The Wokingham Paper, June 18, 2020

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Thursday, June 18, 2020 No. 266

COUNCIL BACKS OUT OF BLACK LIVES MATTER

Leader’s But it is supporting Pride events concern over police stance

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KEBAB VAN LOSES PITCH APPEAL P11

THAT’S ONE WAY TO CLEAN A TRAIN P14

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE COUNCIL is to withdraw its support for the Black Lives Matter movement over concerns that it is becoming an “anti-police message” in the United States, but also said there is no place for racism in our society.

“The Council should not be a political football or used inadvertently or advertently for political motives,” leader John Halsall explained. “While this may or may not be appropriate there we cannot associate ourselves with such a message in Wokingham.”

He made his comments during Tuesday’s virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council.

He also told Wokingham.Today: “In recent times, Black Lives Matter has been anti-police, we can’t be associated with that. We will mark the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, probably by flying a flag at half-mast, but we can’t be associated with the Black Lives Matter flag, even if we could get hold of one.

“It’s a difficult position: the crucial argument behind Black Lives Matter is actually laudable.

“It’s a good cause that no sane person could object to, I’m really disappointed that it’s been hijacked by people trying to make another point.” � Continued on page 6

NON-ESSENTIAL SHOPS RE-OPEN P5 Next month, Wokingham will hold some Pride events to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Council leader John Halsall has pledged his support, whatever form they take as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Full story page 4

Property directors barred over price-fixing DIRECTORS at two Wokingham-based estate agents have been disqualified for their roles in an illegal price-fixing cartel.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has ruled that Stephen Jones and Neil Mackenzie, were directors at estate agents Richard Worth – not the company currently trading under that name – and Michael Hardy respectively, are not allowed to

serve as directors of any companies or be involved in the management of any company based in England, Scotland or Wales for six-and-a-half years.

Last year, the CMA ruled that the two companies, along with Romans and Prospect estate agencies, took part in a cartel between September 2008 and May 2015.

They set minimum rates for commission on the sale of residential

properties in Wokingham, Winnersh, Crowthorne, Bracknell and Warfield.

The companies exchanged information on pricing and held meetings to ensure all cartel members enforced the agreed minimum rates.

The CMA says that this meant that homeowners in the affected areas were denied the chance of securing the best possible deal when selling homes. � Continued on page 3

BAND’S LOCKDOWN MUSIC TOUR P29 FIFTH OF BOROUGH ON FURLOUGH P10

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Residents thank Post Office team for their efforts during pandemic EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN and TAZ USHER jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk SHOWING their appreciation for the Post Office, residents across Barkham have raised more than £800 for the shop owners.

Last month, Charlotte Webb created a crowdfunder to thank owners Raj and Ashu Dole, who manage the Bearwood Road shop.

She said: “I live in a little close, and it started as just something between neighbours. I just wanted to do something for them.

“Raj and Ashu are currently running the shop together, as none of their staff can work and socially distance — the space is too small.

“And there is a queue outside all day every day.”

She continued: “They’re looking after everyone else, and working their socks off for the community.

They’re doing people’s shopping for them too.

“I thought it would be nice to send them out for a meal after this is over, and then I had the idea they could maybe get a takeaway when Ashu doesn’t want to cook after a busy day.

“To be honest, I thought £200 was ambitious.

“Then one night I posted in the Finchampstead and Arborfield community groups on social media and lots of people I don’t know started donating.

“I can’t believe so many people think the way we all do. I’m going to print all the messages and put them into a card and then I want to give

Charlotte Webb presents a sign of gratitude from the community to the Dole family, who run the Bearwood Road Post Office

Ashu something she can remember this with, like a plant.”

“They’ve just been so amazing.”

In total, residents raised £883 for the couple which was presented to them by Charlotte along with a thank you card and plant.

Responding to the kind gesture, Raj Dole said: “We were really shocked when we received the gifts.

“At first we thought it was just a lovely card and plant, but when we realised there was money enclosed we wanted to give it to charity.

“Charlotte insisted that we keep

the money for ourselves as a thank you for our work so we’re going to spend it on a holiday when things get back to normal.”

“We are only doing our job and happy to help so we really didn’t expect this.

“Every time we look at the plant in our garden now we think about all our lovely customers and how lucky we are to run our shop in a community like this.”

Local residents donating to the crowdfunder have called the duo heroes for continuing to support the

community during such a challenging time.

Ian Cunningham said: “They are both so very helpful, offering to deliver to those completely locked down and those needing assistance.

We could not want for a better friend in the community.

And Gaynor White, who runs the Barkham Hookers, said: “You have been quite incredible throughout this entire pandemic and I doubt you even know how much so many locals have relied on you. You are our heroes.”

Three of the four estate agents – including Richard Worth and Michael Hardy – were fined more than £600,000 for their illegal behaviour.

Romans and Prospect qualified for leniency under the CMA’s leniency policy. As such, it will not seek the disqualification of the cooperating directors, as long as the estate agents continue to comply with the terms of their agreements.

Michael Grenfell, executive director of enforcement at the CMA, said: “Selling your home can be a stressful and expensive experience, and one that shouldn’t be made harder by estate agents conspiring to cheat homeowners out of the best deal.

“Company directors have an important responsibility to make sure their firms don’t take part in this kind of anti-competitive behaviour.

“These disqualifications should send a clear message to the sector – stay on the right side of the law or face the consequences.”

Neal Mackenzie, who was director of Michael Hardy, said: “I made a mistake 12 years ago, I have already publicly acknowledged that error and accept the consequences for me personally.

“I will now use my energies to support Barnaby Styer and Ben Biggs, the new directors of the Michael Hardy estate agents.”

The CMA runs a Cheating or competing? campaign, which aims to educate businesses about which practices are illegal and urges people to come forward if they suspect a business has taken part in cartel behaviour, such as rigging contracts or price-fixing.

It has also issued a range ofguidance to help businesses understand more about how to comply with competition law.

Teens assaulted in park attack POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two teenage boys were assaulted by a gang of youths in Woodley on Tuesday evening.

The incident took place in Sandford Park around 8.30pm in the Woodley Airfield Youth and Community Centre area car park.

Thames Valley Police said that the teenagers, who were out with their friends, were approached by the gang, estimated to be between 20 and 25 people – contrary to the rules on gatherings, which currently cannot be any more than six.

The group then surrounded the teenagers, punched them and used their weapons.

A mobile phone was handed over, but given back to the victim.

The police said that the group of youths had approached the victims over the grassed area of the open park field and the incident in which they asked for property was in the alleyway that connects to Sunderland Close.

The first victim, a 16-year-old boy, suffered a cut to his left eye and resulted in four stitches.

The second victim suffered facial marks, a bruise to the lower back and leg injuries.

Both victims required hospital treatment and have since been discharged from Royal Berkshire Hospital.

The offenders are all male, aged between 16 and 20, and of different ethnicities.

They were wearing dark clothing, similar to tracksuits, puffer style jackets, balaclavas and facial coverings at the time of the incident. The group arrived on mopeds, pushbikes and possibly in a car.

Investigating officer, PC Naomi Padgett, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “This was a horrendous experience for the victims and I am appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident to come forward.

“Please contact us by calling 101 or by using our online form quoting the reference 43200171993.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain 100% anonymous you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Make a date for sale GARDENERS can stock up their gardens from a plant stall in the car park of Hurst Convenience Stores in Wards Cross (the main A321 through the village), Hurst on Saturday June 27 from 10am4pm. The stall is being run by villagers Jackie and Malcolm Phillips.

Directors barred over estate agency price fixing cartel � From front page

NEWS | 3

Steven Jones of Richard Worth (not the company currently trading under the same name) and Neal Mackenzie have been barred from being company directors

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From the editor THIS WEEK, your edition of Wokingham.Today contains a host of news and information as the borough starts to re-open – slowly and cautiously.

As with previous issues, our team has been working remotely to ensure that you have the best possible newspaper. Our offices remain closed, the best way to get in touch is by email.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Call for two-metre rule to be relaxed TWO of the borough’s MPs are in favour of relaxing the two-metre social distancing rule.

Newly-elected James Sunderland, whose Bracknell constituency includes parts of Finchampstead, Crowthorne and Wokingham Without, visited The Lexicon shopping centre yesterday to see how shops were reopening.

But he admitted that he is missing the hospitality industry and is hoping that reducing the two-metre distance to a single metre will mean that they can reopen next month.

“For me I've missed the pubs, the cafes and the restaurants,” he said.

“I'm a big supporter of reducing two-metre to one-metre social distancing to enable the hospitality sector to come back into play. As soon as the medical experts and scientists say it is ok, I will be supporting it.”

And his views were echoed by Sir John Redwood, MP for Wokingham, who has also welcomed stores reopening.

Speaking in an emergency debate in parliament on Monday, he expressed his strong support for the

two-metre rule being relaxed immediately.

He said: "Given that the scientific advice is mixed and muddled and that the economic and business advice is overwhelming and clear, why do Ministers not today announce the halving of the distance and ask businesses to put in other measures, including protective clothing and screens where appropriate?

“If we want our hospitality industry to survive in any form, it needs to know today so that it can prepare its routes and tables and screens, and all the rest of it.

“Leaving it until 4 July will mean many more lost jobs.”

Responding for the Government, minister for health Edward Argar said: “The reason is that the current scientific advice is that the twometre rule significantly reduces the risk of transmission and we have not yet beaten this disease.”

And keen shopper Sir John encouraged readers of his blog to get back into stores and spend money.

“Many people say they value their local High Street and want the shops

there to be available for them. To help secure their future it is important to back them in the only way that counts in the next few weeks, by visiting them and buying things from them,” he wrote.

“I have argued throughout this crisis so far that government needs to give the highest priority to saving lives, but also has to follow policies that can save livelihoods. I was pleased the government took up the idea of government cash to support staff who could not go to work, but this cannot go indefinitely. The only way to pay the wages in the months ahead is for people to be back at work serving and supplying customers who will pay the bills.”

Mr Sunderland was pleased with what he saw in Bracknell yesterday, saying: “It’s amazing, it’s like coming out of hibernation. It is massively important for the Lexicon to reopen, as long as it’s safe, I'm really happy to support it. We need to get the economy working.

“I think there’s been a big push on safety and I am confident that people who come shopping here in the Lexicon will be safe.”

Bowling alley plans to reopen AS MORE lockdown restrictions start to ease, families will be bowled over to learn that Bracknell-based Hollywood Bowl is planning to reopen next month.

The bowling alley at The Point was one of 54 sites across the country that closed in March, but the company is introducing a new health and safety regime to ensure the centres are safe to welcome customers again.

Measures include a reduced number of open lanes, spacing amusement machines, and bar and dining facilities. Groups will be limited to six, and customers will be asked to arrive early for checking in.

Customers will also be given the option of wearing disposable gloves and asked to wear their own footwear when playing.

Enhanced cleaning will take place throughout the day, including the cleaning of bowling balls, lane seating and touch screens in between games.

The bowling alley plans to reopen from Saturday, July 4.

Councils to fly the flag as virus changes Wokingham Pride plans

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS for the first-ever Wokingham Pride festival have had to go virtual, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall pledged his support to help get a Pride event up and running in the borough, mirroring the popular event that takes place in neighbouring Reading in September.

The council flew a rainbow flag in support of the LGBTQ+ community, while local businesses also displayed similar signs of support. There was also a display in Wokingham Library explaining lesbian, gay and gender identity issues for readers of all ages.

At the time, Cllr Halsall had said: “We are honoured to fly the flag in support of Pride. It sends an important message to residents across the borough that we proudly support equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

“We are proud to show our support for Pride, this annual celebration rallies against discrimination and celebrates diversity across our communities.”

It had been hoped to have built on this initial experience by holding a Pride event in Wokingham next month, but plans have had to be altered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Both Wokingham borough and town councils have pledged to fly a

rainbow flag from their buildings over the weekend starting on Friday, July 11, and it is hoped that shops, businesses and homes will add their support.

Cllr Anna Box, who is supporting the events, said: “In the week leading up to July 11, many of our homes and businesses will join them by displaying their own rainbow flags in a demonstration that we are a welcoming and inclusive town.

“Some people will also be displaying the blue, pink and white Transgender Pride flag, in support of members of our community who are transgender.

“We are hoping that this Wokingham Pride week will build greater mutual understanding, respect for differences, and friendship between residents.”

Other suggestions from the Pride team include � Displaying a flag in windows � Putting a message of support on social media with the hashtag #WokinghamPride � Suggest to churches and religious group that they mark the occasion with a prayer for mutual respect and understanding

� Have a socially distanced Pride on the Front Lawn – or Pride in the Back Garden – with a picnic, barbecue or afternoon tea � Donate to a LGBT+ charity such as Stonewall which supports LBGT+ people around the country, including those in the Wokingham area � Talk to children about what it means to be lesbian, gay or transgender and how they can be a good friend to others. Suggested resources can be found at www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-YourKids-About-Homosexuality Cllr Box added: “Please join us on our Wokingham Pride FaceBook page where we will be sharing messages and resources leading up to July 11.”

And Cllr Halsall told Wokingham.Today that the borough council will continue to offer its support to the initiative.

“A Pride event would be quite fun,” he said, expressing sadness that the event can’t go ahead this year.

“Equality and diversity has to be in our DNA, it has to be part of who we are and what we do.”

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

China acted swiftly says covid professor

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WORLD Health Organisation coronavirus professor Ben Cowling says China has acted swiftly to clamp down on a new outbreak of Covid-19 in their capital, Beijing.

And he has a warning for the British government if the UK has a second wave of the virus.

Professor Cowling, whose family lives in Sonning, said: “In Beijing the authorities are jumping very quickly on this [new] cluster of about 100 cases. I think we will see very soon a lockdown of the entire city of Beijing to stop it developing into a second wave.”

He added: “China showed that they could be very successful in using aggressive lockdowns to stop transmission and in their first waves, particularly Wuhan, lockdowns were extremely effective, more effective than anywhere else in the world.

“But they are now kind of locked in to this cycle where when cases reappear again they are going to have to do lockdowns again. It’s going to be very very disruptive to their society and their economy.”

Then came his warning for the

UK: “In Europe and the UK I don’t know if measures will be as extreme when transmission resurges but definitely the government in the UK are going to need to look at tightening some measures if cases go up.”

Professor Cowling is director of the Centre for Disease Control and Epidemiology at Hong Kong University.

Asked how cautious the UK government should be about lifting lockdown, he said: “We know that once lockdown is lifted case numbers will come up. But at the same time lockdown can’t stay strict for ever.

“Things have to get a little back to normal. What you need to find is the balance between keeping case numbers not too high but also not being too disruptive to society and the economy,” he said.

On a lighter note he added: “People want to get haircuts – you have to open hairdressers sooner or later.”

Professor Cowling, who went to Sonning Primary School and then Reading School, was speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Tuesday.

NEWS | 5

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Shops return as council reworks roads SHOPS across the borough reopened on Monday, for the first time since March 23.

And to make the experience safe, Wokingham Borough Council has carried out work in Wokingham, Woodley and Twyford.

Wokingham town centre has had the most work carried out.

The most obvious to all is the closure of parking bays and narrowing of roads along Rose Street, Peach Street and Broad Street.

Although some parking bays have been removed, until at least the end of year, car parks remain open.

The aim is to extend the width of the pavements to ensure that pedestrians can pass each other and maintain two metres space.

Drivers will need to take care at the start of Peach Street by The Ship Inn. Here, traffic coming from London Road and Wiltshire Road will merge into single lane traffic. This is a different arrangement to what many of us are used to, and there is currently no warning that the lanes merge.

On Peach Street, all parking bays have been suspended, including the ones outside the pizza takeaways. While this will inconvenience some, the Easthampstead Road car parks are a minute’s walk away.

The parking bays are closed over to allow Peach Street to have wider pavements, to make it easier to pedestrians.

As motorists come to the

Temporary changes are in place in Wokingham town centre in a bid to make social distancing easier junction by the town hall, the roads return to normal.

Parking bays remain in place around Market Place, some of these are for disabled drivers, some for loading/unloading and some are 30 minutes. Check carefully as traffic wardens are now ticketing motorists again.

There will be some road resurfacing works taking place on Denmark Street later this week; these works will take place from Friday.

Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development, said: “It’s great to see our local businesses

start to reopen again as they are such an important part of our local community.

“By shopping local, whether in one of our great independent stores or in our local markets, you are helping our businesses to survive and thrive.

“We have been working with our business community throughout the pandemic to support them by distributing £17.3million in grants and £17.5million in business rates relief.

“Now, that non-essential shops are allowed to open from next week, we are working hard

to support our town centre businesses welcome residents back onto our high streets in a safe way.

“But it’s incredibly important that people continue to observe the rules and follow advice on how to shop safely. Everyone must take responsibility, respecting the people around them and the place they are in.”

He added that there is a risk of a localised lockdown unless people take steps to limit the risk of infection.

“This is something we can all agree no one wants to see happen,” he said.

6 | NEWS

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Call for school to adopt a decolonised curriculum

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOKINGHAM secondary school is being urged to adapt its classes in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

More than 350 current and former pupils of The Emmbrook School have signed an appeal that the institution’s curriculum requires amendments.

The appeal, in the form of a virtual open letter, was presented to the school by current students, alumni and pupil’s parents in an effort to show its headteacher Mr McSweeney that change is necessary.

Signatories asked the school to implement a ‘decolonised national British curriculum’ which teaches students about colonisation, slavery and ‘atrocities that Britain played a significant role in throughout history’.

One alumna, Katie Hodgetts, 25, who wrote the original letter, said: “I was inspired to start the letter by my friend Patrick Aberdeen who was a fellow student of mine at the school.

“Following the death of George Floyd, Patrick took to social media to catalogue his experiences of racism at The Emmbrook School.

“Reading this made me realise that I wasn’t a good ally to black students during my time at The Emmbrook School.

Although I wasn’t racist, I now recognise that I wasn’t actively anti-racist.”

Along with nine other students, Katie drafted the letter and amended it to reflect the experiences of a range of Emmbrook School alumni.

She said: “The George Floyd incident has been a turning point for the Black Lives Matter movement as black struggles are being heard and amplified more than ever.

“It’s also stressed the impact of white privilege on these struggles.”

The letter provides examples of the ways a new curriculum could be introduced, such as exchanging classic English Literature texts for those by BAME authors, and changing the topics of history lessons to better reflect the struggles experienced by black people.

Ms Hodgetts, who attended the school between 2007 and 2011, added: “During my time at the Emmbrook School I didn’t learn anything about history, and it wasn’t until university that I came across the word colonisation.

“A person’s school years are their formative years and the crucial time for students to learn about black history as well as the systemic racism that still exists today.

The 25-year-old former-student, who lived in Finchampstead, added: “I want to stress that this letter isn’t a critique of the school. Many of the signatories are old alumni who, like me, witnessed many micro-aggressions during their time at the school.

“Racial banter was very common and there was a distinction between how students treated black teachers, and how they treated white teachers.

“The school has reformed in the years since I left, however there are many improvements to the curriculum that can still be made.”

Responding to the open letter, which also includes a call for The Emmbrook School to become pro-actively anti-racist, Mr McSweeney said: “The Emmbrook School is committed to support the Black Lives Matter cause and fighting all forms of discrimination and injustice “The School follows the National Curriculum but we want to achieve more.

“We are currently undertaking a full curriculum review as we move to a threeyear Key Stage 3 and this is presenting an opportunity to refresh our curriculum to ensure that it is sensitive, inclusive and celebrates diversity.

“We also embed Black History Month within all subjects and across all year groups.

“In the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, I received emails from dozens of our current students stating their desire for the School to show solidarity with this cause.

“Many students have taken up the call and this will lead to the formation of a staff and student Inclusion Working Party.

“Over the last year, Taj Bhambra (Deputy Headteacher) has reviewed and updated our behaviour and safeguarding policies and protocols, with a strong emphasis on inclusion.

“We are proud that The Emmbrook School has alumni that are passionate, eloquent and committed to equality.

“We stand with them as anti-racists and welcome the support of any members of the wider community.”

To view the open letter log on to bit.ly/ 37z2UUF.

Flags to fly at half-mast to honour George Floyd NEXT Thursday, flags across the borough will fly at half-mast to remember the death of George Floyd at the hands of US police officers.

June 25 marks one month since the tragic events that has led to the start of the Black Lives Matter campaign.

Wokingham Town and Borough Councils are both planning to take part in the mark of respect.

The town council said that inclusivity

and equality are key values for it and Wokingham residents.

Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Tony Lack, said: “Like me, I am sure many of you found the death of George Floyd truly shocking. As a Town Council we value the many different cultures which make such a significant contribution to our community and reject discrimination and all forms of racism.

Instead we promote respect for

everyone, and are confident that our community will do the same.”

Labour leaders on the borough and town councils had requested that a Black Lives Matter flag be flown. They wrote: “Flying the flag cannot be a substitute for the other actions required of us all, we believe it will provide the most powerful of public declarations of the values held by our communities and our determination to end racism.”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Leader’s concerns over anti-police stance � Continued from front page

At the council meeting, Lizzie Bishop, one of the people helping launch a Wokingham Pride festival (see page 4) had asked the leader of the council for an update on his support for such an initiative.

While giving his full backing to any Pride events taking place next month, saying that if it was possible to hold a march, he would show his personal support and “be present at the march, assuming I can be, or clapping from the sidelines in whatever way is permissible under the social distancing guidelines in Aplace at the time or wherever I can be of support.

“I think at a time when we have all had a somewhat restricted existence, such a march or festival could be fun and bring colour to the lives of our residents.”

But the withdrawal of support for the Black Lives Matter disappointed Cllr Halsall, who said: “I strongly believe that we should all do what we can to understand and respect our differences and through this we can forge stronger, safer and collective communities working for each other and supporting each other.

