Wokingham Borough
NEWS Your magazine from Wokingham Borough Council
Summer 2018
In this issue‌
I was fostered page 5
Your views on highways page 6
Getting active page 16
Caring for you in your home
www.wokingham.gov.uk
C-HR HYBRID 2 Winter 2017DYNAMIC AT JEMCA TOYOTA
0%APR £219 Representative*
per month^
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
Intelligent Park Assist with front & rear parking sensors Toyota Touch® 2 with Go Navigation and enhanced features Smart Entry & Push-button Start
JOIN THE TOYOTA FAMILY TODAY. Jemca Bracknell John Nike Way, Bracknell Berkshire RG12 8TN Tel: 01344 789789 jemcabracknell.toyota.co.uk
Jemca Reading Rose Kiln Lane, Reading Berkshire RG2 0LJ Tel: 0118 907 9768 jemcareading.toyota.co.uk
/JemcaToyota
@JemcaToyota
C-HR Hybrid Dynamic 5 dr CVT. Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 83.1 (3.4), Extra Urban 68.9 (4.1), Combined 74.3 (3.8). CO2 Emissions 86g/km. All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These are provided to allow comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Model shown is C-HR Hybrid Dynamic 5 dr CVT at £28,620. Price excludes metallic paint at £545. Prices correct at time of going to print. *0% APR Representative only available on new retail orders of C-HR between 3rd April 2018 and 1st July 2018 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 30th September 2018 on a 24 month AccessToyota (PCP) plan with a £8,418.12 deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 24 month AccessToyota contract with £8,418.12 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ.Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 16,000 miles per annum, excess miles over contracted charged at 8p+VAT per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Affordable finance through AccessToyota. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Toyota (GB) PLC is an introducer appointed representative of Toyota Insurance Management Limited and Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC, both of which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Vehicles shown for illustrative purposes only.
ALL NEW 7 SEAT LEXUS RX L
LARGER THAN LIFE LEXUS SELF-CHARGING HYBRID
Lexus Reading Rose Kiln Lane, Reading, RG2 0HS. Tel 0118 907 9769 www.reading.lexus.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. Please contact our team for more details.
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Keeping in touch with us www.wokingham.gov.uk customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk (0118) 974 6000 /wokinghamboroughcouncil /wokinghamboroughcouncil @WokinghamBC /WokinghamBC Visit us: Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm Write to us: Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN Find out more information by: Email and text updates – register at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/signup
Also in this issue...
7
Summer 2018
Welcome “At the local elections in May, you sent us a clear message. We heard that message and I want to reassure you that we are acting on your concerns.” “I truly want our Borough to continue being a success so we need to ensure that we all take more responsibility for our communities. This Council will continue to respond to your needs and deliver what you see as important. “We’ve embarked on many ambitious projects. You can read about some of them in this magazine, including the Gorse Ride (page 4) and Wokingham town centre regenerations (pages 9,10 and 11). We have also invested millions of pounds in infrastructure such as leisure facilities (page 16) and new roads (page 18). “But it’s the people who make places. In this magazine you’ll hear from some of our residents including Jackie Long who is living with a disability (page 7), and apprentice Aaron Summers (page 15).
Care in your home
9–11
Wokingham town centre
20
“More foster carers are needed in Wokingham Borough to help young people like Adam make the most of opportunities in life such as continuing their education, getting qualifications and ultimately a job (page 5). “We welcome foster carer enquiries from everyone regardless of age, culture, background, sexual
How we plan roadworks
31
Summer recycling tips
3
orientation and whether you’re a home-owner or tenant, if you have a spare room, and time for a child, you could foster. What matters most is that you’re the right family or person for our children. “And I’m delighted that our foster carers no longer have to pay council tax as part of a range of benefits and incentives to encourage more to help us. “This magazine gives a snapshot of some of the great things we’re doing. You can keep up-to-date with our latest news on our dedicated website at: http://news.wokingham. gov.uk. This is where all our news, videos and photos are brought together in one, easy-to-use place for you to enjoy at any time you like. “You can like us on Facebook wokinghamboroughcouncil) or follow us on Twitter (@ WokinghamBC). Some of our photos are also available on Instagram (wokinghamboroughcouncil). “If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with me via email at: Charlotte.Haitham. Taylor@wokingham.gov.uk Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor Leader of the Council
Editorial: Wokingham Borough Council’s Communications Team Design and printed by: Digital Solutions on uncoated FSCM 75gsm paper Cost: 7p per person / 16p per household To advertise in Wokingham Borough News, or if any other queries about this magazine including delivery, please contact: communications@wokingham.gov.uk. A pdf version of this magazine is available online at: news.wokingham.gov.uk/wokingham-borough-news
4
Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
GDPR and you We’ve been working hard to comply with the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which came into force on 25 May. Although we already met existing data protection laws introduced 20 years ago, GDPR introduces additional benchmarks on transparency and accountability to address the huge changes, during the past two decades, in the way personal data is used. A new UK Data Protection Act is being introduced to compliment GDPR. We’ve been reviewing our policies, procedures, retention schedule (the length of time we hold information and what we do with it at the end of that period), data breach management and reporting, how you sign up to and unsubscribe from our distribution lists, and our data capture forms you fill in, to make sure they now all meet the new GDPR benchmarks. We’re also publishing more on our website (details below), so you can find out more our privacy notices which show how we’re using your personal information. We’ll also continue to improve the services and information we provide on our website (details also below) during the coming months, not just in relation to data protection. More information: Data Protection Officer, Andrew Moulton, (0118) 974 6000 or email: Information.Security@Wokingham.gov.uk www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘data protection’ and ‘privacy statement’)
REDEVELOPING GORSE RIDE Our £30million scheme to build new homes for people living on the Gorse Ride estate is moving forward now that funding has been agreed. Tenants and homeowners living on the estate have been heavily involved in the plans from the start, helping to shape the proposals. All of the existing residents – our tenants as well as private homeowners – will be offered new homes on the estate. We plan to redevelop Gorse Ride in stages, replacing the existing 178 properties with some 240 houses, bungalows, and apartments. The extra housing is being created by removing the unsightly and under-used garages and alleys. There would also be a large village green. A planning application for the first phase was due be submitted as this magazine went to print. Many of the current homes are pre-fabricated modules, in poor condition, and difficult to maintain. Now that funding is in place we can give the community the high quality properties they deserve. Tenants and homeowners will continue to have a say in the scheme as it progresses.
