlough, and we haven’t been able to make a business plan because of covid. “When you don’t know what’s coming, it’s really exhausting.” Now, Ms McCarthy is hoping residents will continue to shop locally despite travel restrictions lifting. “Thank you for the support of everybody for getting us through lockdown in the first place,” she added. “It’s thanks to you that we are still here and remember to support local.”

Residents turn to tech to help reduce NHS load WOKINGHAM residents will turn to tech to reduce pressure on the NHS, a study has revealed. Research by OnePoll for the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) found the majority of people in the South East are open to using healthcare in a new way. After surveying 2,000 people in the region, OnePoll found nearly three quarters (71%) of the region’s residents are willing to consider using health apps. It also found more than half (57%) of

people think doctors should be able to prescribe apps as they do medicine. OnePoll said health apps are software which help people monitor and track symptoms, raises awareness of conditions, and supports lifestyle changes. Dr Lloyd Humphreys, managing director of ORCHA, said: “Using health apps is only part of the answer to our future healthcare, but there’s increasing evidence that the more we citizens embrace technology and the self-

management of our health, the more we will help ourselves and our NHS.” According to Dr Humphreys, research has shown breathing apps can help users correct 98% of inhaler errors, while cancer apps can reduce A&E admissions by 38%. He added: “Using health apps is only part of the answer to our future healthcare, but there’s increasing evidence that the more we citizens embrace technology and the selfmanagement of our health, the more we will help ourselves and our NHS.”

Winnersh Triangle’s net carbon zero target WINNERSH Triangle should become net carbon zero by 2030, as its owners reveal their roadmap to sustainability. Frasers Property UK, which manages the Wokingham borough business park, has announced three routes to becoming more environmentally friendly. The firm, which owns

a range of business parks across the South East, is now working to achieve net carbon zero across all of its operational sites in the next nine years. It has also pledged to produce no carbon emissions across its whole portfolio by 2050, and to become more climate resilient. Ilaria del Beato, CEO of Frasers Property UK,

said: “Delivering a positive sustainable impact has never been more important in the current climate. “Committing to net zero carbon is our largest commitment to date, and one that I am most proud to endorse.” The roadmap has been produced in conjunction with the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP).

Ms del Beato added: “As the industry continues to understand the full impact of achieving net zero carbon, we look forward to continuing collaboration with our peers through the BBP, and customers, to reduce emissions, improve the resilience of our assets, and meet the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5ºC.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

Noisy car meets continue at Carnival say residents EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today DISRUPTIVE car meets are still taking place in Wokingham’s Carnival Pool despite pleas for action, residents have said.

In June, Wokingham.Today reported on alleged car racing which had been disturbing those near the town centre car park. Nearby residents have voiced their concerns again, saying motorists continue to visit the site late at night. Jenny Hills, whose name has been changed, said the community hoped the activity would stop as lockdown came to an end. “It’s all still going on,” she said. “You can hear cars racing all the time. “Sometimes teenagers also stand on the top of the car

park and shout at you. Who knows what joy they get out of it.” Last month, Wokingham. Today also heard from Rebecca Price, whose name has been changed, who said the car meets are impacting people’s mental wellbeing. “It’s been an ongoing and extremely distressing situation,” she said. “It’s become really, really unpleasant living close by. “It’s my right to live in my own home and not have to ensure this noise every night of the week.” At the time, council leader John Halsall said Wokingham Borough Council is working in conjunction with police to put a stop to anti-social behaviour. He said the council plans to bring its public protection partnership services inhouse and the localities team had begun patrolling the Carnival

area — but Ms Hills said nothing has changed. Now, she has questioned why the car park is being left open at night. “I know things have all opened up now, but I also don’t know why it’s open 24/7,” Ms Hills said. “I suppose they keep it open for people going to restaurants, but we’re all getting a bit sick of it.” Pete Dennis, ward councillor for Wescott, said a number of additional measures were put in place to stop antisocial behaviour in late May, including issuing Community Protection Warnings to motorists and asking them to stop using the car park — but he is concerned residents are still being impacted. “While the police are constrained with their numbers, not having a local police station, I would like

to see some form of patrol of the car park with on the spot fines,” he said. “[Although] legally, I do not know how this would work. “I would strongly encourage residents to report any antisocial behaviour issues that continue so that the CCTV images are reviewed by police and the perpetrators dealt with appropriately,” he added. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways said covid marshals have not found any car meets at the car park so far. She said the council and police are issuing warning letters after identifying car owners via CCTV. “Targeted evening patrols of the car park by the marshals, managed by our localities service, will continue to stay in place until further notice,” she said. n Call 101 to report noise.

School wins in sustainability

THE WINNING TEAM: Libby, Kelsey and Viviana, with teacher Matt Knight from Shinfield St Mary’s CofE Junior School

A SHINFIELD primary school has been awarded £500 for winning a sustainability competition. Year 6 pupils Libby, Kelsey and Viviana at Shinfield St Mary’s CofE Junior School designed a poster for the 3M Smart Earth Challenge competition. The school will use the prize pot to bring their living wall concept to life. It features plastic bottles, being given a second life as plant pots, and was inspired by the millions of bottles that go into landfill everyday in the UK. The competition had 32 entries across the country, and were judged by members of 3M’s European Sustainability team against criteria based around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. All students that entered, along with the school’s head of ecology and sustainability, Matt Knight, attended a virtual presentation ceremony. The teacher said children loved receiving feedback and appreciated the time the judges

Cranstoun takes drug support contract DRUG and alcohol support services will come under a new provider, Wokingham Borough Council revealed. On Tuesday, it announced national charity Cranstoun has been awarded its fiveyear substance misuse service contract. Since April 2021, the charity has been delivering the council’s drug and alcohol recovery service for adults, their families and carers.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “I would like to welcome Cranstoun as the new substance misuse service provider. “Substance abuse is a priority area for the council and in recognition of this and increasing demands on services, funding has been significantly increased. “We work with our partners to protect and

took to appraise every entry. He said: “The 3M Smart Earth Challenge is a fantastic way to engage children in sustainability and environmental issues. “It helped our pupils to really stop and think about the resources we consume within our school and how we could reduce our carbon footprint. They came up with some really fantastic ideas and conducted some brilliant research to support them. “We look forward to constructing our first living walls and are really proud of what all the children achieved.” Application engineering manager, Sarah Chapman, said the judges liked the practical and easy use of plastic bottles. “The project is also a great fit with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of recycling and repurposing existing materials and enhancing the natural environment,” she said. “Congratulations Libby, Kelsey and Viviana.”

safeguard our children, young and vulnerable people, offering quality care and support at the right time.” It will offer free services and confidential advice to borough residents, including assessments, one-to-one sessions and prescribing services. The adult support centre will stay on Station Road and will be known as Crastoun Wokingham. Its children’s service, Here4YOUth, will work with people up to 18-years-old.

Vikki Lane, service manager at Cranstoun, added: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver the substance misuse in Wokingham Borough. “We offer free, nonjudgemental advice and information, specialist treatment, and recovery support to adults and young people across the borough. “Our mission is to empower and support people to make positive changes.”

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CHALLENGE: The Finchampstead family aim to reach the target by child’s 10th birthday

Mother and daughter aim to raise £10,000 in 10 months 10X10 CHALLENGE: Claire and Amelie have until March to hit their £10,000 goal Picture: CLaire De Cort

EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A FINCHAMPSTEAD family is hoping to raise £10,000 in the next 10 months for a host of charities.

Claire De Cort said the deadline coincides with her daughter Amelie’s 10th birthday, in March next year. The duo hope to challenge themselves, and encourage others to get involved in charity work. “We always try to do things for charities,” Mrs De Cort said. “With Amelie’s big birthday coming up, we wanted to set an ambitious target.” Inspired to make the world a better place, the mother and daughter want to “pay it forwards”. “We never know what lies ahead and what support we may need in the future,” Mrs De Cort said on her fundraising website. “This is not just about money, it’s also about getting involved, donating time and ideas, and showing compassion. “It’s also about education and spreading the word about these causes and along the way helping ourselves to help others.” With help from friends and family, Mrs De Cort and Amelie have chosen 10 charities to benefit.

Country show at Dinton Pastures next weekend FAMILIES can celebrate the countryside with a show at Dinton Pastures next week. The Country Show includes craft and food stands and live music. There will be falconry displays, a classic car display, heavy horse demonstrations, search and rescue demonstrations, and dog agility. There will also be on-the-day dog competitions. Families can try the helter skelter, ferris wheel, rock climbing, laser clay pigeon shooting, archery and bungee trampolines. The event runs from 11am to 6pm on Sunday, August 8. Tickets cost £8 for adults, £6 for children seven upwards and £1 for those six and under. On the door tickets cost an additional £2. n For more information, visit: www.dinton-pastures.co.uk

Transport police need helpers

These include Wokingham In Need, of which Amelie is a junior ambassador, and Babies in Buscot Support, at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Mrs De Cort hopes the volunteering will strengthen her own family, as well as any other families that join in.

They are already walking a marathon for Samaritans, and collecting books for a Summer Readathon in aid of the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s Talking Books. In September, they will learn Dog First Aid Training, and are creating a vegetarian feast as part of a

Cookalong for Conservation. So far, they have raised £1,500. Mrs De Cort is encouraging other families to take on their own challenge, and support the fundraising goal. n Borough residents can get involved with their own challenge, or donate via: teamhdc.wixsite.com

THE BRITISH Transport Police is looking for new members for its Independent Advisory Group. The group helps to engage communities, develop plans and review activity and operations, independent of the police. It is looking for Reading area residents to help observe operations, act as consultants, help develop local policing plans and advise on how decisions are interpreted by the public. Members will also help with critical incidents that have a direct impact on the community. The volunteer group meets four times annually, with travel costs reimbursed. Ian Stack, of Reading’s British Transport Police, said it is an exciting opportunity. “We’re looking for people from all backgrounds, who have an interest in policing and its effect on the local area, to act as a critical friend reviewing our activity,” he said. n For more information, email: Ian.Stack.1334@ btp.police.uk

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ÁÙű ĩŖőĆńŖä 1, &1 ħ 131.4 Ż - ./%,$ ( 0/ %. -$. ,0 Ż *$*4 NEW: Rebecca Mole, fundraising coordinator at The Cowshed receives the built structure from Men’s Shed chairman Ron Baillie Picture: Sally Russell BOOKS will be available to children outside a charity’s donation centre, thanks to The Cowshed. The Hurst-based organisation, providing clothing, accessories, bedding and curtains to those in need, has revealed its new free book library at 4 Kings Street Lane. Although the charity provides at least five books with all of its children’s referrals, people’s donations mean the bookshelves are always stocked.

This library cabinet will be located outside its donation centre so that any children can come and take or give a book. Built by Wokingham Men’s Shed from scratch, the library was also painted by CarComm Coachworks in The Cowshed’s signature green colour. Ron Baillie, chairman of Wokingham Men’s Shed, said: “The Shed was still closed due to the pandemic, but I agreed to make it in my own workshop as The Cowshed is a very important charity

for Wokingham, and I was personally up for the challenge. “It took me about 30 hours or so to make it, I had to ensure it was robust enough and weather-proof, as well as keeping the costs down.” Mr Baillie added: “I had to buy specific materials and outdoor primer paint to which The Cowshed agreed to reimburse me for some and even made a small donation to us.” n For more details, visit thecowshed.org

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COUNCILNEWS Shake-up to meetings COUNCIL meetings face a shake-up after failing to complete the agenda again. The meeting ended at 10.30pm after Conservatives voted against extending it to 11pm. This meant that everything from ward questions on was missed off. There were no leaders’ statements, or a chance to debate motions. This is not the first time that the council had been unable to complete the agenda, and a solution is being sought. Borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker, said he felt the situation was untenable and would be calling a meeting with party leaders in September to try and figure out a way forward.

Call for abuse training

DOMESTIC abuse training was held for councillors on Monday. Borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker reminded the chamber about the event at the council meeting last Thursday, encouraging every councillor to attend. “This is a very, very important subject matter,” Cllr Baker said. “We need to be knowledgeable about it.”

Cycle facilities in Laurel Park LAUREL PARK’S lack of cycle parking and lanes was raised by resident Al Neal, who wanted to know if the council would commit to “installing significant cycling parking before any new development takes place”. Responding, Cllr Parry Batth, the executive member for environment and leisure, said he was knocking on an open door, and an assessment of cycling provision would be available for public consultation process. “Consideration will be given to all potential users of the proposed new facility as part of the design development process and appropriate arrangements will be put in place,” he said. Mr Neal said that the plans included an increase of car parking, and wanted to know if it would be better to encourage a zero increase in car traffic rather an 83% rise. Cllr Batth said that the car parking was considered necessary.

Overtaking cyclists

THE lack of overtaking space for cyclists using the borough’s road network was raised by resident Peter Humphreys. He said it was “somewhat bizarre” that the council was “actively encouraging motorists to overtake within a nanometre of a cyclists’ life”. “Numerous traffic islands make it difficult for motorists to overtake, those that do either cut in too close to cyclists or pass the wrong side of the islands to avoid slowing down,” he added. The scheme Mr Humphreys raised, New Wokingham Road, was a decade old, said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen. The executive member for highways said: “The approach taken to reduce the effective width of the road using red tarmac and hatching along with the traffic islands to prevent overtaking and the installation of Vehicle Activated Speed signs is a recognised speed management approach and has proved to be successful.” She felt that the scheme supported cyclists and there had been only one cyclist collision in the past 10 years. Mr Humphreys responded by warning that drivers were speeding up as they got to the island, making the road “considerably more dangerous” and he wanted the council to commit to making changes and working with experienced cyclists to do so. “You are completely incorrect Mr Humphreys,” Cllr Jorgensen replied. “There are several experienced and keen cyclists in the Highways Department, and they are actively involved in designing these roads.”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on July 22, 2021

Community called to get behind carbon busting Big Idea plan n Continued from front page Cllr Gregor Murray said that The Big Idea project would seek to remove barriers preventing residents from becoming more ecofriendly. It is part of the council’s climate emergency action plan and the launch marked the second anniversary of the council declaring a climate emergency. “Sustainable behaviour change is the single most important thing we can do to deliver against Climate Change,” Cllr Murray continued. “Over the next 12 months we will be working to engage local businesses, charities, religious groups, schools, communities and others to work on collective behaviour change initiatives together with WBC, their employees, members, pupils, neighbours and each other. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we have done so far, and we have plenty of initiatives ready to go into action over the coming year.” Cllr Blumenthal said that a full plan would go to a meeting of the Executive in October. This would detail the key areas for residents to comment on and how they can do so. “Despite Covid we have continued to make bold progress in the fight against climate change. As we all seek to recover from the pandemic now is the time to step up and build back greener,” she added. The eight areas that The Big Idea will focus on are: n Schools: teaching children to think and live sustainably n Businesses: getting every business that operates or sells in Wokingham Borough to be more sustainable n Transport: getting residents to reduce their dependence on cars n Waste: cutting the total tonnage of waste we generate while increase recycling even further n Energy: using less energy while maintaining connectivity n Food: sourcing and consuming sustainably n Clothing: embedding repairing, reusing or repurposing clothing when no longer usable n Water: reducing the volume of water used every day. The climate emergency formed a large part of last Thursday’s meeting at Shute End, as the second annual report charting the council’s progress was presented. Resident Helen Palmer wanted to know if the council would meet its target of being carbon neutral by 2030, telling Cllr Murray that she felt “Significant progress by the mid 2030’s is not specific enough, not soon enough and quite simply not good enough”. Cllr Murray said that the council had made a commitment to lead by example and it stood by this commitment. “The Council’s own actions along with its statutory powers and responsibilities are important

levers to reduce emissions in the Borough but these powers are limited, and we need to look at the wider picture where our role as a community leader and influencer will be equally if not more critical,” he said. “To reach net-zero across the suite of sectors and activities that we cannot directly control will require partnerships and collaboration as a vital ingredient for success.” During the debate on the report, councillors shared their views on the plans. Lib Dem spokesperson on the environment, Cllr Sarah Kerr, said communication had not been good. “We voted to set up a crossparty working group to steer the plan. In January of this year, 18 months after that declaration, I wrote to the Executive Member that has the climate emergency portfolio to express my frustration at the way the climate agenda was progressing. I have received no response. The climate emergency working group is not functioning and hasn’t even met in 6 months.” She added: “This plan continues to be riddled with questionable assumptions and projections. There have been some improvements - particularly in some of the methodologies used. But there are still some huge, gaping holes in this plan that are being ignored, and which give an unwarranted level of confidence that we’re on track to carbon neutrality. This is life or death for our planet, and our residents deserve better.” And the leader of the Labour group, Cllr Rachel Burgess, was equally dismissive of the council’s work so far. “The numbers in this report still don’t add up and it is still internally inconsistent, and it is still totally unacceptable that Council is presented with a document where numbers do not even add up on numerous occasions. “The Conservatives’ refusal so far to commit to a citizens assembly on the climate emergency shows it does not take this issue anywhere near seriously enough.” She added that some of the figures had not been corrected after a year, while some schemes were