“This not only applies to the LGBT campaign for equality but every part of our community including the BAME community. Wokingham Borough Council’s DNA is hard-wired to treat everyone equitably, fairly and without discrimination.

“We, with our partners such as the BME Forum, recognise that we can do better; we are committed to doing so.”

And last Friday, he had given the council’s backing to tackle racism in Wokingham borough. He said that in the light of the international outcry over the killing of George Floyd in the United States, and the subsequent protests in the “Diversity and equality is, and should be, in the DNA of Wokingham Borough Council. I see no reason why any part of society should be prejudiced,” he said.

Cllr Halsall has highlighted the council’s BME Forum, which he says is set up to be a critical friend and advisor to the council and a strong voice for the black, Asian and minority ethnic community. It has been in place for about 18 years and is regularly consulted by the authority.

“We have a proud record of tackling racism through our work

with the BME Forum and of celebrating the BAME community’s contribution to our society and history during the annual Black History Month events,” Cllr Halsall said.

“But we recognise that, like others across the world, we can do even better and we are committed to doing so.

“We will do this with our established BME Forum and by listening to everybody in our community.”

However, Labour group leader, Cllr Andy Croy, was critical of this stance.

“Halsall is now right down there with Donald Trump in his unwillingness to recognise the antiracist aspirations of the majority of people and the determination to make positive changes that have been captured by Black Lives Matter.

“I have some really, really bad news for him about the Votes for Women slogan as well.

“Perhaps he was being deliberately controversial? Later in Council he was found to have breached the Councillors Code of Conduct.But Halsall has no awareness of any of the equality agendas as his trite comments on the Pride Badge demonstrate.

“He seems blissfully unaware that Pride is political – it was born in politics.”

He added: “Halsall, Wokingham Borough Council and Lib Dem Wokingham Town Council had the chance to make really powerful antiracist statements.

“They have failed to do so. It is mealy mouthed and cowardly and will give comfort to racists.

“They bring shame on our institutions.

“Their effective silence on the issue is part of the problem.”

And Cllr Lindsay Ferris said: “It caused me surprise that at the annual council meeting Cllr Halsall would raise this issue. It didn’t have any specific to do with the meeting.

“The cause is the right one, maybe this is the time that something shall happen. It’s about time.

“I very much hope that this campaign stops such things from happening again.”

On Cllr Halsall’s police comments, he said: “I think what we have in the UK has different connotations. I don’t think anyone here says Black Lives Matter wants to defund the police.”

Survey to call for experiences WOKINGHAM Borough Council is to launch a survey to hear from residents about their experiences of racism. They are also asking if there are any monuments, places or road names which cause offence.

Ramnik Saund, chair of the BME Forum, said: “The tragic slaying of the unarmed black American George Floyd by police in Minneapolis has once again raised the inequality and injustice that exists in society. This has provoked global anger.

“This sad event has created an urgency to act.”

The council says it will work with the BME Forum to

make sure it hears all voices.

The survey of black and minority ethnic people’s experiences of life in the borough will be used as a starting point to tackling racism head on.

Cllr Parry Batth, vice-chair of the BME Forum, said: “We are particularly interested to know if there are any monuments, places or road names that cause offence so we can open up a proper debate on this issue.”

The survey can be completed by logging on to bit.ly/ WokinghamRacismMatters

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Virus R number between 0.8 and 1.0 THE R number for the South East is between 0.8 and 1.0 according to new figures released by the Government last weekend.

The figure is the average number a sick person could pass the virus on to. If it is above 1.0 then the infected person is transmitting Covid-19 to more than one person. If it is below, then the virus has a good chance of petering out.

Although the rate is high, the South West has an R-number range of 0.8-1.1.

The Government said that the estimate does not necessarily mean that Covid-19 is spreading.

It could mean that there is a localised outbreak bringing the rate of infection up.

At Friday’s Downing Street press conference, transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “We want to keep the R number below 1.0. R is the average number of additional people infected by each infected person.”

He also said: “Results from the ONS infection survey estimate that the number of people who tested positive for coronavirus in England fell from 152,000 between 27 April and 10 May, to 33,000 between 25 May and 7 June.

“This is encouraging progress and suggests that around 1 in 1,700 people in the community had coronavirus during the latest period of the survey.”

Wokingham borough falls within the south east NHS region. To date, it has had 453 confirmed cases, a rate of 269.7 per 100,000 residents.

Wearing a face covering is now mandatory if on a bus or train, with the possibility of fines on offer if the passenger doesn’t comply.

Mr Shapps said: "If you can work from home, you should continue to do so. If you cannot work from home, you should try to avoid public transport. If you must use public transport, you should travel at quieter times of day.”

Positive learning: pupil’s lockdown YouTube show EXCLUSIVE

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk MOST schoolchildren would rejoice at no lessons for 12 weeks, but for 11-year-old Kanak Mathur lockdown has been a chance to learn more things and work on more projects than ever before

The enthusiastic Earley youngster, with a passion for keeping things positive, has taken to YouTube to showcase her lockdown activities which include crafts, cooking and dancing.

Kanak’s videos range from how to create an indoor holiday when you can’t go out, to how to dab to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

She also treats viewers to clips of her garden-long marble run and things to do when you’re a youngster in lockdown.

And it isn’t just fun videos which Kanak’s been shooting.

She’s spent lockdown researching ways to protect the environment as part of World Environment Day, later shared in an informative speech where she concludes “show the worth, save the earth”.

Kanak’s Mother Kajal said:

Huw and Julia Jones

Widow’s tribute to Huw “OUR hearts are broken – he was a wonderful husband and a devoted father”.

The wife of a man who died following a road traffic collision in Sonning has paid tribute to him.

Huw Jones, 42 and from Wokingham, was cycling along Thames Street around 7.50am on Wednesday, June 10, when he collided with a car.

A 22-year-old woman from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

Thames Street was closed to allow officers from Thames Valley Police to investigate the incident.

Mr Jones’ wife, Julia, said: “Our hearts are broken by the loss of Huw. “He was a wonderful husband to me and devoted father to six-yearold Zoe and four-year-old Ben.

“Huw loved his family more than anything. He was very popular in the neighbourhood and much loved by his friends there, and from university, work and school back in Cardiff.

“Huw had been a keen cyclist since childhood and he will be terribly missed by us all.”

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Inspector Simon Hills, of Thames Valley Police’s Roads division, said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this incident, during which a man tragically died.

“I would ask that any motorists who were in the area at this time, who have dashcam footage, please review it to check if anything significant has been captured on it.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or make a report online. Please quote reference URN 181 10/6 when making any reports.”

Kanak Mathur has created her own YouTube channel to showcase her lockdown learning

“She researched about the various ways to protect the environment and figured out that there are three major ways to protect the environment via technology, by solar panels, using biodegradable plastic and by eating artificial meat.

“She took a few days to write and edit her own speech and

then she shot her video by herself.

“It took her 25 takes and there were times when she didn’t want to carry on but her hard work paid off and she delivered her best speech during lockdown.”

To watch Kanak’s videos, log on to bit.ly/3d11zr6

NEWS | 7

8|

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

MOVING FORWARDS T Wokingham Borough Community Response As the crisis moves on to the next stage, we want everyone to know that we are still here to support our residents. No one will be left behind and we encourage everyone to reach out if they need help.

Food hub Our distribution hub is moving from St Crispins to Cantley Park to free up facilities for when the school reopens.

We will continue to be here to support residents to meet their food needs.

The supermarkets have recently come up with some new ways of getting shopping to their customers, so that you can access your usual wide range of items. Some of our local charities also have programmes to help residents with their shopping.

Contact us now through the Wokingham Borough Community Response service and we will help you find the way that works best for you.

Helping everyone move forwards We understand that this has been a frightening and difficult time for many, even still as lockdown measures are eased, so we want to be there to support those who may need some extra help.

The guidance can be confusing and with so much information out there, we want to help everyone to get the right help and advice and to feel safe.

As lock down restrictions begin to lift, Wokingham Borough Council along with partnership organisations such as the NHS and the Voluntary Sector will be working hard to help the vulnerable and previously shielding residents. Many people have had little exercise and have not left their home in nearly three months. This may have led to people losing their mobility and confidence.

We want to make sure that shielded residents feel safe and confident to go outside once a day for exercise. This can be with another person from a different household, as long as they stick to government advice for people who are shielding.

A team from adult social care, including occupational therapists, voluntary sector specialists and rehabilitation coaches from our sports and leisure team, will be providing an outreach service to those that may need a little help getting back to normal activities.

We continue to work with the voluntary sector to provide a Covid-19 response service, including Citizens Advice, who are organising this helpline.

TO GET HELP YOU CAN: VISIT www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk EMAIL admin@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk CALL 0300 330 1189

Make sure you stay up to date with the latest accurate information @wokinghamboroughcouncil @wokinghamBC www.wokingham.gov.uk

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

TOGETHER...

Test and trace The government has introduced the NHS test and trace system in England that will help control the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). This system is being introduced in order to help protect the NHS and social care systems.

The NHS test and trace service will ensure that anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, and also includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents. It will also help trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.

How does it work?

If you have symptoms of coronavirus:

If you have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus:

ISOLATE – for at least 7 days as soon as you experience

ALERT – you will be alerted by the NHS test and trace service if you have been in close contact with

symptoms. People in your household must isolate for 14 days

someone who has tested positive. This will be via text, email or phone call. You should then log on to the

from when you started showing symptoms.

NHS test and trace website, which is normally the easiest way for you and the service to communicate with each other – but, if not, a trained call handler will talk you through what you must do. Under 18s will

TEST – order a test immediately at

get a phone call and a parent or guardian will be asked to give permission for the call to continue.

www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 if you don’t have

ISOLATE - you will be told to begin self-isolation for 14 days from your last contact with the person

internet access.

RESULTS – If your test is positive, you must continue to

who has tested positive. It’s really important to do this even if you don’t feel unwell because, if you have been infected, you could become infectious to others at any point up to 14 days. Your household doesn’t

isolate for the full 7 days and your household must continue

need to self-isolate with you, if you do not have symptoms, but they must take extra care to follow the

to isolate for 14 days from when you started showing

guidance on social distancing and handwashing and avoid contact with you at home.

symptoms.

SHARE CONTACTS – If you test positive for coronavirus,

TEST (if needed) – if you develop symptoms of coronavirus, other members of your household must self-isolate immediately at home for 14 days and you must book a test at

you will receive a text, email or phone call from the NHS test

www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 if you have no internet access. If your test is positive, you must

and trace service, explaining how to provide details of people

continue to stay at home for at least 7 days and they will get in touch to ask about your contacts since

you have had contact with and places you have visited.

they must self-isolate.

It is important you do this as soon as possible to allow the service to give advice to people who may be affected.

If your test is negative, you must still complete your 14-day self-isolation period because the virus may not be detectable yet - this is crucial to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

YOU MUST STILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES: • Social distancing 2m apart from people outside of your household • Self-isolation for you and your household if you develop symptoms (even if you haven’t been contacted by the test and trace service) • Practising good hygiene – washing your hands regularly, using hand sanitizer when hand washing is unavailable and wearing face coverings when using public transport For more information on test and trace visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus

|9

10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Got a business story? Email news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk. or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Sanitising solution solution A THAMES VALLEY company has helped Wokingham businesses by launching what it says is the UK’s first completely touch-free wireless hand sanitiser dispenser in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The Igieniko Hand Sanitiser Kiosk, by chemical distribution company Chemtra Limited, is aimed at entrances to shops, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, offices, and will soon be seen across the borough to protect staff and customers as part of the ‘new normal’.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends regular hand washing using soap or hand sanitiser to help combat the spread of Covid-19.

The Igieniko dispenser includes a touch-free, pedal-operated system and is the world’s first fire-proof wood sanitiser. The user simply places their hands under the dispenser, presses their foot down on the pedal and out squeezes the gel.

With no hand contact, the safety and hygiene of users is ensured at all times and means organisations can

actively contribute to reducing the spread of the coronavirus and other bacteria.

Jesse Palle, managing director at Chemtra Limited in Doncastle Road, Bracknell, said: “As lockdown restrictions are further eased in the UK and more non-essential shops and businesses start opening up again, the new Igieniko Hand Sanitiser Kiosk can help stop the spread of Covid-19 on the high street and in offices.

“Thanks to the practical pedaloperated system, employees and customers are totally safe from touching a potentially contaminated hand sanitiser dispenser.”

He added: ““Igieniko provides 5,000 pumps from a single cartridge, with a duration 10 times longer than the common dispenser available which typically offer around 500 deliveries.

“The gel compartment is compatible with any type of hand sanitiser and has a volume 10 times greater than similar dispensers on the market with a maximum capacity of 500ml.”

Fifth of borough’s workforce furloughed due to Covid-19

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk A FIFTH of Wokingham’s workforce has been furloughed due to the coronavirus pandemic new figures reveal.

Across the South East, 1,387,400 people are currently at home – 17,200 of them are in Wokingham borough.

Meanwhile neighbouring town Bracknell has furloughed 15,000 and 19,800 have received wage support in Reading.

The data, published by HM Revenue & Customs, calculates the number of people helped by the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Since launching on Monday, April 20, the CJRS has helped UK employers severely affected by the pandemic to retain their employees and protect the UK economy.

The scheme will run until the end of October, and from next month workers can go part-time, helping provide support for businesses as people return to work.

Bracknell MP, whose constituency includes parts of Finchampstead and

Wokingham Without, James Sunderland said: “This is a hugely challenging time for people and businesses, and the Government’s schemes have helped to protect the livelihoods of thousands of people in the Bracknell constituency.

“This country has a world-leading economic response to coronavirus. And as we move through the second stage of our roadmap to recovery, we are determined to kick-start the engine of our economy while continuing to provide

flexible support to those who need it.”

Mr Sunderland added: “We will do everything we can to ensure people can pay their bills and put food on the table – as people continue to stay alert, to control the virus and save lives.”

The SEISS was rolled out last month and has financially supported 352,000 self-employed individuals in the South East who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak and paid grants worth a total of £1.1 billion up to Sunday, May 31.

And this scheme has been extended as well. On Friday, May 29, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that those eligible to claim the SEISS grant will be able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,750.

“The UK Government is doing everything we can to protect jobs and businesses in the South East and across the UK during the crisis,” he said.

“Our unprecedented job retention and self-employment support schemes have supported the livelihoods of millions and will help ensure our recovery is as swift as possible.”

Further guidance on both schemes is available from GOV.UK.

Positive meetings for businesses A MEETING of business minds from across Wokingham will take place tomorrow morning.

Members of the Wokingham Positive Difference networking group has been meeting virtually during the pandemic, and this will continue this week.

The 55-minute session starts at 8.50am and will feature three speakers.

James Moreland from Advanced Purple will speak on the theme of Putting Theory Into Practice.

Afterwards, Hester Grainger from Hudia will talk about Marketing With Authenticity.

The final speaker will be Mike Allen from the Berkshire Community Foundation, who will talk about Matching Values To Trustee Roles.

Afterwards, there will be an update on the

latest Government advice about the coronavirus pandemic.

There will then be an open session, to allow people to share information, advice and tips.

Entry to the virtual breakfast meeting is free, but places should be booked in advance by emailing wokinghampositivedifference@gmail.com with your name, company, job title and email address. � Woodley Business Club will learn about elevator pitches on Tuesday from 8am.

Jacqueline Harris will look at how to speak succinctly about business and how it can help your customers.

As with the Positive Difference session, places should be booked in advance. For more details, visit woodleybusinessclub.org.uk

Mental health online seminar THE Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group will host a free mental health wellbeing seminar today.

The session will be held online as Sanofi joins up with Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group to deliver the seminar.

During these times of uncertainty, many employees are feeling anxious and report that their mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recognition of local needs, Sanofi and the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group have pulled together mental wellbeing advocates and

organisations looking to learn from one another and support employees.

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group is hosting an hour-long webinar in partnership with Sanofi to establish a wellbeing community network amongst its members, aiming to share current practice, views, and ideas on this business critical imperative.

Panelists from a variety of organisations will come together to discuss how to provide a responsive and effective mental wellbeing strategy.

The webinar will be chaired

by Stuart Carroll, Head of Market Access, Sanofi Pasteur and Deputy Chairman of Cabinet, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Health and Mental Health at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

HR professionals or persons involved in employee wellbeing are invited to join the webinar to hear from wellbeing experts and industry leaders on how to establish an effective wellbeing strategy and to be a part of creating a wellbeing community.

To sign up as a member or non-member, log on to bit.ly/ SanofiWeb

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 11

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Kebab van loses trading license

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A POPULAR Wokingham kebab van can no longer trade in the town after councillors decided to refuse their appeal.

For nearly three decades, Best BBQ King has served late-night snacks from its van based on Reading Road, but it has served its final customer after the decision from the Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee.

Cllr Bill Soane chaired the meeting, also attended by Cllr Sarah Kerr and Cllr Emma Hobbs, held from 10am on Thursday, June 11.

The trio heard evidence from council officers, police officers, van owner Kenan Mursaloglu and legal representatives.

The van was moved in 2017 to the car park of Wokingham Youth Centre, after the bus lay-by became unsuitable.

The new location had been agreed by councillors and council officers, but this consent was withdrawn in last year.

Irene Kearns, estates manager for Wokingham Borough Council, had told Mr Mursaloglu in November 28, 2019 that his permission to trade from the youth centre would expire on December 4 – a week later.

But Jon Payne, acting for Mr Mursaloglu, told the hearing that at the time of the application for a license to

trade from the site, “absolutely there was” consent from the council.

“The position when the application was made was that there was quite clearly landowner consent,” he said.

“They were entitled to apply for a license, it’s not retrospective: at the time the application was made, there was consent in place.”

He added that the council should have approved the application as a result and was concerned that the hearing was confusing the issue of Mr Mursaloglu’s consent to use the land with other issues.

Some of these issues included the behaviour of customers, but Mr Mursaloglu said that his team cleaned

the site every day, and they refused to serve customers smoking cannabis: “We send them away,” he said.

On allegations that there had been people urinating in the car park, Mr Mursaloglu said that he hadn’t seen that, and if “any staff member needed the toilet, the come to my home (which is nearby) and then just goes back.

There is no toilet issue whatsoever”.

And with litter, Mr Mursaloglu confirmed to the council that the van’s staff collect it at the end of a shift and he then pays for its disposal.

Mr Payne added: “It was very clear that the council gave permission for the site. It is very clear there were no objections other than parking. The question is now, what has changed?

Clearly the issue is something to do with the van and the centre.”

He added: “It is abundantly clear the council does not want the youth centre to have a fast food outlet in it. The whole situation relies on conjecture and not the evidence of our submission.

“Had there been incidents since they first started trading they would have been raised. There clearly hasn’t.

Absolutely, consent should be granted and there is no evidence to suggest to the contrary.”

Councillors raised concerns over the electrics used at the site, but had been tested and was safe.

Adam Davies, from Wokingham

Borough Council’s children’s services, said that moves were being made to prepare the site for re-opening after lockdown and that the van needed to be gone to allow that to happen safely.

Matt Lewin, representing Wokingham Borough Council, said when asked if any alternative site positions were now possible: “Since early December, permission to use the car park was withdrawn. None of those (offers for alternative solutions) had been accepted (by Mr Mursaloglu). I can understand why officers offered one month for Mr Mursaloglu to find an alternative location. That was met with no response whatsoever.

“Since then, Mr Mursaloglu has continued to trade without consent and has been breaking the law.”

And Ms Kearns confirmed: “I have had some discussions as to what might be (an) appropriate (location). We couldn’t think of anything.”

She also told the panel that Wokingham’s town centre was not considered to be a suitable location.

The final part of the hearing, which included statements from Thames Valley Police, was heard behind closed doors – even Mr Mursaloglu was unable to attend this part of the proceedings.

The council has told Mr Mursaloglu it will help him try and find a new, suitable pitch.

Online Windrush event invitation AN ONLINE celebration of Windrush is to take place on Sunday and Monday to allow the Caribbean community to share their heritage with the Thames Valley.

Organised by the Reading Caribbean Associations Group (CAG), the event is being held virtually as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event is hosted on Gold Dust, a digital radio station, that will broadcast a mixture of Caribbean music, poetry, and recollections from the local Windrush generation on the Sunday, and, on the Monday, Reading Museum will host some virtual events.

These include politics, poetry, Carribean recipes and a spotlight on local sporting heroes including cricket, football and athletics.

There will also be performances by the RASPO steel band and a speech

by Reading councillor Glen Dennis on the importance and meaning of Windrush.

A church service will include a blessing from a local pastor and there will be a DJ set from DJ Fennygan.

To tune in, log on to www.golddusthub.com from noon to 6.30pm on Sunday, and 4pm-10.30pm on Monday. For the Reading Museum events, visit readingmuseum.org.uk.

For more on the event, search Facebook for Caribbean Associations Group.

12 | NEWS

Bus company’s thank you to its customers READING Buses says that it has been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of their customers as they issued a thank you.

“That appreciation works both ways as we value our customers and want them to feel safe and secure when using our services as well as enjoying a pleasant journey,” said the firm’s marketing and communications manager Jake Osman.

“We have always worked hard to make our buses more inviting to both regular and casual users, and although the current situation is definitely abnormal, we want to continue this.”

This week, face coverings become compulsory for passengers, and follows on from other efforts the company has made to ensure they can have confidence in the service.

For example, hand sanitiser units have now been installed on every bus for the use of customers with drivers being issued with their own supply from the outset.

“Keeping our customers safe helps to keep our employees safe and vice versa,” Mr Osman said.

“Even some small measures can have big results in limiting the spread of coronavirus.”

He added: “Perhaps the most important thing we can do is remind everyone they should only travel when necessary – and not to travel if feeling ill.

“We have also looked at how we can help at every stage of a customer’s journey to keep things moving as normally as possible.”