A MARVELLOUS weekend for all the family! Don’t forget that tickets are still available for the popular Marvellous, family-friendly music festival, which is returning to Dinton Pastures this month (21 and 22 July). This year’s acts include tributes to Tom Jones, Eagles, Coldplay, Bob Marley, Oasis, The Police, Ed Sheeran, The Killers, T.Rex, Santana, Pink, Led Zeppelin and Tina Turner. Other attractions include a big kid’s village, funfair, food and drink stalls and new for 2018 a silent disco. Tickets this year are £70 for the weekend (£35 for children) or £43 for the day (£20 for children). Weekend camping and glamping packages are also available, and include an extra free night’s camping on Friday, with a party for CONGRATULA campers and crew at the TIONS to Julie who is the w Dunford inner of our second stage marquee. Marve
llous weekend ticket worth family over £300! The correct an swers to our competition a) With which were: band did Sir Tom perform ‘Mama told m th e song e not to com e’? Stereoph b) Which band on ics had a big hit with the song in 1970? Three Dog N ight c) Which Am erican singer -songwriter wrote the so ng? Randy Newm an
More information: www.marvellousfestivals.com
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018
5
FOSTERING A BRIGHT FUTURE His GCSEs got him a job at Thorpe Park leading to seven months working ‘down under’ in Sydney. He’s now getting ready to start college, then university, to train as a social worker. And Adam Jupp credits all this to his foster parents. “I owe them everything,” says the 19-year-old. “I went into care at 15, just before my exams, but I wasn’t in a good place. “They sorted me out – I was so shy with no self-confidence. They gave me stability. I was only supposed to be there a bit, but I stayed three years. They were brilliant. They helped me come out of my shell, and develop. I still talk to them all the time.” He didn’t even need to change schools when he moved in. “It was actually nearer, and to my friends, and the train station, so my social life was booming. Plus, I could see my real family.”
and I didn’t mind the house rules and helping with chores and stuff. There was lots of love. I had my own room and even went on holidays with them, to Spain and Devon.” Adam is now living in his own place, has taken up rugby and recently adopted a rescue cat he’s named Loki. He’s Vice Chair of the Children in Care Council and regularly presents and reports at the Corporate Parent Board before our councillors and senior officials. He’s even part of the interviewing panel for our Children’s Services staff. He really is a super young man and will go far. “My foster parents encouraged me to do things I never thought I could do, like getting a job, saving for and going to Australia, and now college. I want to ultimately help others like me. I understand what it’s like being fostered and how it gives you fab opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise get.”
Adam says he was nervous when he first, “rocked up” at his new home. “I’d never been in that situation before. They had three of their own children - younger than me - and soon after they also fostered a baby. But they welcomed me in and treated me like one of their own. It was my home too
There are more young people and children in our Borough needing foster carers to transform their lives. Go on, make someone’s life… More information: (0118) 974 6204 www.fostering.wokingham.gov.uk
6
Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
Thank you for taking part More than 1,000 people took part in our Transport and Highways Survey last year, and your feedback is already helping us provide better and timelier information about roadworks and other disruptions. Our Borough has above average car ownership which, added to the major developments and town centre improvements, leads at times to disruption. But the survey also showed how we can better help you avoid these problems, so we’ve made changes based on this: • We’re now providing a much more comprehensive highways text alerts service. Visit www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘text alerts’) to sign up • We’ve increased the volume and quality of roadworks information we issue on social media in advance, and are asking other organisations (such as utility companies) to do the same • You also suggested that improved cycle ways (safer and more comprehensive) would encourage you to drive less. This mirrors our ongoing programme creating cycle routes on our major new roads and the Greenways network of sustainable routes being developed We acknowledge that we and other organisations working on the roads won’t get communication right every time. But we’re doing our best to improve. The survey also asked about specific junctions where people experience problems, and this information has been passed to our highways planners to look at.
SPOTLIGHT ON NORTON ROAD The corner of Norton Road in central Wokingham is a hive of activity, transforming this former print works into new homes. Our development company Wokingham Housing (WHL) is creating nine new properties - three, two bedroom terrace houses and six, two bedroom apartments. They will be available as a mix of both affordable rent and shared ownership. Norton Road is a prime example of WHL utilising our underused assets to create much-needed affordable housing in the Borough. We had other plans for the site, but now we have our own housing companies in place we realised we could develop affordable housing there as well as create an income for the public purse. The transformation of the Norton Road site is only possible thanks to a combination of funding from us, developer contributions in lieu of affordable housing from other sites, plus a Homes England grant of nearly £230,000. Once built, our registered housing provider Loddon Homes will buy them and manage their new residents.
Executive View Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for Housing “Following the completion of Phoenix Avenue, our affordable housing developments are stepping up the pace with new homes now available at Barrett Crescent and Elizabeth Road in central Wokingham – the first of many more to come.”
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018
7
Still doing all the things she loves If you have a disability, long-term illness or medical condition we help find support that’s right just for you. Not only the basics, but also shopping trips, days out, and even helping you pack for your holidays – all to retain your quality of living. Former English teacher, Jackie Long, is now pretty dependant on her wheelchair as her cerebellar ataxia progresses, but she’s not letting that slow her down. She’s just been out clothes shopping for her holiday in Spain, thanks to a helping hand from friend Brioney, from Flair Home Help. They’ll be pulling out the suitcase later. Brioney visits the 62-year-old once a week, but more if needed. They like shopping and visiting garden centres together, and Brioney also takes her to dental and hospital appointments. “We also have a good laugh,” said Jackie. “She’s made a ton of difference to my life. Having this little bit of extra support has given me back my confidence. I get out, do stuff, and have a good friend in Brioney. These may seem little things, but they are huge. I’m very happy.” Now celebrating its tenth birthday, we gave Flair Home Help a small grant just after it started and it now offers bespoke support to clients of all
ages across the Borough. It’s one of the many adult social care services and support listed on our website. “We help people with their housework, laundry, do their shopping – everything apart from personal care. Sometimes it’s simply companionship they want if family members live far away,” said Debbie Stone, Director. And they aim for the same staff member to visit a client each time. “From personal experience I know how important it is to see the same person. It means our staff build a relationship with them, so if something doesn’t appear to be quite right we pick up on this and let the family know. “We also offer a sitting service and check calls, and even leisure outings. Jackie first came to us four years ago to see if we could give her support to go to Nirvana Spa for the day.” Jackie laughs when she remembers that trip. “I was able to walk more then, and didn’t need the type of help I get now. But these days I can still do all the things I like doing. And that is precious.” More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘care and support for adults’)
8
Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
“It’s the best home improvement we have ever made. Our conservatory is now our dining room in the garden.” Mike Millis, Middleton On Sea
2 FREE PANELS THIS MONTH
Before
* Quote Ref WB0718
Later that day
Your conservatory that was too cold to eat breakfast in, could be nice and toasty by teatime Our lightweight insulated panels can make your conservatory: • Warmer in winter • Cooler in summer • Quieter in bad weather • Installed in less than a day • Usable all year round
TEN
For more information call:
0800 65 25 157
www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk
ANTEE
EA S R
Y
CONSERVATORY ROOFS
GUAR
As seen on
READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL An Independent Day School for Boys, with a Co-Educational Sixth Form
*Orders placed by end of Sept 18. Applies to orders over 8 panels. Smaller orders receive calculated discount. Not valid for use with any other offer.