for vulnerable or lower income households, which limited their take-up. “Of most concern, the Greenbank scheme is still included in the report, despite the fact that the Council’s legal department reviewed this and stated the Greenbank would not go ahead,” she added. “It is still not a credible plan to help Wokingham Borough play its part in tackling the climate emergency.” Cllr Alison Swaddle said that the climate emergency working group had been highly effective and the plan was praised by the experts that they had consulted. Cllr Parry Batth said that the council’s waste strategy was part of the climate emergency plan, while Cllr Pauline Jorgensen praised the success of the Beat The Street initiative as one of the ways in which the council was working towards more sustainable transport. Cllr Carl Doran pointed out that the climate emergency plan was set up for failure and the Labour group had previously voted against it as it contained fantasy policies, such as reduction in car usage and a nonexistent public transport network. “It’s the most unserious plan for the most serious issue” he said, adding that he could not support it. Cllr John Kaiser said “we seemed to have missed the point” and the council had been leading from the front on the issue. Addressing the opposition, he said that the council’s social housing was for “the people who support you – the poor people who need housing”. Cllr Jim Frewin admitted that he didn’t understand all the plan but accepted that it was about changing behaviours and he would support it accordingly, admitting it wasn’t perfect but it was a step forward. Cllr Paul Fishwick had concerns about transport. “Improving traffic flow … will be a short-term fix. We are in a Climate Emergency and the focus instead must be on modal shift such as improving walking and cycling, which in the Action Plan is a big winner, but does not have sufficient resources allocated to it,” he said. Cllr Murray summing up said: “Don’t mistake the opposition’s passion for facts”, and issues such as citizens assemblies had been looked at. He also said that Labour had come up with nothing other than an idea about Citizens Assemblies. He also said that Cllr Burgess was wrong about greenbank and conversations were taking place with relevant groups. “She keeps on saying this, and it is simply not true”. As to whether other opposition councillors would support the plan he “didn’t really care.” Cllr Burgess said that Cllr Murray could find the information in

the minutes of the overview and scrutiny meeting. After the meeting, she told Wokingham.Today that Cllr Murray appeared to have a very short memory. “The so-called ‘inaccurate information’ I presented came from one of Cllr Murray’s own documents,” she said. “At a meeting of the Overview Scrutiny Management Committee on 16 June Cllr Murray presented an update on the climate emergency plan. It stated with regard to the Green Bank: ‘Conversations with legal (department) finished’. The decision to not set up WBC funded initiative at this stage take’. “Not only that, Cllr Murray was questioned on this point by at least two councillors, and it was clearly acknowledged that the Green Bank scheme was not currently going ahead. Cllr Murray himself stated he would be unlikely to even start having conversations on the topic until next year. “The fact that Cllr Murray is now denying all knowledge of information contained in his own paper from a month ago, and the discussions at this public meeting, can only mean he is either being deliberately misleading, has a very short memory or does not know the detail of his own plan. Which is it?” She added that she was pleased that Cllr Murray had told the chamber he had had recent discussions relating to the project. “I truly hope the new talks he mentioned last week are more successful than the aborted initial attempts to set up a Green Bank scheme,” she said. “I do appreciate that being in charge of a plan that is not fit for purpose must be stressful for Cllr Murray but this is no excuse for trying to shoot the messengers rather than addressing legitimate concerns about the Conservatives’ climate emergency plan.” In response to Cllr Burgess, Cllr Murray said: “The Legal department have not been a part of any of these discussions because, at the present time they do not need to be. “An officer in the Legal department not only wouldn’t know the situation with the Green Bank, but I want it to make it clear they don’t make Council policy, elected councillors do. “WBC had been working with a national high-street bank who paused conversations due to the Covid pandemic. “In response to numerous questions at the Cross Party Working Group meeting (attended by the previous Labour group leader), I have repeatedly said that the Green Bank scheme was paused due to Covid. “Other avenues for the progression of the Green Bank are being discussed at the moment, with conversations begun with four different external organisations.”

COUNCILNEWS Future of sporting provision AN UPDATE on the council’s plans and costs for sports facilities was requested by Daniel Hinton, attending as a resident although he is leader of the Conservative group on Wokingham Town Council. Cllr Parry Batth said that between now and 2025, consultations and plans are being made for Carnival Pool (£23 million), a 3G pitch at Arborfield Primary School (£800,000), Cantley Park Enhancement (£2.2 million), Cantley Play Area (£300,000), Boxing fitness hub (£630,000) and Laurel Park 3G (£300,000 and £500,000 from the Football Foundation, subject to planning approval). “These investments are part of our ongoing commitment to Leisure, enhancing the Wellbeing opportunities for the Borough and ensuring Wokingham Borough remains one of the best places to live,” he added.

Asleep at the wheel

WOKINGHAM.TODAY’S agenda-setting report that council leader John Halsall felt that Earley and Wokingham town councils were asleep during covid was raised in a question from Mike Smith, an Earley town councillor. “I consider the statement both ill-informed and offensive to the hard-working senior officers, who have been at their posts throughout,” he said, adding that he wanted to know how much of £9.35 million covid funds were sent to town and parish councils. Cllr John Halsall responded: “While this money was gratefully received, WBC received the lowest amount per head of any unitary authority. This was insufficient to cover the impact of Covid and the needs of our residents; the Executive had to pass a supplementary estimate during the last financial year to use its own funds to meet additional pressures arising from the pandemic” This, he said, included helping rough sleepers, domestic abuse victims, shielding arrangements and helping the ‘death management process’. Mr Smith responded by saying the town councillors had not been asleep last year, but had received £8,906 from the council. Cllr Halsall said: “Interestingly enough, your returns suggest that your reserves went up by £300,000 last year. You did receive £18,000. A question and a similar one from your Leader were extremely offensive to the Officers and the Members of the Borough Council who have worked very hard to keep residents safe during the pandemic. I think that you should apologise to our Officers Mr Smith.”

Domestic abuse contract

THE CHANGE of domestic abuse contract from Berkshire Women’s Aid to Cranstoun was raised by Louise Timlin, the leader of the Women’s Equality Party’s Wokingham and Reading branch. “Please could WBC detail their experience and track record of success in providing services to victims of domestic abuse?” she asked Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “Domestic abuse is a priority area for the Borough Council and in recognition of this, and increased demands on services in this area, Council funding for this contract has been significantly increased.” Ms Timlin felt that her question wasn’t answered and pressed again. Cllr Soane said he couldn’t provide an answer immediately, and a written response would be given.

Petition on school buses

CLLR IAN SHENTON presented a petition regarding school bus provision for people living in Evendons East and Wescott West ward. He thanked people who signed it, of which there were 201. It will be forwarded to the executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen.

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PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on July 22, 2021

Anger over ‘poor people’ remark COUNCILLORS have reacted angrily to remarks that “poor people” vote for opposition parties.

The comments were made by deputy leader Cllr John Kaiser during the debate on the climate emergency action plan annual report. Speaking about the council’s commitment to build social housing such as the Gorse Ride scheme, he told opposition councillors: “It’s the people that support you that need housing, the poor people”. Cllr Rachel Burgess, the Labour group leader, felt that the comments were “entirely inappropriate” and revealed a “certain Conservative mindset”. She felt that the council’s regeneration of Wokingham town centres was “almost exclusively for the benefit of those who are better off”. “A council that has cut funding for bus services, that had to be strong-

armed into reforming its council tax debt collection processes and that has built just 11 council houses in over 20 years is certainly not a council working for poor people,” she said. “(During the debate) Cllr Kaiser was unable to address Cllr Carl Doran’s valid concerns about the lack of a plan to tackle the increased traffic, and therefore emissions, caused by house building. “Instead, he implied that Cllr Doran was simply complaining about the number of houses being built, and seemed to conclude, bizarrely, that he must be against social housing. Just a brief look at Cllr Doran’s record at Planning Committee would reveal that he regularly objects to the lack of affordable housing in developments, and show just how ill-informed these comments are.” And Cllr Clive Jones, the deputy leader off Wokingham Liberal

Plans for council meetings

COUNCIL meetings for the rest of this year will continue to be a hybrid format following a vote by councillors. During the pandemic, Wokingham Borough Council has met virtually. Since March it has seen a limited number in the chamber with the rest watching from home. Only those who were physically present were able to vote. Cllr John Halsall said: “The transmission risk of Covid has not changed, the virus is transmitted and caught by aerosol spread in the air”. He added that the choices were “to cancel full council, move it to a huge hall or do what we were doing”. He admitted it did not tick all the boxes, but the motion would be passed “with the proviso that we return to full council meetings as soon as possible”. Cllr Clive Jones introduced an amendment allowing all council meetings to be hybrid. “The government has refused to allow councils to continue with virtual meetings. This gives us a bit of a problem with regard to full Council,” he said. “The issue is not general participation. We have arrangements in place which allow everyone to participate remotely … but virtual attendance does not permit a councillor to vote. Or apparently, to propose or second anything. “We cannot go on for months and months with only half of councillors able to propose or second motions or vote at full council. We need to find a solution.” Cllr Stephen Conway said that the amendment allowed all councillors to continue to vote, and that the council chamber wasn’t large enough to allow all councillors to attend. Cllr Halsall responded by saying the council had been “at the forefront of democracy” and resumed meetings during lockdown as soon as possible. He said that legal advice suggested that they couldn’t extend the motion to all of Shute End. The options were to cancel meetings – “we don’t need to hold them”, or to hire a huge hall – “the chairing of which would be difficult”. As a result, he urged councillors to vote down the amendment pointing out that group leaders could agree to change the arrangements later if public health situation changed. “The amendment brings uncertainty,” he said. However, the chamber voted in favour of the amendment which reads: “For the remainder of the calendar year, and subject to no objections being received from the Group Leaders in advance of the meetings, full Council will be held in accordance with public health advice”.

Democrats, felt that Cllr Kaiser was using language from 200 years ago, relating to the Poor Laws. “It shows just how out of touch the Conservatives are, it really does,” he said. “There’s no place for that sort of language in society at all. I don’t think people should be referred to as poor, it is such an oldfashioned term. “It’s quite insulting.” But Cllr Kaiser sought to clarify what he meant. “The point I was making is that Labour claim to stand up for the least well-off in our society, but don’t live up to that in their words and their actions. They don’t want to talk about how we’re helping the poorest in our community and instead want to manufacture a row about the word I used,” he said. “It just reinforces that they are stoking up division rather than doing something to help people.

Action call for dog mess

A CALL for serious action over dog mess was made by new councillor Sam Akhtar. Elected in May, he asked one of his first questions to the chamber by raising the issue which has blighted his Charvil residents. “We have seen examples in the Borough where some dog walkers are walking 10 dogs at one time in a park and are unable to maintain control,” he said, calling for the council to placing a cap on the number of dogs walked by one person in a park. Responding, Cllr Parry Batth, the executive member for environment and leisure, said: “(Our) approach to dog fouling is to promote responsible dog ownership”. He added: “Although there are currently insufficient numbers of complaints received by the Council to argue limit dog walking numbers under the PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) route, officers are actively investigating the application of a cap as well as timescales for implementation within parks and recreational areas under its control. “Watch this space.”

Park and ride works date

WORK on the double decker park and ride at Winnersh is expected to start on August 2, and a portion of the car park closed until this time next year. Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey asked for an update on the work which had been due to start in January last year. “While we had intended to commence construction earlier this year, resolving the interrelated procurement and legal issues has caused some unavoidable delays,” Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, the executive member for highways and transport said. “The steelwork required for the decking of the car park has already been ordered and is currently being manufactured,” she added.

Equality in the borough

AN UPDATE on equality in the borough was requested by Cllr Shahid Younis (Con, Bulmershe and Whitegates). Cllr John Halsall reiterated the council’s commitment to tackling equality together. “Equality, diversity and inclusion are essential to the way we operate as a community leader, a service provider and an employer,” he said. To help deliver 29 equality actions, he said: “the programme is on track and has been reenforced by the recent appointment of a new Equality Lead Ali Layne-Smith who joins us to

“Calling people ‘economically disadvantaged’ doesn’t make them any less poor. “One of my big concerns as executive member for finance and housing is actually helping people in the borough who are struggling. “This Conservative administration has proven this time and time again in our policies: providing free school meals in the holidays; increasing Council Tax discounts for carers; removing Council Tax for people in care up to 25; delivering over 1,200 affordable homes deliver in the last three years; providing accommodation for rough sleepers when the pandemic hit – just to name a few. “I think residents will take a very dim view of Labour’s attempts to start a class war. “We Conservatives will get on with the task of continuing to make this the best place for everyone in our community.”

bring senior insight, advice, and leadership to this critical area”.

Substandard cycle way?

A £6 MILLION project to provide a cycle network on the A329 was “sub-standard” and “poor value for money” according to Cllr Paul Fiswick (Lib Dem, Winnersh). Cllr Paul Fishwick said that greenways were not part of the network, and he wanted to know when the council would prioritise Cllr Jorgensen begged to differ, and said the council would continue to work to strengthen the cycle infrastructure.

Grass cutting complaints

GRASS CUTTING complaints have been increasing, not helped by the lack of information published by the council Cllr Parry Batth said: “Unfortunately, with our current systems, it isn’t easy for us to provide live updates of grass cutting. Due to seasonal factors and variable grass growth, it’s not possible to provide a set schedule outlining what will be completed when, which is why we provide an outline of areas” He added: “We had previously published completed cut dates on the website, which had since been taken down as we were unable to provide accurate information on a next cut which would have been the most valuable information to our residents. “We will continue to review the technology available to us and our contractors to provide our customers with helpful, ideally live information.” He indicated that it would be March next year. Cllr Boyt wanted to know if residents would be told which areas are designated for rewilding and make it more interactive. “Can it be a two-way process?” she asked “Yes, it will be an interactive system that’s put in place,” Cllr Batth responded. A similar issue was raised by Cllr Sarah Kerr (Lib Dem, Evendons), who wanted to know if a blue heart plaque scheme could be adopted by the council to protect areas where rare wildflowers are growing. This would ensure they are not cut. Cllr Batth said it was an excellent idea. “We are currently looking at ways we can improve biodiversity on Council maintained land. In particular how we can work with our contractors to clearly identify areas of wildlife value and have clear communication with the public and contractor operatives to make sure these areas designated for biodiversity are understood and maintained appropriately.”

16 | NEWS

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Report will help tackle violence in Thames Valley A DOCUMENT has been created to help tackle violence in the region, writes Laura Scardarella . Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has published its first annual Strategic Needs Assessment document. This aims to raise awareness of the root causes of violence by presenting data on where it takes place and who is most at risk. Informing partners across the Thames Valley, it will help them plan responses to serious violence and to address its causes at the earliest point. This will also be coupled with more focused enforcement on hotspots. Produced annually, it is hoped to become a live system in coming months, providing up-to-date data. Key findings include a 22% decrease in serious violence against victim offences in 2020/21 compared to the previous year. Knife crime has also seen an 11% decrease between April 2020 and February 2021, with 1,311 offences recorded in the Thames Valley. Risk factors include the most

deprived areas, including Reading, drug use and exclusions from school. Stan Gilmour, director of the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, said he is “immensely proud” of the Strategic Needs Assessment. “We must put in place support networks for the vulnerable, diversion activities to give people a chance to turn their lives around, and focused deterrents and enforcement against those most at risk of committing violence,” he added. This was a view echoed by Matthew Barber, police & crime commissioner for the Thames Valley. “The police are key to tackling this challenge through enforcement but to end this public health crisis we need every agency and every part of society to be involved,” he said. “This important report will help all of our partners to better understand the challenges we all need to address in order to reduce violence and save lives.” n For more details, visit tvvru.co.uk

Events to help talk about X POP UP events about the signs of child exploitation are running this month. On Saturday, Wokingham Borough Council is hosting the first session of its Let’s Talk About X campaign. Running from 10am to 3pm in Woodley town centre, it will highlight the risks of criminal and sexual exploitation. This includes county lines drug trafficking. “I am really pleased to see that we are engaging and educating our communities about this

important issue,” said Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services at the borough council. “No-one is immune to child exploitation, so it is vital that everyone who has contact with children and young people be aware of the signs so that we can prevent further harm.” The borough council said it is important that families from all walks of life understand and recognise the signs of exploitation.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

FESTIVAL: Weekend of music at Dinton gets family’s seal of approval

Tickets are a Marvellous treat for contest winners EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE WINNER of our recent ticket contest to Marvellous Festival said she had – what else? – a marvellous time.

Camilla Lovell was the lucky recipient of four tickets to the tribute festival, which took place earlier this month in Dinton Pastures. And the timing couldn’t have been better: her family had recovered from covid and had seen their 12-year-old son have a miserable birthday due to his illhealth. But having recovered and given the all-clear, they were able to rock along to some of the best music ever. The line-up included tributes to Coldplay, Queen and T Rex, as well as Fleetwood Mac, the Killers and the ELO. On the Sunday, there were nods to Ed Sheeran, Simon and Garfunkel and Bob Marley. A second stage featured local acts including Daughter of the Water, Andy Sugarcandy, Paula Curtis and Treble 21. Other activities included a special area for children, a fun fair and food stalls. Despite reduced numbers this year, as a result of the pandemic, the event was a massive hit and plans are being put in place for next year’s event. Mrs Lovell said: “My eldest son had the worst birthday ever, being really poorly with covid. When I found out we’d won the tickets we were still in isolation and unsure if we would have the energy to go to the festival. “But the NHS confirmed we were free to go out and about and we were so chuffed and excited to be finally allowed out. “It was absolutely amazing to have something as wonderful as the

FAB FUN: The Lovells won our contest for four tickets to Marvellous Festival

Marvellous Festival to go to, it really was the best medicine for recovery.” And it wasn’t just being allowed out of isolation that meant the Lovells had a great time. “This was the first time my kids had been to a festival, and they had the best time,” she said. “We made it down there for a few hours on the Saturday and for most of the day on the Sunday.