The company runs a range of services across the borough including the Lions and Leopards, which connect Wokingham with Bracknell and Reading, the Woodley and Lower Earley Orange routes, and the Tigers which serves Spencers Wood.

The company also owns Courtney Buses, which runs shuttle buses to Twyford and in Wokingham.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Pebble’s got a lot to chew on – adorable pup is now a TV star EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk FROM the front page of The Wokingham Paper to national TV star – not a bad day’s work for a champion chewer.

In April, we reported on a cheeky pup called Pebble. While 12-year-old Chloe was enjoying a night in a tent pitched up in her back garden, her mischievous pal chomped on her glasses.

Thanks to the quick actions of the Specsavers branch in Denmark Street, the specs were fixed – and placed in a puppy-proof case.

The story warmed the hearts of readers across the land, and on Saturday night Chloe and Pebble appeared in a new television advert for the opticians.

It tells the story of store colleagues and some of their customers during lockdown when its doors were closed apart from offering urgent and essential care, and shows how store staff had to change the way they worked to help people outside the normal test room environment – offering eye and hearing care for people in car parks, on doorsteps and at picnic tables.

Sean Caskey, store partner at Specsavers Wokingham, said the team were really pleased for Chloe to have had her story selected for the ‘big screen’.

Chloe Jackson with Pebble, who was on our front page in April

“It’s no surprise as the dog makes a good villain of the story,” Sean says.

“We’re making a second pair of specs for Chloe now, as her last replacements were chomped. I think we’ll be providing a tin of dog food with this pair.”

And Chloe’s family are equally delighted to be featured in the campaign.

Chloe’s mum Estelle Jackson says: ‘I was mortified when I found out that Pebble had eaten Chloe’s glasses again and I was embarrassed at the thought of having to tell the store.

“Although Chloe isn’t back at school yet, she spends a lot of time on her laptop reading and typing, so she really needs glasses to learn properly and see. So, I had to call on the superheroes at Specsavers Wokingham again.

“Fortunately, they were really friendly and good-humoured about it, and told me this happens all the time. They immediately ordered new frames and put the lenses Chloe needs to one side so they can make her a new pair.

“We’re so pleased to be asked to feature in the advert and be given the opportunity to publicly thank the team who’ve been helping Wokingham see clearly throughout lockdown.”

Pebble’s munching continues, and the family have to be careful about what they leave around.

“Chloe’s really looking forward to being able to show Pebble off on TV – and Pebble seems to be just as excited to become famous for being so naughty,” Estelle says.

“Sadly, she definitely hasn’t learnt her lesson.

“She’s eaten three TV remotes in the last month – we’re having to hide everything from her.

“I promise we’ll keep Chloe’s new glasses safe.”

Pebble and Chloe aren’t the only local stars in the new advert: it also features youngster Finley, who is described as an adventurer from Yateley.

The advert was shown for the first time during Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow on ITV, and will be shown across the next fortnight.

Ice cream van warning A WARNING has gone out to make sure your ice cream comes from a registered van.

The council’s Public Protection Partnership (PPP) is warning that some of the stop me and buy vans aren’t so much sprinkled with hundreds and thousands, but potential risks as it doesn’t know if the operators are flaky.

It says that it is aware of three van operators using social media to announce last-minute locations rather than having regular routes in residential areas.

And it is worried, as they don’t know if the van owners have appropriate food hygiene standards in place.

The PPP, which Wokingham Borough Council runs in

conjunction with West Berkshire and Bracknell Forest councils, wants residents to watch out for vendors who are operating without display in a consent notice in their van’s windows.

It also says that food hygiene ratings of the van operator can be checked on the Food Standards Agency website.

Traders granted a consent are routinely checked for food hygiene standards and adherence of their Street Trading Consent.

And while the PPP says it has asked the unlicensed traders to cease trading until street trading consents have been granted, it says that they have carried on creating 99s, oysters and other frozen treats.

Child sex charges A MAN has been charged with child sex offences that are alleged to have taken place in Wokingham and Maidenhead.

Thames Valley Police said that Ashley Jenkins, 25 and of Ray Park Avenue, Maidenhead, was charged on Tuesday, June 9, of the following offences: � One count of rape of a girl under 13 � One count of possessing an indecent photograph of a child

� One count of taking an indecent photograph of a child � Three counts of making indecent photographs of a child � One count of possessing a prohibited image of a child.

The police said that the alleged incidents took place between February 2017 and June this year.

Jenkins is remanded into custody to appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, July 13.

Cllr Hilary Cole from West Berkshire Council is the chair of the Joint Public Protection Committee.

She said: “Following the Covid-19 shutdown we want to encourage local businesses but we ask that the public check Ice Cream vans have the proper consent to trade, and are displaying their street trading consent and food hygiene rating.

“This is to ensure that the ice cream you and your children are consuming is being prepared and stored safely and strict hygiene standards are being met.”

Anyone who spots a trader without a valid Street Trading Consent can email licensing@wokingham.gov.uk

For the latest news visit

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

NEWS | 13

Customers praise for village store’s ‘extra mile’

Hospital’s care parcel to help bereaved families

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A VILLAGE shop is going the extra mile during the virus pandemic to ensure vulnerable and self-isolating customers get food.

Manager at Hurst Convenience Stores, Jayne Overington, says the store has been making deliveries to people in the village and surrounding area.

The pandemic has meant many more customers using the shop and alcohol sales have “hit the roof”.

The big rise in online shopping has meant the Post Office, in the same building, is busier than usual, handling return of more unwanted items.

Customers have praised the nine staff for their kindness and help.

Wokingham.Today reader Peter Lee, 69, of Hurst said: “The shop and Post Office have stayed open and well stocked for us all through the pandemic. My wife Judith and I would like to thank them.

“They had bread and milk all the time, when some supermarkets hadn’t got them.

“Their newspapers keep me going.

“If I haven’t got a paper I can’t do anything. I send a lot of letters so I’ve needed stamps from the Post Office.”

He was keen to name “all the lovely staff”. In addition to manager Mrs Overington and her daughter Jemma Tyrrell, they are River Keohane, Paul Robinson, Natasha Williams, Theresa Phillips and her daughter Kellie Seddon, Rychard Nutley and Post Office manager Debbie Kaur.

Mr Lee praised his dustmen and also

From left Post Office Manager Debbie Kaur, shop assistant Natasha Williams and shop manager Jayne Overington Picture: Sue Corcoran

Royal Berkshire Hospital chief executive Steve McManus with volunteer Robert de Croos who has helped the Trust for the past five years

postman Jason for keeping up deliveries.

“That’s good as we’re not on the internet,” he added.

Their daughter, now Susan Stewart, a former Holt School pupil, and her brothers Robert of Hurst and Simon of Finchampstead “have been looking after us very well,” said Mr Lee. He has just retired after being gardener for the Godsal family at Haines Hill, Hurst, for 31 years.

Mrs Overington said: “We’ve been making deliveries to vulnerable and selfisolating people in Hurst, Winnersh and Twyford, taking orders and payment over the phone.

“Our sales have gone up a lot. We get in extra stock like bread, milk and eggs, essentials that people would rather not travel to a supermarket for. Alcohol sales, wines, beers, lagers and ciders, have hit the roof with pubs and other places closed.

HOSPITAL teams are delivering special ‘end of life’ parcels to bereaved families who were unable to visit their loved ones due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The parcel contains forget-me-not seeds which it’s hoped the families will plant and create memories for the future along with special poems, small hearts and a candle.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s bereavement team, Patient Liaison staff (PALs) and volunteers have worked together to create the boxes which will also include personal items such as watches and jewellery which belonged to the patient.

Restrictions on visitors has meant family members are unable to collect personal effects following the sad death of their loved one.

The Trust’s chief executive, Steve

“I’ve been ringing round suppliers to get some items.”

Villagers had welcomed deliveries of flour and yeast, not available elsewhere.

Mrs Overington added: “The shop and Post Office are really at the heart of the village. I’d like to thank our staff who work hard, cleaning everything all the time. We allow three customers in the shop at once.”

Ben Barnard, 22, of Hurst, posting parcels, said: “It’s great to have a local Post Office, otherwise we’d have to go to Wokingham.”

Post Office manager Debbie said: “The Post Office has been very busy. Since lockdown people have been shopping more online – and then needing to return unwanted items.”

Closure of other local Post Offices had also increased custom at Hurst. One person is allowed in the Post Office at a time.

McManus, said: “We’ve safely stored these precious items and believe it’s very important they are returned to family members.

“Relatives and family friends have experienced a heartbreaking experience and we want to convey that their loss is keenly felt at the hospital.

“It’s been devastating to see that, because of Covid, families cannot be together around the bedside of a loved one during their final hours.

Our boxes have been put together with love and compassion and I hope they bring a little comfort to the families when they receive one,” he added.

“Our fantastic team of volunteers will be delivering the boxes over the next few weeks and I hope this small gesture will bring people some comfort and hope.”

14 | NEWS

Clean trains thanks to fog treatment A NEW treatment is being used to give commuters confidence that their trains are safe.

South Western Railway and Great Western Railway are trialling a special spray that can be used in carriages.

Tests indicate it kills virtually all viruses and bacteria on surfaces – including coronavirus – for up to 28 days.

The treatment is sprayed inside carriages to create a fog that coats all surfaces with a powerful sanitising treatment.

The trial comes in the midst of the further easement of lockdown restrictions, and the introduction of mandatory face coverings, from Monday.

Interim managing director of South Western Railway, Mark Hopwood, said: “We are working hard to keep those who need to travel safe on our services.

“This new trial is just one example of the steps to give customers confidence that they can travel safely, and will be another weapon in our cleaning armoury.”

The railway companies are asking passengers to help by buying tickets online, travelling outside peak times and keeping two metres apart from other passengers.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Love Birds – couple’s feast to mark their platinum wedding anniversary

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

John and Sybil Bird celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last week. The jetsetting couple say that they always help and trust each other

A WOKINGHAM couple who have their very own tales from the riverbank have just celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

On June 10, 1950, John and Sybil Bird married at St Peter’s Church in neighbouring Caversham – but they first met in 1943, during the Second World War. Sybil was walking along Reading Bridge, while John was working as a welder’s mate at a site closeby. Every morning they’d wave at each other, and soon started courting.

However, the path of true love didn’t quite run smoothly: called up to fight, John was sent to Bear Island in Norway by the Royal Navy. He celebrated his 18th birthday aboard the HMS Saint Helena.

After the war, John joined the fire service and Sybil was a clerical worker.

For their wedding, families had to pool their ration coupons so they could have a cake and a feast.

Sybil’s employer gave them industrial coupons to buy material for her wedding dress.

The couple honeymooned by

the seaside in Llandudno, North Wales.

Now aged 93 and 92, the couple’s marriage is still going strong, which they attribute to: “Always helping each other, give and take, and trust.

“We have always talked things over and don’t do anything unless we both agree.”

Over 70 years, the couple have travelled extensively, visiting almost every country – by plane coach, steam ship or train.

They have explored many European countries by car, with

John driving and Sybil as the map reader. They both agree that Alaska was their favourite destination.

John and Sybil did not have children, but have many godchildren, cousins and friends, who keep in touch and visit the home in normal times.

Staff at Lord Harris Court , where John and Sybil have lived together since October last year, were determined to help the couple celebrate their milestone anniversary in spite of the pandemic.

The Sindlesham home’s chef

cooked their favourite meal of smoked salmon, followed by Steak Diane and a meringue roule.

Home manager Steve Stace said: “It was tremendously important to everyone at our Home to help John and Sybil celebrate their 70 years of marriage. To stick together through thick and thin for so many years is an amazing feat.

“They are such a wonderful couple who are much loved at our Home and by everyone who knows them.

“They’re an inspiration.”

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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CORONAVIRUS | 15

NEED HELP? Call 0300 330 1189 (entering 0118 978 7258 if prompted) 9am-5pm Mon-Sat

Community hub to move this weekend

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE Wokingham Borough Community Response group is continuing to adapt to support the community during the coronavirus crisis.

Charities and organisations working together to form the group include Wokingham Borough Council, First Days Children’s Charity, Citizens Advice Wokingham, Link Visiting Scheme, Wokingham Foodbank, the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and Involve Community Services.

Over the last 12 weeks, Citizens Advice have helped more than 2,060 households through One Front Door.

Of those households, 616 are classed as extremely vulnerable.

The organisation offers guidance on a range of issues from benefit and employment enquiries to food and prescription requests.

Jake Morrison, the charity’s chief executive, said: “In the last 12 weeks we have helped as many people as we did in the whole of last year. That is thanks to our brilliant team of volunteers and staff.

“But also thanks to the great funders and charities we work with, recently we launched a series of 'in conversation with livestream interviews – you can find them on our website, www.citizensadvice wokingham.org.uk/live-streams Anyone who needs support should contact Citizens Advice on 0300 330 1189 (entering 0118 978 7258 if prompted) Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Alternatively, email admin@ citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or visit citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk/coronavirus/ and complete the online form.

Wokingham Volunteer Centre The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is helping people get their prescriptions and tackle their unruly gardens. With approximately 15 active volunteers across the borough, staff report the centre has seen a reduction in prescription requests to only two a day as more people are turning to their local Covid-19 groups for help.

The service has delivered more than 820 prescriptions since they started.

Two weeks ago its gardening service, Green and Tidy, started back up again and volunteers have worked on approximately 40 gardens over the fortnight.

After running the scheme for over five years, Green and Tidy’s project coordinator Miguel Ogilvie will be retiring. Mr Paul King, who has been volunteering for the last three years, will be taking over to lead the service.

Discussions are currently taking place regarding starting up the centre’s transport scheme and staff report they hope to be on the road again by mid-July.

The organisation is encouraging anyone who can to volunteer for a

local charity, with some of the latest opportunities on page 22.

Helena Badger, volunteer development coordinator at The Wokingham Volunteer Centre, said: “We’re still supporting charities to recruit volunteers. There’s a lot of need for help in the area dealing with the crisis and beyond.”

For updates on specific roles that are needed visit: wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk.

Earley churches continue to support virus-affected

The Link Visiting Scheme The charity is currently running a telephone buddy system offering social support and friendship over the phone.

The organisation has 1,500 people on their records for a fortnightly welfare call and 350 on their telephone buddy system for calls two to three times a week.

Marjie Walker, manager at The Link Visiting Scheme said: “It's Loneliness Awareness Week this week – we recognise that lots of people may be experiencing lockdown loneliness.

“When you start feeling lonely it decreases your desire to socialise and the thought of social interaction can make you feel anxious.

“These are perfectly normal feelings but we need to overcome them to have a greater sense of wellbeing as we begin to socially connect again.

“If anyone is struggling to connect and would like some extra support, then they can call us.”

Volunteers have said how rewarding it is making fortnightly welfare check calls. One volunteer said: “It has been a pleasure to call people and chat and hopefully give them some reassurance that there are many people offering to help.”

To refer someone for support or to apply to be a Link volunteer visit www.linkvisiting.org or call 0118 979 8019 on weekdays from 9am until 5pm.

Wokingham Community Hub The Wokingham Community Response’s distribution hub, which is run by First Days Children’s Charity, is currently based at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre but will be moving to Cantley Park this weekend.

The hub has fed more than 2,300 people, making over 4,550 deliveries to 892 households over the last 12 weeks.

The team have been saying goodbye to many of their volunteers this week as processes change and the hub changes its location.

Katie Brook, a volunteer at the hub, expressed her gratitude for the experience: “During such a difficult time, I have found friendship and love. I know how cheesy that sounds but it’s so true.

“Volunteering for the Community Hub has opened my eyes to a much wider problem in our community.

People need support, a listening ear

and there are a lot of people struggling financially right under our nose.

“I will never be the same again and I know this isn’t the end of my personal journey volunteering in the community.

“I want to say thank you to the staff at Wokingham Council who have been working at The Hub every day.

And First Days Children’s Charity who have led the team, developed the ideas and supported so many who were/are desperately in need. I feel very privileged to have been a small part of the team.”

Debra Morrison, manager at CLASP charity said: “The community hub for me has been a fantastic experience and shows the power of the voluntary sector.

“A group of like-minded people who wanted to make a difference pulling together to offer a great and efficient service.

“Plus I have made some lovely friends, learnt a lot about people's lives and CLASP have got more support.

“A real win-win.”

Molly Reeves, a volunteer at the hub said: “Being a volunteer has been key to me keeping it together by helping others. Amazing group of people all with massive hearts looking out for their community.

“Amazing how quickly it sprung into action, making a huge difference to lots of people.”

The hub are currently in need of: breakfast cereal, porridge, soup, pasta, rice, noodles, tinned meals, tinned desserts, custard, tinned vegetables, tinned fish and meat, biscuits, shop bought cakes, snacks, dog and cat food, cat litter, soap and washing up liquid.

To contribute financially to the response visit the Justgiving page: www. justgiving.com/campaign/ WokinghamBoroughCV19 All money raised will go to fund food parcels and any funds left over once the food hub has closed will be distributed to the voluntary sector organisations involved in this combined response.

For more information and the latest updates visit: w w w. f a c e b o o k .c o m / wokinghamcommunityhub

CHURCHES in Earley and Lower Earley are working together to help those most affected by the Coronavirus.

With support from Earley Town Council, the Earley Help Hub links volunteers with vulnerable people in the area.

The hub currently has more than 30 volunteers, who are mainly from across the churches, and help with practical and social support, such as collecting shopping and prescriptions or a friendly chat over the phone.

If the service cannot help with a particular matter, they are able to signpost people to the most appropriate agency who can.

Churches involved in the project include Trinity, Brookside, Lower Earley Baptist, St. Nicolas, Bright Hope, Our Lady of Peace and Earley St. Peters.

Keith Wilson, Minister at Lower Earley Baptist Church, said: “It’s been very quiet this week, but people have still been calling up for prescriptions.

“Our volunteers are in good form, some have gone back to work but they’ve been replaced.”

To volunteer for the Earley Help Hub or access the service, contact 07493 784 091, email earleyhelphub@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/earleyhelphub/

For the latest news visit

16 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

ANNUALCOUNCIL Query over woods management THE MANAGEMENT of Fox Hill Woods was raised in a question to Cllr Parry Batth.

Resident Alexandra Fraser raised the issue with the executive member for environment and leisure.

“The area known as Fox Hill Woods includes areas that are owned by a number of different private landowners, as well as areas that are public spaces managed by Wokingham Borough Council,” he confirmed.

“Council owned areas are managed by Localities Services as a woodland.

“While we don’t have a formal management plan for the site, as in other areas of the Borough the trees are managed in accordance with the Council’s agreed tree inspection policy which places trees into different risk zones with associated frequency of monitoring activity.

Woodland paths/public rights of way (PROW) are inspected every seven years, and general woodland is monitored on a reactive basis.”

He also said that the council maintained an ongoing forestry programme aimed at protecting trees in the woodland.

“Creating a mixed age woodland through continuous cover forestry will be beneficial to wildlife by increasing the structural diversity,” he said.

Police to carry on as they are “DESPITE its closure, the Wokingham Town Neighbourhood (police) Team remain a visible presence in the town.”

That was the view of Cllr John Halsall, leader of the council, responding to a written question from resident Morag Malvern. She was not present at the meeting so her question was not asked.

She wanted to know, “with the recent investment in Denmark Street, what steps are being taken to encourage the police to return to Wokingham's town centre?”

Cllr Halsall explained that the station’s closure was due to Thames Valley Police needing to find £100 million of savings, but the force did have a “touch down centre” in a school and that there were regular reviews of what was provided, with the last being in February.

“At present Thames Valley Police’s decision not to occupy and operate from a physical building based in Wokingham Town Centre remains the same,” he said.

Call to make lights smarter A LACK of smart traffic lights was raised by resident Steve Mayes, who said “we are being asked to switch off engines when we are in traffic, surely we should be investing in technology that will simply keep traffic flowing when

Malcolm is the new mayor THE first virtual council meeting for Wokingham Borough Council saw a new mayor and deputy elected – but not without some debate.

Held on Tuesday evening, the meeting had been postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The annual meeting was initially chaired by outgoing mayor, before incoming mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards took over.

Cllr Keith Baker MBE was appointed deputy mayor, although the Liberal Democrats made their own nomination and both the party and the Labour group voted against this appointment.

Summing up his mayoral year, which had been extended by the virus postponing council meetings, Cllr Soane said it “has been particularly interesting for me”.

He praised the Wokingham town centre regeneration project, singling out the opening of a supermarket, the cinema and many independent shops.

He also enjoyed following the construction of Bulmershe Leisure Centre which is complete but has not yet opened after the Government closed all nonessential businesses and gyms in March.

Wokingham.Today understands that it is hoped that the site will open later in the summer.

“Since the virus, it’s a shame I’m not able to officially open it,” Cllr Soane said.

His mayoral charity was one “dear to my heart” – Debra.

“Unfortunately due to the epidemic, I was unable to hold my spring (fudnraising) event, but thanks to the generosity (of residents), we’ve been able to raise just under £7,000.”

On Cllr Richards as mayor: “I nominated him without hesitation.

I know the coming year, you will be a great success.

“When you take up mayor or any position in the council, you need the support of your family.”

He thanked his wife for being with him at many events.

“Finally, I’d like to thank officers there is no reason to stop it”.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said that some lights were being installed, such as by St Anne’s Manor hotel.

“As you will be aware, there has been, and continues to be significant development going on in the Borough, and traffic patterns are changing continually as new development sites are completed and occupied,” she added.

“As a result, the Council has prepared a new ITS strategy for the next decade, enabling it to roll out smart technology improvements across the network, targeting congestion hot-spots in the first instance.”

She pledged that the Rectory Road/Milton Road and Shute End junction will be upgraded over the coming year “ahead of major redesign as part of the wider

and staff, and for members for allowing me the opportunity to serve as mayor.”