Come along and take a closer look
Call us for an informal chat with our Admissions team www.rbcs.org.uk •0118 944 1005 •Sonning Lane, Sonning, Berks RG4 6SU
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018
9
WOKINGHAM’S BRIGHT FUTURE
There are many great reasons to come into Wokingham town centre, even during the current Market Place work, and there’ll be even more once they and the wider regeneration schemes are complete. to its neighbours. Much of the land in the town centre was in the hands of private investors who lacked the ability and enthusiasm to get the much-needed regeneration underway. But thanks to strategic planning and public consultation and engagement in 2010, this is now all being delivered through a multi-million pound investment programme. We have become a major landowner in the town centre to ensure the necessary regeneration takes place, and that the benefits will come to your community and the wider Borough as a whole. We know it’s been disruptive to many of you, especially in recent months, and we’re sorry for this. But we hope once you start to see the individual projects completed, you’ll be pleased with the results which will ensure the town has a really bright future for generations to come. We thought it was worth recapping on the reasons behind our regeneration and improvement schemes. The current work stems from the realisation that significant investment was needed by us to secure a vibrant future for the town centre. This was clearly voiced by you – both residents and businesses – because you rightly realised the town centre was in danger of a slow and painful death if we didn’t intervene. The town centre lacked the range of shops and other attractions to draw in and keep visitors, so was losing far too much retail spend
Executive View Cllr Philip Mirfin, Executive Member for Regeneration “We know all this work is disruptive, especially the traffic, but please bear with us. Once finished, Wokingham town centre will boast the shopping and community spaces you want and deserve.”
10 Summer 2018
Elms Field: Phased completion until 2020 Central to Elms Field will be a fantastic new park and play area with facilities for public events. It will also bring an Everyman Cinema, Aldi food store and a Premier Inn hotel, along with other shops and restaurants and new homes. We’ll also be building a new road connecting Wellington Road to Shute End. Construction work is well under way, with foundations now being put in place, and work starting on highway improvements.
Carnival Phase 1: Completed 2017 The new multi-storey car park opened in June 2017, followed by the bowling alley in November. The car park provides increased parking on the south side of the town and covers car parking lost from Elms Field being developed.
Carnival Phase 2: Starts 2020 Planning permission granted for Phase 2 will see us create a new leisure, culture and community hub for 2021.
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 11
Peach Place Phase 1: Completed 2014
Peach Place: Completion late 2018
A part re-build and refurbishment of the building above Clarks on the corner of Market Place and Rose Street including seven apartments.
We’re in the final stages of the Peach Place development, which will see a new public square along with new shops, restaurants and homes in the heart of the town centre. Look out for exciting announcements during the coming months about some of the great retailers and businesses signing up for units.
Market Place: Completion summer 2018 Our joint project with the Town Council sees us creating a pedestrian-friendly focal point to enjoy the shops, the town’s market and events, and bustling outdoor living. Restaurants are beginning to use the improved space and once the market returns, with the summer entertainment on Saturdays, everyone will begin to appreciate the great new space. The new Market Place will be celebrated on Saturday, 15 September when music and family entertainment will feature across the day and the Town Hall will be open as part of the national Heritage Open Door Day weekend.
12 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
Care is changing in our Borough
As more people than ever have increasingly complex health and social care needs, we’re beginning to integrate adult’s health and social care. Care at present may be provided by several different health and social care professionals, across various providers such as a GPs, hospitals or the voluntary sector. This means people may experience fragmented services, as well as problems accessing the care they or their carers need. But we can make services, and people’s experience of them, so much better by working together across the different organisations in a more integrated and joined-up way.
What’s been happening? We’ve already started to make changes across the Borough by developing ways of working together to provide a single health and social care service. We’re creating an Integrated Partnership to transform services consisting of health and social care partners, the voluntary sector and Healthwatch. We want to: • support you so that you only need to tell your story once • where possible, keep you at home • care for more people at home, with fewer in hospital We plan to have a single health and social care service for all adults in place by 2020. This will see providers across the Borough working together to deliver care as close to home as possible, in such a way that people receiving care will feel they’re dealing with just one organisation and not many.
By 2020 you should notice: You’ll find your way between services and support more easily, with a quicker response to your needs You’ll have a more positive experience and services will be safe You’ll only need to tell your story once You’ll have a greater choice of high quality services closer to your home Services will be accessible and quick to respond to you, when you need them You’ll be more able to help yourself Your problems will be dealt with at an early stage to stop them getting worse It will be easier for everyone to remain independent for longer
Executive View Cllr Richard Dolinski, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing “Our plans to integrate health and social care are progressing well. This year the Partnership is investing more to provide better seamless support. Services are under immense pressure and we need to make sure you receive the right care and support at the right time, in the right place.”
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 13
Search planning applications the interactive way We’ve introduced a new way for you to see planning applications near you Our 21st Century Council Programme is modernising, and making major improvements, giving you the freedom to access our services Executive View at times convenient to you. Cllr Julian McGhee Sumner, This is key to give you a better and transparent customer service, as Deputy Leader and Executive we become leaner, more efficient and continue to look to provide Member for Finance & value for money. Corporate Resources. As part of the new mapping technology on our website, we’ve now launched a web map in our planning software so you can search “We want our website to be for planning applications via postcodes. This links seamlessly to as intuitive as possible for the accompanying application details and documents. You can also you, and more user-friendly search for developments by ward. There’s also an historical option to when you’re looking for find out about applications registered since the 1980s. information. This is part of our pledge to give you This is all in addition to the maps introduced to our website last the tools to self-serve, backed up by face-to-face and October. They include the ‘My Nearest’ web map; useful for finding telephone support and guidance when needed.” out quickly what council facilities are in your area such as your nearest library and recycling point, and listed buildings. There’s also the ‘My Property’ map, which lets you know what Council Tax band your home is in, and when your bins get collected. You can also now look up school catchment areas to find out where your child is entitled to go. And with a few key strokes, you can find out about highways traffic plans or regulations orders, and any new parking restrictions. Report it
Other IT changes
We launched our Citizens Access – Revenue (CA-R) portal in April. This gives you the ability to update us if you are moving in, out, or around the Borough and set up direct debits. In May we expanded the CA-R so you can apply for student discounts and register for, or cancel, single person discounts. We’ll update you on this portal’s evolution in the next edition of this magazine. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘planning’ and/ or ‘council tax benefits and housing’)
– Request it – Sign up for o ur Customer Account Why not join the 29,000 p eople who’v e already signe d up? https://selfse rvice.woking ham.gov.uk/ login/
14 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
Bohunt Wokingham officially opens
We joined the Bohunt Wokingham school community, with VIP guest Professor Robert Winston, for the official opening of this £32.5million Arborfield secondary. We’ve built it for existing young people in this part of the Borough, and for new families moving into the Arborfield Green major development. It’s being run by the Bohunt Educational Trust.
Important tails about drug use Waingels College welcomed two very special canine visitors – a pair of drug detection dogs called Freddie and Dylan – as part of the Woodley secondary’s drive to improve drugs education among its students. Freddie and Dylan, from ICTS Canine Detection Services, gave drug awareness presentations to the students including a number of live demonstrations showcasing their expert skills. The dogs and their handlers also visited lessons, answering students’ questions, and explained the significant impacts of being involved in drugs. The school’s science team also invited the dogs into their specially designed lessons on Olfaction, and the science of smell. This was Waingels’ first, of what it hopes will become an annual drugs education day, to both highlight the dangers of illegal substances in the community, and educate and equip its students to have a better understanding of drugs and their consequences. The visit also supported and reinforced the school’s robust approach towards the issue.