“We had such a great time that even though Sunday was a school night we stayed quite late as we felt we as a family really needed to have as much fun as possible. “The sun was shining, the bands were awesome, the atmosphere was super.” n For more details, or to find out more about next year’s festival, log on to www.marvellousfestivals.com

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Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Discover Elms Walk Advertisement feature

LMS Walk is a new edition to Wokingham created during the award-winning regeneration. The walk is conveniently situated close to the carnival pool multi storey car park and Denmark Street carpark. There are a selection of different shops there and today we would like to introduce you to … n BACK2NORMAL “It is our passion to help you become free of pain and lead a normal life again. We are driven by our patients and strive to make sure that everything we do is for your benefit.” The team at Back 2 Normal want to help you achieve and maintain your optimum all round health through the understanding and respect of the mechanics of your body. Their modern chiropractic clinic is conveniently situated within Elms Walk, the team are warm and approachable and pride themselves on the family feel. They are sympathetic and respond to patients’ immediate concerns, focusing on providing fast and effective pain relief, as well as treatment of other symptoms. The team of health care professionals are passionate about helping individuals of all ages and from all walks of life to live pain-free. Using their knowledge and experience, they can help create a systematic plan for each patient, that is personal to them, to help them reach the optimum level for their body and wellbeing. Their main vision is to be the

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‘go-to’ centre in Wokingham, established for our knowledge of treatments for patients needing physical, mental and emotional support. They are constantly striving to find new ways of improving both health and wellbeing to maintain the excellence in their clinic that they are so proud of. n PEACOCK HOUSE INTERIORS The new store on Elms Walk offers a range of bespoke homeware as well as its own design service. It was launched by husbandand-wife duo Ruby and Mohammed Azbar Bhatti, after Ruby discovered a love for interior design. “This is our first big venture into home interiors,” Mr Bhatti said. “Ruby has always had a passion for it, so one day we decided why not take it further. “She’s already designed our own house, and it’s been hard work setting up the shop but so worthwhile.” Peacock House Interiors has a range of room displays and its own “Instagrammable” welcome area. It also stocks Heyland and Whittle — a brand commissioned by the royal family. The store is themed to match the season. “We’re really happy to be open,” he said. “Online pictures don’t always do the stock justice so now, people can come in and pick things up, and see the quality for themselves.” The shop is following covidsecure guidelines in line with Government restrictions to

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| 17

18 | SOCIETY

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INTHE COMMUNITY Wargrave Local History Society WARGRAVE Local History Society do not usually have a presentation in July, but were fortunate that as meetings were being held using Zoom this year it became possible to hear historian and author Bill King tell us about the Upper Thames Patrol. Formed in the spring of 1939, several months before war broke out, it consisted of about 6,000 men, who were all volunteers. Their task was, if war did come, to police the River Thames and look out for attempts to sabotage vital locations. Originally, the patrols consisted of men from the Thames Conservancy – then responsible for the river – who already had craft on the river, but it was soon realised that they had other tasks to perform and would not be able to do all that was required of them in war-time. The upper Thames area was the navigable river from where it ceases to be tidal, at Teddington Lock, up to Lechlade. This is about 125 miles, hence the need for so many men. Their job was to ensure the security of the river, especially the bridges and the many locks. If these were to have been sabotaged, the uncontrolled rush of water downstream could have led to extensive flooding of the Thames valley area. The need for such an operation was put forward by Sir Ralph Glynn, the MP for Abingdon, who had been a major in the army. He had raised his concerns about the vulnerability of these locations with the War Office, and was then put in charge of the Upper Thames Patrol upon its formation. From the spring of 1940 their work was aided by a new organisation formed in May that year – the Local Defence Volunteers (from the initials on their uniforms, also known as “look, duck, and vanish”), subsequently renamed the Home Guard. The volunteers of the Upper Thames Patrol carried out duties similar to those of the Home Guard in addition to their specialist role The river was divided into various

Reading Geological Society

FOLLOWING a long and boring period when the Reading Geological Society avoided physical lectures and field meetings, we can now announce, at last, a programme of Field Meetings. Our lectures continue in Zoom mode and can be found on our website at www.readinggeology. org.uk The next lecture is on the 6th September and the title is Evolution of flowering plants. On August 22 we are off to Hatfield and Wickleshamlodge Quarries, where we examine some excellent sedimentary structures and hopefully collect

stretches, lettered from A1, A2, B1, B2 and C to E, the boats on each carrying a disc that identified the section and then a number. Section B2 for example was from Sonning to Henley - shorter than the others as there were hills and forestry alongside which made it difficult territory for tanks to defend. Each section was staffed by 50 – 60 men, who were responsible for the land for 1½ miles either side of the river, as well as the watercourse itself. The groups needed a place to meet, be given details of their duties etc, and riverside public houses were convenient for this. The uniforms of the Upper Thames Patrol had its initials - UTP - clearly visible, so it is not surprising that the groups were colloquially known as “Up The Pub”! The patrol would walk from their base along the river bank for 2 - 3 miles to the next bridge, and return, when the next patrol would set off, checking the locks and so on. The Upper Thames Patrol became a very professional organisation. Each member had to have a certificate in watermanship, so that any of them could take charge of a boat if the need arose, and be able to swim 25 metres in their full equipment, as well as being able to carry out the tasks done by the Home Guard, such as use a gun etc, and were also taught how to send signals by flags - they were only provided with radios late in the war. The work continued through 1942 and 1943, but by the spring of 1944 there was no longer a threat of invasion. Instead of defending the bridges etc from attack, the task was to ensure they were kept open for the movement of equipment and supplies. Along with the whole of the Home Guard, the Upper Thames Patrol was stood down at the end of 1944. The Society’s planned programme is at www. wargravehistory.org.uk/ - where the latest information can be found, or email info@wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details. PETER DELANEY corals together with fossil wood and maybe fossil bone. In September we are running a – delayed – week-long visit to Edinburgh and then in October we have a field meeting in the Reading area. Our field meetings are designed to introduce people new to geology to the delights of understanding scenery and rock formation as well as collecting interesting specimens. Please contact us if you would like more information on a particular meeting, or to book a place: www.readinggeology.org.uk DAVID WARD, FIELD MEETINGS SECRETARY RGS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

‘I count my blessings every day’ A WEEKEND of celebrations saw a Shinfield woman mark her centenary in style. Megan Shaw turned 100 on Friday, July 23, with a party held at the village’s Baptist Church. Family, friends and community stalwarts came along to enjoy afternoon tea and to toast the birthday girl. The Fairmead Road church held a special coffee morning the day before, and also organised a short ceremony after its Sunday morning service. Mrs Shaw was delighted with the turn out, and to reach the milestone. “I’ve been very, very lucky with my life really,” she said. “I count my blessings every day. I go to bed at night and pray and wake up in the morning and thank God for another day.” She grew up in North Wales, married but lost her husband when she was 54 – “no age really”, she said – and brought up her two children, “they’re good lads”.

“My mother was a Londoner, but my parents were Welsh speakers,” she recalled. During the Second World War, Mrs Shaw was involved in aircraft inspection. She remains active, and admitted to playing bowls until she was 72, and says that “I can chatter until the cows come home”. She also likes to laugh: “There’s no point being

miserable, is there?” Mrs Shaw was relieved to see her birthday card from the Queen: “I was worried I wasn’t going to get it because it didn’t come until (my birthday),” she said. “I thought it was just an ordinary letter, but when I opened it up it was a picture of the Queen.” And she is grateful to the community at Shinfield Baptist Church for their

St Catherine’s Church ST Catherine’s Church in Sindlesham was built in 1846 so this year there are celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of its Consecration by the then Bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce. We have already held a very successful flower festival and, later in June, a local historian, Oliver Bing, gave a talk on the history of the church and of Bearwood. We hope he will come again to bring us up to more recent times and to include more of the history of the Walter family. During the plans for the anniversary, we have been in touch with several members of the family and two granddaughters of Stephen Walter have very kindly donated some of his paintings to be sold to raise funds to help towards renewing the lighting and other electrical systems in the church. Many have already been sold but

CLASP Wokingham

DURING August, CLASP Wokingham is planning on holding some face-to-face sessions, with attendance needing to be pre-booked. It is hoped that sessions can be matched with an online session using Zoom for those who can’t make it or if more people want to attend that can safely do so. As it’s high summer, CLASP is preparing a slightly more relaxed agenda, all aimed at adults with additional needs. Regular sessions will run, including Dancing To Music on Tuesday, August 3, Wokingham

PARTY: Megan Shaw marked her 100th birthday in style, surrounded by family and friends Picture: Phil Creighton

support to her, particularly during the covid lockdown, as her family don’t live nearby. “The church has been a godsend, they’re all brilliant,” she said. “They’re not Bible punchers, I mean we’ve got a wonderful minister, and it’s a joy to belong here.” As for the secret of her old age, she wonders if it’s something in her genes, while she never smoked. “I say enjoy life,” she added.

there are still a few available and they present a unique opportunity to own a piece of Walter family history. Stephen Walter, a great grandson of John Walter I, founder of The Times newspaper, was born in the family home, Bearwood, in 1878 and lived the majority of his 96 years in Wokingham, though he travelled widely.

Educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, where he obtained a Degree from the Honour School of Natural Sciences, he also had a great interest in sport, boxing for the university against Cambridge in 1898. In 1904, he was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn and, a few years later, he followed the family and joined The Times, where he remained for many years, apart from serving in the RNVR during the First World War. In 1937, he went to Kenya, where he lived and worked and it was during this time that he developed his artistic talent and painting became his passion. He returned to England in 1949 and, the following year, was given the RHS Grenfell Award in paintings. The pictures are small and delicate – and very decorative! The remaining pictures are £50 each. For all enquiries, please contact: the175th@outlook.com ROBERTA TWEEDY

Library Book Corner on Tuesday, August 10. There is no choir during August, and the group is still looking for a new choirmaster for bi-weekly Friday sessions running from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. On Friday, August 6, Wokingham Borough Council will talk about its consultation with the learning disability community on the new mental health strategy plan – a great chance to have your say and influence the plan. Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack will talk about his love of bees which will be very interesting, on Friday, August 13.

On Friday, August 20, there will be a chance to go on the Wokingham Mosaics Walk – as suggested by one of our members. A chance to explore our local area and learn our history. Then on Wednesday 25th we have our second Happy and Healthy Club session – this time with Frankie Cohen for Seated Pilates. Finally on Friday, August 27, Wokingham Borough Council’s Glenn will update us on the Health and Leisure Strategy. For more details, log on to wokinghamclasp.org.uk DEBS MORRISON

Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 19

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300 homes plan for Hurst: ‘Don’t give them feedback’ say action group EXCLUSIVE By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today UP to 300 new homes are being proposed for a large green field which residents have fought to defend for more than 60 years.

They say that developers are circling the village of Hurst hoping to get planning permission to build. The latest plan, for 300 homes on land between Lodge Road and Tape Lane, Hurst, is the biggest of the recent schemes. It confirmed residents’ fears sparked in the spring when they spotted a man in a high viz jacket appearing to survey the field, home to donkeys, ponies and horses. A Tape Lane resident said this week: “Time and time again applications [for planning permission] for this site have been dismissed at appeal, whatever was being applied for. “Building 300 houses will devastate the character of Hurst, it will change everything. It’s an important green gap between settlements.” Since 1958, 10 plans variously

for homes, stables, an equine rehabilitation centre and a farm shop on the land have all been refused planning permission, many on appeal. The site is outside the village development area. Mactaggart and Mickel, the recent plan’s promoters, have ignited a row with their request for villagers’ views. Protect Hurst Action Group (PHAG) has urged residents not to take part. “Despite what Mactaggart and Mickel consultation website states PHAG recommends you do NOT engage with this feedback request,” says the group. “The way the questions are posed Mactaggart and Mickel WILL take all responses as a positive response to this proposal and use it to promote their application,” alleges PHAG. “If you are concerned about this proposal and would like to protect Hurst from this development, please join Protect Hurst Action Group either by Facebook or email protecthurstactiongroup@ outlook.com.” But the promoters’ website says: “We are very aware that this site occupies a prominent

position towards the centre of the village, and we understand that most residents are unlikely to support the principle of development. “However, we hope that you will nonetheless engage with this consultation and advise us on how our proposals can be improved, despite your opposition to the principle. “Any improvements you suggest will not be used to imply your support for the development.” Conor Roberts of Mactaggart and Mickel told Wokingham Today: “We are grateful to all those who have provided feedback on our initial proposals so far. Whatever their view on the principle of development

Who are Protect Hurst?

PROTECT Hurst Action Group which aims to protect the village from “inappropriate development” has had dozens of new members join it.

The increase has been since developers have started a new wave of proposals to build homes in the fields around Hurst.

in this location, I hope Hurst residents will continue to take part in the consultation so they can influence how these proposals evolve. “We have been very clear from the outset that residents’ feedback will not be construed as support for the proposals, and in no way will the mere fact that they have provided feedback be interpreted as a positive response to the proposals. “We believe a development of this nature should bring tangible benefits for the existing community in Hurst, and we would like to hear residents’ opinions on any local improvements that could be enabled, or areas of concern

that could be resolved if this land comes forward for development. “We intend to submit a planning application to Wokingham Borough Council, hopefully in the autumn, and we will explain to the Council how the proposals have changed and why. “However, we will not be suggesting that the application ought to be approved just because residents provided their feedback to us, or because the proposals were changed as a result of their feedback.” The company’s website says they will go through residents’ feedback, revise the proposals, and then consult residents

again on the revised proposals. Mactaggart and Mickel say there would be one road entrance to the new homes, off Lodge Road, for cars, bikes and pedestrians. Other entrances, excluding cars, would enable safe routes between Tape Lane and Lodge Road. There would be play areas, a community orchard, a large open space and a possible extension to the existing allotments. Within the 300 homes at least 105 would be affordable. Details are at www. landeastoflodgeroad.co.uk Once Wokingham Borough Council receives applications for planning permission they seek residents’ views on them.

Earlier this month Wokingham Borough Council refused planning permission for four homes at the junction of Sawpit and School Roads, Hurst. They said the scheme would introduce homes onto previously undeveloped green field land. They were also concerned about biodiversity and wildlife on the

site, including an old tree. More than 50 residents, Hurst Parish Council and Hurst Village Society objected to the proposal. JPP Land, on behalf of the scheme, said: “There is a continual need for new urban and rural homes. “Landowners and private developers are able to put proposals to Wokingham Borough Council to allow sites

to contribute to the availability of new homes.” Their proposal was for a “small rural scheme.” In May plans were announced for 33 homes on a field in Broadcommon Road, Hurst. Earlier this week no planning permission application had been made.

20 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

From the kitchen Freely Fruity

Gooseberry & Honey Fool Catsy loves his copycat

Serves 4 ULY is the perfect time to harvest or buy late gooseberries which are naturally sweeter than earlier crops and are very good eaten raw. This simple, no-cook fool can be whipped up very quickly or made a day in advance for an easy summer dessert, great served with a few shortbread biscuits.

WOKINGHAM’S mystery artist has a copycat(sy) as pictures are put up across the town imitating his work. Catsy, the undercover graffiti artist who has been painting a trail of cats across the borough, has spotted a number of artworks paying tribute to his signature feline friends. The copycat’s work features a rainbow with a heart inside and a Catsy sat on top with the words “don’t lose hope”. Catsy recently shared one of the pieces, found at St Paul’s CofE Junior School, on social media in a bid to find out who created it. “I absolutely love it and it melted

my heart the first time I saw it,” Catsy says. “It looks like I’m inspiring another generation. “I think it’s amazing and I want to know who made it so I can tell them how much I like it.” The artist said the mystery piece of work has also been spotted in Woosehill. He believes the heart and the rainbow are a nod to his ongoing support for Pride. “People shouldn’t be discriminated against,” Catsy says. “This was very touching. “It shows they see Catsy as a positive thing and I just think that’s brilliant.”

Method

Harvest time with Freely Fruity From the orchards…

THURSDAY 22ND JULY WOODLEY LUNCH BUNCH – 8.1KG The harvest included cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, raspberries and blueberries SUNDAY 25TH JULY NEW BEGINNINGS, READING – 52.9KG The harvest included potatoes, chard, spinach, chillies, carrots, spring onions, beetroots, garlic, red and white onions, radishes, cucumbers, broccoli and mixed herbs. This week’s total – 61kg 2021 Total so far – 367.7 kg

Sheridan said the centre has provided invaluable support for her youngest, Callie, during the pandemic. “It’s her only source of therapy really,” she says. “She struggles a lot with understanding the world around her and communicating how she is feeling. “She goes through so much inside that beautiful little head of hers and life is extremely overwhelming for her at times.”