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the ruling Conservative group, formally nominated Cllr Richards as mayor, seconded by Cllr Lindsay Ferris, the leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Ferris said: “Malcolm is a very well respected councillor and deserves to be mayor.”

The chief executive of Wokingham Borough Council, Susan Parsonage, then declared that Cllr Richards was nominated as mayor for the municipal year of 2020/21.

Councillors tuning in clapped the decision, but before a vote could be held, Cllr Chris Smith raised a point of order: under the constitution, that there was no allowance for group leaders to block vote for their members.

The council’s democratic and electoral services lead specialist, Anne Hunter, said that it was allowed under the guidance as long as the groups had agreed, adding that the constitution had been written before virtual meetings were permissible.

Cllr Soane said that these are unusual circumstances and that anyone who had an opposing view would be noted: “I can’t see how there would be a problem with that”.

Cllr Smith said: “This contradicts what is in our constitution, it doesn’t matter what the group leaders think”.

Cllr Alison Swaddle raised another point of order, pointing out that party leaders had agreed.

Ms Hunter said that unless members were happy to change this procedure, there would have to be a named vote – where councillors vote one-by-one on every motion – during the evening.

To approve the changes, a named vote was taken to check councillors were happy to allow block votes to be used for this council meeting.

As the vote was passed, Cllr

Richards robed up and began chairing the meeting, giving an address about the current situation.

He wanted to focus on families with young children, with his charities of the year being Home Start Wokingham charity and First Days Wokingham.

When it came to the deputy mayor, Cllr Keith Baker was nominated by the Conservatives, while Cllr Lindsay Ferris nominated Cllr Caroline Smith.

Cllr John Kaiser said that he wanted Cllr Baker to be deputy mayor in recognition of his service to both the borough and Woodley Town Council, where he serves as leader.

Cllr Ferris said that “she would make a very, very good deputy mayor” and she was very well respected in the chamber.

Council leader Cllr John Halsall said that Cllr Baker had served in most positions in the council and that the nomination was a welldeserved one.

In the vote, the Conservative’s 31 votes and two independents overruled the Lib Dem’s 15, Labour’s 4 and one independent.

Cllr Keith Baker said in his acceptance speech that he believed the mayor should be a non-political appointment.

Labour group leader Cllr Andy Croy voted against. He told Wokingham.Today: “The Tories are preparing to lose the local elections next year, and they’re hoping to have a partisan mayor in place.

“They want the most politically minded of members to be in charge of the council – he will have the casting vote.

And Lib Dem leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris said: “When Cllr Baker was leader of the council, he treated us like a piece of whatever. The group did not like it.

“On a personal level, I get on fine with him.

“I needed someone to stand against him. That’s not saying he can’t do the job (of mayor) but he’s divisive.”

Wokingham Town improvements”.

“In the meantime, our engineers have increased the frequency of inspections to ensure we are able to keep the bridge safe and open while we prepare to replace the bridge.”

Mr Smith wanted to know if disabled access would be possible.

“We are certainly looking at disabled access in Winnersh Triangle,” she said, pledging to look into seeing if it was possible at Earley too.

Centre

Footbridge to be replaced THE condition of the footbridge over the railway at Earley station and the A3290 was raised by resident Mike Smith.

He wanted to know if any repairs were planned.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for highways and transport, said that the bridge had been identified for replacement.

“Our highways team are in the process of undertaking the design for a new bridge and starting negotiations and agreements with Network Rail as any works to repair or replace a bridge over the railway will need the rail line to be closed for a period.

On your bike PLANS to nurture the recent enthusiasm for cycling and walking were raised by resident Alex Cran.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for highways and transport, said that there are plans for temporary measures around Wokingham Town Centre which will help visitors maintain social distance and encourage walking and

NEWS | 17

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Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

PHIL CREIGHTON reports from the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s annual council meeting held on Tuesday, June 16

ANNUALCOUNCIL

Concerns over post-Covid finances “WE are concerned that cuts in services may have to be made just at a time when they are needed more than ever.”

That’s the warning from the leader of the Liberal Democrats, who said that the coronavirus pandemic would mean that the council will be experiencing a significant drop in revenue, together with increasing costs.

“We have been warning the Conservative Ruling Group since 2017 about the levels of borrowing and debt that this Council has been racking up,” he said.

“Back then the debt was around £350 million but now, three years later, this figure has risen to close on £700 million.

“The Council has signed Contracts committing it to paying out irrespectively, even in circumstances, which have now transpired, where the projected income to cover the costs committed to may either be delayed, or even significantly reduced, leaving the Council short of money.

“This foolhardy action is likely to have exposed the Council to some very serious future financial problems “As a result of our warnings about this financial mismanagement having been totally ignored the Council now has a lot less resilience to bounce back from the challenges presented by the pandemic.”

Cllr Ferris added: “We can see the finances of this Council being stretched week by week as this crisis

cycling into and around the town, and wanted to see how they could balance the needs of cyclists with the needs of motorists.

“These works are likely to utilise the first tranche of funding (£152k) which DfT have allocated to Wokingham. There is then going to be an opportunity for us to receive a second tranche of up to £607k later in the year. We need to move quickly to deliver the initial works and demonstrate to DfT that we can deliver in the short timescales in order to qualify.”

She added: “because of the timescales we are unable to consult in the usual way, but we will be seeking feedback as the changes are rolled out.”

And concluded: “You may be aware that Wokingham Town Centre has been the focus of one of the DfT’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) pilot projects. We intend to complete this for the Town Centre and then roll these out across the Borough so that eventually the whole Borough will benefit from a plan for walking and cycling forming a cohesive network based on data and evidence to ensure.”

Single-use plastic plan THE COUNCIL is seeking to set an example to businesses, schools and residents when it comes to eliminating single-use plastics.

Cllr Gregor Murray said that in March Wokingham Borough Council had “launched an internal sustainability campaign, aimed at encouraging behaviour change, to ‘encourage staff’ as far as possible to stop single-use plastic”.

He made the comments in response to a query from Cllr Andy

continues.”

As this was a leaders’ speech, it was not debated in the meeting.

However, Cllr Guy Grandison asked Cllr John Kaiser, the executive member for finance and housing, for an update on the council’s finances in light of the pandemic.

In a written reply, Cllr Kaiser conceded that the virus had had an effect on the council’s finances.

“We have received grant funding from central Government, but through careful monitoring and tracking of the expenditure related to our response to the pandemic, it is currently estimated that nearly £5 million of the general fund balance (our reserve) will be required unless more funding is provided. This means that the general fund balance will be virtually wiped out in the year 2020/21.”

And he said that all local authorities (councils) were facing the same pressures, with the Local Government Authority warning that there is currently an £11 billion underfunding.

“The real crux is future finance settlements and how long/deep the inevitable recession is likely to be,” he warned, saying that the council is wellplaced, with a reasonably well-off population “that will probably be able to ride-out the worst of the recession”.

But, he warned: “There are many unknowns”.

“The job of the Council is to ensure we are best

Croy, who wanted to know “why has Wokingham Borough Council not eliminated the use of non-essential single use plastics from Shute End and all Council controlled environments?”

Cllr Murray, who is the executive member for climate emergency, said that the council has been “proactively working to eliminate the use of single-use plastics where it is not essential” such as dispensing machines.

He continued: “The Council has reduced the use of single-use plastics from the catering services of 34 schools across the Borough.

School kitchens have benefited from no cling film pledges, removal of plastic cups, straws, bottles, crudities tubs, and the introduction of reusable plastic pots and containers and fully recyclable packaging materials.”

And with the single-use blue bags for waste disposal, Cllr Murray said: “They act to reduce residual waste and drive up recycling as we restrict them to 80 x 80 litre bags per annum and encourage residents to return unused bags to our Libraries and community hubs”.

In a written question, Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, asked Cllr Murray what efforts the council had made to engage with businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

Cllr Murray said it was a priority and helped inform the council’s own decision making.

“The council has already set up a Climate Emergency Advisory Board of experts in this field,” he said. “This involves both national and local business organisations as well as representatives from the academic and charity sector.”

He also said that the council was canvassing the views of local businesses to see how they were adapting under the coronavirus.

placed to support our residents and businesses through the recession (particularly the most vulnerable) and also still be around as a viable Council for the foreseeable future. This may mean some difficult decisions in the future around levels of taxation and provision of services.”

Cllr Ferris also took a moment to praise the work of the Community Hub that has helped vulnerable residents was praised by the leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Ferris thanked “officers, fellow Councillors of all persuasions and local residents’ schools, businesses and other organisations who have helped with the Community Hub based at St Crispin’s School. This has been invaluable work by all involved.”

He made the comments in his leader’s speech at the virtual annual council meeting, held on Tuesday, June 16.

Cllr Ferris added: “Another achievement that the Council deserves praise for is the work done in developing a Social Services protocol to prevent patients from being discharged from our local hospitals into Care Homes until it was clear that they did not have the dreadful virus.

“This action, in our view, saved many lives and should be applauded. We understand that other Councils across the Country have now followed suit but WBC took a lead on this and action was taken nearly a fortnight before the Government acted.”

Councillor’s call to map the virus A DESIRE to create a map of coronavirus cases across the borough was expressed by independent councillor Gary Cowan.

“As the number is in the vicinity of about 600 it should not be an onerous task,” he said.

“The data gathered would highlight

potential Covid-19 clusters in the Borough.

“It would then be very easy to continually update as circumstances change and the benefits to residents and their health/wellbeing goes without saying.”

Responding, Cllr John Halsall, the leader of the council, said: “At the moment we do not receive the postcode data of confirmed COVID-19 cases or deaths.

“We do have access to data about Covid-19 cases, deaths, care home and school outbreaks for Wokingham residents, from Public Health England, the Office for National Statistics and CQC. We collate all of these and develop a public report weekly for members and the public.

“We are starting to receive information from the NHS test and trace service, but not with postcodes, so we are unable to map the locations at the moment.

“We are expecting to receive more local data so we can monitor local outbreaks but there is no date for this.”

He also said that Public Health England was monitoring hot spots of potential outbreaks and would notify Wokingham Borough Council if one occurred here.

Leader breached members’ code THE FINAL item on the council’s agenda was to note that the council leader, Cllr John Halsall, had been in breach of the member’s code of conduct over his campaign to protect rural Wokingham.

The group was set up to protect the green belt in the borough from being built on, but not listed in his register of interests.

Following an objection to Cllr Halsall flailing to declare this, he self-referred himself to the council’s officers and an investigation carried out.

The council noted that Cllr Halsall should be formally censured in writing and its Monitoring Officer be instructed to arrange training for the Member concerned.

“In relation to this complaint there is no further action required”, the report noted.

Cllr Halsall has already apologised for his oversight.

18 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

The big re-open is a stumble in the dark THERE can be little question that it is good to see non-essential shops start to reopen.

Whether this is the right time or not is hard to say.

Certainly, images of shoppers desperate to get a pair of trainers from a popular footwear store in Oxford Street implies that retail therapy can sometimes trump fears over the coronavirus.

In some ways, Monday’s mad rush was similar to the busy supermarkets we experienced just before lockdown started.

Thankfully, supermarkets are generally calmer now, although some give some people two metres, they take an inch.

The borough council’s efforts in making our retail centres safe should be applauded.

It was disappointing to see criticism for the barriers installed in Wokingham – it is a work in progress, and not everything will be right straight away.

We are learning how to deal with a pandemic the like of which has not been seen for 100 years.

The blocking of short-term parking spaces to widen pavements is sensible and, thanks to the purchase of Denmark Street car park, it’s still possible to park in Wokingham town.

There are serious concerns over the merging of London Road and Wiltshire Road into a single lane as they become Peach Street, but on the whole the balance between looking after shoppers and motorists is being considered, and met.

We share your frustrations that we don’t have the new normal yet, but it’s getting closer every day.

If ever there’s a time to shop local, this is it.

CHURCH NOTES

Not fear, but love

I

T WAS early in the Lockdown that I came across these words from one of Paul’s pastoral letters which you can read in the New Testament section of the Bible.

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy, a young disciple, carefully counselling and guiding him on his Christian journey. In his second letter (2 Timothy 1:7) he writes: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind”.

Although at first glance Timothy’s life bears no resemblance to mine Paul was urging him to be bold and allow God’s spirit to help us overcome his fear of what might lie ahead.

As I struggled in the first couple of weeks of Lockdown, close to tears for much of the time, these words of Paul kept coming to mind reassuring me that despite the fear and worry around me the way through this strangest of times would be the path of faith strengthened by God’s love and his power.

I am not facing the difficulties and challenges that many of the front-line workers have been facing.

I am thankful that those I love have not experienced ill-health due to the virus.

But isolated from friends and families, having to find new routines and structure, I have taken strength in those words from Paul and with more time on my hands to stop and stare I have experienced a closeness to my Creator that had been missing for some time.

Christine Morgan is a member of Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020 We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Why are we being treated like two-year-olds?

What crazy council officials and/or counsellors dreamed up the mad hairbrained scheme to place crowd barriers around the one way system, reducing the road to a single lane?

I understand it has been done to facilitate social distancing when more shops open. But we have operated for weeks now with queues to banks, chemists, hardware shops and the market without any problems.

People have acted sensibly and responsibly.

But we are now being treated like two-year-olds. Barriers are totally unnecessary.

And what will happen to traffic – especially when delivery lorries have to service the shops?

Also, the PM has said don’t be afraid, but seeing all these barriers will make people more concerned and are thus counter-productive.

It’s not going to help the shops recover.

And how much has been spent!

Let’s remove them immediately.

Keith Carter, Wokingham

They think it’s all over Covid-19 has repeatedly been described as an ‘unprecedented’ pandemic.

Many versions of what, when, how, actions taken or not taken, reporting, integrity of data and ‘science’ to mention but a few, have been debated long and hard. Arguments and counter arguments go back and forth on a daily basis. In some cases, responses seem to have been on a ‘make it up as it goes along’ basis.

As a nation we know more about Covid-19 now, and continue to learn, but we all are all still seeking to better understand. The one unquestionable and undeniable truth is that Covid-19 is the enemy - able and willing to kill indiscriminately.

Choices have been made (by a select few): � to transfer elderly people from hospitals to care homes without testing � to ignore social distancing and isolation rules and guidance � to manipulate ‘Covid-19 rules’ for selfish reasons including protecting personal wealth � to prioritise the economy over health science � to hold back or hide ‘true’ data for reasons not yet fully explained � and of course, to visit places other than Opticians to check one’s eye sight.

All deliberate choices.

Others (the great majority) have behaved with self-control, patience, respect for distancing, bravery and real heroism, by following the rules and guidelines, putting others and the community before themselves.

Again, deliberate choices.

Some of these choices have cost lives and that matters. Covid-19 is indiscriminate.

The time is coming, where there will be another set of difficult choices.

Important choices, that will impact many lives and do we think it’s all over?

It isn’t yet and may not be for some time.

It is time for us as individuals, local

Not because, rather despite …

There is much that could be said and many comparisons made regarding the tragedy of coronavirus and the way in which it has been dealt with.

This however is neither the time or place to do so - that will, and must be scrutinised at some future date.

To politicise Covid-19 would be an affront to and betrayal of the herculean efforts of the NHS, care services, volunteers and indeed those who have stoically followed the rules of lockdown together with all those other frontline and essential workers who have strived tirelessly to keep us safe and provided for.

Victory over the virus when it is eventually achieved and the pandemic

communities and as a nation to choose again. We need to choose wisely.

Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor on Wokingham Borough Council, Shinfield South

Positive equality An interesting letter by Cllr Tahir Maher, Lib Dem councillor for Maiden Erlegh, Wokingham Borough Council (Wokingham.Today, Thursday, June 11, 2020). I like his idea of Lib Dems “positively promoting equality”.

Therefore, I hope that the good councillor is as good as his word.

You see, I've always fancied being a Lord, just like the ones who sit in the House of Lords.

You know, the ones who Lord it over us plebs.

The ones who sign in, get £300 and then clear off home, or to their club, immediately after (allegedly).

As Cllr Maher is so keen on “positively promoting equality” it therefore cannot be right that we still have a House of Lords as I, and others of my standing, cannot be one. As the Cllr should know, this is not equality.

Therefore, I expect to see a letter in Wokingham.Today next week written jointly by Cllr Maher and whoever is the so-called national leader of the Lib Dems.

This letter should state that because the House of Lords is electorally an unequal institution, out of step by promoting inequality by its very being, ALL of the Liberal Democrats presently sitting in the Lords will immediately give up their titles and privileges and sit no longer.

By this action, the electorate will then find out just how serious Cllr Maher and his Lib Dems are about “positively promoting equality”.

With something like 100 Lib Dem peers currently sitting it is quite obvious that some Lib Dems are more equal than the majority of the

declared over, will have been gained not because of the stable door ditherings of

population. This cannot be right and just if the Lib Dems believe in what they claim about “positively promoting equality”.

Deeds, not words then Lib Dems.

Abolish ALL Lib Dem Peers immediately and NEVER ever reinstate them, in the name of justice and equality. It might even make the national press!

Paul Clarke, Wokingham

Thank you, positively Wokingham Positive Difference recently celebrated its’ 50th event and this appears to be an ideal time to say a big thank you to all those who have and who will continue to participate with developing “TEAM Wokingham”.

Once each month, groups have met at our beautiful town hall and more recently online, bringing together the best from business, community and local government.

Our speakers have included local MPs, councillors, charity leaders, authors and business owners, all sharing positive news, ideas and education. The goals for creating better understanding remain as they were four years ago when then former Cllr Mark Ashwell was our first speaker the day after Wokingham Borough Council won a national regeneration planning award.

The decision to launch this group in Wokingham back in 2016 was in recognition of the borough’s wonderful community spirit as already displayed by so many of its local citizens.

From Councillors giving up their time to make a difference, volunteer groups championing great causes and entrepreneurs of all types organising the fireworks, the carnival and running solid businesses, this is a great place to live and it keeps improving all the time.

Our 50th event showcased six speakers from across the spectrum of borough life and delivered no less than

politicians and “experts” but rather despite of them.

J W Blaney, Wokingham

50 positive difference that the audience could take up to survive and thrive in tough times.

Our final group thank you has to go to Phil Creighton and the team at The Wokingham Paper for the support it has given all of us over the four years. A most positive newspaper!

We celebrate event 51 with three more speakers focused on ‘values’ this Friday.

If you operate locally and wish to keep up with business, community and government issues and would like to know more about Wokingham Positive Difference then please email wokinghampositivedifference@gmail.c om for further details.”

Graeme Hobbs Wokingham Positive Difference Chairman

Join me on a dash While in lockdown I rediscovered the word Coddiwomple, meaning to travel purposefully towards an as yet unknown destination – something we are all doing at the moment.

The days, weeks and months ahead will no doubt be full of challenges, full of anxiety, changes and even loss and things may never be quite the same as they were before.

Yet in these difficult times it is worth remembering that although we cannot stop this particular win of change, we can adjust our sails to enable us to reach our hoped for destination - a world that has conquered coronavirus, ensures that all lives matter - no matter the faith or the faith of an individual and no matter their race, and a world that remains united, not just a global village in name only.

Also with so much distancing and isolation et al going on, our local charities have seen a big reduction in their income so, with that in mind, I have decided to do a daily dash of at least 30 minutes throughout July to

raise funds for Berkshire’s Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice which relies almost exclusively on donations.

I will be doing my Devine Daily Dash dressed as my interpretation of a bluebird– probably between Coley and Southcote estates.

Why not take part in your own Devine Daily Dash (dancy dress optional) by doing laps of your garden, local streets or local park on your own, with your household or with your fourlegged friends?

You can, of course, simply stride or simply walk.

Yet if you wish only to support my personal Devine Daily Dash, visit, or get someone else to visit for you, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ pauls-daily-dash Finally, stay alert, stay safe and remember, ‘God is (always) our strength and refuge, an ever-present help in times of trouble’ (Psalm 46:1).

Paul Farmer, Reading

Keep the statues I refer to previous correspondence.

We should resist, strongly, the current attempts to destroy monuments to some of our national heroes; this is an attack on our history, and our civilisation.

Peaceful protest is all right, though, in my opinion, pointless, but vandalism is not acceptable. Look at some of the figures, targeted: Edward Colston lived, more than 300 years ago. He cannot be judged, according to 21st century values.

Presumably, Admiral Lord Nelson, deserves his place, on top of his column, since he defeated Napoleon, for us, at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Cecil Rhodes, was a successful, 19th century, businessman, so he operated, according to the values, of the 19th century.

Of course, Robert Baden-Powell, took an interest in the Hitler Youth Movement. In its early days, he probably regarded it, as being as innocent, as his own Boy Scouts.

His Scout Movement is generally regarded as being the most successful youth movement of the 20th century – by the end of which, more than 500 million boys and girls throughout the world, had been Scouts or Guides.

So Robert Baden-Powell deserves

Reader Harry Atkinson writes: “I was walking down Reading Road in the Reading direction on Monday last week when I noticed a big cluster of St John's Wortplants, mostly in flower, in the entrance to Mill Close, just before you get to the Emmbrook bridge and the Woosehill Roundabout.” They’re certainly bright and colourful Harry, and brighten up our letters pages. Thanks for sharing.

We welcome your images for this slot. All you need to do is email them, along with a brief description, to: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

to have a monument, in his honour.

I cannot understand why the statue of Sir Winston Churchill has been attacked in the name of anti-racism. He defeated Nazi Germany – which surely had, one of the most ruthless, and racist, regimes, in the history of mankind.

I can think of quite a few, great figures, from history, who would not measure up, by today’s standards.

Some of the actions, of John Calvin, an early 16th century Christian reformer would now be regarded as distinctly lacking in Christian charity, and Henry VIII’s treatment of women, would be thought to be decidedly inappropriate, but they are significant figures from our history, which cannot be erased.

We don’t want white supremacy, but we don’t want, black supremacy, either, and we most certainly don’t want mob supremacy.