Executive View Cllr Pauline HelliarSymons, Executive Member for Children’s Services “92% of our children attend a school with an Ofsted rating of good or better, with 21% of our schools outstanding. We’re also proud of how we look after our children in care, but always need more foster carers. We support them in many ways such as training and Council Tax relief.”
SILVER MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL In our last edition we said this new school in Shinfield would be ready this September. When we went to print this was the case, but its opening has now been delayed following too few autumn applicants. Floreat Education Academy Trust has since also made a commercial decision not to be involved, so we’re now working with the Department for Education to agree a sponsor for the school. Floreat will continue to run Montague Park Primary School in Wokingham.
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 15
APPRENTICES UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Since the start of the Apprenticeship Levy Fund in May last year, we’ve recruited 14 apprentices in roles across the Council. Here we meet Aaron Summers. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Has the Council been supportive?
“I’m 27 and currently an apprentice IT Application Specialist. Aside from work, I’m into sport having been the captain of the Reading Deaf Football Team, and previously involved with Great Britain Basketball.”
“They helped me get funding from Access to Work for an iPad with the SignLive app to have a live interpreter communicating in British Sign Language, my first language, during phone calls and meetings.”
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
Any plans for when your apprenticeship finishes?
“I’d started one back in 2014, but unfortunately the company went bust and I couldn’t finish it. I spent 2015 and 2016 job hunting, but I struggled to get beyond the interview stage. I was worried that being profoundly deaf was a barrier to finding a job. So last summer I gave apprenticeships another go. My friend, who works for the Council, recommended I apply here.”
“I’ve got a job interview here at WBC. I’d love to look at getting into management and more qualifications.”
What attracted you to Wokingham Borough Council? “The Council offered me the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge and skillset in IT, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m currently working towards a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT User Skills as part of my advanced apprenticeship.” How have you found things so far? “Really great. I finished my course in just eight months! My apprenticeship comes to an end in September, so I’m thinking about my future job right now.”
Have you any messages for would-be apprentices? “When you’re an apprentice, managers encourage you to ask questions, and are really willing to give you a chance to learn and try out new things. I’ve done job swaps with the Director of Customer and Localities, Josie Wragg (see pictured) and the Head of IMT. It was a really fascinating experience, and made me appreciate just what they do. “Some people tend to think apprenticeships aren’t ‘a real job’ and more a traineeship. But honestly, they’re brilliant. You get life skills, they prepare you for the future, and allow you to develop a real career.” More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘jobs apprenticeship’) www.apprenticeships.org.uk
16 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
YOUR FINGER ON THE LEISURE PULSE You’ll start to see a wealth of improvements across our leisure facilities, during the coming year, as we continue to expand and invest in our facilities for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Places for People Leisure officially took over the running of our centres in May, with the new contract covering Loddon Valley, Carnival Pool, St Crispin’s, and Bulmershe, as well as the new centres at Arborfield and Ryeish Green. Places for People put its plans swiftly into action with improvements already underway at our centres. New and modern gym equipment has been fitted at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre and St Crispin’s Sports Centre. This is on top of the new facilities planned at Bulmershe and Carnival, and our new centres at Arborfield and Ryeish Green. Subject to the outcome of our application, which will be determined this summer, our new centre at Bulmershe would include a six-lane 25m swimming pool and teaching pool with movable floors for a larger number of groups of ages and abilities to enjoy, a bigger gym, a four-court sports hall, an additional studio, and a café to refuel after a long swim or gym session. We’ll be demolishing the existing centre during the school summer holidays. Our new centre at Arborfield, which opened in May, includes a 50 station gym, two studios and a cycle studio for members, as well as a 3G football pitch, floodlit tennis and netball courts, and a sports hall available for general hire outside of school hours. We’re investing more into our facilities elsewhere too. Ryeish Green Leisure Centre has been refurbished to include a fitness suite, changing rooms, a club room, and full size 3G pitch ahead of its re-opening this summer as the Ryeish Green Sports Hub. Our California Greenway is a great opportunity to enjoy our beautiful countryside, whether you fancy a family bike ride or just a gentle stroll. We’re looking to soon expand the California Greenway, with a new section under construction. This will link Phase 1 of California Greenway (Finchampstead Baptist Centre to Arborfield Green) to Nine Mile Ride, alongside the country park driveway, and once built it will also be useful for horse riders.
Executive View Cllr Norman Jorgensen, Executive Member for Environment, Leisure and Libraries “Investing in and improving our leisure facilities will not only inspire you try out new things, but our provision will also offer many preventative health services to take the weight off our social care budget which is already under financial pressure.”
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 17
Major developments – the bigger picture With the homes and infrastructure now taking shape in four major developments (north and South Wokingham, Shinfield area and the former Arborfield Garrison), a long-held plan for the Borough is being put into action. The developments are bringing schools, roads, sports centres, affordable homes, community facilities, parks and play areas alongside the homes needed for future generations. We understand these cause concern because there are some very visible developments and these bring construction traffic and some disruption. But there are reasons why the homes are being built in this way.
The past Before these major developments were planned in the 2010 Core Strategy, there were just as many homes being built in the Borough as have been since. But they were unplanned and spread out in small developments. This made it impossible to plan for schools, roads or other facilities because everything was dispersed and unplanned. We were also, at that time, only able to secure about £6,000 from developers per home built to pay for the necessary infrastructure.
The plan In 2010, we adopted our Core Strategy which set out where the new roads, schools, sports centres, community facilities, nature parks, play areas and homes were to be built between then and 2026. For the first time we had a long-term strategic plan to accommodate the housing needed along with proper infrastructure investment. Since 2010, we’ve been able to increase the amount secured from developers for infrastructure to more than £30,000 per home.
The present The Borough is going through some growing pains and we sympathise with those of you affected by it. But the plan to build infrastructure alongside homes is working. This has included: • Opening Bohunt Wokingham secondary before new residents move into the development • Opening Montague Floreat Primary School when only a small number of the new homes had been occupied • Progressing the major new roads (see details on page 18) very early in the developments to reduce the impact of traffic • Opening the new Arborfield Leisure Centre (see details on page 16) During the next few years more homes will be coming to the Borough, and these will continue to be accompanied by schools (six more still to be opened), roads (the completion of four more major new highways) as well as more new and improved sports facilities and new community centres. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘major developments’)
18 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
ROADMAP FOR NEW HIGHWAYS Winnersh Relief Road (WRR) To relieve congestion at the Winnersh Crossroads. Phase 1, which connects the B3270 Lower Earley Way to B3030 King Street Lane, is now open. Phase 2 will connect the B3030 with the A329 Reading Road and will include an extension to the existing Longdon Road, and a new roundabout on the Reading Road north of the M4 overbridge. A planning application for Phase 2 has been submitted.