Madison’s 60 m work of the cha

A YOUNGSTER has completed a 60mile charity hike to help Wokingham’s children and teenagers, eight months after setting off on her journey.

n 500g ripe gooseberries n 40-70g local honey n 250g double cream

Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk

WHAT’S AN effective way to bond with your sibling? Jump out of a plane together. Sisters Sheridan Jansky and Joanne Gavaghan took to the sky earlier this month to raise money for Dingley’s Promise. The charity, which supports young children with special educational needs and disabilities, runs a nursery in Wokingham. With two autistic daughters,

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

Ingredients

1. Rinse the gooseberries and top and tail them. Save 4 to use as a garnish then place the rest into a large shallow dish and crush them with a fork, tearing the skins up as you go 2. Drizzle with honey to taste (keeping some sharpness) mix well then tip into a sieve to drain, discarding the liquid; set the gooseberry pulp aside 3. Place the cream into a medium bowl and beat until nice and thick 4. Mix the gooseberry pulp into the cream and divide the mixture between 4 small ramekins 5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until ready to serve 6. Drizzle with a little more honey and garnish with a few cut up gooseberries

Skydiving sisters cha

Nick does things by halves NICK SALTER caught the attention of many when he visited Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month. With half his beard and moustache shaven, the Katesgrove man was raising money for Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG). Inspired by his step-father, David Pickles, who pulled the same stunt more than 30 years ago for his London commute, Nick raised more than £1,000. And it took him a year to grow the beard. The charity supports his Mother, Sue Pickles, who lives with Addison’s. She is dependent on steroids every day to stay healthy, as her body does not produce enough cortisol. “Addison’s is so uncommon, lots of doctors are likely to never come across it in their career,” Sue says. This means she is often advising on her own medical treatment, when meeting a new doctor. “It can be very isolating and worrying at times,” she explains. “You end up managing your own condition. “ADSHG produces leaflets to help medics, dentists, employees

and Addisonians to treat and understand this disease. “It’s very special that Nick was raising awareness for it,” she says. “He had a QR code pinned on his back so people could scan and donate.” Nick says on the day many people took a while to spot the unusual facial hair design. “It was funny,” he said. “It was really well received.” He has now removed the other half of the beard, and sports stubble instead. Vick Smith, operations manager at the charity said they are blessed to have a supportive community. “We are often blown away by the energy and dedication of families and friends of people with the condition who choose to fundraise for us,” he says. “There are certainly no half measures in Nick’s wonderful fundraising effort for us. “Nick’s half-beard photos made our day at HQ. We will ensure that every penny raised will go to supporting more people like Nick’s mother to have a better quality of life when they are unable to make enough cortisol themselves.” n To make a donation to Nick’s fundraiser, visit: bit.ly/HalfShave

Madison, 12, from Bracknell, finished her trip around the Wokingham Way last week in a bid to raise money for Just Around The Corner (JAC). The Christian-run charity, based on Forest Road, launched in 1998 and offers learning and development therapy for children and young people across Wokingham borough. Madison was inspired to help JAC after being supported by its team for the last two-and-a-half years – and has now raised more than £200 for the centre. “I’ve been going for a few years now and they’ve given me a lot,” she says. “They’ve helped me with some of my problems and it’s been a really nice place to get away to.” After setting off on the 60-mile walk around the boundary of Wokingham borough in November, the 12-year-old has not only had to navigate new terrain but also covid restrictions. Rachel, Madison’s mother, says: “We started in November and originally

The First Night

By David Maynard David is the winner of this month’s Wokingham Writers’ Group short story contest – this is his successful entry

OMETHING creaked. A floorboard perhaps? Shifting his head onto a cooler patch of the unfamiliar pillow, the boy closed his eyes again. He longed for sleep, willing the tiredness to well up from aching limbs and float him into oblivion. But some

ANIMAL MAGIC: The mural created by 12-yea wanted to complete the walk by March, but covid restrictions stopped us from driving out to some of the finishing points. “We broke the walk down into a section a week, but had to take a big break.” The 12-year-old says she has enjoyed getting to see new parts of the local area, thanks to her primal instinct snatched him back from the brink, the instant he began to… Crack. What was that? The sound echoed through the old house. Surely, he had dreamed it? Or was somebody – or something – moving around down there? He lifted his head from the pillow, straining his ears for the shuffling tread on the stairs, but froze, appalled by the rustle of his own movement. His heart thumped, sounding huge in his ears. Dim moonlight flickered and danced as the patterned curtains

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Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

ON THE WAY DOWN: Lydia (Amy’s mum) and Megan Inset: Amy with her grandmother Phyllis, who died in 2019

ON THE WAY DOWN: Sheridan Jansky and Joanne Gavaghan took part in a skydive to raise funds for Dingley’s Promise

ampioning Dingley’s She said the charity has helped her daughter thrive, and develop in her own way. “I can’t thank them enough for what they do for us all as a family,” she adds. “They’re a fantastic charity.” The duo were originally due to take their leap down to earth last month, but it was cancelled due to poor weather. But on Sunday, July 18, they took to the sky.

“It wasn’t really as frightening as I thought it would be,” Sheridan says. So far, they have raised £1,470 — £455 by Sheridan and £1,015 by Joanne — and hope it will continue to climb in the next fortnight. Sheridan hopes to reach her sister’s total and bring it to £2,000. n For more information, or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ sheridan-jansky

miles helps the arity helping her

ANIMAL MAGIC: The mural created by 12-year-old Madison. She has also been raising funds for JAC

ar-old Madison. She has also been walking to raise funds for JAC walking expeditions. “I would probably do [something like this] again,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed seeing all the wildlife because I wasn’t always walking around towns, I was in the forests and countryside.” Rachel adds: “JAC has been so brilliant for Madison. She goes weekly and they have been absolutely fantastic shifted in the chill night air. The scent of the moor filled his nose. Hadn’t he checked the window before collapsing into bed? He stared at the shadows, searching for meaning, until they began to leer like skulls, and he screwed his eyes shut. Traitorous memory supplied fearful images from the day. Cadaver tombs, his father had called them. Skeletons, half-veiled in flesh, reminders of mortality, from an age when life was nasty, brutish and short. Rendered with clammy precision in veined white marble.

“It gives her a space which is independent from home and school where she can talk if she wants to, not talk if she doesn’t, and try out activities. “She’s grown in self-confidence and we noticed that really quite quickly.” n Madison is continuing to fundraise for JAC here: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/wokingham-way-madz The distant howl sliced through his thoughts. His eyes snapped open. An involuntary gasp escaped him. It came again, closer this time, high and wild in the quiet of the night. The curtains billowed. Tears rolled from his eyes. Whatever it was, it was outside, he told himself. It couldn’t get in. It was just a fox, or a cat, or a… With a clatter, the sash window of the next room was thrown up. “Get out of it.” His father’s voice yelled into the darkness. And he was the one who’d said a rural break would be relaxing.

Keeping it in the family By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A WARGRAVE family has been ‘marching for the matriarch’ to raise money in memory of their mother.

Earlier this month, the Kennerks took on a 26-mile hike to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support, while paying tribute to their mother and grandmother Phyllis who died in 2019. The group of eight daughters and granddaughters walked the Thames Path Mighty Hike from Windsor Racecourse on Saturday, July 17 — and raised more than £3,300 in the process. Patricia, one of Phyllis’ three daughters who lives in Wargrave, says: “We are proud to March for the Matriarch. “Our Mother, Grandmother and friend, Phyllis, taught us how to live and how to laugh — but most importantly she taught us all the true meaning of love.” Phyllis died following a cardiac arrest, and suffered from breast cancer twice during her lifetime.

POETRY CORNER Five Circles and a Flag One circle’s fiery red, As friendly as a flame. One circle’s summer green, As joyful as a game. One circle’s glossy black, As magical as fame. One circle’s desert bright, As yellow as the sands. One circle’s blue as seas That link our far-off lands. And one flag brings ALL of us Together Holding hands. Clare Bevan

Patricia adds: “Like many, cancer has touched our family on more than one occasion, and as a family, we have benefited from the wonderful care and support of Macmillan.” She said the Kennerk family has devoted time and energy to fundraising for cancer charities over the years, following the death of Phyllis’ 10-year-old granddaughter Amy in 2012. Their recent charity walk was part of Macmillan’s Mighty Hikes scheme, where walkers pledge a minimum sponsorship of £250 to the charity. Helen Hancock, Macmillan Mighty Hikes senior programme manager, says: “Mighty Hike season [is] a time of renewed optimism with people seizing every opportunity to get out there and live their life and make a difference. “This is what Macmillan Mighty Hikes are all about.” n To find out more about the Kennerk family’s charity walk, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ march-for-the-matriarch

Saturday Treat Our daughter’s diabetic Keeps strictly to a diet She’s very good at doing this Has no sweet things on the quiet. But Saturday is different; She has a special treat When she comes to see us She enjoys just ONE NICE SWEET. She savours this; sits quietly, Then goes cheerful on her way. It’s just a very little thing But it really makes her day. Jim Horsnell

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

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

The challenge is made, let’s act on it

THIS month, we have been reminded of the brutal reality of the climate emergency. We have experienced a heatwave while our friends in our twin town of Erftstadt have seen destructive flooding. These are not isolated events: extreme weather is becoming the norm. With concerns over the erosion of the Arctic tundra, droughts in parts of Africa and hurricane season becoming more frequent, it’s clear that ignoring the climate emergency is not an option. Wokingham Borough Council is challenging us to take eight actions that could make a massive difference to the world around us. Its aim is for the borough to be carbon neutral – net carbon zero – by 2030. And if not, as close as it can to that target. We might not agree with all actions taken, we might not be sympathetic with the cause, and we might find it hard work, but a few years ago all our rubbish went into one collection. Now we recycle without thinking. Taking simple steps will soon become good habits, and those good habits will start to chip away at the carbon neutral target. Let’s do this – for the sake of our planet.

CHURCH NOTES

We’re the same underneath

IFE has a way of saying to us at times we are in no way better or different from the other person. It does not matter our religion, our position in life, whether we are black or white, whether we are rich or poor. The impact and the effects of the coronavirus has shown us that no matter who we are we can all get the virus. We have seen presidents, prime ministers and other leading and influential people across this world contract the virus. While some have survived, many others have not. As a matter of fact, millions of people have lost their lives to the virus. Paul in his message to the Gentiles in Ephesians 2 reinforces this point by assuring us that we are not that different and certainly never better off than the other. There may have been a time when you may have been looked at differently, when we were outside of the grace of God. But now, with the coming of Jesus we are all one, children of the same heavenly father with the responsibility of loving and bearing one another’s load. The disparity in access to the vaccine is a cause for concern. Many areas and regions of the world have not received significant supplies of the vaccine and while the G7 has pledged to assist we know it is not sufficient. We pray that our humanity will cause us to be concerned about the other person and do what we can to help. Chrispen Gumbs an Ordinand at All Saints Church Wokingham, writing onbehalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

The not so joyous tradition of queuing I foolishly went into our main Post Office in Wokingham at the back of WH Smith’s thinking that I would simply post a letter only to find that both posting boxes were sealed up with the notice to hand all items for posting to a member of staff. This means that unless you ‘jump the queue’ you must join a queue just to post a letter. What madness is this? Patrick Allen

Sympathy for Erftstadt Mr Storey is correct that sympathy is needed for those in Erftstadt, our Twin Town, whose lives have been turned upside down. Some have lost everything including the complete destruction of their homes. Sympathy for the elderly evacuated from Care Homes leading to disorientation and for some, memories of wartime hardships. Sympathy for families and young people starting out in life having it snatched away from them. Yes, the country will have emergency funds. Yes, they will be needing to rebuild, regenerate and replace infrastructure. This will take years and some of the elderly will never see that. The mental impact of such tragic events is unfathomable. My family, who live there, have been lucky, for which I am thankful. However, they have been devastated to see the effects it has had on people, on top of still being in the COVID pandemic. They are helping in soup kitchens, have helped to clear out the basement of a Care Home and also their local hospital. In life there are choices and Mr Storey’s is to send sympathy, which is fine. However, I take offence that

he thinks I am making a donation as ‘a virtue signal’. I am making it as I am unable to be there and help practically as my family are and to help those people in need, not the State. We are a wealthy country too but I would hope that, in our hour of need, we would be sent more than just sympathy. M. Holden

Compassionate care This country needs good adult social care and needs caring people in care homes or persons home with caring staff be compassionate towards the elderly person and no abuse anywhere there is too much of it with the elderly and must be stamped out for ever. Also money must be spent ,this country can and should afford it for bits own citizens in United Kingdom with a good compassionate minister in charge of adult social care only. This should be a separate body from the NHS Departments and hospitals. Also the caring staff should have a better salary then they are having now good wage is good staff. It is time this Government took action and got on with it now talk is too cheap. Victor Rones, Bracknell

We need action on climate change

It is clear that our children and grandchildren will be increasingly affected by climate change and the need to mitigate its impacts. It is only right that we equip them with the knowledge needed to build a positive future. We recognise that younger people are already playing a leading role in showing us the way. The UK Government

Wokingham Volunteering Helena Badger

www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk

ND Crowthorne Scouts offers Beaver, Cub and Scouting sessions for young people at Pinewood in Crowthorne. Its is looking for people to assist with Cub and Beaver sections. Beavers is held on Monday between 6pm-7pm and Cubs on a Tuesday between 6.30pm-8pm. Beavers is for young people from 6-8 and Cubs for 8-10-and-a-half. Both do a range of indoor and outdoor activities. Leaders will run the sessions with volunteers helping out as required, so no experience is required. It is also looking for someone to assist our treasurer with admin tasks such as submitting Gift Aid submissions. This role could be ideal

for someone looking to fill a couple of hours a month. Computer literacy will be required and you will need your own computer or laptop. If you have some finance experience that is great.

n First Days Children's Charity was started in 2013 in response to needs in the local community in Berkshire. Quite simply: there were people with stuff they didn't need and people who desperately needed it. It is are looking for a volunteer to help First Days improve the speed it provides referrals, by checking the quality of equipment received and ensuring that departments within the warehouse are fully stocked. You will be responsible for: receiving donations from customers,

recognises that more should be done to tackle climate change, and recent pledges to cut carbon and invest in green technologies are welcome. Climate education is critical if people are to understand and own the required policies to deliver these ambitious targets. Britain has some of the leading centres in climate science and education. We now must bring together this expertise to address the problem. We hope that our online Climate Education Summit this September will make real progress in identifying a range of practical actions to improve climate education for young people that can be taken forward immediately, as well as into the future. Teachers across the country must be better supported to give young people the skills and knowledge they are calling for. A united effort is essential to making this happen. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that young people have access to the climate education they want and deserve, to prepare them for the challenges of a changing climate. Robert Van de Noort, vicechancellor, University of Reading, Professor Liz Bentley FRMetS, CEO, Royal Meteorological Society, Professor Eric Guilyardi, president, Office for Climate Education, Iain Patton, CEO, EAUC – The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education and Harriet Lamb CBE, CEO, Ashden

Enjoying tea for charity As someone who has recently lost a loved one to breast cancer, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact that this disease can have. quality checking items, such as toys and furniture, ensuring that items adhere to health and safety standards, and filling up departments with appropriate stock levels and organising into categories. Skills required: basic tidiness and organisation skills, knowledge of basic DIY, e.g., how to put a bed frame together, the ability to work collaboratively and follow instructions, be physically fit to perform basic DIY tasks and be able to occasionally undertake lifting and moving tasks.

n Wokingham Stroke Support and Recovery Group provides information and peer support and offers social and recreational activities. It is looking for a Group Chairperson (role share welcome) to join its group based in the Bradbury centre, Wokingham. The days required are fortnightly on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month between 10am11.45am and some extra time in between meetings for planning and communication with volunteers, members and the Stroke Association.

Four days before the UK went into national lockdown, I lost my beautiful mum to secondary breast cancer. I was 11 weeks from giving birth to my daughter, Sofia Lily, she would have been my mum’s first grandchild. The Covid-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented situation for us all but losing my mum and grieving during this time has been incredibly difficult. I desperately want to do everything I can to support Breast Cancer Now, who provide essential support services so that people living with the disease, like my mum, are supported the whole way through their breast cancer experience, but they can only do so with your help. Since the start of the pandemic, Breast Cancer Now have faced huge disruption. Their researchers lost thousands of precious hours in the labs and they’ve been forced to cancel hundreds of their community support events – taking away a crucial lifeline for many. That’s why I’m joining the thousands of others across the UK and having an Afternoon Tea this August. Whether it’s a cuppa in the garden or delivering delicious treats to friends, anyone can take part. And no matter how you choose to have your Afternoon Tea, all money raised will help Breast Cancer Now provide world-class research and life-changing support for anyone affected by breast cancer. So, if there was ever a time to pop the kettle on and get baking, that time is now. Fundraisers can register to claim a free fundraising pack at breastcancernow.org/cuppa Andrea Springthorpe, Breast Cancer Now supporter This is a great opportunity to get involved in your local community, meet new people and develop new skills. Responsibilities include chairing meetings and the group discussions. Have a friendly and welcoming attitude and the ability to motivate people and make them feel comfortable, taking part in coordinating outings/ fundraising opportunities and various activities and working together with Stroke Association staff and other volunteers to make sure policies and procedures are followed. It is a well-established, dynamic group who would need someone to continue with the existing work and add in their own ideas, if desired. The role would also be supported by two experienced volunteers.

n These are just a few of the opportunities on our books. Contact us: tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org. uk or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org. uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer.

Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Towards the Local Plan

The Plastic Free Home

Cllr John Halsall

DAVID LAMONT

20 must-watch climate films

Positives of a local plan

AST week, I explained what the council is trying to do with the Local Plan. In particular, I highlighted our three key aims: the right homes in the right places, up-front infrastructure investment, embedding sustainability and the environment in everything we do. As I noted in previous columns, there are reasons why we must put together a Local Plan. But this week, I also wanted to talk about the positives of producing a new Plan. First of all, it the ability to get more truly affordable housing built in our borough in the places they are truly needed. I have spoken many times about the importance of getting new homes built for younger and less well-off people. We need to get them on the housing ladder. We simply can’t afford to lose their talent and contribution to making our community special. Being able to ensure up-front investment for infrastructure is a real positive for the borough. Instead of small-scale developments tackedon to heavily populated areas, our focused development sites will get developers to pay for the facilities that you will be able to use. New roads will be built to relieve traffic congestion, while cycleways and walking routes will provide an alternative to get people out of their cars. Parks and playgrounds will give you places to exercise and unwind. Libraries will provide more places to learn, and community spaces will be built for clubs and activity groups. Schools will be built to reduce class sizes and increase choice for where to send your children to be educated.

From the chamber

Cllr Sarah Kerr

Devolve Climate Change powers

IKE many people, I am disappointed and deeply concerned at the lack of progress being made on tackling the climate emergency at every level. We are running out of time, and already seeing the consequences of that inaction. Many of you will have seen reports of the heat dome in the Pacific Northwest, and the devastating flooding in Germany and its neighbouring countries. Extreme weather events are occurring more often with devastating financial and human consequences. We also know about the global injustice of the climate crisis, where poorer countries who are the least responsible, are suffering the consequences of our over consumption. Sadly, we have a national government that does not like local government. It consistently underfunds local authorities like Wokingham and removes power. A classic

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Spaces to attract businesses to set up here will create opportunities for jobs and places to shop. These are just some of the infrastructure benefits for residents. The Local Plan will also mean that we can put in place key pieces of our plan to tackle climate change locally. We can ensure that homes are more energy efficient, saving the environment while saving you money on your energy bills. We will be able to enhance green spaces, planting more trees and increasing biodiversity – giving you more places to relax and enjoy nature. Most importantly, it gives your council, acting on what you – and all our local residents – want for our community, the ability to keep control over the future of development in the borough. We won’t be at the mercy of developers example is in planning and the reforms being proposed that will remove the voice of local communities. The same is true when it comes to tackling climate change. In 2012, in response to a government question, a group of experts described how local authorities can show leadership in tackling climate change including through making houses and buildings more sustainable, encouraging low carbon transport and improved waste management. The Covid-19 pandemic is an example of how important local authorities and communities are. People on the ground in their communities making decisions for those communities because they know and understand them. We need national government to wake up and stop centralising power and give it to local communities. The good news is that most councils have a declared climate emergency and the majority of those councils have set aggressive zero carbon targets. The disappointing news is that the sector is likely underperforming. A 2019 report from Friends of the Earth said councils are not doing enough. UK100 said “to enable local government to play its full part and unlock the benefits of climate action in communities across the country, it must be given more powers and resources.” Local authorities like Wokingham Borough Council have a number of statutory duties that they have to deliver. These cover all manner of areas including planning, social care etc. Not one of these duties covers climate change.

gaming the planning system to dump unwanted houses in a community where they’re not needed. Rather than the council having to spend hundreds-of-thousands of pounds each year fighting planning appeals on inappropriate developments, the money can go towards paying for vital local services. The Local Plan puts local people in the driving seat. We can direct and shape how we want Wokingham borough to be for future generations. This is why it’s crucial that the council gets to hear your voice on what you want the local area to look like. In the final part next week, I will explain how you can shape our new Local Plan.