What is needed is the equal treatment of all citizens under the law, and this is not achieved, by acts of vandalism.

On a more personal note, I should, through Wokingham.Today like to thank the people, who have helped me to keep our mental health service going during Lockdown. Firstly, I thank Richard and Jane, who run the McColl’s supermarket in Priestwood Square, Bracknell. They have donated, to the

A new marker

T

tonyjohnson That was the week

Picture of the week

jamessunderland Westminster diary

HE opening of non-essential shops this week has provided a new marker in the fight against Covid-19.

While opinions are split on the gradual easing of lockdown, the Government continues to be led by scientific and medical advice and it is reassuring that the mortality and R rates are falling to new lows.

Given that the lockdown strategy is entirely conditions based, the Government is right to balance the need to return to normality with the ongoing imperative to save life and I again pay tribute to the brilliant staff of the NHS and key workers.

This has been an awful few months for so many and we continue to mourn those who are no longer with us.

But if there is light at the end of the tunnel, it is that people are now starting to emerge more readily into the June sunshine and see their families again.

Whether or not we like it, Covid-19 will be a feature of all our daily lives until the point at which we find a vaccine or a cure.

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Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

crisis house a most generous gift of biscuits, cakes, coffee, tea and sugar, which are keeping us going in this difficult time.

Secondly, I thank the local TLC Cleaning Company. By using personal protective equipment, and working on days when the crisis house is closed they, without risk to themselves, have managed to keep their cleaning service going for us during Lockdown.

Thirdly, I thank the Railway staff.

The trains kept going throughout and the staff have been very kind and cheerful and have supplied me with protective gloves.

As a result, we, throughout the crisis, have been able to protect our vulnerable members.

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

Virtually, open As you may be aware, on Friday 26th June, we would have marked the annual, nationwide Care Home Open Day by inviting everyone living in Wokingham to join us at Woodbury House Care Home to celebrate this day.

Unfortunately, this won’t be possible this year.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, we’ve taken extraordinary measures to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of our residents in the face of this devastating pandemic. And this Friday

It is encouraging that clinical trials are underway but realistically, there will be no miracle for the foreseeable future.

So, it is incumbent on all of us to learn to live with it, rather than simply hide away from it.

While we must of course protect those who are vulnerable, shielding or who have underlying health conditions, we must also get back to work as soon as it is safe to do so, get our children back to school and get the economy breathing again.

Nothing comes free so we do need to return to the wealth creation that allows us to pay for our public services.

It was therefore particularly pleasing to visit the Lexicon Shopping Centre in Bracknell on Monday, where I saw busy shops, happy shoppers and dedicated staff keeping customers safe.

I am also on record as supporting a further easing of social distancing below two-metres at the first opportunity as this will give our retail, leisure, high street and hospitality sectors a much-needed boost.

In Westminster, the Government agenda continues at pace, notwithstanding that not all MPs are physically back in the House.

I was pleased to see that virtual participation and proxy voting remain available for those who are shielding and this was the right thing to do.

Recent activity here has been frenetic and I have personally visited the Metropolitan Police Control Centre in the wake of the recent protests.

will be no different, so we will continue to have in place restricted visitation and will therefore we will not be able to invite the community to Woodbury House Care Home.

Instead, we want to say a big thank you as over these past few weeks, we have been overwhelmed by all the kindness shown by so many in our local community and by our residents’ families.

We have a fantastic team here and our residents are coping very well under the circumstances but the community support shown is really helping us to get through these difficult times together.

As a way of thanking everyone in the community, we have prepared wildflower seeds as a symbol of our appreciation and hope for the future.

The seeds will be placed outside the entrance to our home from Friday, June 26, and we invite everyone to please come along and take one –as a small gift from us to the community.

We want to say a big thank you and hope that next year we’ll see you all at Woodbury House Care Home to celebrate Care Home Open Day together and continue to build the community that has supported us so wonderfully.

Samantha Bell, Home Manager

The current treatment of its staff by BA also remains a concern and I was pleased today to see the Government agree to extend free school meals for eligible children over the Summer.

Having lobbied for this in Westminster and declared my hand live on BBC Radio Berkshire on Tuesday morning, I am personally relieved that common sense has prevailed as no child in the UK should ever go hungry.

Lastly, in the wake of the recent unacceptable desecration of war memorials across the UK, I was pleased to be able to galvanise support across Westminster for new measures.

Under the Criminal Damage Act of 1971, sentencing powers for judges are currently limited unless the damage exceeds £5000.

After an internal campaign which led to a front-page article in the Sunday Telegraph, it is pleasing that both the Government and Opposition benches have agreed the need for new guidelines that allow judges to use judicial discretion with increased powers.

While I do not expect to see sentences of 10 years for these offences, the Government will be supporting a new bill that provides specific protections in law for memorials and should deter offenders.

After all, we owe our democratic freedoms today to those who paid the ultimate price and it is right that those who wilfully disrespect the fallen, commit criminal damage or outrage public decency should face the full force of the law.

Unscaring the people

I

N the United States, it was a week in the Deep South when African American lives were again shown not to matter.

In the UK it was a week in which peaceful protest was overshadowed by violence and disrespect.

Locally, it was a week in which a hearing turned into a trial, then into a farce.

Afraid of Police As George Floyd was laid to rest, peaceful protests continued, but any learning from his passing had been lost, as Rayshard Brooks was shot in the back while fleeing from Police Officers in Atlanta, Georgia.

That there is a problem with US Policing is no longer in doubt. Proposals to defund the Police; Atlanta’s Chief of Police resigning; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff apologising; silence of the Tweeter-in-Chief; all tell of a country that’s reeling in dismay.

Whether American people, politicians and police will act any quicker than we did in Northern Ireland, getting from Women for Peace (1976) to the Good Friday Agreement (1998), remains to be seen.

Afraid of the Past Bristol City Council recovered Edward Colston's statue from the harbour and removed his name from Colston Hall, Perhaps by next week they’ll have to rename the Colston Bun? And why stop with Colston? Two centuries after him, slave owners were benefitting under the 1837 Slave Compensation Act, including the family of UK prime minister William Ewart Gladstone.

Concerns about statues go wider, as those of Churchill, Thomas Guy (Guy’s hospital), Lord Baden Powell (scouts) were covered up at the weekend.

If Black Lives are to Matter we need to do more than just blot out historic figures or their memorials and work a new process of historification – recording, teaching and learning the lessons from history.

Afraid to go out Despite attempts to move on, the problems surrounding the nation’s approach to Covid-19 are continuing.

This leads me to a personal admission because I’m apprehensive about going out and maintaining social distancing. By the time I get home from a shopping trip, I’m frazzled. And when it comes to making any significant changes in behaviour, I won’t be in a hurry.

Things may be fine if you’ve survived Coronavirus already, but Boris’ brand of bonhomie and bluster isn’t credible. We simply don’t believe you sir, nor do we trust your words.

You’ve scared the people rigid, now how are you going to unscare us all? Suggestions on a postcard to 10 Downing Street please – or to your MP as Boris might actually pay attention to them.

Afraid of the Truth?

Locally, the main political event of the week was the Licensing Hearing for the BBQ King kebab van on Reading Road close to Shute End, WBC’s headquarters.

The agenda showed that the public and press would be excluded from part of the meeting but in ending the formal declaration, the chairman said the reason was "in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of the crime”. By putting in ‘the’ as a definite article he’s “implied necessarily that an entity it articulates is presupposed” (Wiktionary).

So what IS the crime and who’s accused of it?

Regrettably the meeting didn’t restart for us to hear. By Sunday all the hearing’s documentation regarding the hearing had disappeared from WBC’s website too. One wonders what our secrecy-obsessed council is so afraid of?

What the Neighbours said Some of our other neighbours are saying that the parrot in its gilded cage is on form again despite its bedraggled plumage, while others have said it should be taught to squawk something new.

Excepting ‘sta komsije rekli’, that was the 13th week of lockdown, that was. caveat.lector@icloud.com

20 | NEWS

How do you have a healthy takeaway?

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Let the flame burn

LOCKDOWN has seen us make more meals, but it’s also seen some of us make a beeline for takeaways.

How can you stay healthy while also enjoy a treat? It can be high in fat, salt and sugar.

Here, Heart Research UK offers some tips:

YOU’RE loving the short stories based on the theme of isolation created by members of Wokingham Library’s Writers Group.

We’ve another one for you this week, written by Jenny Richardson.

The group usually meets in Wokingham Library in Denmark Street, but is currently meeting virtually.

For more information about Wokingham Writers contact heather.dyson@wokingham.gov.uk

Choose the venue carefully

Isolation

Compare the menus for takeaway food outlets and try to choose one that provides some healthier options. Some takeaway food outlets list calories on their menus and this can help you to make a healthier choice.

THE candle barely lit the room.

Leaning towards to it, Jane checked her knitting needles to make sure she hadn’t dropped any stitches. The wind howled around the house making the windows creak. She shivered. It was chilly in the room.

She pulled at her cardigan to wrap it closer around her body.

Click, clack, click, clack, the sound of the needles seemed loud in the quiet room. Leaning back in her chair, she sighed. Her hands were aching. Hours seem to pass so slowly in the winter months.

Jane could only just make out the face of the clock in the gloom.

Quarter to six, time for tea. She picked up the candle and went into the kitchen. Placing a pan on the cooker, she heated some soup.

Standing close to the flame, she took advantage of its warmth. Feeling quite alone sitting at the kitchen table she ate the soup and crusty bread, absent mindedly, rolling breadcrumbs between her thumb and forefinger. Tea over, Jane headed back to the lounge, but before entering the room, she stood and listened. Nothing.

Choose wisely from the menu Try to avoid foods that are deep-fried, such as fish in batter, chips and fried chicken. Swap large deep-pan pizzas and pizzas with stuffed crusts for smaller pizzas. Select lower fat pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, peppers, sweetcorn, chicken and ham, rather than pepperoni or extra cheese which are both high in fat.

Keep an eye on portion size Be careful not to buy too much food when ordering your takeaway. Instead of ordering starters, mains, sides and desserts, why not just have a main course and finish off with some fruit and yoghurt? You could share a dish or freeze a portion of your takeaway for another time to avoid eating too much.

Make a ‘Fakeaway’ Try making healthier versions of your favourite takeaway dishes at home by finding healthy recipes online. If you can’t live without your favourite takeaway dish, you could try swapping side dishes, such as chips, garlic bread, fried rice or naan bread for brown rice or wholemeal pitta bread that you prepare at home.

Think about what you drink Rather than buying sugary drinks with your takeaway, try drinking tap water or low-calorie drinks instead. If you usually have alcoholic drinks with your takeaway, try to reduce the amount you consume by having a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink and try to choose drinks that have a lower alcohol content. Not only will this reduce your calorie intake, but it may also reduce the cost.

You can find plenty more healthy tips and recipes at heartresearch.org.uk

Pick a colour, any colour OUR windows have been filled with children’s cheering and colourful paintings during the virus pandemic.

In this week’s quiz you are looking for the name of the colour which will complete the place names below. A couple of the names are those of buildings.

1. -----wich: south east London home of the Cutty Sark tea clipper ship.

2. -----ruth: Cornish town.

3. -----water: shopping centre in north Kent chalk quarry.

4. -----chapel: east London district famed for bell making.

5. -----pool: seaside resort.

6. -----friars: church in Reading.

7. ----- Park: Winnersh housing area (involves more than one colour!).

8. -----stone National Park in Wyoming, USA. 9. -----neys Green: village near Maidenhead.

10. -----: ancient French principality for which the Dutch royal family is named.

Stitch-by-stitch, spreading love ac

By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk LOVE is being spread across the borough by a team of charitable residents, stitch by stitch.

The candle cast long shadows on the wall of the lounge as she entered. Sitting down in her chair she pondered…

I wonder what other people do, during these long, dark evenings?

Picking up her knitting, she checked where she was on the pattern. Suddenly, the lounge door flung open. Jane jumped out of her skin, stabbing her hand with one of the needles.

‘Hi Mum, what are you doing sitting in the dark?’ It was her daughter, Bryony. ‘The power’s back on. Came on over an hour ago.’

Bryony flicked the light switch and the room illuminated.

‘Well it’s about time,’ replied Jane, shielding her eyes from the strong light.

‘Turn on the TV love, we can watch the news.’ © Jenny Richardson, 2020

How do you keep lining when the library is shut?

WE HAD a call from a reader who was struggling to get bags for their food caddy.

Since the lockdown, council offices and our libraries have been closed to the public, in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

And some of us have seen our rolls run dry.

So what do you do?

Wokingham Borough Council’s food waste scheme has been a huge success since it launched in April last year, helping recycle more than 100 tonnes of food waste.

It’s taken to the re3 processing plant, where it is turned into energy that powers our homes.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

A half-caddy is enough to power a toaster to turn four slices of bread into a tasty snack, while six tea bags can produce enough electricity to boil the kettle for another cuppa.

So it’s important to keep on saving your food waste even if you don't have caddy liners.

And the council says that the caddies can be lined with any plastic bag, which can be bought from the supermarkets on a roll.

Alternatively, you can line it with newspaper (some people have always thought we were rubbish) or kitchen towel.

What you shouldn’t use is biodegradable bags made of material such as potato starch.

Members of the local crochet group Barkham Hookers have joined forces in an effort to help Wokingham through the pandemic.

The creative team, whose weekly meet-ups were put on hold due to the pandemic, have spent lockdown crafting items for various members of the community.

Founder of the group, Gaynor White said: “We began lockdown crocheting rainbows as part of the local Rainbow Trail which aimed to spread positivity during these dark times.

“We then made more than 500 ear savers for teams at Wokingham Hospital and local GP surgeries which stop medical workers getting sore ears when they wear face masks.

“The Hookers have also been working on their own project which is a coronavirus crochet along blanket that we add a new section to each week.

“The blanket represents this period in the form of uplifting quotes, relevant colours and shapes.

“It includes things such as bees, rainbows, bluebells, hearts for Mother’s Day and NHS blue. Everything that is happening in the world around us.”

And the group’s generosity hasn’t benefited just those on the frontline.

The Barkham Hookers have extended their support to residents of care homes who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

Gaynor said: “We have been making forget-me-not hula hoops for care homes to hang from their garden trees.

“We’ve donated them to homes in Ravenswood, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Devon and Buckinghamshire.”

“They are beautiful decorations which are designed to put a smile on the residents’ faces.”

The team have also been making forget-me-not crocheted brooches which have so far raised more than £500 for dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society.

Nathan went up a staircase

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk HE’S the pastor who climbed up a staircase and came down a mountain.

Every day over the space of a month, aided by his daughter, Shinfield Baptist Church’s Nathan Hunt climbed up and down his stairs 90 times – a total of 6,000 metres, or the height of Mount Kilimanjaro.

It might have done wonders for his fitness levels, but for Nathan it was about helping others.

“I saw a video that described people in lockdown in countries where there is no government safety net – they might starve,” he says. “One person was going to be kicked out of their home as they couldn’t pay the rent.

“I wanted to help them.”

And he learnt about a challenge by international aid agency Tearfund.

It wanted supporters to take part in The Climb – asking people to walk up and down their stairs, raising money so that the charity can help those living in poverty to deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

So Nathan teamed up with Bonnie to take part in the challenge, with an aim of raising £120. But supporters

flocked to support them and have raised £2,800 – so far.

“I’m incredibly shocked by how much we’ve raised,” Nathan says. “I had no idea it would raise what it did.

“Our neighbourhood Whatsapp group, Shinfield Baptist Church, the running club I’m in and the Shinfield community, they’ve all been fantastic.

There’s been a number of anonymous donors, I can’t thank them personally.”

He admitted that the constant trekking up and down the steps did get repetitive, but Bonnie posted pictures of the types of wildlife that you might see if you were trekking with them.

These became posts on their JustGiving page.

While it helped the family, who live in Earley, get some exercise during the lockdown, there was an added benefit for the pastor: “I was inspired

by Tearfund,” he says.

“I would often pray for the countries that they help”.

It’s not all that his church has been doing during the pandemic. While its buildings have been closed, it has been meeting online, and members have been looking out for vulnerable and isolated people, working with Shinfield View and collecting for foodbanks.

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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angelagarwood Honest motherhood

the Hookers are cross the borough

Preparing for a tiny miracle

I Some of the crocheted creations from the needles of Suki Bhamra

A century of advice helps Suki pick up a new skill

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk A LOCAL care assistant has been stitched up by her love of crochet, which she took up in 2018 after visiting a 100-year-old client.

Ms White added: “As someone who has a mother living in a care home I know how tough this period has been for the residents.

“I haven’t seen my mum for over 10 weeks due to the virus which is heartbreaking, but if we can make even just a small difference with our donation that is what counts.”

While not stitching, the team have been making the most of video calls to

check up on each other and share stories about family and life in lockdown.

The Hookers have also welcomed new members which they look forward to meeting in person when government guidelines allow them to do so.

For more information about the team’s projects search Facebook for barkhamhookerscharitypage.

and came down a mountain

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

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

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

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

She also donated a crochet doll of an NHS worker to Wexham Park Hospital as she wanted to show

We’ll meet again

Honey, I ate Kevin

When Vera sang that famous song Back in those war-time years Not knowing we’d be singing it To help us through Corona fears

Cooped up with a five-year-old Isn’t that much fun So when I found the shops were bare I knew the time had come So, Honey, I ate Kevin The vicar told me so Said ‘The good Lord will provide’ So Kevin had to go

‘We’ll Meet Again’ she sang ‘Don’t know where, don’t know when’ And now with families split apart Just as we were back then Nathan and Bonnie Hunt pitch their tent on Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Tearfund

“It’s opened my eyes,” he says. “We have online services watched by more people that can physically come into the building, we’ve prepared a couple of services for Shinfield View, and we’ve sent flowers and messages to local schools to encourage them.

“People at Shinfield Baptist are good at supporting each other.

“Some have had to self-isolate and we have had a great team organising visitors to them, dropping things off.

“And we’ve been meeting on Zoom as well.”

Part of that communication has been the encouragement for his mountaineering. Is this the first time that he’s been up a mountain?

“I’ve climbed a few,” he says, “But never that high. I’d like to do the real thing, but it’s a bit crowded and expensive. I can raise more by climbing the stairs.” � To donate, log on to justgiving.com/ fundraising/nathanstheclimb2020

thanks to all the NHS workers there who have been working so hard at this difficult time.

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

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

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

“Believe in yourself and do not give up.”

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

And although the news is dismal ‘We’ll keep on smiling through’ Uniting our great nation ‘Just as we always do’

Next week I’ll eat your mother ’Cos she’s getting on my wick I know that she’ll be tough as boots And probably make me sick But the dog is fed and happy And sitting by my side In peaceful isolation Together we’ll survive.

Jean Hill

As each day we fight the virus Through uncertainty and pain We’ll lift our hearts together ‘One sunny day we’ll meet again’

� Have you written any lockdowninspired verse? We’d love to be able to share them with our readers, email news@wokingampaper.co.uk

So as the country stands together And again we fight a foe No bombs to drop upon our heads But courage we must show

am now 32 weeks pregnant. And I feel it.

I feel it when I sit, stand, or try and go on a walk longer than my bladder will permit.

With two months still to go, I am aware it’s not going to get any more comfortable any time soon.

The pregnancy pillow I used when I was carrying Maia, the one I spoke so highly of, I find irritating this time around.

It doesn’t quite do the trick like it used to.

You’re not supposed to lie on your back when you’re heavily pregnant, (sides only) so out of the four usual sleeping positions, I am now restricted to two.

I spend my nights physically deciding between them.

Occasionally I’ll shove a pillow between my legs, only to throw it on the floor in a huff minutes later.

The whole routine is both ridiculous and slightly amusing for my partner to witness.

He tries to sympathise, but it only frustrates me further that he doesn’t know exactly how it feels, and cannot truly empathise. (Which of course is not his fault, his job is to rub my back and say comforting things, which he is very good at).

On the practical side, we are working our way through a mighty to do/to buy list.

We’ve been gifted and loaned bits and pieces from friends and family, so that’s been a huge help.

Comfort My mother bought me an electric breast pump for my birthday, which was both a joy to receive and a daunting reminder of the perils of breastfeeding.

I’ve yet to finish packing my hospital bag, but it’s on it’s way.

At the moment it consists of a nightie, some pyjama bottoms and the new oversized granny pants I bought online from Sainsbury’s for after the birth.

(I say “after the birth”, I’ve been wearing them for the last few weeks after purchasing several packs. They’re the most comfortable bits of fabric I’ve ever worn, and I might never go back to anything flattering ever again).

My “to buy for hospital” list now has very few items left on it.

I spent last Friday night adding things like nipple cream and fragranced nappy bags to my Boots basket, hitting order and feeling very satisfied with myself.

I had the same feeling when I ordered our Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Advanced Nappy Disposal Sangenic Tec Starter Pack, also known as a fancy nappy bin.

It seemed costly for what it was, but then how can you say no to “The only bin that individually seals each nappy for unbeatable odour block”.

We had the same bin with Maia and I got a kick twisting, clicking and watching the dirty nappy disappear into an odourless vacuum.

At 3am, you get your highs where you get them.

With eight weeks to go, or less if the little darling decides to show up early to the party, I can say that yes we are nearly ready.

But also no, despite all the breast pads a woman will ever need, we will never be truly ready for the tiny miracle about to enter our lives.

22 | SOCIETY

helenabadger volunteer corner

Opportunities to help

T

HAMES Hospice is a local charity that provides expert care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.

It has a charity shop in Wokingham helps us to raise vital funds.

The shop re-opened this week and is looking for new volunteers.

Thames Hospice says it is flexible with shifts and volunteers can be doing tasks such as: customer service, till work, sorting donations, steaming clothes, pricing goods or window displays.

Tasks and shifts are available to suit all. � National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) provide a voice for children and young people who need to be heard.