Arborfield Relief Road (ARR) This will take through traffic out of Arborfield Cross by connecting the A327 in the north to a new junction with Swallowfield Road. It will then continue to the south of Arborfield Cross and connect back to the A327. Planning has been granted and detailed design is currently underway. Some enabling works and further investigations are due to start later this year with construction due to start next year.
Nine Mile Ride Extension (NMRE) This connects the existing A327 Eversley Road in the north with the Nine Mile Ride / Park Lane junction in the south east. Its construction is in two sections. The northern section between A327 Eversley Road and the lane next to Hogwood Industrial Estate, just before Byway 18, is complete. The planning application for the southern section is due this summer.
More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘major new roads’)
North Wokingham Distributor Road (NWDR) To provide access to the new homes and help reduce increased traffic. Small sections at Matthewsgreen and Kentwood Farm have opened, with more due to open this summer. Construction has begun on sections at Keephatch Beech, Kentwood Farm West and Bell Foundry Lane, with design work starting on the remaining sections, including west of Old Forest Road.
South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) To give access to the new houses and help reduce increased traffic. The first phase already open is William Heelas Way through Montague Park. The planning application for its second phase (Eastern Gateway) was approved earlier this year, and detailed design is now underway. This phase will run south from Montague Park over the Waterloo railway line on a new bridge and then link to Waterloo Road. Construction is due to start next year and be completed in 2020. Route refinement and planning application support work for the later phases, Spine Road, Grays Farm Link and Western Gateway is also now underway.
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 19
FILLING YOU IN... We’re continually reviewing the ways we communicate with you because we want to make sure you’re aware of all the options available to keep you up to date. Report it Remember you can report any problems to us via our website, such as potholes and damaged street lights. But it’s not just road issues you can report here – there’s also much more including waste, planning, Council Tax, community and safety, adult care and support. Simply visit www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘report problems’)
Potholes Once it’s been reported to us, a pothole is made safe between two and 24 hours depending on the risk it poses and its severity. Within this time they are temporarily filled to make the road surface safe. We then return to put a permanent fix in place, by squaring the hole, digging it out and refilling it with hot Tarmac.
Resurfacing and redressing As part of our annual road maintenance campaign, we continually carry out technical surveys on the highways network, visual inspections, and technical assessments and analysis. This information generates an annual road maintenance campaign, so that we can ensure investment goes where it’s needed the most, rather than being allocated on a regional or ward by ward basis which would not give you value for money.
There are two ways that we repair a road – surface dressing or resurfacing – and we use the option that is most appropriate. Surface dressing adds protection to the carriageway surface, sealing it from water while also enhancing its skid resistance. This protection can extend the life of the carriageway surface by up to ten years. Resurfacing is a more extensive treatment, which involves removing layers of a worn out road surface and replacing this with new material.
Emergency work It’s not always possible to forewarn you when other organisations do work on our roads. If there’s a gas leak or a water pipe bursts and a utility company comes to fix it, closing the road at short notice is unavoidable. But we’ll always try to make you aware, although this might not be before the closure starts. We do appreciate that roadworks are disruptive, so we’ll continue to use all options available (see below) to us to keep you up-to-date so that you can plan your journeys in advance. Your safety is our top priority. More information: www.roadworks.org www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘roadworks’ and ‘road maintenance campaign’ and ‘text alerts’)
20 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
Planning roadworks With some 400 miles of roads in the Wokingham Borough, and 15,000 roadworks applications every year, coordination and planning is key. Ed Day is a NRSWA Officer in our Streetworks Team. “We manage the logistics of all work on public highways – whether ours or a utility company’s. This covers resurfacing and maintaining roads, building new ones, drainage and keeping existing apparatus in roads up to standard such as gas and water mains and we coordinate public events that impact the roads, like the Wokingham May Fayre. “We also inspect sites while work is happening, and when it’s completed, to make sure everything is compliant under the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA). “Regardless of what people think, we don’t agree to every application that comes in. There are strict standards they must meet. Last year we turned down 2,300 applications because they didn’t meet the requirements.” Ed first checks whether there’s space on the network for that work. If there is, he looks to see if the right temporary lights, lane or full closures and diversions for that application are being planned. He then checks if parallel roads are clear and if alternative public transport routes have been taken into account. Only after all these things are okay will an application get the green light. “We always look at the bigger picture. It’s tough sometimes and we need to strike a delicate balance. But we know how difficult it is because we’re also driving on these roads.”
Roads that have been recently resurfaced by our contractors are generally protected by a Section 58 legal notice. This stops them from being dug up for five years, except in emergencies such as a burst water main. “If emergency work conflicts with current roadworks nearby, we try and reschedule the current work until the emergency repairs are done. “We also regularly meet utility companies, emergency services, public transport firms, highway contractors, and developers to coordinate future projects and events to group together roadworks near each other to reduce disruption.” Ed is also involved in making sure residents and businesses directly affected by a scheme are pre-warned and then kept in the loop. For wider communications, information goes out via our email and text service, social media, and given to local media. “If you see something not right on roadworks, or the traffic measures aren’t working, please do continue to tell us. If we know about it, we can do something about it.” More information www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘report it’ and/or ‘sign up email and texts’) www.roadworks.org
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 21
GET INTO MISCHIEF THIS SUMMER At a glance... Last year you borrowed more of our library books than ever before – 7,000 more. Book borrowing across the country is falling, so you’re bucking the national trend. One reason for this is that we choose the books you want, and don’t use an outside organisation to do this. There are just under a quarter of a million books in our Borough libraries, and we buy on average 20,000 each year. E-book usage has also gone up.
© Dale Cherry for The Reading Agency, with thanks to Idea Store, Watney Market and the summer reading challenge logo - ©DC Thomson Ltd (2018)
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge in our Borough’s libraries is called Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved iconic children’s title Beano which is celebrating its 80th anniversary Simply sign up for the challenge at any of our libraries until 2 September. Children must be a library member to take part, but it’s free to join. They’re then given a poster, to which they add a sticker after they’ve finish a library book. There are six to read. When they’ve completed all six, they also get a medal and a certificate. There are lots Mischief Makers themed events at our libraries to coincide with the challenge. Primary school aged children can explore a map of Beanotown to find the mysterious buried treasure, and in doing so become ultimate mischief makers! Dennis, Gnasher and friends help them solve clues and collect stickers, having lots of fun and adventures along the way. We hold these summer reading challenges in our libraries every year. You can find out about them on our website. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries (search ‘what’s on in our libraries’)
We’ve extended opening hours at some of our libraries and have self-serve kiosks at Finchampstead, Lower Earley, Twyford, Winnersh, Wokingham and Woodley, which you can use to borrow/return and renew items, pay late charges, and check your library account.