NEXT WEEK: How you can get involved with the Local Plan

And in the government’s 10-point plan for tackling climate change, local authorities are mentioned just once and gives them no new powers to tackle it. In fact, this 10-point plan pledges £12 billion but fails to mention that only £4 billion is new money (compared to £42 billion pledged in Germany and £35 billion pledged in France). Where are the discussions on integrating local authorities into the national plan? Councils need to be given the ability and resources to insist on sustainable housing, to incentivise the use of renewable energy, to recycle more waste and to move to low carbon forms of transport. Councils need to be given a clear roadmap as to how they can implement the Government’s ambitious plans. If not, they risk failure. For Wokingham Borough Council, while waiting for the government to wake up and do the right thing, there is much more it too could be doing rather than cherry picking what looks good on an election leaflet. One of the most important steps it could take is to reach out to the community. I’m not talking about through its usual forms of communication which are typically one-way and a box ticking exercise, but through a deliberative process that brings experts and the public together to share and discuss a way forward with everyone on board. This would provide a roadmap with buy-in based on sound evidence and pragmatism. Cllr Sarah Kerr is a councillor for Evendons and Wokingham Lib Dem spokesperson for the environment

F you fancy taking a break from bingewatching the latest ‘must-watch’ series on Netflix (other streaming services are available…), here is Plastic Free Home’s list of 20 documentaries that really are essential viewing. From the enterally wise words and warnings of a now 95-year- old Sir David Attenborough to watching him seemingly pass the metaphorical baton to a much younger Greta Thunberg, you might just learn something… (you will, guaranteed). If working your way through a few of those on this list doesn’t open your eyes to the challenges we, our children and their children sadly all face, nothing will. n David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020) – Netflix n Extinction: The Facts (2020) and Climate Change: The Facts (2019) – BBC n A Plastic Ocean (2016) – Netflix n Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World (2021) – BBC n Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet (2021) – Netflix n Before the Flood (2016) – National Geographic n 2040 (2019) – Prime Video n Kiss the Ground (2014) – Netflix n Seaspiracy (2021) – Netflix n Ice on Fire (2019) – Prime Video n The Hungry Tide (2011) – Prime Video n Chasing Ice (2012) – Netflix n I Am Greta (2020) – BBC n Mission Blue (2014) – Netflix n The Age of Stupid (2009) – Prime Video n Cowspiracy (2014) – Netflix n Blackfish (2013) – Netflix n An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017) n An Inconvenient Truth (2006) – Prime Video n Fire in Paradise (2019) – Netflix n Chasing Coral (2017) – Netflix

Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with over 32,000 followers, that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome.com or www. facebook.com/plasticfreehomeuk

24 | NEWS

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WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS Town’s street food restaurant opens tomorrow

AN INDIAN restaurant is preparing to open its doors tomorrow. Adda Hut, which specialises in Kolkata street food, is based at 101 Crockhamwell Road. Anjan Mitra, from Shinfield, is one of the company’s three directors. He said they chose Woodley due to the lively market place, and is looking forward to meeting residents. “It looks like a great community,” he said. “We’re quite excited about it.” He said the menu steps away from curries, to offer something different. “Also known as the city of joy, Kolkata is the heritage and cultural capital of India.” he said. “It offers a cuisine with unparalleled taste – mild and bursting with flavour. “At Adda Hut the focus is on food quality — akin to the comfort food from mama’s kitchen,” Mr Mitra added. “Traditional buffets will be served on Sunday afternoons to celebrate seasonal flavours and specialities.” The eatery opens at 6pm tomorrow, and also offers takeaway.

Mayor awards mini medics STUDENTS at Bulmershe School have been presented with certificates by Woodley town mayor. Cllr Janet Sartorel celebrated those that completed the Mini Medics course, which teaches first aid to children. Sessions focused on dealing with a person that is not breathing, alongside choking, allergic reactions, recovery positions and how to talk to the emergency services. It also featured information about helping the injured during a pandemic. “It was a privilege to watch the first aid skills that had been learnt and I was very impressed with the knowledge and proficiency of the students,” Cllr Sartorel said. “Their confidence really shone through.” Medical Lead at the school, Mrs Gaetan, praised the students for all the hard work they put in, despite the disruptions throughout the pandemic. She said students had been resourceful in the way they caught up and completed the course during pandemic restrictions. Cllr Sartorel added: “I would like to congratulate the students for their focused team work, helping each other in different first aid situations, demonstrating skills that they will be able to carry on outside of school and support the wonderful community of Woodley. “I hope you are all very proud of yourselves.”

Baptist church’s toddler group opens waiting list PARENTS have been invited to join the waiting list for a toddler group. Run by Woodley Baptist Church, sessions are every Tuesday from 9.30am to 11am. They include playtime, crafts, songs and stories, and children are given a drink and biscuits. Parents can enjoy coffee, cake and a chance to talk with others. Sessions cost £2 for an adult with one or two children, with an additional 50p per child onwards. The first session is free. n For more information, and to sign up for the waiting list, visit: www.woodleybc.org/youthchildren

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

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Councillor petitions for Dinton parking restrictions to stay By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today RESIDENTS of a busy Woodley road are hoping the council can make permanent a temporary parking restriction.

In January, Wokingham Borough Council introduced temporary traffic regulation orders in a number of streets around Dinton Pastures, including a stretch of Colemansmoor Road. The aim was to deter people from blocking roads during a lockdown caused by the coronavirus. At the time, Cllr Parry Batth, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment and leisure, said: “Outdoor exercise should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary. Please only visit Dinton if you are a Wokingham Borough resident who lives nearby – ideally in Winnersh, Woodley or Hurst.” Residents contacted Loddon ward councillor Bill Soane with a petition they had collected. They pointed out to him that alterations to the entrance to Dinton on the road had improved pedestrian and cycle access, but had seen an increased usage and parking that they felt was

‘potentially dangerous’. Cllr Soane handed in the petition, signed by 54 people from affected homes, at a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on Thursday, July 22. He told the chamber: “Colemansmoor Road is a busy route serving a large residential area and is also a through route from Loddon Bridge Road to The Bader Way which leads to the A329m. It is also a bus route for buses 13 and 14, both of which are double decker. “Negotiating these parked cars allows for only one vehicle through and, as you can imagine, this is particularly frustrating and difficult when a bus is approaching. “The installation of a permanent parking restriction will not only greatly reduce the potential of a traffic or pedestrian accident but will also improve the journeys of bus passengers.” Speaking to Wokingham.Today after the meeting, Cllr Soane said that the issue was visitors to Dinton Pastures, rather than residents. The parking was causing traffic to “stop and start” along the road. “For the residents, it’s dangerous when their cars are coming out of the houses as they can’t see what’s coming,” he said.

ACTION: Cllr Bill Soane is petitioning for the restrictions to stay Picture: Phil Creighton “(Petition organiser) Mr Mooney came to see me some time ago after Wokingham provided a six-week temporary parking restriction with cones and signs. It greatly improved things and that’s why residents want it extended.” During the initial restrictions, Cllr Soane said that people didn’t park further down the road and walk in, and no problems were caused: “It had a positive effect”. He added: “The restrictions could possibly lead to speeding, there’s

always that issue, it is an unknown, but we didn’t have any comments from residents on speeding – it just didn’t come up.” Cllr Soane was pleased to be able to present the petition to the council. “If a resident has a concern, I’ll always work to present their case. It’s our duty really.” The petition is now being considered by Wokingham Borough Council. n Council reports pages 14-15

Paving the way to school FOOTPATHS on Denmark Avenue have been repaired. The route is often used by Waingels College students. It is part of a resurfacing programme by the borough council, which focuses on key routes — including train stations and schools. Roads around Earley Station, St Crispin’s School, The Holt School and Colleton Primary School are all earmarked for repairs in the coming months. Denmark Avenue will also have surface treatment on the road later this summer. Tom Bartlett, principal at the college said hundreds of pupils will benefit, as they use the paths everyday. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways at the borough council said providing safe walking routes to schools is essential for cutting car journeys.

REPAIRED: Cllr Pauline Jorgensen walks with students on the newly resurfaced path Picture: Stewart Turkington

Woodley chef makes British Kebab finals A WOODLEY restaurant has made the finals of the British Kebab Awards. La’De Kitchen, which took over the former Prezzo site on Crockhamwell Road last year, has one of its own in the Chef of the Year finals. Branch manager, Ali Akbas, said they have gained many local customers since opening for

takeaway in January. “Every week we are packed, every single day,” he said. The awards are decided based on customer votes, so Mr Akbas said he was proud to have built a loyal following so quickly. “We want to provide something different,” he said. After encouraging customer feedback, the restaurant organised

live music for every Thursday evening, between 8pm and 10pm. “It creates a good atmosphere,” he explained. “But it’s also about the food as well.” With no freezers in their kitchen, Mr Akbas said the team sources its own fresh meat and vegetables from a meat market in London. “Rather than buy from suppliers, we source our own, with fresh meat coming in every two days,” he said. “That’s what makes us special.” The restaurant has its own

“special sauce”, which is used as a marinade for all of the meat, made all the more special by the team of Turkish chefs, Mr Akbas explained. And he said a sizable portion of teamwork is needed too. “If one link in the chain breaks, it affects everyone,” he said. Speaking about his finalist chef, Alireza Henareh, Mr Akbas said he was proud of his achievements, having been with the team since La’De Kitchen opened its first restaurant in north London.

NEWS | 25

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Plastic fantastic recycling at Co-op

BRIGHTON

THE CO-OP is doing its bit to help the community by adding new recycling bins in store. Crowthorne Reduce Our Waste, a group aiming to reduce use of plastic waste in the area, has thanked the Co-op, on the High Street, for its recent initiative. Residents can now recycle soft plastics such as crisp packets, chocolate and biscuit wrappers, and bread bags thanks to the supermarket. The bins are located behind the tills for people to use. Georgie Morris, plastic free community leader, said she is “really happy” that the Co-op is making it easier for people to recycle plastic packaging. “As an advocate of plastic free shopping, we would ideally like more to be sold without packaging and for consumers to use their own reusable bags. “We are aware that there are items that benefit from packaging and prior to this things like salad bags would have simply had to be thrown in the waste bin so we urge everyone to use this recycling bin and to return all their soft plastic packing to the Co-op.” n For more details, visit c-r-o-w.org. uk

& South Coast Turkey & Tinsel Brighton&theSouthCoastTurkey&Tinsel_D.pdf

Departing Mon 15 Nov ‘21

AWARD: Sarai Hair and Beauty won at the Salon Business Awards held in London last week

Celebrations for village salon A HAIRDRESSERS in Crowthorne has been awarded for its efforts at a special hair industry competition last week. Sarai Hair and Beauty, on Crowthorne’s High Street, were crowned Business Salon of the Year 2021 at the final of the Salon Business Awards. Held at Quaglino’s in St James’s, London, the in-person ceremony took place on Monday, July 19. Not only did the salon win the

award, it was a shortlisted finalist in the Salon Team category. Salon owner Sarah Morissey said: “Winning a globally recognised Salon Business award has been an amazing achievement for us as a business and as a team. “We last won this award in 2018, and to win it again makes all the hard work we do worthwhile.” The event featured canapes, bubbles and a digital live-stream on the Salon Business Instagram channel.

A special performance from saxophonist and DJ Brendan Mills also entertained the finalists throughout the evening. Ms Morissey highlighted that winning the award was a “great boost” for the team after a tough 18 months. She said: “To be rewarded for how we look after our team, our clients, and our wider community makes me so proud.” n For more details, visit sarai-hair.co.uk

MP welcomes news Frimley ICS won’t change in shake-up EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today NEWS that Frimley Park’s ICS won’t be changed has been welcomed by Bracknell MP James Sunderland.

Earlier this year, the government announced plans to shake-up the clinical commissioning group. These oversee NHS services in localities, including primary care, GP surgeries, hospitals, specialist care and care homes. The new system planned to replace it would have a role similar to health authorities last seen in the 1980s. While full details of the revised structures have yet to be

announced, Mr Sunderland said that his campaign, carried out with other local MPs including Theresa May and Slough’s Tanmanheet Singh Dhesi, had paid off, and he had been told by new health secretary Sajid Javid that the set-up will remain the same. Mr Javid is currently isolating after contracting the coronavirus, but as his symptoms are mild he has been able to carry on working. “We learned a few months ago that there was a plan being put together by the department for health for the NHS to be restructured along county boundaries,” he said. This placed Frimley Park ICS (Integrated Care Systems) at risk of being broken up, something that Mr Sunderland said would

have been “to the detriment of local people, people that I serve in Bracknell in particular”. “Theresa May and I got together with Adam Afriyie, and with Tan Dhesi, a Labour colleague, but very much part of the team,” he continued. “We lobbied very hard over a period of time, we met with the new Secretary of State about two weeks ago in his office. “We pointed out that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “This morning, he sent me a message saying that he’d made the decision for Frimley ICS’ status quo

Save the date for family fun day A FAMILY fun day event will be coming to Crowthorne Rugby Club next month. Taking place on Sunday, August 22, live music, stalls and activities will run throughout the afternoon from 11am until 7pm. Jack Daynes will launch the entertainment at noon with some music, other performers include Matthew Quilliam, Scampy and organiser Abi Powell. Magician Prat in a Hat

will be taking centre stage to surprise the audience with some mystical tricks. Children can take a visit to see the Artful Splodger for some face painting and a bouncy castle will be set up. The main sponsor for the event is Haart Estate Agents Bracknell. Other sponsors include The Virtual Taylor, Dan The Gas Man and JRSK9 Services. Organiser Abi Powell is looking forward to the day.

“Before covid, I was organising lots of events and performing live gigs all the time and I have really missed doing it over the last year, so I wanted to organise this to give artists a chance to perform live again and bring the community together.” She said: “I want people to have lots of fun and enjoy getting back to doing normal things again after so long.” n For more information, visit fb.me/e/43qDcrFWw

to remain, which I think is brilliant news.” He felt that constituents had access to “fantastic primary care services, fantastic GP surgeries”. And part of this access was being able to use the services of Frimley Park, “one of the best hospitals in the country”, as well as Wexham Park and Heatherwood hospitals. Mr Sunderland added: “We’ve got some of the best health care facilities anywhere in the country, on our doorstep. Why break it up? “I’m thrilled with the outcome. I’m delighted that common sense has prevailed and that from the ICS lives on.”

Ladies day, late VISITORS to the Royal British Legion are invited to dress to impress as the club hosts a special evening this weekend. The venue, on Wellington Road, Crowthorne, is running a belated Ladies Evening and Race Night on Saturday, August 31 from 4pm in celebration of this year’s Royal Ascot – the everpopular event took place during lockdown earlier this year. Tickets are £10 per person which includes orange juice or Prosecco on arrival and a buffet. Races will be shown on the big screen and a tote will be operating. To book a table, call Jod on 07812 350281. n For more details, visit crowthornerbl.co.uk

Where better to indulge in some pre-Christmas celebrations than the spectacular south coast? With its beachfront chic and iconic tourist attractions such as the Royal Pavilion, Brighton is a lovely setting for our break, perfect to get you in the festive spirit.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 4 nights at the Royal Albion Hotel, Brighton with dinner & breakfast (includes traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner) Tea, coffee and mince pies on arrival 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks After-dinner tea and coffee Light entertainment every evening Excursion to Eastbourne, Beachy Head & Sussex Heritage Coast scenic drive Optional excursion to Arundel (£10pp)

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Departing Sat 4 Dec ‘21 Enjoy this magical, award-winning Christmas Market in the beautiful city of Bath. With a huge range of traders providing a variety of handmade Christmas offerings spread throughout the city, there is plenty to take in to get you into the festive spirit.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast Visit to Bath Christmas Market

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Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

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No. 5372

Your weekly puzzle challenge To advertise on this page call Claire on 0118 327 2662

26 | NEWS

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Quiz Challenge

8 4

5 24

2 11 15

3 7

25 5

2. Which Italian city was the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia?

15 25

19 25

8 4

2 1

4. Why did a dog called Pickles hit the headlines in 1966?

2 10

5. The German word gesundheit is often said after what?

NONAGRAM

2 8

E C N

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

8 21

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

REACH ATOM THEOREM

D R E

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 27 Good; 32 Very Good; 38 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed N through openings in the walls. The I first letter may appear in any chamber. T E

6 3 1 2 4 9 4 8 2 7 6 4 5 3 7 6 3 6 4 2 8 2 7 3 8 6 8 5 1 6 9 1

4 6 5 1

3 2 8

3 7

6 4 7 8

T R

C L

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

12 13

15 15

17 23

11 13

18 22

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

DOWN 2. Our Edna rewrote the poem (7) 3. Snappy finish? (5) 4. Decreased on the board (6) 5. Feeling a stricken part of the stomach (7) 6. Spanish friend finds a motorway turn (5) 7. Choose Italian capital three times for powerful instrument (12) 8. Song about colourful tubes (12) 14. Told there’s some connection (7) 16. Not many revised to mean the opposite (7) 17. No stringed instruments have spots of colour (6) 19. Stop large number without difficulty (5) 21. Hamlet character so upset, but endlessly wealthy (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD

22 24

29 31

SOLUTIONS

10 10

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

ACROSS 1. Getting hold of the end reportedly of an exciting book (8,4) 9. Spiteful about sour acorn (9) 10. Water hardly used as a drinks additive (3) 11. Stye possibly, it is not pleasant to look at (7) 12. Small marsupial on the way to bed (5) 13. Old-fashioned dance? (6) 15. Some concoct a voluminous book size (6) 18. What the best man might be expected to do (5) 20. Chuckle when clan has to leave crumbling concert hall (7) 22. Four return on a Roman road (3) 23. Ability to endure the permitted variation (9) 24. What one might expect to earn from a ﬁrm (6,6)

EQUALISER 7 11 5 1 5 4 7 12 6 8 3 2

Hard

6 4

3 2

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

7 6

SUDOKU Easy

FIVE ALIVE BQ

WORD PYRAMID

S O C

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

6. Andrew Scott won a BAFTA for his role as Jim Moriarty in which BBC TV series? 7. According to Greek mythology, who flew too close to the sun on wax wings? 8. After the Vietnam War ended, what name was given to the city of Saigon? 9. To the nearest minute, how long does it take light from the sun to reach the earth? 10. Tom Hanks plays Professor Robert Langdon in a series of films based on the books of which writer?