The service is looking to recruit volunteers to act as Independent Visitors to support young people who are under Local Authority care in Wokingham.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who provides support and friendship to a young person in care.

This involves establishing a long-term supportive relationship where the young person will have the opportunity to develop their interests, learn new skills and build their self-esteem.

You do not need any special qualifications, but we are looking for dedicated people of all ages who are comfortable with befriending and being a good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.

NYAS ask that you are able to commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of two years.

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children’s charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun.

An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role. � Wokingham in Need (WIN) is a local charity, set up to support the local community and make Wokingham a great place to live for all its residents.

Founded just over four years ago, WIN was created to help the vulnerable and to benefit as many people as possible, including the homeless; those with learning disabilities, brain damage and mental health issues; the elderly; the terminally ill; and those affected by drug and alcohol misuse.

Following the success of several local initiatives, the charity is growing and it is in desperate need of someone to assist with its fundraising activities.

WIN says it is looking for an enthusiastic person who loves the idea of helping the community.

Experience of fundraising would be great, but passion and energy are just as important if you have never done this before. � These are some of the latest opportunities on our books. Contact us: tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer.

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INTHECOMMUNITY

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

News from your community groups, clubs and societies Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Remembering Margaret Balaam MARGARET Barbara Balaam sadly passed away on April 7, 2020.

Margaret served on the committees of numerous organizations, including Wokingham In Need, Wokingham Rotary, Satellite Club of Wokingham and was involved in many more. Her dedication to others was outstanding and she was always there to listen to those that had a problem.

She had a successful working career and was a very astute business woman. In recent years she had her own company providing carers in the local community.

This was very successful and this showed just how much Margaret cared for people in need.

The partnership with Wokingham In Need has been over the last few years and Margaret was an active member of our group.

We all miss her but remember how she would pull us all back when in a discussion and provide us with her words of expertise.

I personally will miss that from WIN’s point of view but will also miss Margaret as a personal friend – I will never forget her as I am sure is the case for many.

Margaret has left behind many close friends but also a loving family who will now move forward in her memory.

Sue Jackson – Founder Wokingham In Need Margaret was such a kind and caring person, she will be missed so much by her friends and family, colleagues and acquaintances alike.

Margaret was one of the key

COATS Crowthorne

members of the Wokingham Rotary Club, striving to bring it up into the 21st century, as a past president and secretary she will be sorely missed, but well remembered for her tremendous enthusiasm to help others.

Rob Hughes, Wokingham Rotary Margaret was first and foremost a close and stylish friend.

As a fellow trustee at the children's charity 'Building for the Future', Margaret's dynamism and business experience were plain for all to see.

She distinguished herself in the role of president and secretary of the Rotary Club of Wokingham and was a close associate of the Windsor Forest Unicorn Club.

She was often the driving force

behind several charitable initiatives that benefited our town, including the successful launch of the Wokingham Tree of Light.

Margaret will be long remembered by all who had the good fortune to know her.

Gerry Mortimore A virtual funeral was held for close family due to these difficult times but donations can be given to The Sue Ryder Wokingham Day Hospice, Barkham Road, Wokingham, Berkshire.

Cheques, pyable to Sue Ryder (Wokingham Day Hospice), can be sent to: David Greedy Funeral Directors, The House of Grace, 220 Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6DS.

THE COATS charity for seniors will be re-opening their popular charity shop as a pop-up shop in their Centre in Pinewood Avenue, Crowthorne from today.

The usual shop, on Crowthorne’s High Street, has been closed since March 17.

Now that non-essential shops can re-open we realised that the COATS Centre was an ideal space in which to set up our charity shop.

Our high street shop premises are quite small and do not lend themselves to social distancing and the other measures needed to operate safely.

However, our recently refurbished and spacious centre means we can set up shop with all the measures needed to make shopping with us a safe and enjoyable experience.

With hand sanitiser dispensers throughout, a one-way system and strict 72-hour quarantining of stock will be open for business on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

We will accept donations on these days and at these times too and expect quite a rush of both shoppers and donors when we re-open.

Our shop floor is big enough to allow as many as 12 shoppers browsing or queuing indoors at any one time.

All sales will be Card only with protective screening in place around our till.

Our team of volunteers have worked hard to set up in the Centre and we look forward to welcoming customers old and new.

The COATS Shop co-ordinator, Theresa Radford, said that, sadly, the COATS Centre is closed to visitors until further notice due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Wokingham Horticultural Association

F

OLLOWING a successful tour of the Ormonde Road allotments on Sunday, Wokingham Town Mayor and Mayoress - Tony and Claire Lack returned on Monday to meet committee members of the Wokingham Horticultural Association, of which Cllr Lack is VicePresident during his term as Mayor.

The Mayoress was delighted to be presented with a fabulous vase of sweet peas, grown by allotment holder, Terry Miller.

They inspected the progress of a new 'Garden Room' and were able to meet WHA members Paul Jarvis and Terry Miller who have, in the space of two weeks, transformed a small piece of waste land near the WHA Trading Store.

The work should be finished within the next fortnight and provide a pleasant and safe environment for those in the community who have been unable to leave their homes during the pandemic.

Social distancing was maintained during the visit by the use of 6ft bamboo canes laid out between chairs.

Funding for the Garden Room project has been made available jointly by the Town Council and a grant from the supermarket Tesco.

The Tesco grant was awarded

to fund initiatives undertaken during the Covid-19 emergency situation and initially went to help provide items for the 'Sow a Seed' kits.

These were put together at the

Trading Store, under strict social distancing in late April.

The kits contained seeds, some of which were donated by Ormonde Road allotmenteers, plant pots, compost and instructions.

The 50 kits were included in the goody bags distributed from the hub at St Crispin’s School and their aim was to help create an interest and diversion for the recipients – some of whom may never have sown a seed before.

The WHA launched a virtual show in April to replace their cancelled horticultural Spring Show and members are now preparing their entries for a virtual Summer Show.

Judging will be by popular vote with the results announced on Sunday, June 28, followed, we hope by a certificate presentation by the Mayor the following weekend.

We hope that some of the restrictions will have been relaxed by then and that we will be able to invite more people to visit the Garden Room for the presentations.

For further information about Wokingham Horticultural Associatyion, visit the website at www.w-h-a.org.uk Pauline MacBrayne

Thursday, June 4, 18,2020 2020WOKINGHAM.TODAY WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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24 | NEWS

Where’s there votes, there’s brass A CHARITY that helps bring music to some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in the world has won a public vote of support.

Specialist insurance firm Ecclesiastical has awarded £1,000 to Brass For Africa as part of a £1 million giveaway this summer.

There are 500 awards of £1,000 available for donation.

Joining Brass For Africa, which is based in Wokingham, is Hyperlipidaemia Education & Atherosclerosis Research Trust UK, which has offices in Maidenhead.

More than 880 residents voted for a total of 60 charities across the region.

Mark Hews, group CEO of Ecclesiastical, said: “We have seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards and would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause.

“It’s clear that people care deeply about those in need, and from looking at the nomination data, community organisations seem to hold a particularly fond place in the hearts of residents.”

For more about the Movement for Good awards, visit: ecclesiastical.com/ movementforgood

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Arts centre launches appeal to raise £500,000 after Covid-19 lockdown

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A BRACKNELL-based arts centre says that unless it gets support it will disappear.

South Hill Park has launched the urgent appeal saying that the future for the arts remains uncertain and it does not have sufficient funds to reopen. It is asking the public to help donate £500,000 to keep the centre operating.

In a YouTube appeal, Craig Titley, the chief executive of the popular centre, said: “South Hill Park is more than just a theatre” and that it had been serving the local community for 35 years.

But the act of reopening will cause issues.

Like many businesses, it has had to furlough staff in recent months and Mr Tilley said that the centre was “grateful” for the Government’s scheme.

However, “South Hill Park will disappear if we do not act now”, he warned. “The future for arts remains uncertain, some theatres have closed permanently.”

South Hill Park is more than just theatre. It includes an art gallery, studio space, a cinema and a cafe. As well as plays and live performances, it has a weekly comedy night, holds regular

festivals and offers adult education in disciplines such as pottery, computing and jewellery making.

It has been mothballed since the lockdown began, and work is underway to prepare to reopen under socially distanced rules.

Mr Titley warned, in a letter on the arts centre’s website: “When the Government tells us that we can open our doors, it will not be like turning on a tap.

We will need to pay staff – once the furlough scheme ends – generate an audience, create a programme, sell tickets and resume our community engagement work and as yet we do not

know the full impact of social distancing in performance spaces.

“At first we will have all the costs but very little income, and it is likely to take several weeks, if not months to return to normal.”

He added: “We recognise that this is a time of uncertainty for everyone.

However, if you can, your donation – however large or small – will play a significant part in helping us resume our role as a vital and much-loved venue and service.” � To accept donations, it has launched a fundraising microsite: southhillpark.org.uk/ donate

You can’t keep a good spoon down! There’s another Spoonville to enjoy. This one is in Hatchwood, Winnersh. The brightly coloured collection of characters, all made from a wooden spoon, join other villages in Winnersh, Emmbrook and Shinfield Picture: Tony Johnson

BBC Mike gets on his hobby horse

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell will be lending his support to the first ever virtual Hurst Show and Country Fayre this year.

The show’s hobby horse competition, where households are encouraged to make and display their own hobby horses, is open for entries now. Voting for the winner is via Facebook and final judging will be by Mike.

Hurst Show staged the inaugural UK Hobby Horse Jumping Championship in 2017 attracting entries from all over Berkshire and beyond.

The event featured on Mike’s BBC Breakfast TV show.

The traditional Hurst Show was cancelled this year due to Covid-19.

Instead, the organisers hope the show’s virtual equivalent will still fundraise for causes including Alexander Devine Hospice, Wokingham charity Just Around the Corner and St Nicholas CofE Primary School.

Thousands of people from a wide area normally visit the show, with the show donating over £15,000 to local charities last year. It is hoped to raise a similar amount via the virtual event.

Everyone is invited to take part in online and socially distanced events all over June,

The Hurst Show’s hobby horse race in previous years

culminating in what would have been the show weekend, June 27 and 28.

The show will kick off with an online village-themed quiz at 7.30pm on Friday June 26, followed by an online wine tasting session on Zoom hosted

by Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Twyford.

Around Hurst, weather permitting, there will be the Hurst Garden Gate Trail – free, socially distanced garden displays of paintings, photography and craft to browse, with some also for sale.

These will be open on June 27 and 28, 10am – 5pm.

Visitors are reminded to observe social distancing measures whilst enjoying these.

Hurst caterers, The Castle Inn and Vintage Hog Roast, are providing paella and also hog roast rolls, both with

accompaniments. These must be ordered in advance.

An ice cream van will tour the village and area on both days.

An online family disco is being provided by local DJ, Thames Valley Discos on the Saturday evening at 6.30pm.

Other events online now are virtual classic vehicle and dog shows and a virtual market showcasing the online shops of stallholders who regularly support the show. In an online treasure hunt, for a small donation, players can pick a square for the chance to win a copy of the new Village Souvenir Magazine.

Most events are free to participate in, but donations can be made by visiting justgiving. com/crowdfunding/hurst-show. � For more details, log on to www.hurstshow.uk

Presspack

At school? This is the page you can write! We welcome your articles, poems, pictures and stories for this page. Send your articles to news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

News from schools | Stories from pupils harrybradley Harry’s world

A new road to travel

S

O, the world seems to be moving forward again. The pause button has been deactivated and we're back on track.

Traffic where I live, on the Reading Road, is backing up just like to good old days!

I’ve finished my end of year exams and have a weekend trip to the beach planned with a group of friends.

I’m back at ‘real’ school next week and I’ve got University open days to look forward to.

Who knows, I even may head over to The Oracle for some new summer clothes.

Yes, we're back on track but the road looks very different to the one we’ve walked before.

My exams were done online, like all the 'lessons' I’ve had since the end of March.

The weekend trip to the beach involves travelling in two separate cars and it's just a few select friends to keep contact to a minimum plus we’ll all be taking our own food.

Don't even get me started on what will happen if I need the loo while out for the day.

School also starts on Monday, which is incredibly exciting, but it hasn’t quite returned in full.

It will only be for a couple of days and we’ll be in 'bubbles' with just 10 other students.

Uni open days are virtual but I’m already getting use to that, with other online lectures and seminars getting me in an online state of mind.

Although the high street has reopened, browsing for clothes and shoes doesn’t hold the same appeal and I can’t really shop with my friends, which was always the best part.

So yes, the world is moving forward again and we’re back on track but it’s a totally different track to the one we walked pre-Covid.

I’m beginning to face up to the fact that I’ll probably never set foot on that path again but I’m heading in the same direction, just taking a different route.

The busy traffic on my road might be a pain but at least it’s a constant reminder that life has started to pick back up again.

For me that means A Levels, in whichever form they take next year.

Hopefully University too, whether it’s virtual lectures or not.

And days out with my friends.

Yes, my road to all of these places may look totally different but I’m okay with that.

The open road awaits Picture: jodeng from Pixabay

SCHOOLS | 25

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Waverley hopes to return to class

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk A FINCHAMPSTEAD-based school is hoping that it can reopen to all pupils from Monday.

Waverley Preparatory has, like most schools, already welcomed back reception, Year 1 and 6 pupils, as well as its nursery children.

Now it is seeking permission to see as many children as possible return for lessons.

Headteacher Guy Shore said: “At Waverley, we passionately believe that children are best educated at school.

“While homeschooling can be a good backstop, it can rarely deliver as reliable and robust an education as a well-run school.

“We have made extensive preparations for the return of all our remaining pupils to school that mirror the procedures already in place for those pupils who have returned.

“These measures include smaller class sizes, social distancing, one-way systems, staggered drop-off and pick-up times, and social bubbles for classrooms and break times.”

The school said that for the year groups that have already returned, more than 80% – four in five – of its pupils are back in the classroom.

It also says that there is strong support from parents for the plan to reopen for remaining year groups from Monday, June 22.

“The teaching professionals and support staff here at Waverley have spent their working lives helping young minds reach their full potential,” continued Mr Shore.

“We are an extremely dedicated team with our pupils’ best interests and education at the forefront of everything we do.

“By the time they leave Waverley, our pupils are significantly ahead of their state school counterparts and our goal is to maintain this level of excellence.

“This is perhaps why the School has maintained its Best in Berkshire status over the last nine years.”

And Mr Shore’s plans have support from Waverley’s chair of governors, Blair Jenkins.

“On Monday last week, the UK Government abandoned its plans to open state schools before the end of term,” he said.

“The Government again on Wednesday last week confirmed that state schools will remain closed to the other year groups.

“We are strongly of the opinion that children are best educated at school.

“Waverley firmly believes that it has implemented robust procedures over and above Covidguidelines.

“The school is currently awaiting permission from the Department for Education to re-open as planned.”

Lockdown video to receive premiere

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk AN online community project culminates on Monday with the release of an animated video inspired by local people’s experiences of lockdown.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead launched All Write Together in April.

Its aim was to help people stay creative and connected while staying safe at home.

The eight-week project saw professional poet Simon Mole lead free online workshops with people of all ages from the local community.

Over the course of several weeks, Simon explored different themes with the public, based around the situation we have all found ourselves in during the Covid-19 pandemic. Themes included ‘keeping in touch’, ‘journeys’ and ‘the future’.

The public were invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas around the themes via social media or by emailing them in.

At the end of the workshops, Simon collated the words of the public to create a community poem. He has worked with illustrator Scott Tyrell to bring the poem to life through an animation that reflects this time.

How has the process been different to how you would normally work?

Looking at people on a screen is obviously a hugely different experience to sitting with them in a room, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how quickly a comparable atmosphere of friendly creativity can develop.

Most of my other poetry workshops on Zoom have been with large groups of young children, so these sessions were definitely more relaxing!

Did you have any expectations of the project?

I wasn’t totally sure what to expect, as our first sessions were very early on in lockdown.

Having this positive creative space to connect with other people outside my house (even whilst inside my house) became a really important part of my week on a personal level too, and it was really moving to read the poems that people sent in each week.

What has the response from the public been like?

The quality of the poems sent in have been brilliant. All the workshop participants came with such a friendly and open attitude, and were really up for trying out this different way of working.

One participant emailed me at the end of the project saying that having this chance to laugh and create in a group had made a big difference to her life at that time. It really brought home to me how important creativity and connection are, and how lucky we are in Maidenhead to have an arts centre so committed to its community.

Did anything surprise you about the project?

The main surprise for me was that I didn’t expect to write the poem in the way that I did – it all rhymes for one thing, and that’s something I haven’t done for quite a while. I think that surprising yourself with your writing is almost always a good sign, as it usually indicates you’ve allowed yourself to be guided by the subject matter and the needs of the poem itself. I really tried to reflect the vibe of the workshops as well as including the ideas and topics we’d covered – I really hope that the people who took part like it! � The All Write Together video will be released on Norden Farm’s YouTube channel on Monday.

26 | LEISURE

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Curtain up for the new Rep

C

URTAINS will soon be opening at a new Reading theatre thanks to a fundraising campaign which has raised more than £500,000.

Reading Rep Theatre announced the news earlier this month as the cash sum reached the amount needed for their new cultural arts hub.

The Kings Road venue, which will be the organisation’s first permanent home in Reading, is set to open in 2021 and will provide facilities required for the company to continue their all year-round entertainment.

It will include a 168-seat theatre as well as a permanent education and learning centre, backstage areas, new front of house facilities, and a café/bar.

Founder and artistic director of Reading Rep Theatre, Paul Stacey said: “We are grateful to so many organisations and people who have helped us raise these funds and you will be able to find out more about them in further announcements.

“We simply can’t wait to open the doors of our new venue for the first time

and give the communities we serve the opportunity to experience live theatre again.”

The state-of-the-art space will also allow them to continue delivering outreach opportunities to those with least access to the arts.

And the company hopes the new start will allow them to bring theatre-lovers together following what has been a difficult period for all members of the community.

Mr Stacey added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been monumentally challenging for the arts, but as we emerge from isolation, Reading Rep’s mission to strengthen the local community will be more urgent than ever.

“Theatre brings people together in a shared space to tell a collective narrative: these stories will be essential as our community comes together again and I can’t wait to share them our audiences.”

Fundraising for the hub was made possible by a variety of trusts, foundations, businesses and individuals

An artist’s impression of how the new Reading Rep Theatre will look as well Arts Council England (ACE).

ACE area director of the South East, Hedley Swain said: “This is an exciting time for culture in Reading and Arts Council England is really pleased to be able to support this initiative, which will provide a much needed venue for some of the town’s excellent theatrical work”.

Reading Borough Council’s lead for culture, Cllr Karen Rowland added: “Reading Rep has clearly shown itself to be a top quality leader in Reading’s theatrical landscape; and a group that is always ensuring theatre is accessible to all.

“Their rapid re-invention and

creativity with on-line workshops and performance during the current Covid19 crisis is typical of their “can do” attitude.

“Their quick rise in recent years to a major player in Reading’s expanding theatrical scene is commendable and I urge others to continue to watch this space for more from Reading Rep.” There are still ways to support the fundraising campaign by donating, buying a brick or sponsoring a seat at the new venue.

For more information, visit: www. readingrep.com/support-us/new-theatre TAZ USHER

When you’re smiling …

T

HE whole world knows that when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.

And for a collective of passionate musicians, they know that what the world needs right now is love, sweet love. And possibly some Que Sera Sera.

Singing is a great unifier that puts a smile on people’s faces and in these lockdown times, that’s needed more than ever.

The coronavirus has seen all musicians unable to perform publicly.

Some have performed on doorsteps, some have made Zoom videos and others, well, they want to spread some sunshine in their lives.

Alison Jones launched The Smiling Sessions back in 2012. It’s aimed at bringing people who live in sheltered and managed homes together through the power of music. They’ve been visiting residents to sing everything from Bing Crosby to Elvis Presley, encouraging them to join in, and take their requests.

It’s a great initiative that taps into music’s abilities to bring people together, improve their health and get them dancing and playing instruments.

But with care homes not open to visitors, their regular sessions have been put on hold. In response, Alison has done something really special: a weekly singalong video featuring some of the biggest names in music and comedy.

Guests have included La Voix, Rod Argent from The Zombies, actor Derek Riddell, Jay Aston and Cheryl Baker from Bucks Fizz, comedian Lucy Porter, singer Daniel O’Donnell and the legendary Basil Brush.

Together with Pete Balkie and Neil Herd, Alison and her guests lead a subtitled singalong. It could be anything from Que Sera Sera, Sweet Caroline and What a Wonderful World.

And it’s all compiled remotely.

A Smiling Session in action at a care home – the songs are performed on a television screen for residents to enjoy “After two weeks of shock at the closures, and coming to terms with all of our work being at a standstill, we came up with the idea,” Alison says. “I’m not technical, but my team are, we had a chat about how to make it work.

“We’ve had to learn new skills and buy some new equipment, we’ve learned some tricks and it’s happening. It’s a lot of work, and very time consuming, but we’ve had a great reception.”

Alison has had an extensive career, and is used to performing at festivals such as Womad and Isle of Wight, but this is something different.

“We just love it,” she says. “We’ve the excitement of playing and the unexpected excitement of attracting celebrities. It adds a whole new dimension. It’s fantastic.”

When they are making the music, Alison on her violin and accompanying the guest singer, “I don’t think of it as performing to a computer screen, I think of the people receiving it, in their homes

and rooms, and touching their hearts.”

She admits that it has not been easy to perform remotely, but does think that it’s worth it.

“Music is so complex in how it affects people,” she explains.

“Singing is a unifier, it’s a group thing, it brings out feel-good emotions, music makes us feel good. It’s good for the lungs, blood pressure and stress, singing is really good for you.”

And there’s more: “Singing triggers incredible memories, and singing together brings a sense of community, it helps connect the lonely.”