22 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
HawleyHurst
Ready for Sixth Form? LET US EASE ANY ANXIETY WITH OUR BESPOKE EDUCATION AND OUTSTANDING SUPPORT SYSTEM Book a tour today 01276 587190 admissions@hawleyhurst.co.uk Camberley, Surrey
DID YOU KNOW? Our Facebook last year had a 1.8million reach /wokinghamboroughcouncil
We had 45,000 visitors to our news website news.wokingham.gov.uk
Between May last year, and this April, we attracted 12% more Twitter follows @WokinghamBC
GET
15% OFF When you book online today!
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 23
Stronger legal powers
How we help rough sleepers
By joining forces with Thames Valley Police (TVP) we now have more legal options to remove unauthorised encampments on public-owned land.
The number of people sleeping rough in the Borough is very low, and while numbers nationally are increasing, ours have fallen for the last two years.
We already have an excellent relationship with the police when dealing with unauthorised encampments but a new protocol, which also involves 15 other local councils, gives us more scope within existing legal powers and for the first time common law ones. We currently use the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (Section 77-78) applying to a county court for an order. But we will now be able to apply to a magistrate as an alternative, which may speed up the process.
We work to prevent homelessness happening in the first place, but where it does we respond quickly and provide support. We work alongside voluntary sector groups and Thames Valley Police to combat the causes of homelessness, and then help people rebuild their lives. We also offer help such as housing advice, interest free loans to help with rent, mediation with families and landlords, access to the Council’s Housing Register, temporary accommodation, and support to help people live independently. We’re currently reviewing our Homelessness Strategy in light of new duties from new legislation, and looking at additional specialist housing for those who need it – for example we recently opened a supported housing scheme for vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness.
We also now have common law, to ask the trespasser to leave, but will still have to apply for an order at county court if they return. Under Part 55 Civil Procedure Rules we can now apply to county court to regain possession of the public land, but again there’s no sanction if they return. Sadly we cannot take action on private land, but we do advise landowners, and as with incursions onto council property do health and welfare checks on the encampments.
Executive View Cllr Simon Weeks, Executive Member for Planning and Enforcement “Our strengthened powers to deal with unauthorised encampments will complement those already used by police – Section 61 of the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act – giving us all more tools in the box.”
Getting smart We’re part of a £1.7million Smart Cities project with other Berkshire councils to help local residents and businesses. This new Local Growth Fund investment in smart technology and digital infrastructure will support transport, energy, the environment and assisted living projects, as well as start-up businesses.
24 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
HOLDING US TO ACCOUNT We’re a large organisation managing an annual budget of more than £100million, with a thousand staff. Key decisions affecting you and the Borough are taken by a small number of elected councillors known as the Executive. To ensure their decisions are sensible, and deliver value for money, other councillors sit on Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs). The OSCs publish an annual work programme listing all the items they will scrutinise during the year. These committees help develop new policies and give input before key decisions are taken. The OSCs also review how our key partners, such as the health service and the police, operate. Issues they’ve recently examined include school performance, health service changes, the town centre regeneration, community safety, civil parking enforcement, and waste and recycling. Increasing your involvement in the decision-making process and focusing on those community issues most important to you are key aims of Overview and Scrutiny. So, if you’re concerned about a public service, or an issue affecting your community, we’d like to hear from you. You can also get involved by suggesting an item for scrutiny or attending a meeting to give evidence, or ask a question. More information: Scrutiny Officer, Neil Carr, on (0118) 974 6058 or neil.carr@wokingham.gov.uk
Five star food hygiene for Westmead Optalis customers and colleagues from the Woodley and Earley Learning Disability Day Service are celebrating after their catering service was awarded a five star rating from the Food Standards Agency. The group, which runs the café and food delivery service at Westmead in Rances Lane, Wokingham, received their five stars from the Environmental Health team following an unannounced visit checking food safety legislation was being met. The inspectors said they were very impressed with the café set-up, the professionalism of the service and the high standard of catering. The inspection also covered the Westmead kitchen where customers prepare meals for themselves, or take home to their families. This also got a glowing report.
ment Employ h d e t r o p alis Sup port wit The Opt s achieved Sup n, for ha reditatio cal c c Service a ) C nce (SW C is a lo Confide ar running. SW a list ye roviding p e the fifth m e y sch upport authorit d care and/or s eir ve d for th e tt e v of appro n bee ing. that’ve and train services y t e f a s quality,
The Westmead Café recently launched a lunch delivery service, which has proved a huge success. Every day a selection of fresh, homemade sandwiches, salads and baked potatoes prepared by Optalis customers are delivered to the Optalis headquarters in Molly Millars Lane.
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 25
Targeting air quality hotspots We’ve all seen articles in the media about the risks of air pollution to our health – it’s certainly a contributing factor in a number of health issues. While the majority of our Borough has air quality within recommended levels, we’ve identified some hotspots where nitrogen dioxide levels are too high – namely Wokingham town centre and Twyford Crossroads. We’re striving to improve air quality at these two locations, where cars are the biggest contributor to the pollution. Our new Air Quality Action Plan, produced by the Public Protection Partnership (see article below), outlines our approach to improve air quality in these areas between now and 2026. As part of these plans, we are looking at ways to encourage more sustainable travel and alternative routes to avoid these hotspots. One option is to encourage stationary cars to turn off their engines. Another is promoting alternative fuels like electric cars. And we’re reviewing our current plans for cycle pathways in and around Twyford and Wokingham. To view the action plan in full go to www.westberks.gov.uk (search ‘air quality action plan Wokingham’). The Public Protection Partnership delivers Environmental Health, Licensing and Trading Standards services across Bracknell, West Berkshire and Wokingham.
Tipping the balance against environmental crime We’re getting tougher on fly-tipping and other environmental crimes across the Borough, thanks to our new collaboration with the Public Protection Partnership (PPP). The PPP covers environmental health, licensing and trading standards on behalf of Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire councils, and now us. It can use evidence, gathered by our officers attending sites where waste has been dumped, to carry out investigations to track down perpetrators. This is crucial as some offending is cross-border, and linked to rogue trading. The PPP can also access specialist case management intelligence, and will look to remove any financial gains from people who’ve benefitted from illegal activity. But you remain key in helping us identify, investigate and prosecute offenders. So if you do come across a fly-tip or other waste crime, please report it (especially a vehicle registration number). You can do this quickly and easily via our website. See details below. Please also be careful about who you give your waste to. The duty of care for its disposal lies with the person who owns it, and breaching this is an offence that could incur severe penalties. So never give your waste to an unlicensed carrier, and ask for documentation when it’s collected. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘report fly tipping’)
26 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
Local Plan Update Thousands more homes will be coming to the Borough during the next 20 years. This is an unavoidable fact, so we’re developing our strategy – known as the Local Plan Update (LPU) to accommodate these new residents and businesses with the right investment in facilities and infrastructure. The Local Plan will set out where developments can and cannot happen up to 2036, alongside what roads, schools, community, sporting and other facilities must come with the homes. It’s a legal requirement for local authority to produce LPUs, and even if we didn’t the housing would come anyway – but in an unplanned way and with less infastructure. As part of the LPU, we’re currently assessing more than 250 potential development sites that have been put forward. Visit www.wokingham.gov.uk and search for “Local Plan Update” for more information and to sign up for email updates.