3. Which Simon & Garfunkel song is the opening music to the classic film The Graduate?

4 8

1. By what name was Karol Wojtyla better known?

9 23

16 4

15 4

17 25

25 9

7 11

15 7

PZ1P5372

CROSS CODE 26

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

30 31

23. Goals (4) ACROSS 26. ---- Pitt, film 2. English poet (7) actor (4) 7. Festivity (4) 28. Sunshade (7) 8. Smooth (4) 29. Abominable 9. Shuffle (7) snowman (4) 10. Onion-like 30. Leave out (4) vegetable (4) 31. Suffering (7) 12. Osculate (4) DOWN 15. Stitched (5) 1. Rescue (4) 17. Confiscated (6) 2. Barrel (4) 18. Dwarf tree (6) 3. Astounded (6) 19. January’s birthstone (6) 4. Spider’s net (6) 21. Pared (6) 5. Stink (4) 22. Broadcast again (5) 6. Converted

stables (4) Layered dish (7) Witty saying (7) Detached (7) Slipped (7) Cut off (5) Twelve (5) Great fear (6) Follow (6) Separate article (4) Roasting skewer (4) 26. Stain (4) 27. Operatic solo (4) 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 20. 21. 24. 25.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Pope John Paul II; 2 Turin; 3 The Sound of Silence; 4 It found the stolen football World Cup; 5 A sneeze; 6 Sherlock; 7 FIVE ALIVE: Icarus; 8 Ho Chi Minh City; 9 Eight minutes; 10 Dan Brown. (1) Across – Bison; Wired; Sodas. Down – Bowls; Shred; Nudes. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Gripping tale; 9 Rancorous; 10 Ice; 11 Eyesore; 12 (2) Across – Quoit; Ilium; Kneel. R E M A H X L I N K O Z W Roost; 13 Square; 15 Octavo; 18 Excel; 20 Chortle; 22 Via; 23 Down – Quick; Oxide; Tamil. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Tolerance; 24 Steady income. V C D T U G Y F B Q J S P Down – 2 Rondeau; 3 Photo; 4 Ironed; 5 Gastric; 6 Amigo; 7 NONAGRAM: cede; cense; censed; censer; censor; Electrometer; 8 Greensleeves; 14 Related; 16 Antonym; 17 censored; cere; code; codec; coder; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Ocelli; 19 Cease; 21 Osric. term; echo; rhea; coerce; coerced; concede; conceder; moat. cone; coned; cord; core; cored; corn; corned; corse; cred; credo; creed; CRESCENDO; crone; decor; encode; encoder; encore; encored; once; oncer; recce; recode; recon; scend; scene; sconce; scone; score; scored; scorn; scorned; scree; screed; screen; scrod; secco; second; seconde; seconder; soccer. 5 3 1 8 9 2 7 6 4

7 6 2 4 3 1 5 9 8

8 9 4 5 6 7 3 2 1

6 2 9 3 1 5 4 8 7

3 7 8 2 4 9 1 5 6

1 4 5 7 8 6 2 3 9

2 1 7 9 5 8 6 4 3

4 8 6 1 2 3 9 7 5

9 5 3 6 7 4 8 1 2

2 7 5 9 1 4 6 8 3

3 4 8 7 2 6 5 1 9

1 6 9 3 8 5 2 7 4

7 5 6 2 9 1 4 3 8

9 3 1 4 6 8 7 2 5

8 2 4 5 3 7 1 9 6

5 1 7 8 4 9 3 6 2

6 9 3 1 5 2 8 4 7

4 8 2 6 7 3 9 5 1

WORD PYRAMID: Definite article. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; add; divide; multiply. Total: 9.

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Chaucer; 7 Gala; 8 Even; 9 Shamble; 10 Leek; 12 Kiss; 15 Sewed; 17 Seized; 18 Bonsai; 19 Garnet; 21 Peeled; 22 Rerun; 23 Aims; 26 Brad; 28 Parasol; 29 Yeti; 30 Omit; 31 Torment. Down – 1 Save; 2 Cask; 3 Amazed; 4 Cobweb; 5 Reek; 6 Mews; 10 Lasagna; 11 Epigram; 13 Insular; 14 Skidded; 15 Sever; 16 Dozen; 20 Terror; 21 Pursue; 24 Item; 25 Spit; 26 Blot; 27 Aria.

Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD&HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE

Her Majesty’s Swan Upping team sail through Sonning

ROYAL SERVICE: Swans are tracked at Hambledon Lock last week Pictures: John Tippetts

EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM borough was host to a royal event last week, as the annual Swan Upping project passed through Sonning Bridge.

On Thursday, July 22, a group of swan counters set off from the village to complete their annual census of the River Thames’ swan population, in a bid to help conserve it. It is a 900-year-old tradition which takes place for three days in July each year, but was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. This year, the Swan Upping began at Eton Bridge, Berkshire on Tuesday, July 20, and finished at Moulsford on Thames, Oxfordshire, two days later.

Northamptonshire man and Thames enthusiast John Tippetts followed the team down the path of the river to watch the tradition unfold. “It was utterly brilliant,” he said. “A lot of people go years without actually seeing what they do — all you see is a large number of boats rowing down the river. “I consider myself to be really, really lucky to see three groups of cygnets being Swan-Upped.” According to Mr Tippetts, the Swan Uppers will capture families of swans by encircling them with their boats. They then lift the cygnets and

Air balloon makes unexpected landing in Stanlake Meadow TWYFORD had a surprise visitor from the skies last week, after a hot air balloon landed in the village. On the evening of Tuesday, July 20, Virgin Balloons made an unexpected trip to the parish with a pit stop in Stanlake Meadow. Cllr Jo Duffield, of Twyford Parish Council, spotted the balloon and arranged for the gates to be opened so the Virgin team could take it away. “I happened to notice a large hot air balloon descending towards Stanlake Meadow on Tuesday

evening,” Cllr Duffield said. “My son and I dashed up the road arriving just as the balloon landed and then deflated over the top of a set of goal posts.” Her son was then lifted onto the pilot’s shoulders, to help untangle the balloon. “Local families arrived and helped to get all the air out of the balloon so it could be rolled up and packed away, which was great fun but is harder than it looks,” she added. SURPRISE: Cllr Jo Duffield’s son (inset) helped untangle the balloon

parents out of the water to weigh and measure them. A number of companies have rights to the swans along the Thames, so the royal party checks each bird and tags any without markets as belonging to Her Majesty. “To me, the best bit was seeing them all put back in [the water] at the same time,” Mr Tippetts added. “They have to, because there’s always a danger the parent could suddenly decide to disown one or more of the cygnets. “It was lovely watching them all sail off into the distance as one happy family again.” Announcing the project earlier

this year, David Barber, the Queen’s swan marker, said the public was vigilant in reporting injured swans during the pandemic. “This has enabled them to be rescued and treated promptly which has avoided unnecessary suffering,” he said. According to Mr Barber, breeding was successful this year as fewer dog attacks were reported during the pandemic. He added: “However, we have seen a vast increase in the incidence of pollution on the river over the same period; engine and diesel oil deposited in the water along with other debris and pollutants cause serious problems for swans and other water borne wildlife. These situations are entirely avoidable and have a devastating impact upon the wildlife and environment.”

Blooms go virtual for annual competition A GROUP of green-fingered villagers has gone digital with its latest gardening project. Twyford in Bloom, with the help of the parish council, has produced a virtual entry into this year’s Thames & Chiltern in Bloom competition. The annual gardening contest promotes sustainability across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. This year, Twyford in Bloom has created a compilation video to support its Pride of Place entry, showcasing what has happened in the village over the past year. It was produced in memory of Gordon Storey, community stalwart who died in February. Cllr Bridget Ditcham, from the parish council, said Twyford loves showing off its floral displays in the annual contest after winning Gold in 2019.

This year, to overcome the pandemic, residents had to meet virtually to plan their entries. “We are pleased with two new initiatives for 2021,” Cllr Ditcham said. “A local family initiated the Big Twyford Tree Project where residents purchased and planted over 60 trees on Stanlake Meadow. “[We also launched] Twyford Growers, a therapeutic initiative to involve local people who are experiencing mental health problems to become involved in gardening outdoors. “We look forward to these new initiatives developing, together with established work continuing in the future to enhance our village for locals and visitors to enjoy.” In total, the group created five videos and entered into six categories. The competition is part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s national Britain in Bloom campaign.

NEWS | 27

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Town’s Twinning Association marks Bastille Day with international visit TWYFORD residents held an international celebration earlier this month, as they came together to enjoy France’s biggest holiday. On Thursday, July 15, Twyford Twinning Association (TTA) marked La Fête Nationale, or Bastille Day, with its first in-person meet up since the pandemic began. The group encourages conversations and connections between communities in Twyford, Wokingham and Cuincy, in northern France. It celebrated the day with coffee and cake at The Bia Hub, a cycling cafe on Waltham Road. Martin Alder, secretary of TTA, said: “It was the first time we’ve seen each other face-to-face for a long time. “It was nice to see people — a bit like meeting your family after a while. “We’ve done all of our meetings on Zoom during the pandemic.” TTA members enjoyed socially-distanced food and drink and held a presentation on the work it does across the two communities. This includes running an annual competition between Twyford Comets and Cuincy’s football team, and hosting musical performances with both Twyford and Cuincy singers. “We’re also keen to figure out if we can get a cycling group together,” Mr Alder added. “Cycling has really exploded in Wokingham so it’s something we would like to develop with people in Cuincy.” n To find out more about TTA, contact: twyfordtwinning@gmail.com

Villagers taught to record speed of dangerous drivers TWYFORD has been learning all about road safety with a helping hand from Thames Valley Police. On Monday, July 12, the force held a Speedwatch session in the village following a series of complaints about drivers moving too quickly across Wokingham borough. According to Thames Valley Police, borough residents have raised concerns over Bell Foundry Lane, Wiltshire Road and Warren House Road in Wokingham, Cutbush Lane in Lower Earley, Pound Lane in Sonning and Mortimer Road in Grazeley. During the session, people were taught how to record the details of speeding vehicles with detection devices. A spokesperson for the force said: “The session was held following concerns over excessive speeds in the area received from members of the community. “The purpose of the speedwatch session is to be visible and to encourage drivers to slow down. “It went quite well as a local resident, who had expressed concerns to TVP, said they were happy to see them running a session there.” Anybody with concerns regarding speedling should contact Bracknell. WokinghamSpeedwatch@thamesvalley.pnn. police.uk DISPLAY: The living lampost in Twyford Picture: Alexander Barfield

28 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAMLEISURE

‘It’s a farce, but you’ve got to play it as if it’s real’

AY COONEY’S farces are brilliantly written, if you change a line, it might mean the same thing but it doesn’t work”. Actor and former Blue Peter presenter Mark Curry is preparing for Two Into One, which launches at The Mill at Sonning next week. He’s playing Richard Willey, a cabinet minister who is hoping to enjoy an *ahem* afternoon with the personal secretary of the leader of the opposition. The only problem is his own secretary has bumbled again and what should be a private tete-a-tete becomes a headache as both spouses are invited. Add in a wily waiter, a pompous hotel manager and an MP who wants to campaign against pornography and you have all the ingredients for an hilarious night out. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Mark as he works on memorising his lines and getting back into the groove of being in The Mill’s rehearsal rooms after the covid lockdowns. “It just feels wonderful, I thrilled be doing it,” he says. “What you miss as actor is being part of a company, it’s a really wonderful thing.” And it is quite a company: there’s a nine-strong cast of Mill favourites, including Harry Gostelow and Delme Thomas, it’s directed by Ron Aldridge and, on the first day of rehearsals, Ray Cooney popped his head round the door to wish the cast well.

“He is so encouraging,” Mark says of the master farce writer. “Ray writes (his farces) in a specific way, if you change the rhythm it doesn’t work – that’s the sign of good writing. “(For us), we have to play what’s at stake. We have to play it for real, you don’t overdo it and tell the audience that this is funny.” And Mark – who made a career out of larking about on children’s television in the 1980s – knows that he has to be serious about the funny business, not least as he’s following in the footsteps of some famous names including Donald Sinden. “Richard is all there on the page, Ray wrote a description of the character and as you read the first few lines you can tell what kind of guy he is: slightly pompous, arrogant, suave and thinks he can get away with it. He has a bit of charm – you’ve got to like him. “I think it’s wonderful when you see the cast lists (of those who have gone before) and think it’s my turn to play it now, but everyone is unique. I can’t do what they did. Any good director tells you ignore any previous script notes and tell you to play it your way.” Mark is also aware of the history in any theatre that he performs in: “I love standing on a stage thinking of all the people who have performed on it”. Parts like this, he feels, are an actor’s dream and he works make the world Richard inhabits real for the Mill’s audiences.

Wokingham Loves Music Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

OCKDOWN has enabled creativity to flow and this can be seen in our Top 10 this week. Our Wokingam Loves Music playlist features Kyros, who have used the past 18 months to produce a lot of tunes for us to enjoy. And The Good Doctor is a great example of that creativity. You’ll love it. Why not have a listen? The playlist is FREE on Spotify. Make sure you have a listen at bit.ly/ wokinghamlovesmusic and search for our group on Facebook to join in the music chat.

Kyros – The Good Doctor

A very prolific international band with local connections. In just over a year they have released their acclaimed Celexa Dreams album, their Four of Fea’ EP, and their Celexa Streams isolation sessions album. If that’s not enough they have announced a new album of covers including this single that

“My playful side is in there, but when you’re playing the part, you can’t lark about,” he says. With any play at the moment, the big question is will it be covid safe? Mark is confident that The Mill is doing everything it can to protect not just the company, but audiences too. “The Mill has been doing it incredibly well (owner) Sally Hughes is so focused on keeping everyone safe,” he says. This includes daily lateral flow tests and temperature checks for the team on arrival, and sticking to bubbles when together. Audiences will be encouraged to wear masks when they’re in the auditorium and moving around the building. Chefs will serve from the buffet to minimise contact and extra cleaning will be deployed. And as part of The Mill’s money from the Culture Recovery Fund, a new air-conditioning system has been installed in the auditorium which will bring in a constant supply of fresh air using an energy saving system. “It’s fantastic,” Mark says of the system. “The auditorium is nice and cool. “The Mill are very aware of safety, and at the end of the say we have a show to put on … and we’ll do it.”

features guests, Ray Hearne (Haken) and Andy Robison (Ihlo). It’s not just about quantity though, it’s quality too which is why the band’s following is growing. Check them out live on their tour which features an appearance at Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday – www.kyrosmusic.com

The 11 – This Life

Here’s a late addition to the Wokingham Festival line up and what a good addition it is. The 11 describe themselves as ‘a straight up, no-messing, proper honest rock-band with feels and melody aplenty’ and they certainly show evidence for that in this song as well as their other single releases. We’ll look forward to checking them out at the festival which we understand will be performed with their all new line up – www.facebook.com/ the11uk

Flutatious – Sound of Jura

This band are a live favourite with their exciting blend of folk, rock and prog. They will be making a return visit to Wokingham Festival to play tracks from their new album, Through Space and Time and more - www.flutatious.co.uk

The Hedge Inspectors – Leave Me Alone

Here’s an acoustic duo who play original and occasional covers with wit and melody. They will be playing on the WMC Stage at Wokingham Festival - www.unplugthewood.com/ thehedgeinspectors

Wille and the Bandits – Four Million Days They have been described by The Daily

Mark’s become a bit of a regular at The Mill, acting in several productions over the past decade. “It’s just a unique venue, with nowhere like. It’s just a bubble of happiness, a lovely place to be. “The audience want to be entertained and come here for a good time. There’s no arms folded, everyone’s on a high.” And they will be chuckling away when Two Into One launches next week. “You will have a great night,” Mark promises. “Not just theatre, but The Mill is open, food is served, everything is here for you … and you will see a classic farce from a master writer. “It is high quality comedy.” Just don’t leave it your secretary to book, especially if you’re *ahem*. Two Into One runs from Thursday, August 5 through to Saturday, October 9. Performances are held Tuesdays to Saturdays in the evening, with Thursday matinees during August and a Sunday matinee from September 5. Tickets cost from £59.50 and include a two-course meal before the show. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000 or log on to millatsonning.com PHIL CREIGHTON

Telegraph as ‘One of the best live acts in the country’ so their visit to Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday is not to be missed — www.willeandthebandits.com

A Better Life – Mono Heart

A Better Life is based around Phil Daniels, who has put on live events in the local area and the album, Take a Deep Breath, from which this track is taken, shows that Phil is also a very creative musician and producer - abetterlifemusic.com

Never The Bride – Worth it Work it

Unfortunately due to illness the band weren’t able to play the planned WMC Show. We wish Been well and look forward to seeing her and the band back soon - www.neverthebride.com

One Eyed Man – Cornish Shores

Stuart Hutton aka One Eyed Man is a talented artist who writes, records, and produces his music himself. We’re looking forward to seeing him at Wokingham Festival in August - www.facebook. com/OneEyedManOfficial