Launching The Smiling Sessions online has also brought home just how isolated some people have been during the lockdown.

Alison says that some of the people she wants to reach have been stuck in their rooms and unable to get out, and don’t have access to the internet or phones that enable them to have video calls or catch-up on online television.

“It’s quite shocking that people haven’t had that connection that some people take for granted,” she says.

The result is that she has launched a fundraising campaign to purchase ipads and tablet computers so that residents in care homes can tune in to the Smile Sessions.

“The appeal is really starting to pick up,” Alison says. “Donations have been brilliant.”

And she is hoping that the app they are creating will make it easier for homes to allow their residents to tap into the songs, even if they don’t have a wifi connection in their rooms.

It’s important, because it will be some time before care homes will be able to accept visitors.

“I’ll be very surprised if we can go into them before the autumn, it could even be Christmas,” Alison says. “I suspect we’ll be the last groups to return. We’d rather keep people safe as possible.

“It will be a while before we can have face-to-face performances, but we can still have music.”

But even when life is back to normal, Alison is excited about the possibilities that have been opened to her: “This has got legs in a way I never imagined.

“We can reach out to more people than we did previously, we can reach them anywhere in the world. We’ve started in England, then Scotland and Wales, and Australia.

“I’m really excited by it.”

And, as she has sung, it’s a wonderful world.

To watch the videos, search for The Smiling Remotely Weekly Singalong Sessions on YouTube, they are by Shapeshifter Productions.

To donate click here: https:// localgiving.org/appeal/smilingremotely/ And any staff at a care home or isolating wishing to join in the weekly singalongs can contact: smiling@shapeshifter-productions.com

LEISURE | 27

28 | LEISURE

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IN THE KITCHEN

Reach out and touch your garden

S

ENSORY gardens appeal to all our senses – sight, smell, sound, taste and touch – helping to reduce stress and anxiety and providing us with a place that helps encourage wellbeing and mindfulness.

A fragrant garden is familiar to many, but in these social distancing times being able to touch and feel plants and structures is also beneficial.

Creating gardens with plants and features that say ‘touch me’ encourages interaction and can also be a good way to practice mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness concentrates your mind on the ‘here and now’ and is a proven way of dealing with mild depression or anxiety. Focus on the what the plants feel like – not just their fragrance when touched – from leathery and lacey through to soft and smooth. You can also mix plants that are great to touch with tactile hard landscaping elements such as a water feature, smooth polished round pebbles or the glazed ceramics.

Some top touching plants and features to consider would be …

Leaves - try Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lambs Ear. Its soft, downy, furry silver-grey leaves area favourite amongst gardeners who tend to use it for ground cover in rich soil. As a contrast there is Acuba japonica (Japanese laurel) which has smooth, glossy leathery leaves.

Flowers - who can resist touching a bottlebrush Callistemon cintrinus – bundles of tiny delicate stamen flowers form a brush that’s soft to touch – or the soft paper-thin petals of a poppy Papaver orientale.

Grasses - run your hand over the arching, threadlike leaves of feathery Stipa tenuissima also known as Mexican feather grass or the more robust drought proof ornamental Festuca glauca with thread like blue foliage that forms dense mounds.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com

Coronation Chicken

A tactile garden helps the senses engage with nature Bark – tree bark can also provide a tactile experience especially when it’s the stunning flowering cherry Prunus serrulate with mahogany coloured bark that peels away in bands round the trunk.

Landscaping – you can easily vary the textures in your garden by choosing different hard landscaping options. If you have smooth pebbles surrounding a water feature that you can run your hand over and through, then you could place lichen-covered rocks in another area of the garden.

Our general wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the natural world which is why Beech Hillbased Thrive – the gardening for health

charity – has developed a Gardening Club.

It includes fortnightly tips on getting the most out of your garden, whatever you age or ability, and information on how gardening can keep you healthy and feeling good.

For more details, or to sign up, log on to www.thrive.org.uk/get-involved/keep-intouch/subscribe-to-gardening-club � Thrive is the UK’s leading provider of social and therapeutic horticulture programmes using gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities, ill-health or mental health issues, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. www.thrive.org.uk

T

HIS is a great summer barbecue party dish to feed hungry people allowing the barbecue chef to relax and enjoy cooking with a cold beer or iced lemonade.

Ingredients for 8 � 600g Diced chicken breast � 2 Tsp Curry powder � 1 Tsp Garam Masalla � 1 Tsp finely grated garlic � 1 Tsp Finely grated ginger � 4 Tsp fine desiccated coconut � 2 Drops Almond extract � 6 Tbsp Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt � 1 Small carrot peeled and coarsely grated � 1 Small onion finely sliced and diced

Petsandvets With Michael Morrow

How do you treat pets for lymphoma?

T

HE lymphomas (malignant lymphoma or lymphosarcoma) are a diverse group of cancers that originate from a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte.

They are one of the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs and cats. This cancer usually arises in lymph tissues such as lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, and bone marrow; however, it can arise in almost any tissue in the body including the skin, the brain or spinal cord, bones, heart, or intestines.

In the cat, it is most commonly found in the intestinal tract. Lymphoma can occur in any breed. Middle-aged to older dogs and cats are most commonly affected; however, young cats that carry the feline leukaemia virus may also develop lymphoma.

Because lymphoma can affect any tissue in the body, symptoms can be vague and may reflect the organ that is involved. Signs of lymphoma can include generalised lymph gland swelling and enlargement (most easily felt under the jaw, in front of the shoulder and behind the knee), loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive drinking, skin lumps Most dogs with lymphoma still feel fine and the glandular enlargements are often noticed incidentally by the owner, the groomer, or the veterinarian during routine examination. In the cat, most cases involve the intestinal tract so diarrhoea and weight loss are the most common symptoms in that species.

In most cases a needle aspirate or biopsy of the affected organ(s) is required to make the diagnosis.

Some of the equipment we’d use when treating a loved pete for lymphoma.

Using singleagent chemotherapy can result in remissions

This usually involves a biopsy or removal of a lymph gland in dogs as that is the most common organ involved. In cats and dogs with the intestinal form of the disease, biopsies may be obtained through the use of a fibre optic scope or an abdominal exploratory surgery.

Additional tests may be required to more accurately determine the prognosis in each individual. Certain test results are known to predict whether a particular dog or cat is likely to respond to therapy.

Your veterinarian will also ask a pathologist to determine if the lymphoma is a "high" or "low" grade subtype. This will help determine how aggressive the treatment will be. Additionally, blood tests to assess the overall health of the pet are important because the disease usually occurs in older animals that may have complicating diseases such as diabetes, kidney, heart, or liver disease.

In general, most pets with lymphoma have involvement of multiple glands and/or multiple organs, so called "multicentric" lymphoma.

Therefore most treatment types available involve medications that go to all parts of the body (i.e., chemotherapy). The gold standard of care for multicentric lymphoma is a combination of four or five chemotherapy drugs given into the vein in an alternating fashion either weekly or every other week. Individual outcomes can be better predicted if the cell type, grade, organ involved, and stage are known.

Using single-agent chemotherapy can result in remissions; however, the length of the remission is shorter than in multi-drug protocols.

For those clients who choose simple steroid therapy (e.g., oral prednisone), responses tend to be only a month or two in length.

� Half a cup of red or white cabbage finely sliced and diced � 2 Tsp Sugar � 50ml Sunflower oil � Thin slices of mild fresh or pickled green chillies � 2 TBSP Golden Sultanas (0ptional)

Method Stir fry the chicken with the curry powder, garam masalla, ginger, Coconut, sugar and garlic in the oil over a low heat until cooked through.

Add the rest of the ingredients and take off the heat. Mix well and allow to cool then refrigerate to serve.

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com

Providing personal care for all your pets

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health please contact your veterinary surgery forRG41 advice.2FD Oaklands Park, Wokingham If your dog is displaying any of the symptoms above be aware that some of these are non-specific and your vet will need to examine the animal and decide on a treatment plan. � Michael Morrow owns and runs St Vincents Veterinary Surgery, an independent practice providing personal care for pets in and around Wokingham since 2005. For more information call us on 0118 9793200 or visit www.stvincentsvets.co.uk

0118 979 3200

Providing personal care for all your pets Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD

0118 979 3200

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 29

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Band to bring live music back to Wokingham

W

OKINGHAM residents are in for a live treat this weekend as a local band will be bringing their music directly to homes across the area.

It’s been two months since The FiLF announced they’d be embarking on a charity truck tour gig across Wokingham.

Now the time has finally come to dust off your dancing shoes as the long awaited performance comes to your doorsteps on Saturday.

Taking their tunes to the road – literally – for the first time in FiLF history, the spirited foursome are planning to liven up isolation with a “varied and uplifting” set list on Saturday.

In partnership with Hall & Co builders, The FiLF will perform their set on the back of a flatbed truck travelling through many of the main residential areas of Wokingham.

The route includes Bean Oak, Keephatch, Montague Park, Norreys Avenue, Woosehill, Eldridge Park, Starmead Drive, Rances Lane, Seaford Road and of course the town centre.

Ady Dolan, keyboardist and singer in The FiLF said: “The idea is to bring the music to the people, so that they can enjoy it without the need to leave their front gardens.

“Safety is of course our number one priority, both on and off the truck.

“We'll be socially distanced whilst we are playing and supported by safety support vehicles throughout.”

Driven by Wayne Hall of Hall & Co, the band will be performing throughout the journey, giving people the opportunity to watch from their doorsteps and sing along.

The set list is reported to have

The FiLF are ready to rock Wokingham on Saturday guaranteed crowd pleasers and well-known anthems.

Raising funds for the Wokingham Community Response to Covid-19, the band are now over halfway to their target of £1,000.

Mike Rice, guitarist and singer in The FiLF, said: “We have such a brilliantly loyal following. It’s our turn to give something back.

“We’ve been planning our Truck Tour since the moment lockdown began back in March.

We can’t wait to get out there and start playing.”

The idea came about when the band were discussing innovative ways to spread joy during such a turbulent time for many.

Joel Molloy, drummer in The FiLF said: "Our aim is to make everyone smile and bring some positivity to the people of Wokingham.

“We’ve got a cracking setlist

planned and we want to see as many people as possible dancing outside their houses".

In the lead up to their unique performance, the group have produced several music videos as snippets of what’s to come, which are available to watch on their social media channels.

Due to lockdown restrictions, the videos were recorded individually and then cleverly layered together to create the final product.

“We’ve had a lot of fun with our music videos but you can't beat performing live, so we are very excited to bring the tunes to the road,” said bass player Martin Payler.

“We are essentially four mates who love music and want to cheer up the town in what has been a difficult few months.

“We ask that you help us, by

supporting our local community COVID-19 response team and their incredible efforts to help those less fortunate during these unprecedented times.”

So keep an eye –or should we say ear – out for the cheeky chappies on Saturday.

Having formed in a back garden in Seaford Road, The FiLF have been playing in pubs and at birthday parties and weddings since 2008. � For more information and updates about the Truck Tour, including when the mobile musicians might be passing by your house visit www.facebook.com/Thefilf/. � To donate to The Wokingham Borough Community Response to COVID-19 visit https:// www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ thefilftrucktour2020 ANGELA GARWOOD

wokinghamlovesmusic

bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

S

UMMERTIME and the listening is easy.

Here is our latest Top Ten of Wokingham-borough influenced music, curated by Chris Hillman from White Star Records.

Each of the 10 artists featured includes music played, created or promoted in Wokingham.

You can find it on Spotify, search for Wokingham Loves Music or visit bit.ly/ wokinghamlovesmusic – bookmark it today and discover some new sounds.

We’ll bring you some new tracks every week, giving you the chance to discover local talent, new songs and even new genres.

1. The Room – Broken Here’s a local band that have built up a great reputation with their live appearances and album releases, a reputation that has grown following the release of their third album Caught by the Machine. The band were due to be playing live at Cambridge Rock Festival (CRF) this weekend having been invited back again following previous successful appearances. Sadly, like many events this

year, that was cancelled but they will be appearing at the replacement CRF online event which is well worth checking out – www.theroom.band 2. That Joe Payne – End of the Tunnel Joe is one of the best up-and-coming vocalists around and following a wonderful appearance headlining the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) Stage at last year’s Wokingham Festival, he will visit again on November 21 as special guest to the legendary band Focus. Joe’s debut album By Name. By Nature out this year is well worth checking out – www.thatjoepayne.com 3. Kepler Ten – Two from the Top One-off lockdown single created by this three-piece trio of excellent musicians on Wokingham based White Star Records – www.keplerten.com 4. Green Seagull – Simeon Brown Single of wonderful psychedelic pop from this London based band who’s second album Cloud Cover is released on Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records in July – www.facebook.com/greenseagull 5. Bradley Watmore – Rock Bottom Debut single from singer/songwriter –

facebook.com/bradleywatmore 6. Kyros – Rumour This was the first single from the band’s new album Celexa Dreams on White Star Records, kyrosmusic.com 7. Katrina & The Waves – Katrina from the band will be appearing live at Wokingham Music Club on Friday, November 6 – www.katrinaandthewaves.com 8. BlueTouch – Everybody Knows A very good local blues rock band who recorded their album 40 Miles... at Wokingham’s No Machine Studios – www.bluetouch.info 9. The Salts – Fifteen Men (John Mitchell Remix) A remix by Reading-based producer John Mitchell originally recorded for the band’s Brave album on local record label, Braccan Records – www.thesalts.co.uk 10. Mordecai Smyth – Billywitch – Wokingham musician whose album The Mayor of Toytown is Dead was released by Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records – www.facebook.com/ stickytapeandrust

30 | CLASSIFIEDS

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Classifieds

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below:

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (MILL LANE, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

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:

200679

69-71 High Street Wargrave

Conservation Area

1. Mill Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with B3030 Mole Road and B3270 Lower Earley Way North, Earley.

201144

17 Milton Road, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed reinstatement of the property to one 2 no. bedroom dwelling from two 1 no. bedroom flats.

201345

Fishponds Estate, Fishponds Road, Wokingham

Major Application

Full application for the proposed erection of a building consisting of 1 no. self-storage facility (Use Class B8) and 2 no. industrial units (Use Classes B1, B2 and B8) with associated hardstanding and soft landscaping, following demolition of existing units 718 and 720 Millars Business Park.

Full application for the replacement of existing dilapidated roof coverings and associated rainwater goods, soffits fascia bargeboards and flashings.

Replacement of existing dilapidated wall hung tiles.

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before 9th July 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 11th June 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: A329 London Road, between its junction with A329 Peach Street and A329 Coppid Beach Roundabout.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Peach Street, Easthampstead Road, Old Wokingham Road, Peacock Lane, Vigar Way and A329 Berkshire Way. The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Berkshire Way, Vigar Way, Peacock Lane, Old Wokingham Road, Easthampstead Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Rectory Road and A329 Wiltshire Road Works requiring this restriction will take place between 22nd June to 28th June 2020, 6th August to 12th August 2020 and 17th August to 28th August 2020 between 20:00 and 06:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake cycleway improvements and associated works in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 22nd June 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 18th June 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 20th July to 25th July between 20:00-07:00 and 4th August to 6th August 2020.

2. A329 Reading Road, Winnersh between its junctions with Green Lane and Woodward Close.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via King Street Lane, Bearwood Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach and A329 Reading Road The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road, and King Street Lane Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th July to 11th July between 20:00 - 07:00 and 27th July to 30 July 2020 between 20:00-05:30.

3. B3030 King Street Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with Winnersh Relief Road and Bearwood Road The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bearwood Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach and A329 Reading Road.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road and Bearwood Road..

Date: 18th June 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 LONDON ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via via B3030 Mole Road, B3030 King Street Lane, Winnersh Relief Road and B3270 Lower Earley Way North or by this route in reverse

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th July to 18th July between 20:00-07:00 and 30th July to 3rd August 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Highways England contractors to undertake upgrading and installation of fencing to the bridge parapets 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.

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 restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th July 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

A321 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Molly Millars Lane and Oakey Drive

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

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Molly Millars Lane, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road and A321 Wellington Road.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Wellington Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road and Molly Millars Lane.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Network contractors to undertake gas main replacement work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th July 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 18th June 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Dated this 18th June 2020

Wokingham Borough Council Licensing Act 2003 S34 Application for Vary Premises Licence NEWSPAPER NOTICE

SERVICES

PAN RESTAURANT LTD, of 47-49 Peach Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XJ proposes to vary the Premises Licence for the above premises as follows: Change from ‘on-site’ alcohol sales licence to both ‘on-site’ and ‘off-site’ alcohol sales licence.

Representations may be made in writing by any responsible authority or interested party in the vicinity of the premises to the licensing authority - Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk All representations made are open to public inspection.

Representations to be made by: 14th July 2020.

This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Contact 0118 974 6358 or www.wokingham.gov.uk Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine on the standard scale Dated: 18th June 2020

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Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (STOPPING, WAITING, LOADING AND UNLOADING PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, PARKING PLACES AND RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING PLACES) (CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT) (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 2017 (AMENDMENT NO. 2) ORDER 2020 NOTICE HEREBY given that on 16 June 2020 made the above name Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended and all other enabling powers the Orders.

The general effect of the Order, will be to amend the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017 (the Order of 2017): (a) on Biscoe Way Wokingham and on Earle Crescent Wokingham introduced limited waiting parking places Mon – Sat 8am – 6pm no return within 2 hours; on Remenham Lane Remenham converted and relocated a section of parking to limited waiting parking places Mon – Sat 8am – 6pm no return within 1 hours; on Rose Street Wokingham, converted 3 parking places to shared use resident permit holders and limited waiting Mon-Sat, 8am – 6pm, maximum stay 30 mins and no return within 30 mins; (b) introduced or varied waiting restrictions on lengths of: Arbor Lane Winnersh, Basingstoke Road Shinfield, Bathurst Road Winnersh, Bell Foundry Lane Wokingham, Binfield Road Wokingham, Biscoe Way Wokingham, Bramshill Close Arborfield, Broken Brow Earley, Corfield Green Wokingham, Diamond Jubilee Way Wokingham, Earle Crescent Wokingham, Ellis Road Wokingham Without, Falstaff Avenue Earley, Harcourt Drive, Hunters Way Shinfield, Keane Close Woodley, Kenton Road Earley, London Road Twyford, Norreys Avenue Wokingham, Oak Avenue Wokingham, Queens Road Wokingham, Ravensbourne Drive Woodley, Remenham Lane Remenham, Rose Street Wokingham, The Avenue, Whitehall Drive Arborfield, William Heelas Way Wokingham and Wiltshire Avenue Wokingham; (c) substituted Article 30 of the Order of 2017 with the following: 30. A permit shall be in writing and shall include the following particulars: (a) the registration number of the vehicle in respect of which the permit has been issued or an identification code provided by the Council; (b) the period during which the permit shall remain valid; (c) an authentication that the permit has been issued by the Council; (d) the permit identifier for which permit parking zone the permit is valid, as specified in Column 1 of Schedule 3; (d) Schedule 3 of the Order of 2017, Barkham Road and Latimer Road were inserted to column 4 in row W3.

The proposals for: Duffield Road Woodley; Elms Road Wokingham; Holt Lane Wokingham; Hurricane Way Woodley; Silverdale Road Earley; and Wellington Road Wokingham have been abandoned and may be made under a separate Order.

Copy of the Order, which will come into force on 22 June 2020, may be inspected at Traffic Management Team, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL, during Mondays to Fridays between 9am-5pm. Any person requiring further information with connection with this order should contact the Council's Traffic Management Section on telephone number 0118 974 6000.

Any person desiring to question the validity of the Order or any provision contained therein on the grounds that they are not within the relevant powers of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, or that any of the relevant regulations made thereunder have not been complied with in relation to the Order may, within six weeks of the date on which the Order was made, make an application for the purpose to the High Court.

Dated this 18th June 2020 Christine Traill, Director Place & Growth Wokingham Borough Council Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WL

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Sales Terms and Conditions Orders for insertion of advertisements in The Wokingham Paper and associated websites are accepted subject to the following conditions:1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful; shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority; and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation. In placing the Advertisement the Advertiser agrees that the Company may at its option publish the Advertisement in electronic format.

2. *While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, The Wokingham Paper Ltd (the publisher) does not guarantee the insertion or position of any particular advertisement nor does the publisher guarantee to place advertisements in alphabetical order or in specific categories.

3. Whilst doing its upmost to avoid error, the publisher does not hold itself responsible for any mistakes that arise in course of publication. Mistakes must be notified to the publisher within one week of insertion; after that period has elapsed claims for credit cannot be considered. The publisher will not accept responsibility for repetition of any error on subsequent insertions and therefore requests that advertisers kindly check their advertisements weekly.

4. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing and publishing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement (not being a matter covered by Clause (5) of this Contract) the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement as the case may be or make a reasonable refund of or adjustment to the cost. No re-insertion, refund or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed:(a) the amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose.(b) the cost of a further or corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose.

5. The publisher reserves the right to:(a)* cancel the order at any time by giving reasonable notice before the next insertion, but in that event the advertiser / advertising agency shall not be liable for payment of the difference (if any) between the rates for the series specified in the order and the usual price for the series of insertions which has appeared when the order is stopped; (b)* make any alteration it considers necessary or desirable in an advertisement and to require copy to be amended to meet its approval (c)* increase the advertising rates at any stage. Any rate increase will effect all current bookings unless prior agreement has been made 6. The copyright for all purposes in all artwork, copy and other material which the publisher or his employees have contributed to or reworked shall vest in the publisher.

7. *Copy will be changed as required by the advertiser / advertising agency, provided adequate time is allowed.

8. *Omissions or wrong insertions will only be made up with the agreement of the advertiser / advertising agency.

9. *The publisher will allow to an advertising agency the right to cancel any unexpired part of an order without penalty in the event of the death or failure of its client.