Executive View Cllr Stuart Munro, Executive Member for Business, Economic Development and Strategic Planning “The next stage in the LPU will be additional public consultation, so please take part. We’ll let you know when and how to do so. Remember, no final decisions have been made yet.”
Good for business Our Borough is home to an incredible array of businesses – from some of the biggest global names such as Microsoft and Oracle, to the start-ups and small companies that are so important in driving our economy.
So, it’s important we work with these businesses. We do this by harnessing the expertise of the business community in our decision-making and by providing those services that support the economy to help it flourish. To enhance our relationship with our businesses community, we held the inaugural Fit for Business: Thriving Together event at the new Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield. This brought business leaders together to discuss topics such as attracting and retaining the right companies to the area, and ensuring we have the right people with the right skills. We are now arranging a series of further engagement sessions that will target specific areas of interest. We’ve also relaunched the Business Bulletin, an emailed update on news for the businesses community. To find out about the sessions or to sign up to the bulletin please contact: communityengagement@ wokingham.gov.uk
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 27
Meet Wokingham Borough’s Mayor for 2018 “The role of Mayor is unlike any other role you’re likely to encounter while serving as a councillor. One minute you can be opening a multi-million pound construction project, and next awarding the prizes at a local school, or even helping a resident celebrate their 100th birthday; all of which are important in their own way. “I’ve been at the sharp end of politics during my time with the Council, and sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the important things which are life enhancing for the vulnerable in our Borough. “The events I’ve attended while deputising for the past Mayor have made me proud to be part of the Council. Others have made me feel very humble as you see the effort put in by the Council’s employees, and by the many volunteers who ensure nobody gets left out to share in the good things Wokingham Borough provides.
Borough Mayor Cllr John Kaiser with Mayoress Gillian Kaiser
“The role of Mayor allows you to reflect on, and appreciate, the excellent services provided for the community by the Council and the many charities and organisations around the Borough. So it’s my great honour to be allowed to serve all the people of Wokingham Borough as Mayor for the next 12 months.” Cllr John Kaiser’s chosen mayoral charity this year is Me2 Club in Woodley.
We all have a responsibility for safeguarding adults. If you are concerned about the welfare of a vulnerable adult report it now.
Betty was cheated of her savings after working all her life www.wokingham.gov.uk
• Report via our website: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘adult abuse’) • Call 0300 365 1234 and speak to someone about your concerns • In an emergency call 999
28 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
What’s On this summer… Throughout the summer
28 July
4 August
Open Water Swimming Whether you’re training for a big event, or just want to experience swimming in a natural environment. Sessions are supervised. Ages 8 to 16. Swimmers must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Dinton Activity Centre, 6pm to 8pm, £3.50
28 July
6 August
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Storytime Stories and rhymes for children aged 5 and under, at libraries throughout the summer** FREE, just drop in Every Wednesday until September
Children’s Games Afternoon Winnersh Library 2pm to 4pm Every Saturday
Winnersh Library Gaming Club Gaming club for teens 10.30am to 12.30pm, £1** 19 July
Wokingham’s Trees Visible? Valued? Vanishing? A talk about the work and findings of the Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association, which has surveyed recorded and mapped more than 7,500 veteran and notable trees across the Borough. Wokingham Library, 10.30am to 11.30am, £3** 21 & 22 July
Marvellous Festival The fabulous, family-friendly festival at Dinton Pastures! A weekend of live music from tribute bands: www. marvellousfestivals.com. Tickets from £38 per day 26 July
Family Learning Puppet Crafts For families with children aged 4 and over. Book via the Adult and Community Learning Team on (0118) 974 3797 or lifelonglearning@wokingham.gov.uk Wokingham Library, 10am to noon, £5 Finchampstead Library, 2.30pm to 4pm, £5 27 July
Lunar Eclipse Canoe Tour Enjoy a guided tour of the lake at Dinton Activity Centre as the Earth eclipses the moon. For children aged 4+. 9pm to 11pm, adults £15, children £10 BOOKING ESSENTIAL*
Magic Metalwork Cutting and shaping copper and aluminium metal sheet to create individual pieces of jewellery, with tutor Rachel Freegard at Wokingham Library. 10am to 1pm, £5** Creative Writing Workshops for Teens: Superheroes A full-day workshop session on the topic of superheroes, for teens. Wokingham Library, 10.30am to 3pm, £5**
Open Air Cinema: Dirty Dancing Dinton Pastures. Fancy dress is encouraged. The bar opens at 6pm, and the film starts 30 minutes after sunset. Adults £13.95, children £8, family tickets £40* As You Like It Summer Shakespeare Theatre Show from The Enchanted Players at Woodley Library for all the family. 2.30pm to 3.30pm, £5** 8 August
30 July
Guide Dogs Morning Just drop into learn and meet guide dogs and their owners and take part in some fun activities. Wokingham Library, 10am to noon
Heritage Walk Starting at Wokingham Library, enjoy a walk around Wokingham and learn some fascinating facts about the town’s history. 10.30am to noon, places must be booked**
30 July
9 August
Family learning with Lego Discover how you can help your child to explore basic maths (symmetry, bar charts and fractions) while playing with Lego. For families with children aged 5 to 7. Book via the Adult and Community Learning Team on (0118) 974 3797. Wokingham Library, 10am to noon, £5
Dinton 5km/10km Summer Series An annual firm favourite race series, 5km or 10km race around the lakes. Suitable for all abilities and a great way to see your progression. Entry from 7pm; £33, suitable for those aged 16+ 10 August
Children’s Chess Club At Woodley Library for children aged 8+ 3.30pm to 5pm
Mischief Makers with Fred in the Shed His show is fast paced and a mixture of light-hearted fun and comedy magic fit for the whole family and best suited for age 3 and upwards. Be warned, his puppet friends supply the mischief. Wokingham Library 10.30am to 11.30am, £3 Finchampstead Library 12.45pm to 1.45pm, £3 Woodley Library, 3pm to 4pm, £3
3 August
11 August
30 July to 14 August
Lego Creations Themed Lego building sessions for children aged 5 to 10 years across the Borough.** £1 2 August & 6 September
Open Air Cinema: Rocky Horror Picture Show Laze on a picnic blanket in front of a film at Dinton Pastures. Fancy dress is encouraged. The bar opens at 6pm, and the film starts 30 minutes after sunset. Adults £13.95, children £8, family tickets £40 4 August
Creative Writing Workshops for Teens: World building A full day workshop session with Ignite Writing at Wokingham Library on world building within your stories, for teens. 10.30am to 3pm, £5**
Open Air Cinema: The Goonies Dinton Pastures. Fancy dress is encouraged. The bar opens at 6pm, and the film starts 30 minutes after sunset. Adults £13.95, children £8, family tickets £40* 11 August
Allotment Open Day Come along to Ormonde Road Allotment for the free open day in support of National Allotment Week. 11am onwards
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
11 August