Gemma Dorsett – Hunger

Gemma has visited the area to play on many occasions and we hope it’s not too long before we see her here again as we’d love to see her perform this single live - www.gemmadorsett.com

Ben Portsmouth – Today, Tomorrow & Always A song from local artist Ben’s recent Remember Me EP. Many will know Ben in his Elvis guise where he has received worldwide recognition - www.takingcareofelvis.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

Enjoy music fest at Siren’s tap yard

A BREWERY is set to host a refreshing music festival next week, thanks to Heavy Pop. The Reading-based gig promoter has teamed up with Siren Craft Brew for an afternoon of tunes, DJs, beer and food for its event Down At The Tap Yard on Saturday, August 7. Ahead of Heavy Pop’s Down At The Abbey Festival on September 11, organiser Dave Maul said the Tap Yard in Finchampstead is a chance to “have a taste” of what to expect for the celebration at the Abbey ruins. The line up includes Oxford-based electronica outfit Tiger Mendoza, folk duo Tomorrow Bird, Ex-Morning Runner’s frontman Matthew Greener and well-known local Hatty Taylor. With food supplied by Fat Tabby & Unholy Donuts with Siren Craft’s beers to wash it down. “We are thrilled to be doing our mini-festival Down at the Tap Yard to promote our Down at the Abbey Festival with our festival drinks partner Siren Craft and people can expect on the day, great live music, DJs, delicious beer, lush street food and hopefully sunshine,” said organiser Dave Maul. “The music industry has been one of the heaviest hit from the pandemic and it’s good to be slowly returning back to live music and the sense of community it brings to people. Mr Maul added: “It’s going to be a joyful event for the artists playing as many haven’t played a single show since the pandemic began and we can’t wait to sit back and listen to them all plus our great djs.” Entry is free and doors are open from 1pm to 8pm, with music from 2pm to 6pm. n For more details, visit downattheabbey.co.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

A day of fun with Theatre in the Park A WHOLE day of theatre is coming to Howard Palmer Gardens this Sunday, thanks to Wokingham Town Council. Guests are asked to book in advance and maintain social distancing while enjoying the shows and a picnic. Acts will perform for 25 minutes at a time, and are all family-friendly. They include music, comedy, Shakespeare and a performance by members of Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow theatre school. The fun starts at 11am with some jokes from Anthony Allgood. Following on at 11.30am is Sarah Devon, who will sing some hits from the 1940s and 50s that people can hum along to. The Scottish play by Shakepeare is performed throughout the day: act one at noon, act two at 1.30pm and act five at 3pm. The latter features sword fighting as Macbeth takes on Macduff. The action is presented by Candlelit Theatre. Stuart Haylor will present some musical theatre at 12.30pm, and pop hits at 2pm. Evie Maslen-Lines will perform some more modern music at 1pm. Steppin Out perform at 2.30pm. An olde time music hall is promised at 3.30pm, presented by Anthony Allgood, Sarah Devon and Tom Neil. Anthony will ensure Elvis is in the building … well, park … at 4pm. Bringing the day to a climax, Tom Neil will perform some summer jazz at 4.30pm. Nice. n Entry is free, but tickets must be reserved by logging on to www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokingham

Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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New work spaces available thanks to Arena Business Centres

UNE saw the opening of Arena Reading by Keith Baker, Wokingham Borough Mayor, who was joined by Gary Cranford, Economic Development Officer, for Wokingham Borough Council. This exciting state of the art centre provides an inspirational working environment and flexible offices from 2 to 500 desks. Cllr Keith Baker commented: “I’m extremely pleased to be invited to this brand new building owned by Arena Business Centres. “It’s an amazing facility that’s really flexible and can cater to almost anyone’s requirements whether they are a small SME or a large corporate.”

0330 124 6598

Arena Reading is conveniently located in Winnersh Triangle and within a short walk of the train station, it becomes Arena’s 10th location across Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset. Purchased by Arena in 2019, the former Microsoft Head Office has undergone a £10 million transformation. It is now welcoming its firm clients including Evertz, Yoh Solutions, Inomize and Olax Engineering Consulting just to name a few. For a tour of the centre call 0330 124 6598 � To find out more, visit: www.arenabusinesscentres.com

100 Berkshire Place, Winnersh, RG41 5RD

www.arenabusinesscentres.com

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Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990

CLASSIFIEDS | 29

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert Description

210174

Major Application

212234

Matthews Green Farm, Toutley Road

36 and 39-48 Grovelands Park, Winnersh

Major Application

Application for the approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2242 for Phase 3b of the development comprising the erection of 20 dwellings; amendment to Phase 3 Reserved Matters layout (as approved under Reserved Matters Approval 170818 and Non-Material Amendment Applications 181192 and 190427) involving a change in dwelling type for plot 147 and the removal of a visitor parking bay to the side of plot 110 (design, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered). Application to vary condition 11 of planning consent 203489 for the proposed removal of 12 no. existing mobile homes and the erection of 11 no. two storey pre-fabricated temporary accommodation units consisting of one selfcontained two- bedroom housing unit per floor (plots 39-48) and 1 no. single storey mobile house (plot 36). Condition 11 refers to retention of trees and shrubs and the variation is to allow the removal of 2 no. trees to allow for the installation of a new foul water drainage system.

212351

The Ship Inn, 104 Peach Street, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Full application for the proposed external timber framed pavilion to existing car park area.

212352

The Ship Inn, 104 Peach Street, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed external timber frame pavilion to existing car park area

212404

Land At Winnersh Farm, 5 Woodward Close, Winnersh

Departure from Development Plan

Outline application (all matters reserved except access to the site) for the construction of up to 87 residential units.

212466

Sindlesham Court, Mole Road, Sindlesham

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for listed building consent for the proposed reconstruction of parapet.

212487

New Mill Restaurant, New Mill Lane, Eversley

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed change of use from restaurant and ancillary staff accommodation (Use Class E) to 1 no. dwelling (Use Class C3) with addition of 3 no. dormers to facilitate conversion of loft to additional first floor habitable accommodation, alterations including demolition of a single storey rear element, insertion of 8 no. rooflights and changes to fenestration, plus installation of an internal swimming pool and associated works. (Part Retrospective)

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page. Any comments must arrive on or before the 12th August 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: 29th July 2021

THERAPY

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (CAMBRIAN WAY, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WHARFEDALE ROAD, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

Cambrian Way, Finchampstead from its junction with Kiln Ride.

At a speed exceeding 30 mph along the section of Wharfedale Road, Winnersh between its junctions with Wharfedale Road Roundabout and Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 18th August 2021 between 09:30-15:30. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake sewer cleaning and maintenance work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake installation of new access, statutory diversions, bus stop relocation and associated work in safety.

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 August 2021 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 8th August 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: 29th July 2021

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (HOGMOOR LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Poplar Lane, Hinton Road and A321 Broadwater Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 16th August and 25th August 2021. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Jetting and Root cutting of Highway drainage in safety.

MOTORING

PET SITTING

Dated: 29th July 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WARGRAVE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

Hogmoor Lane, Hurst between its junctions with A321 Broadwater Lane and Poplar Lane.

TECHNOLOGY

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 8th August and 12th December 2021.

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 16th August 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 22nd July 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Victoria Road, between its junctions with B477 School Hill and Blakes Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B477 School Hill, B477 Mumbery Hill, A4 New Bath Road, A4 Bath Road, Blakes Lane, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 2nd August and 6th August 2021. 2. Hamilton Road, between its junctions with Victoria Road and Emma Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B477 School Hill and Silverdale Road, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th September and 17th September 2021. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new water connection 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 2nd August 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: 29th July 2021

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

30 | CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, REMENHAM) (REWIND FESTIVAL 2021) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING AND WAITING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 16A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“the Act”) the effect of which is to prohibit: 1. No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to wait at any time in Remenham Church Lane, both sides, for its entirety. 2. No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to wait at any time in Remenham Lane, both sides, between its junctions with A4130 White Hill and Remenham Church Lane. 3. No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed along Remenham Lane between a point 146m west of its junction with Aston Lane and Remenham Church Lane and between a point 110m southwest of its junction with Remenham Church Lane and its junction with Remenham Church Lane.

JOB VACANCY LICENSING ACT 2003 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that BOOZOOKA LTD has submitted a premises licence application on 29/07/2021 to Wokingham Borough Council in respect of the premises known as: F032, Ready Steady Store, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, RG41 2PT FOR THE GRANT OF A PREMISES LICENCE FOR SALE OF ALCOHOL DELIVERY ONLY Monday to Sunday 11:00 am to 3:00 am Any person wishing to view this application may do so at Wokingham Borough Council via email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk Any person wishing to make representation to this application must do so in writing within 28 days of the application, as detailed above to: Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW.

4. No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed along Remenham Church Lane between its junctions with A4130 White Hill and Remenham Lane except in a northerly direction.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine for doing so upon summary conviction is unlimited.

5. No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed along Remenham Church Lane between its junctions with A4130 White Hill and Remenham Lane except in a southerly direction.

Dated: 29th July 2021

Items 4 and 5 hereof shall not be in place simultaneously. 6. No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to enter and proceed along Aston Lane, Remenham for its entirety. 7. No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to enter and proceed along Remenham Lane between its junction with A4130 White Hill and Remenham Church Lane.

For up to date news in the borough follow us on @wokingham.today

Works requiring these restrictions will take place between 20th August 2021 and 23rd August 2021 between 06:00 and 16.00. The reason for these prohibitions is to facilitate the holding of the Rewind Festival 2021. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

@WokinghamToday

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with Section 63 of the Act are lawfully displayed. Dated: 29th July 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

RECYCLING

PHOTOGRAPHER

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

@wokingham.today

JOB VACANCY

WELL BEING

Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

ACCOUNTANCY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

TREE SURGEONS

Kings Quarter Ltd Chartered Accountant A Local Accountant For Local People Accounts Preparation Corporation Tax Preparation Self-Assessment Companies House Compliance Payroll NPS Surveys

kingsquarterltd@outlook.com 01344 424887 07535504252

PAINTING & DECORATING

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HEALTH & FITNESS

KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION

JOB VACANCY

CLASSIFIEDS | 31

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE

32 | PROPERTY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

PROPERTY | 33

34 | SPORT

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 29, 2021

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

RUGBY UNION

RAMS’ ROBBIE POISED FOR ACTION

BERKS HIT SUMAS FOR SIX

Berks County were in clinical form as they hit six past Wokingham & Emmbrook in a pre-season friendly Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today Robbie Stapely in action for Rams

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS captain Robbie Stapley cannot wait to end his 18-month exile in next month’s pre-season games.

The number eight was forced to isolate after showing symptoms of coronavirus before the Old Bath Road side’s last National One fixture way back in March 2020, but is looking forward to getting back on the park with his last outing in the 31-15 success at Old Elthamians. He said: “I miss the competitiveness the most – you turn up on Saturday and that feeling of winning or trying to win – coming back from losing is huge. “Making a tackle, winning a collision are massive as otherwise I don’t do much competitive other than compete with my brother (Connor) over the most pathetic things. “You know you love playing, but having been out for so long when you see everyone again, even though it’s hard work, it makes you realise how much you enjoy it.” With the squad entering their fifth week of pre-season, he continued: “It’s been hard and tough, but we’ve had a lot of people here and the atmosphere’s been really positive. “Everyone’s maintained their

fitness and skills really well, so it’s just a case of piecing it all back together and working together in a game situation.” Having finished second in the revised table in their debut campaign in National One, Stapley looked back fondly while also issuing a warning as he said: “Everything fell into place before and we’ve got to try and hit the ground running again – it might not go as smoothly as last time as I think we caught a few sides out early on, but on the other hand, we’ve been together a long time, work well together, are all motivated and when you’re an underdog, you want to do it even more.” With the majority of the squad committing to the new season and a number of additions improving the depth available, Stapley is delighted with how things are shaping up. He concluded: “It’s great to have so many people here, but we need everyone to stick around because once you’re two or three games in and people haven’t been picked, that’s when we’ll see if they’re good people or not. “You always need good people, but so far everyone seems to be gelling really well. Everyone needs to be up for the fight to be selected and we’ll need that.”

BERKS COUNTY put in a scintillating performance to earn an emphatic pre-season victory over WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK.

Berks, who will be playing in the Combined Counties

Division One next season, showed their strength over the Sumas who will play in the Combined Counties Premier Division from the 2021/22 campaign. WOODLEY UNITED LADIES got some minutes under their belt in a preseason friendly against

Carterton Town Ladies. The Kestrels found themselves 2-0 down at the break, but they showed their resilience to fight back and earn a 2-2 draw with goals from May Hamblin and Izzy. BINFIELD played out a 1-1 stalemate against Winchester Ciy FC as the

Moles were pegged back by a last-gasp penalty. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA suffered a narrow 2-0 loss against Alton FC. WOODLEY UNITED will continue their pre-season preparations this weekend when they face Holmer Green away from home.

Woodley United Ladies in pre-season action Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Eversley & California in action Pictures: Richard Milam

SPORT | 35

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Thursday, July 29, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk RESULTS Saturday, July 24 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading 1-1 Charlton Athletic Binfield 1-1 Winchester City Berks County 6-0 Sumas CRICKET BCM Championship Shinfield (223 all out) beat Holmer Green (184 all out) BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (122-4) beat Twyford and Ruscombe (119 all out) Woodley (195-6) beat Farley Hill (192-9)

Reading manager Veljko Paunović Picture: Steve Smyth

Royals fans returned to watch their team in action against West Ham United

READING FC

PAUNOVIĆ HOPEFUL OF NEW ARRIVALS DESPITE RESTRICTIONS READING manager Veljko Paunović admitted that there may be some high profile exits from the club before the transfer window shuts.

The Royals are just a couple of weeks away from the start of the 2021/22 Championship season and have yet to make a signing as a result of being under EFL restrictions. “It’s possible,” said the Reading boss when questioned whether

there could be more departures after Michael Olise left to join Crystal Palace. “I don’t want to be confident about it but I’m aware it can happen. “We’ll see what the market brings in the next couple of weeks. We can only focus on what we can control and we’ll work with that. “If something happens, it’ll probably help the other side of the

game but we have to be ready and given information and guidance.” Reading did have two players on trial during their pre-season matches, Achraf Lazaar and Kyle Edwards, however it has been confirmed that the duo will not be joining the club. However, Paunovic is confident that he will be able to bring in some additions to the squad. “I am confident that we will be

able to improve the team before the season starts and during the transfer window,” he continued. “In the next couple of weeks we are having conversations with the league. “The deadline is going to come soon so we can have the right guidance as to where we stand with it.” Reading begin their league at Stoke City on Saturday, August 7.

CRICKET

BERKS BEGIN TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST DORSET By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today AFTER a year's absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Berkshire play their first home three-day championship match since winning the title in 2019 when they host Dorset at Finchampstead on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The defending champions will be looking to extend their incredible unbeaten run in the competition to 36 matches, stretching back to June 2015 when they defeated

Oxfordshire by 40 runs at Henley with Chris Peploe taking six wickets in each innings to finish with outstanding figures of 12-110. In addition to spinner Peploe, the Henley quartet of Richard Morris, Euan Woods, Stewart Davison and Tom Nugent all remain in the side. Berkshire and Dorset both drew their opening Western Division One match of the season against Wiltshire and Cheshire respectively although delays for rain almost certainly prevented them from winning.

Dorset then went on to beat Wiltshire by eight wickets at Wimborne this week and that makes it a must-win game for Berkshire if they are to finish above them in the five-county table. As usual, Berkshire head coach Tom Lambert has to check with Middlesex and Hampshire over the availability of players who are attached to the first-class counties before naming his side. Work commitments for players could prove another issue. But Dan Lincoln looks set to

FOOTBALL

BOWLS

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS APPOINT NEW MANAGEMENT DUO WOODLEY United Royals have appointed the duo of James Anderson and Richard Wilkinson as their management team.

return following his recent three appearances for Kent's 1st XI. Now starring for Home Counties Premier League Division Two leaders Slough, the batting star will be playing at his former club, while his ex-Finchampstead team-mate Olie Soames, now with Guildford, is expected to be in the Dorset team. Play on all three days is due t o commence at 11am. The entrance is free and the Finchampstead club bar will be open from noon on all three days, serving drinks and light snacks.

Anderson returns to the Kestrels having previously managed the first-team in the Hellenic Premier Division in the 2017/18 season.

Meanwhile, Wilkinson joins the set-up as assistant manager. The Royals play their league football in the Thames Valley Premier League.

WOKINGHAM CONTEST FIRST HOME MATCH OF SEASON

THE Wokingham Kennet League ‘B’ team hosted Three Mile Cross on Tuesday, July 20 for their first match played at home this season.

It was a close contest until the closing ends when Wokingham dropped several shots on two rinks, resulting in losing the match 62 88 and 4-10 on points.