10.*Advertisement orders are issued by an Advertising Agency as a Principal and must be on the Agency’s official form. (When copy instructions not constituting an official order are issued, they shall be clearly marked at the head ‘Copy instructions - Not an Order’).

11.*Proofs are to be passed by the Agency before insertion if time permits.

12.*Voucher copies, tear sheets or other proof of insertion, as agreed, are to be supplied to the agency as soon as possible after publication in an electronic format unless otherwise agreed.

13. *The placing of an order by an advertiser, or an advertising agency on behalf of a client, constitutes an assurance that all necessary authority and permission has been secured in respect of the use in the advertisement(s) of pictorial representations of (or purporting to be of) living persons, and of references to the words attributed to living persons.

14. *The advertiser / advertising agency agree to indemnify the publisher in respect of all costs, damages, or other charges falling upon the newspaper as a printed or electronic format as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the advertisement, or any one or more of the series of advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the newspaper in pursuance of the advertiser / advertising agency’s order. In any case where a claim is made against the newspaper or the newspaper is sued and the advertiser / advertising agency may ultimately be liable under the terms hereof, notice in writing shall be given to the advertiser / advertising agency, and consultation shall take place before any expense is incurred or the claim is settled or the case is defended or otherwise disposed of. (Advertisements of prospectuses and company meetings are excluded from clauses (14) and (15).

15. All gross advertising rates (except classified lineage and

CLASSIFIEDS | 31 semi-display) are subject to 0.1% Advertising Standards Board of Finance surcharge payable by advertisers to help finance the self-regulatory control system administered by the Advertising Standards Authority.

16. When credit is allowed, payment for an advertisement is subject to the cash flow rules currently in force and as agreed between the News Media Association, the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers. The due date for payment is as shown on the invoice submitted by the publisher.

17. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by any total or partial failure (however caused) of publication or distribution of any newspaper or edition in which any advertisement is scheduled to appear.

18. Every endeavour will be made to forward replies to box numbers to the advertiser as soon as possible after receipt by the publisher, but the publisher accepts no liability in respect of any loss or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding or omitting to forward such replies (howsoever caused). The advertiser authorises the publisher to return to its originator any communication which, in the opinion of the publisher, should not be delivered to the advertiser.

19. The layout, design, type faces / sizes, border, etc. of any advertisements which are not complete artwork are left entirely to the discretion of the publisher.

20. Due to the heavy demand for advertising space, some advertising pages may be restyled to nine columns. The publisher apologises for any inconvenience caused by this method but believe this is preferable to the alternatives of limiting space or having to hold advertisements over to a later issue.

21. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement shall amount to an acceptance of the above conditions and any conditions stipulated on an agency’s order form or elsewhere by an agency or an advertiser shall be void insofar as they are in conflict with them.

22. Cancellation and amendments to advertisements:, Cancellation of display, semi-display and lineage advertisements ordered for the current week’s issue must be received at least two days before the newspaper’s deadline. Advertisers cancelling advertisements will be given a cancellation number, which is proof of cancellation and should be quoted if any subsequent query arises. No claims for credit will be considered without a cancellation number. If pre-paying for an advertisement please note that if you qualify and require the series rate you cannot cancel the booking until its run its course.

23. Artwork - Clients who require artwork or disks / CDs / removable storage such as USB sticks returned, must provide stamped addressed envelopes.

24. The publisher reserves the right to impose an administration charge (no greater than that imposed on ourselves) for the processing of credit / debit card transactions. If payment by cheque is not honoured, an administrative charge may be applied.

25. Free advertising will only appear if space permits. The publisher reserves the right to hold any or all advertising over for publication in an alternative week’s publication.

Free advertisements are subject to the following terms and conditions: For use by private customers only (for sale advertisements) and companies (recruitment).

One item per advertisement.

Only six free advertisements will be accepted per household for any one publication.

Only one free advertisement per company.

A maximum of 30 words is allowed per advertisement.

26. All advertising must be pre-paid. Where an exception to this is expressly agreed (ie, credit is given) all other terms remain as stated.

27. Data Protection. All requests to amend, delete, suppress and gain access to personal data should be made in writing to the Data Protection Officer, The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Telephone calls may be monitored for staff training purposes. Occasionally, we may use your details for marketing purposes only. If you would prefer us not to, please write to the Data Protection Officer, The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. 28. Rates. A full list of our Advertising Rates may be obtained by telephoning The Wokingham Paper on 0118 327 2662 or writing to The Wokingham Paper Ltd., The Wokingham Paper Ltd., Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. 29. Series discount – in the event of non-compliance or early cancellation, where the value of an order has been reduced by a series discount due to the advertiser having committed to a continuous running order, The Wokingham Paper Ltd reserves the right to re-charge all advertising published at the base rates as per their published rate cards. *Based on the STANDARD CONDITIONS for the transactions of business between Newspapers and Advertising Agencies, agreed between the Newspaper Society and the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising in 1936 and revised in 1937 and 1954. Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

All advertisements will be accepted only on the express conditions that the advertiser warrants that the advertisement does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Virtual tours mean that the show can go on at Buckler’s Park in Crowthorne

T

HE team at Buckler’s Park – Legal & General Homes’ development in Crowthorne – has been working hard to make sure new and existing customers can continue the search for their dream home despite the extraordinary circumstances created by Covid-19.

High quality virtual tours give buyers the option to explore show homes from their sofa, with the sales team there to explain as they look around. Live chat and online meetings also mean customers can get the help and support that Legal & General Homes is known for from the beginning to the end of their homebuying journey.

Best of both worlds Set in the village of Crowthorne, Buckler’s Park consists of modern properties that draw on local design characteristics like red brick and timber façades, updated with a contemporary twist. While exteriors reflect the character and heritage of the local area, the internal layouts are designed with modern lifestyles and contemporary living in mind.

Many properties have separate studies, and all have fast fibre optic broadband wired in from day one, meaning they are well equipped for people working from home.

Gardens and balconies make them perfect for those looking for more outdoor space and to improve their gardening skills this summer.

Even better, fixtures and fittings including Hive thermostats and Bosch kitchen appliances, are included as standard.

On-site amenities include Buckler’s Forest which spreads over 100+ acres with bike trails, play areas, community gardens and allotments, as well as a new site for Crowthorne C of E Primary School (rated outstanding by Ofsted).

Within easy reach of direct trains to London via Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell stations, residents enjoy the best of both worlds with countryside surroundings and easy commutes.

All buyers benefit from Legal & General Homes’ award-winning approach to customer service, which achieved the ‘Gold’ award for customer satisfaction in a recent survey by new build research and consultancy specialist, InHouse Research.

Buying a home during lockdown Local couple Amy and Jamie were in the middle of buying their home at Buckler’s Park when lockdown started but, with the help of the Legal & General Homes sales team, were able to complete their purchase virtually and move in to their new three-storey, threebedroom Ealing home when the restrictions were relaxed in mid-May. Amy says: “As soon as we saw Buckler’s Park, we knew we wanted to live here. Crowthorne is a lovely village and has a real community feel, so it’s perfect for us.

“We looked at other developments in the

area, but they just didn’t have the same wowfactor as Buckler’s Park. The homes here are of such a high quality and finish – and everything, from the Bosch appliances to the Hive smart thermostat and the flooring, is included in the price – so once we’d seen the show homes at Buckler’s Park, everything else was a bit of a let-down.”

“The Legal & General Homes sales team was great from the get-go. We felt that some of the other developers we spoke with didn’t take us seriously because we are young buyers.

However, at Buckler’s Park the team was friendly, knowledgeable and more than happy to help.

“The lockdown was coming into force just as we were preparing to reserve and could have thrown a spanner in the works, but the team was quick to reassure us and address any questions we had so we never felt stressed about it. We worked with the same person from beginning to end, which made a huge difference. Debbie was very honest and open with us and talked us through what lockdown meant for our homebuying journey. It was

exactly what we needed during an experience that was new for everyone. It meant that we could continue the process, reserve the plot and complete our purchase online.

“Everything went smoothly, and in the end, we probably preferred doing it that way because it meant that we could do everything from the comfort of our own home and had digital copies instantly.

“The move itself was straightforward – we picked up our keys from a drop box, and the team were in touch with us throughout the day.

We felt really well looked after despite not being able to see them in person, and it made a big difference that the home comes with everything you need, including an iPad preloaded with instruction manuals. The team had also put together a welcome hamper for us filled with produce from local shops.

“All the neighbours were really keen to introduce themselves while sticking to social distancing rules. We all had a drink together while standing outside each of our front doors – it’s lovely that people are still making the effort despite the unusual circumstances.”

The Ealing benefits from a terrace off the master bedroom and a spacious garden which means buyers can make the most of the sunshine throughout the day. The threebedroom, three-storey property, which includes a separate study on the first floor, is available for virtual tours here.

Virtual tours on offer Whatever stage you’re at in your search for a new home, the Legal & General Homes team is here to support you.

Booking a virtual tour will give you a detailed insight into the features, specification and feel of the home that you’re interested in, while a member of sales team will be on hand to answer all your questions, no matter how small.

For more information or to speak with a member of the Legal & General Homes sales team about a virtual tour of our homes at Buckler’s Park in Crowthorne, and Finchwood Park in Finchampstead, call 01344 753110 or visit www.landghomes.com

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

Thursday, June 18, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 18, 2020

SPORT | 37

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WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC

BRACKNELL BEES

Gambian Sumas return to action

Bees clinic partner back in business

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk A FOOTBALL CLUB In Gambia that have a special link with Wokingham & Emmbrook FC have returned to action for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

For several years, the Sumas have been donating football shirts to Junction BA Football Academy who play play their games in Gambia.

And the Wokingham-based football club sends out recycled shirts which can be used by their Gambian counterparts, with the latest shipment of shirts being sent out in the last few days.

As a result, Junction BA Football Academy are able to don the famous orange and black kit usually worn by the Sumas.

The strips must be lucky: the Gambian side have won their first match having returned to action.

FIRST HALF In was very tough and intense game, both teams were persistently patient in attack and in defence.

The first 15 minutes were hard on the Sumas as the opposition kept the pressure on.

But after 20 minutes, Sumas came good by dominating the game and continuing to attack well and created plenty of chances.

In the 26th minute Sumas opened the scoring with our first goal from Buba Fadia.

Sumas continued their momentum and pressed again to create another goal in the 39th minute from Zakaria Saine.

The opposition came back into the game after the Sumas had taken a 2-0 lead by creating many chances, one of which was a penalty, but the Suma’s goalkeeper made an

outstanding save to preserve their lead going into the half-time break.

SECOND HALF The second half was much smoother with both teams making lots of substitutions.

Both had great ball possession and created lots of chances, although there were tired legs for both sides.

However, the opposition were more dominant and persistent in the second half overall and in the 75th minute they scored a goal courtesy of Ebrima Ceesay.

Meanwhile the game continued with a higher tempo after BMC player netted until the 90th minute finally elapsed and the game ended 2-1 in Sumas favour.

Hopefully it won’t be too long before our Sumas are back on the pitch.

Racing star to compete in 24 hour challenge WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley will captain the ‘Racing with Autism International’ team in a 24 hour race.

The 20-year-old racing driver will become part of racing history this weekend in iRacing’s 24 hours of Le Mans.

Bobby will join the team in its inaugural race, testing the competition on the virtual track in an online version of the iconic endurance race.

Bobby said; “I’m really excited for this incredible opportunity! Not only to take part in virtual Le Mans but to be part of history. We’re possibly the first team to compete in a 24 hour race online on a sim, that’s a mega achievement!”

Bobby competes for Team BRIT, which is a champion for raising awareness and understanding of autism, and also

supports ‘Racing With Autism UK’, a team of young karters, by helping them into competitive racing events across the UK. Bobby, who’s autism is often dubbed his ‘super power’ on the race track, will captain the team this weekend, taking the first stint in the 24 hour endurance event, along with the top autistic drivers across the globe.

The team is managed by Max Spooner, manager of eTeam BRIT, Team BRIT’s sim racing arm, who also lives with autism.

Long term, the aim is to enter 'Racing with Autism International' in some of the top 12 hour and 24 hour sim races, showing the world just how competitive it can be.

Team BRIT also hopes to bring

Armani Williams and Austin Riley to the UK later this year to join Bobby in some real track races as part of the Britcar Endurance series.

The 24 hour race will be begin at 2:15pm on Saturday 20th June and can be watched live at https:// www.iracing.com/specialevents/

A COMPANY that is one of the Bees’ biggest supporters is celebrating being able to open again.

Although based over the border in Surrey, they are close enough to the Hive to be able to offer a hand to the popular ice hockey team.

Camberley Chiropractic Clinic offers a wide range of services including treatments, sports massages and pilates classes.

Like most businesses, back in March, the clinic shut its doors to patients to help combat the spread of coronavirus.

But during the pandemic, they have been exceptionally busy setting up new offices.

Previously based in Sandhurst, the team have moved to what they say will be their ‘forever home’.

Now based in Park Street, Bagshot, they have some state-ofthe-art facilities that will be of great benefit to the Bees’ squad.

James Everett, owner and chiropractor at the clinic, has been working closely with the Bracknell Bees over the last two seasons, helping to treat the injured players.

James said: “We are excited to be a part of the community in Bagshot

and welcoming patients to our forever home.

“It has been a challenging few months but we look forward to seeing our patients again and helping them out of pain.”

For anyone who may be interested in visiting a chiropractor but unsure if they can help, the company is offering free assessments.

Further information can be found on their website, Facebook/ Instagram.

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LONDON IRISH

Royal couple give Exiles a hand in the kitchen

By ANDY PRESTON

The Earl and Countess of Wessex in the London Irish kitchens, helping prepare meals for NHS workers

apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

LONDON IRISH welcomed two royal volunteers as HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex visited the Exiles’ Hazelwood home.

Taking part in the #PoweringTheNHS volunteer initiative, which the Premiership Rugby club has been running for the last few months, the Earl and Countess joined volunteers from London Irish.

The club has now produced 50,000 meals to be delivered to NHS hospitals as of Thursday, June 11.

Their Royal Highnesses helped at Hazelwood with the labelling of food boxes and the preparation of the meals ready for distribution to hospitals and care homes. They also personally delivered meals to Frimley Park Hospital.

London Irish President and owner, Mick Corssan said: “We were absolutely honoured to welcome The Earl and Countess of Wessex to volunteer at our Hazelwood home.

“What stemmed from an ambitious concept by my son Edward has grown into an amazing initiative.

“We have delivered 50,000 meals to the hospitals over the last three months and have seen an incredible amount of commitment from all our volunteers; it was a great privilege for them to share this moment with The Earl and Countess.”

READING FC

FOOTBALL

Changes to fixture schedule ahead of league restart

FA produce new guidance on return to grassroots football

KICK off dates and times for Reading’s first three Championship fixtures have been confirmed as teams prepare to restart the 2019/20 season on Saturday.

THE FA has issued new guidance for adult players, coaches, parents and carers involved in the restart of grassroots football activity.

Reading have not been selected for live TV coverage in their opening five matches.

However, all games will be streamed via the Royals’ website and season ticket holders will be able to tune in.

And there is still a chance that the Royals may picked for a television date, as the final games of the Championship

season have yet to be announced.

The Royals are due to play Huddersfield at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, July 7 at 6pm and Middlesbrough, also at the Madejski, on Tuesday, July 14 at 6pm.

Meanwhile, Mark Bowen’s side will now play Charlton Athletic in an away fixture at the Valley on Saturday, July 11 at 12.30pm.

The final six games of the season are still subject to change pending TV selections and club scheduling arrangements.

CRICKET

Richard passed away on Thursday, May 28.

He was 73.

During his cricketing days, Richard played for a number of clubs across the Thames Valley, including Sonning,

Reading, Finchampstead and Tring Park.

The service will be live-streamed via www.wesleymedia.co.uk/ webcast-view Login: 34169 Password: apdgwtcw Donations in memory of Richard can be made by visiting: justgiving.com and searching for Richard Orton.

especially vulnerable groups.

“The FA continue to work closely with DCMS and Sport England in order to set out good practice guidance for those responsible for delivering different aspects of grassroots football.

“It’s essential everyone is clear about the restrictions and works together to manage social

distancing and strong hand hygiene.

“By observing Government guidance and these documents, let’s work together to ensure the transition back to enjoying football is as smooth and safe as possible.” � To read the full statement nd also FA guidance, visit: hellenicleague.co.uk/clubnews/fa/1306-20.html

LONDON IRISH

Porecki headed for Exiles exit

By ANDY PRESTON

Chance to pay respects to Berks legend Richard Orton A funeral service is to be held for former Berkshire and Finchampstead cricketer Richard Orton is to take place tomorrow at 1pm.

They have produced documents to be read which have been made in line with the government guidance issued on Monday, June 1 after some lockdown restrictions were eased, including

outdoor activities and the phased return of outdoor sport.

It is hoped it will help clubs prepare for the return of grassroots sport when safe to do so.

The Hellenic League said: “The return of grassroots football is something that we know many are keen to see, it must be done with careful consideration for everyone’s safety,

apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

DAVE PORECKI has confirmed that he will leave London Irish and play no further part in the season.

The Austrlian forward joined Irish in 2016, but has confirmed that thiswill be his last season at the club.

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby season is set to commence once again in August having been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Porecki will not play any part in he remainder of the Exiles’ season.

Irish are currently in eighth position in the table with nine league games left to play to complete the 2019/20 season in the lcubs final season at the Madejski Stadium, before they move to Brentford’s Community Stadium for the start of the 2020/21 season.

Porecki expressed his gratitude to the club on Twitter: “Today was my last day for @LiRFC, a club that has been an extended family for me.

“The experience over the last five years in the UK has been incredible with memories I’ll have forever.

“Home time now.”

Dave Porecki in action for Irish. Picture: Steve Smyth

SPORT | 39

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EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA FC

Boars launch business competition with £5,000 sponsorship prize

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

EVERSLEY & California are urging businesses to enter into a unique virtual tournament named the E&C FC Coronavirus Challenge Cup.

The winning business of the virtual competition will win free sponsorship for the 2020/21 season.

Each company will be entered into a football style knockout tournament with each match being played virtually by way of a Twitter poll which will last 90 minutes.

Eversley & California manager Matt Angell said: “I’m delighted that we can help support businesses in this way which is key as we hopefully move back to some form of normality.

“Something that has always been key to me is giving back to all those businesses that help support the non-league scene as without their support and the loyal fans, we wouldn’t be able to continue to play the game we all love and have missed very much in these difficult times.”

The football club will give away a free sponsorship deal to the winner plus a pitch side banner, a free full-page advert in the

match day programme and website advertising for the entire season.

The winning business will feature on the front of the shirts for the Men’s first team, Ladies team and the Men’s development team.

Eversley & California Chairman Martin Elcox said: “We are very excited and privileged to be able to offer support to businesses who will be facing the challenge of post coronavirus lock down head on in the coming months.

“We think we have come up with a fun and unique way of getting social and other media exposure for anyone who enters the competition.

“As a small business owner myself, I think the ability to mix our love of the national game with immediate business needs in this way is fantastic, and we hope that many local and possibly not so local businesses will jump at the chance to enter.”

To enter the competition, visit @eversleycalifc on Twitter and retweet their tweet about the sponsorship competition.

For more details and terms and conditions regarding the competition, visit: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ californiafc

Eversley & California in action in the 2019/20 Combined Counties League. Picture: Richard Milam

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

Reading face Potters as season finally resumes

Joao on target as Royals step up intensity in friendly

By ANDY PRESTON

By ANDY PRESTON

apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE ROYALS prepare to return to championship action when they host Stoke City behind closed doors at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday at 3pm.

With Covid-19 causing a disruption to the sporting world for the past three months, Reading are in league action for the first time since their trip to Birmingham City on Saturday, March 7.

The Royals came away with a 3-1 victory that day which subsequently led them to climb up to 14th in the Championship table.

Reading are currently nine points away from the relegation zone and eight points off the play-off places with nine fixtures remaining as the football season restarts in unprecedented

Reading return to action this weekend. Picture: Steve Smyth

circumstances for all involved.

Meanwhile, Reading’s opponents have endured a

difficult season which has seen them fighting among the relegation zone for much of the season, before the campaign was temporarily halted.

Teams will also be permitted to use up to five substitutes in each game.

The Potters are in 17th position, six points below the Royals and just three points above the drop zone.

When the two sides met back in December they played out a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.

Saturday’s fixture will be the first of five home fixtures that will be contested behind closed doors at the Madejski Stadium as the 2019/20 Championship season is concluded in bizarre circumstances.

PREDICTED READING STARTING XI: Rafael, Richards, Moore, Morrison, Obita, Rinomhota, Olise, Swift, Ejaria, Puscas, Joao.

apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

READING stepped up their preparations for the return of the Championship season with a friendly match at the weekend against Portsmouth.

The Royals came out as 3-1 victors over their League One opposition, who are preparing for their upcoming play-off games as they seek for a long awaited return to the Championship.

The match played behind closed doors at the Madejski Stadium was the second friendly for Mark Bowen’s squad after they played against Premier League opposition in Chelsea last Wednesday, where they lost out narrowly to a single goal.

Lucas Joao, who has missed a large part of the season with injury, returned to action as he looks to play a part in the remainder of the Championship season.

The Porteguese forward scored the opening goal of the game, before Omar Richards added a second to give the Royals a two-goal lead going into the break.

Despite Pompey’s Oli Hawkins reducing the deficit to just one, young Royals prodigy Michael Olise wrapped up the game late on to make it 3-1.

Lucas Joao opened the scoring in Reading’s friendly against Portsmouth. Picture: Steve Smyth

SOCCER SPECIAL Sumas’ sister club returns to action in Gambia – Full story, P37

BOWEN AIMS FOR POSITIVE START

Reading face Stoke City as the Championship season restarts this Saturday. Picture: Steve Smyth Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020

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