BCL Division One Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (203-7) beat Peppard Stoke Row 2s (136 all out) Farley Hill 2s (193-7) lost to Woodley 2s (240 all out) Reading Lions (90 all out) lost to Earley (218-8) Shinfield 2s (102-6) beat Warfield (101 all out) West Reading 2s (196 all out) beat Waltham St Lawrence (148 all out) Chilterns Division One Littlewick Green 2s (69 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (73-1) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (213 all out) beat Penn & Tylers Green 2s (82 all out) Home Counties Division One Oxford (252-7) beat Finchampstead (220-9) Home Counties Division Two Great Brickhill (216-9) beat Wokingham (80 all out) Wargrave (127 all out) lost to Chesham (223 all out) Thames Valley Division 2B Bagshot (98 all out) lost to Hurst (99-1) Wokingham 2s (226-6) drew Kidmore End (241-8) Finchampstead 2s (207-3) beat Fleet (203-6) Binfield (262-9) lost to Eversley (263-8) Thames Valley Division 3A Finchampstead 3s (133 all out) lost to Sulhamstead & Ufton (136-2) White Waltham (192-4) beat Taplow (191 all out) Royal Ascot (112-9) drew Sonning (210-9) Thames Valley Division 4A Newbury (126 all out) beat Wargrave 2s (90 all out) Wokingham 3s (101-4) beat Bagshot 2s (100 all out) Eversley 2s (228-9) drew Purley on Thames (179-9)

Tuesday, July 27 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Eversley & California 0-1 Sumas

Binfield 2-1 Met Police

FIXTURES Saturday, July 31 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading v Crystal Palace Ascot United v Binfield CRICKET BCM Championship Littlewick Green v Shinfield BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Woodcote Farley Hill v Sandhurst Twyford and Ruscombe v Mortimer West End Woodley v Goring on Thames BCL Division One Earley v Farley Hill 2s Waltham St Lawrence v Woodley 2s Warfield v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s West Reading 2s v Shinfield 2s Chilterns Division One Emmbrook and Bearwood v Ruislip Victoria Chilterns Division Two Holyport 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s Home Counties Division One Finchampstead v Thame Town Home Counties Division Two Horspath v Wargrave Wokingham v Slough Thames Valley Division 2B Hurst v Wokingham 2s Kidmore End v Finchampstead 2s Eversley v Fleet Binfield v Reading Thames Valley Division 3A Sulhamstead & Ufton v White Waltham Sonning v Windsor Boyne Hill 2s v Finchampstead 3s Thames Valley Division 4A Wargrave 2s v Wokingham 3s Reading 2s v Eversley 2s Thames Valley Division 5B Farnham Common 2s v Binfield 2s Thames Valley Division 6A Hounslow & Whitton 2s v Wargrave 3s Thames Valley Division 6B Yateley v Hurst 2s White Waltham 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton 2s Finchampstead 4s v Aldershot 2s Fleet 2s v Sonning 2s Thames Valley Division 7A Cove 3s v Eversley 3s Wokingham 4s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s Newbury 2s v Binfield 3s

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PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

EJARIA NETS BUT RO READING 1 CHARLTON 1

Tetek gets through on goal but hits the post

By ANDY PRESTON at the Select Car Leasing Stadium apreston@wokingham.today READING had to settle for a draw in a pre-season match against League One Charlton Athletic as Hady Ghandour cancelled out Ovie Ejaria’s stunning solo opener with a late equaliser.

Reading manager Veljko Paunović

Young striker Nahum Melvin-Lambert

In a game played behind closed doors on Saturday, Ejaria scored the first goal of the game but former Royals manager Nigel Adkins’ Addicks side hit back with an 80th minute leveller to square the match. Charlton showed brighter signs early in the match as they won the first two corners of the match. Conor Washington drove at Michael Morrison but was guided out wide by the defender before his cross was blocked. The Addicks were forced into an early change through injury as Ben Purrington was replaced by Jacob Roddy. Reading had their first shot at goal in the 15th minute when Andy Rinomhota cut the ball back for young forward Femi Azeez who could only muster a tame effort at goal. Andy Yiadom then had a sight of goal when he burst forward into the box from full-back but he dragged a shot off target. Yiadom continued to find joy going forward and sent in a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but a Charlton defender stretched to get a vital toe on the ball to take it away from Ovie Ejaria. Reading took the lead with the only goal of the half with a sublime solo effort from Ejaria in the 38th minute. Just moments after having a header saved at point-blank range, John Swift kept the attack alive and found Ejaria in the box who weaved his way past two defenders with some exceptional close control before he fired the ball past the keeper. Adkins’ team looked to respond just a few minutes later as Rafael Cabral pushed a free-kick from a narrow angle behind for a corner. Yiadom was again the thrusting force in attack for Paunović’s men but he was knocked off balance at the crucial moment as his shot was comfortably held by Craig MacGillivray. Charton had the first big chance in the second half just five minutes in when Washington picked out Albie Morgan in the middle but he blazed a shot high and wide to waste the opportunity. The Royals almost extended their lead when Dejan Tetek got in

Ovie Ejaria has a header brilliantly saved moments before he gave Reading the lead over Charlton Athletic Pictures: Steve Smyth

Reading’s goalscorer Ovie Ejaria

Dejan Tetek holds off a challenge

Match stats behind the Charlton defence, got across a defender and clean through on goal struck the inside of the post. There were plenty of changes made by Paunović as Achraf Lazaar, Nahum Melvin Lambert, Kyle Edwards replaced Bristow, Azeez and Tetek. Meanwhile, former Reading defender Chris Gunter, who made more than 300 appearances during his time with the club, entered the action for the visitors. Swift attempted to pick out the corner with a curling effort that

READING: Rafael, Yiadom, Bristow, Dorsett, Morrison, Rinomhota, Laurent, Tetek, Ejaria, Swift, Azeez SUBS: Southwood, Stickland, Abbey, Trailist B, Trailist A, Camara, Leavy, Melvin-Lambert, Ehibhatiomhan CHARLTON: MacGillivray, Purrington, Dobson, Famewo, Jaiyesimi, Morgan, Washington, Matthews, Inniss, Davison, Clare SUBS: Harness, Gunter, Pearce, Dempsey, Clayden, Madger, Gomes, Powell, Elerwe, Roddy, Aouachria, Ghandour GOALS: Ejaria 38′, Ghandour 80′

travelled just wide of the far post. The hosts opted to make another switch with just over 10 minutes remaining as Mamadi Camara came on in place of Swift. Charlton levelled the game in the 80th minute when Hady Ghandour was left unmarked at the back post to meet a cross and tapped in from close range as the game ended in a stalemate. Reading face Premier League Crystal Palace on Saturday (3pm kick-off), where fans will be permitted to attend the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

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OYALS HELD BY ADDICKS Femi Azeez looks to pounce on a rebound

Andy Yiadom slips at the crucial moment

Yiadom is challenged by the keeper

Reading’s new sponsor, Select Car Leasing

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

READING FALL TO PREMIER LEAGUE HAMMERS IN front of fans, Reading were beaten by their Premier League opposition as Issa Diop, Conor Coventry and Ben Johnson netted for West Ham United in a preseason friendly last Wednesday.

Diop's glanced header deflected off Jeriel Dorsett to give the Hammers the lead before Coventry tapped in from close range to double the lead in the second half. Johnson rounded off the scoring with a superb solo effort. The crowd at the Madejski, many of whom returning for their first taste of live football in months, gave their team a rapturous ovation before kick-off. West Ham had the first positive attack of the match when a cross came in from the right to find Pablo Fornals in the middle, and his header from close range forced a superb reaction save from Rafael Cabral who got down low to

his right to tip behind for a corner. Reading responded well after an early scare as Ovie Ejaria brought his team forward and a blocked Andy Yiadom cross brought about the Royals' first corner of the match. But they did take the lead just five minutes later when Issa Diop was first to meet a corner and his glanced effort towards goal took a deflection off Dorsett and found its way in. The Royals almost made an instant response when Azeez floated a cross to the back post to find Swift, but he scuffed his volley wide. The second half began and West Ham thought they had doubled their lead when Said Benrahma's shot deflected off Manuel Lanzini and looped into the net, but it was ruled out for offside. The Hammers extended their lead in the 57th minute when Coventry

converted from close range from Ben Johnson's cross. The Hammers asserted their secondhalf dominance with a third of the evening as Johnson broke through on the left and finished smartly past Southwood to seal a 3-0 win. READING: Rafael, Yiadom, Dorsett, Morrison, Trialist, Rinomhota, Laurent, Swift, Trialist, Ejaria, Azeez SUBS: Southwood, Stickland, Bristow, Abbey, Leavy, Tetek, Osorio, Camara, Melvin-Lambert, Ehibhatiomhan WEST HAM: Randolph, Fredericks, Diop, Dawson, Cresswell, Noble (c), Coventry, Bowen, Lanzini, Fornals, Antonio SUBS: Martin, Alves, Ogbonna, Benrahma Ekwah, Johnson, Forson, Holland, Oko-Flext, Odubeko, Baptiste GOALS: Diop 37', Coventry 57', Johnson 77'

John Swift in action against West Ham United Picture: Steve Smyth

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0800 30 50 30 THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

EVERSLEY BATTLE TO BEAT BINFIELD

By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokingham.today

EVERSLEY are just one place off the top in Thames Valley Division 2B after they defeated BINFIELD by two wickets.

Binfield opened with Wynand Lamprecht and Shaun Miller but runs were scarce in the first eight overs, with bowlers Verma and Ben Salter conceding few runs until Verma conceded four boundaries plus a boundary four byes. Tom Magowan replaced Verma at the other end for the next over after a boundary from the last ball of Salter’s over brought up 50. Lamprecht found the boundary twice in over 11 then Salter’s spell concluded as Surrall replaced him. Magowan bowled a wicket maiden when he had Shaun Miller caught by Tom Nicholls for 34 with Binfield on 66-1. Chris Morgan hit a boundary then was caught by wicket-keeper Tom Howarth, bowled by Jack Surrall on 71-2. Surrall and Magowan bowled tightly until over 30 when the score reached 118-3. Andrews hit the four to the boundary which brought up 200. It was not until over 47 when Lamprecht was caught behind by Howarth for 103, including 14 boundary fours and one six on 234-4. He was quickly followed by Sam Negus who was bowled by Parsons first ball on 234-5 and he bowled Mike Staves for a duck tso balls later. Over 52 produced two more wickets, Nower caught Salter bowled by Parsons and Collett caught Jack Ford as Binfield finished on 262-9. Eversley opened with Oli Parsons and Jack Ford facing Randall and Andrews. Ford had scored six runs before he was bowled out by Randall on 11-1. Magowan was caught by Mike Staves, bowled Randall, but Nichols arrived at the crease and scored two boundaries. Parsons hit a six from Andrews in over eight but it was in over 10 that the 50 was posted. Parsons was caught by Lamprecht, bowled Pigden, on 49, with Eversley on 112-3. Byron Hickman joined Nichols briefly and, after both had scored a boundary each from Pigden in over 20, Hickman was caught Lamprecht bowled Chris Morgan for six. Pigden soon removed the skipper, Howarth, for five on 136-5. Next man out was Nichols caught Andrews, bowled Pigden for 78, with the scoreboard on 190-6. Verma continued but Salter was bowled by Randall for a duck, giving 190-7. Ben Martin was caught by Collett bowled Pigden for nine on 208-8 The end game was Verma, 66 not out and Tom Magowan 24 not out trickling singles and twos until the target was reached. BINFIELD BATTING: Lamprecht 103, Miller 34, Morgan 4, Williams 9, Andrews 77, Negus 0, Staves 0, Collet 10, Nower 3, Pidgin 1, Randall 2. EVERSLEY BOWLING: Verma 0-48, Salter 0-18, T Magowan 2-62, Surrall 1-36, Parsons 4-37, J Magowan 2-47 EVERSLEY BATTING: Parsons 49, Ford 6, J Magowan 9, Nichols 78, Hickman 6, Howorth 5, Verma 66, Salter 0, Martin 9, T Magowan 24 BINFIELD BOWLING: Randall 3-77, Andrews 0-18, Pigden 4-84, Collet 0-40, Morgan 1-25, Nower 0-12

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CRICKET ROUND-UP

BEARS BREEZE TO IM By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s put on an exceptional performance to see off Penn & Tylers Green 2s. 95 from Ravi Balakrishnan helped the Bears to post a challenging target of 213 for Penn to chase. Alec McNab was clinical with the ball for Emmbrook, taking four wickets to see them to a convincing 131-run triumph.

BCM Championship SHINFIELD took a 39-run win against Holmer Green to push them up the table. Sushant Agarwal (48) and Davesh Gauchwal (52) scored a century of runs between them as Shinfield posted a big score of 223. Shashank Garg collected four wickets to see them to victory as they picked up 40 points.

BCL Premier Division WOODLEY earned an impressive win over second placed FARLEY HILL. Farley batted first and scored 192 from 40 overs as David Drury totalled 60 runs. Woodley chased down the total to record a four-wicket win with 1.5 overs remaining as Shamil Nilamdeen hit a half century. TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE stay rooted to the bottom of the league after an away defeat to Goring on Thames. Christopher Priddle amassed 65 runs, but the rest of the Twyford order collapsed quickly as they posted 119 all out. Goring wrapped up victory after 27.4 overs with six wickets to spare.

BCL Division One WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE remain in second despite losing out by 48 runs to league leaders West Reading 2s. Abhishek Garg and Ravi Sainani both ended with three wickets to their name but West Reading posted 196. Waltham were all out after 35 overs after a half century from Garg, SHINFIELD 2s are up to third after they beat Warfield by four wickets. Three wickets each from Agasthya Kumar and Om Solanki helped to bowl Warfield all out for 101. Shinfield secured the win after 23.3 overs. EARLEY got the better of Reading Lions with a huge 128-run triumph.

Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s celebrate taking a wicket as they earn a huge victory over Penn & Tylers Pictures: Steve Smyth

Vish Shende top scored with 62 runs from 43 balls and followed up his batting performance by taking three wickets. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s added 35 points to their taly after a triumph over Peppard Stoke Row 2s. Daniel Cartledge scored most runs for Crows with 46 as they totalled 203 from 40 overs. Four wickets from Ravi Godbole saw Crows bowl their opponents all out for 136. WOODLEY put 33 points on the board with a 47-run win over FARLEY HILL 2s. Amol Lotke fell just two runs shy of scoring a century for Woodley as they hit 240.

opponents all out for 69 as a stunning bowling display from James Gibbs saw him take six wickets. Emmbrook dropped just one wicket on their way to victory, which they confirmed after 10.1 overs.

Chilterns Division One

Home Counties Division Two

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD are top after they stormed past Littlewick Green 2s with an emphatic nine wicket success. The Bears skittled their

Home Counties Division One FINCHAMPSTEAD tallied nine points in an away draw at Oxford. Guy Ashby took for wickets for Finch as Oxford posted a big total of 252. Finch lasted out their overs with one wicket remaining to earn the draw.

WOKINGHAM are in sixth after they tasted defeat against Great Brickhill. Chris Peploe (5-77) and Max

Uttley (4-72) bowled brilliantly for the Oaks but Brickhill finished with 216. The Oaks were removed all out for 80 as they fell to a large defeat. WARGRAVE were beaten by 96 runs in a defeat to Chesham.

Thames Valley Division 2B EVERSLEY stormed to the top of the table after they beat BINFIELD by two wickets. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s stay in third after they defeated Fleet by seven wickets. Tom Potter was in fine form with the bat as he smashed 142 runs to see Finch to victory. HURST moved up to sixth after they got the better of Bagshot by nine wickets. WOKINGHAM 2s slipped down to eighth after a draw against Kidmore End.

Thames Valley Division 3A

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MPRESSIVE WIN OVER PENN Emmbrook’s wicket keeper Iwan Parry stretches for the ball but it evades him

Emmbrook & Bearwood 2's v Penn & Tylers Green (batting)

Tommy Alborough (below) bowling for Emmbrook

Ravi Balakrishnan bowling

SONNING stay at the summit despite drawing against Royal Ascot. Tobias Allday scored 68, while Michael King took three wickets for Sonning, WHITE WALTHAM overcame Taplow by six wickets as Cloudesley

Long took a five wicket haul. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s dropped down after they suffered an eight wicket defeat to Sulhamstead & Ufton.

Thames Valley Division 4A

WARGRAVE 2s remain in second despite being beaten by Newbury by 36 runs. WOKINGHAM 3s climbed up to third after they earned a six-wicket triumph over Bagshot 2s. Amandeep Singh collected five wickets in a tremendous bowling

WOMEN’S CRICKET

EMMBROOK LAUNCH LADIES TEAM EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD cricket club broke new ground as their women’s team represented the club for the first ever time on Wednesday, July 21.

The newly formed team, coached by Brian Swindley and captained by Aparna Jain are in their first year of action and played their fixture against Wargrave last week. Emmbrook’s opponents put

282 on the scoreboard in return for three wickets, while the Bears managed 230-9 in a high scoring affair. A spokesperson from the club said: “It’s buzzing with excitement to have fun and enjoy the sportsmanship. “From ladies who have never played cricket to those who come to club as mums with their kids who train and even those who just like to socialise and do

something for themselves, this team if fun and all fired up to enjoy playing cricket rather than simply watching it.” The team are now preparing for their next match on Saturday, August 14. The club are inviting new women and girls of any ability to come along to their training sessions on Wednesday at 6.15pm-7.15pm at Emmbrook and Bearwood Cricket Club.

spell for the Oaks. EVERSLEY 2s stay a place off the bottom after they took a draw against Purley on Thames. Campion hit 92 runs for Eversley, while Sharp finished with 5-26 after taking a hat-trick but his superb bowling could only held a draw.

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SUMAS BOSSES STEP DOWN

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Matt Eggleston (left) and Dan Bateman (right) have left Wokingham & Emmbrook FC IT’S ALL change for the Sumas as the club starts a search for a new manager ahead of their first season of Step 5 football.

Wokingham and Emmbrook FC announced on Sunday evening that, after three successful years, its joint team managers of Dan Bateman and Matt Eggleston, are stepping down. This is due to work and family commitments. ISSN 2634-8330

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Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

However, the duo are committed to the Lowther Road-based club and will continue to help out in other roles. New coach Sam Wilson will stay on to continue with team training. The club are now seeking a new manager to guide them in the Combined Counties League. They were promoted to Step 5 following a covid-hit season. “The time is right for a change,” said departing joint first-team manager Bateman. “The club is in an incredible position to push on and unfortunately we just haven’t got the time the club deserves. “They are a fantastic squad and will be a welcome addition

to step five and I look forward to supporting the lads.” A spokesperson for the club said: “As the season starts and FA Cup and Vase fixtures draw near the club will be holding interviews ASAP to fill this role. “If you feel you have the appropriate experience and qualifications to take on this challenging role please contact Mark Ashwell Club President mark@trademarkwindows. co.uk 07976 641687 or Steve Williams Club Chairman skw@intersurgical.co.uk 07785 385762.” The club is sponsored by three well-known Wokinghambased companies: Blueprint Fitted Furniture, Trade Mark Windows and A1 Group.

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