Perseids Meteor Shower Canoe Tour Take to the water at Dinton Activity Centre to marvel in shooting stars and find out about the annual meteor shower. Suitable for children aged 4+. 9pm to 11pm, adults £15, children £10 – BOOKING ESSENTIAL* 13 August to 31 August
Spinning Stories Event Come and spin the wheel and take part in stories and craft with books written by author Julia Donaldson. For children aged 7 and under: Arborfield Library, 13 August, 2pm to 2.45pm, £1** Wargrave Library, 20 August, 11am to 11.45am, £1** Winnersh Library, 22 August, 11am to noon, £1** Spencers Wood Library, 23 August, 11am to 11.45am, £1** Finchampstead Library, 24 August, 11am to 11.45am, £1** Twyford Library, 31 August, 11am to 11.45am, £1** 18 August
Circus Skills Workshop Fancy becoming the next Greatest Showman? Learn and have a go at mastering circus skills such as juggling, plate spinning, diablo, Chinese spinning cloths, devil sticks and poi. Booking opening soon. Suitable for ages 4+. Dinton Pastures, 11am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to 3pm, adults £8, children £6 18 August
Hurst Horticultural & Home Industries August Show Popular family-friendly traditional village show capturing English village life: http:// hursthorticulturalshow.org 30 August
Family learning with Lego Discover how you can help your child to explore basic maths (symmetry, bar charts and fractions) while playing with Lego. For families with children aged 5-7. Book via the Adult and Community Learning Team on (0118) 974 3797 Wokingham Library, 10am to noon, £5 Finchampstead Library, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, £5 1 September
Dad and baby rhymetime Wokingham Library – just drop in! 10am to 10.30am, FREE
Summer 2018 29
4 September
19 September
Children’s Origami Club For children aged 7 and over at Wokingham Library 4pm to 4.45pm, 50p**
Pirate Day Storytime Stories and craft for the under 8s – just drop in! Wokingham Library 3.15pm to 3.45pm Woodley Library, 3.30pm to 4pm
8 September
Open Air Cinema: The Greatest Showman Dinton Pastures. Fancy dress is encouraged. The bar opens at 6pm, and the film starts 30 minutes after sunset. Adults £13.95, children £8, family tickets £40* 10 September
First Step in Acrylics: Session 1 Introduction to acrylics – painting a still life. Learn some basic techniques with Lyn Ebbett. Wokingham Library, 2pm to 4pm, £5** 13 September
Roald Dahl Day Share your favourite Roald Dahl Books and try out some of our activity sheets. Just drop in! Lower Early Library, 3.30pm to 4.30pm Wokingham Library, 3.45pm to 4.30pm Woodley Library, 3.45pm to 4.30pm 15 September
Heritage Open Day This year’s Heritage Day will be celebrating ‘Extraordinary Women,’ in the Town Hall from 11am.
22 & 23 September
Wokingham Arts Trail Discover artists living and working locally in homes, studios and temporary spaces. A wonderful way to see the artistic talent within Wokingham. Great for anyone interested in art and for children interested in different styles and creative processes. 24 September
First Step in Acrylics: Session 3 Paint a landscape using masking out techniques, with Lyn Ebbett. Wokingham Library, 2pm to 4pm, £5** 26 September
Wokingham Library Book Group A new daytime book for people who enjoy reading and discussing books. 10.30am to 11.30am 28 September
Blitz: Britain and the Luftwaffe 1939 to 1945 A talk with local historian Mike Cooper at Wokingham Library 10.30am to noon, £5**
17 September
First Step in Acrylics: Session 2 Using a medium to change the nature of acrylics. Painting vegetables. Learn some basic techniques with Lyn Ebbett. Wokingham Library, 2pm to 4pm, £5**
*to bo ok cou ntrysi www. please vis de events dinton it -pastu res.co **Fo .uk Wokin r a full list o f even gham ts a Bo www. wokin rough libra t ries gh (searc h for ‘ am.gov.uk : librari es’)
30 Summer 2018
www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil
Staying healthy in a loving relationship Are you taking the contraception that’s right for you? Contraceptive injections, an implant or a coil don’t rely on you remembering to take or use them to be effective. Find out which could work best for you by talking to your GP, or visiting the Safe Sex Berkshire website (details below).
The ‘morning after’ pill isn’t just for the following day. You may know the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) can prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex, or if your contraception failed such as a missed pill or split condom. However, did you know that there are two types available? Levonelle can be taken up to three days after, and EllaOne up to five. But the treatment will be more effective the sooner you take it.
Your relationship and sexual health information in one place
The result of your HIV test in 60 seconds
Our intimate relationships are personal, but it’s important to get the right support and services. Safe Sex Berkshire is a comprehensive website with information on relationships, contraception, child exploitation, STIs and gender identity. The website also has the locations and opening times for local clinics where you can get sexual health advice and testing.
Thames Valley Positive Support has launched a HIV prevention service in Wokingham. This new service is run from two locations in the Wokingham Borough, where you can get HIV tested with a finger prick test. It is quick and easy and you get your result in 60 seconds.
More information: www.safesexberkshire.nhs.uk
More information: Email test@tvps.org.uk or call (01628) 603 400
www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC
Summer 2018 31
SUMMER RECYCLING TIPS With the warm weather and blue(ish) skies now upon us, the BBQs and lawn mowers are out! But there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the long summer days while keeping waste in check. Our increased recycling service across the Borough now means it’s easier to stay on top of waste and recycling at a time when we generate more waste than normal. If you’re planning on a BBQ, you can already doorstep recycle unsoiled cardboard (including pizza boxes provided all food is removed), tins, aluminium foil, bottles, tubs, Tetra Paks and nonblack plastic trays at your door. Most glass can also be readily recycled at recycling banks across the Borough. Although we’ll be introducing food waste collections next year, until then there’s still plenty of ways to limit how much of your food waste goes to landfill this summer: • It’s easy to recycle a lot of food waste yourself, through composting your fruit and vegetable waste • Limit how much you cook for BBQs and parties. Plan accordingly for your guests and where possible, use any leftovers in lunches • Don’t necessarily go for ‘buy one get one free’ or similar offers unless you can genuinely use it all up before it expires. Most offers like these tend to apply to items nearing their expiry date • Pay more attention to ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates. While products are usually safe to eat after they’ve reached their ‘best before’ date, the heat could make their quality decline far quicker than normal. Food shouldn’t be eaten once it’s passed its ‘use by’.
• Most food can be safely frozen. Always check the labels for instructions on how to freeze and blanch vegetables before freezing, to capture as much of their quality as possible • Where possible, try and take waste home with you when on trips if there’re no recycling facilities where you are • Use cool bags and ice packs to keep food fresh while out and about It’s easy to dispose of garden waste too. In addition to our green waste bin service, you can also buy brown sacks for £1 each to be collected on a fortnightly basis alongside green waste bins. Alternatively, you can also dispose of garden waste, free of charge, at re3 recycling centres in Reading or Bracknell. More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search ‘recycling’)
Recycle for the future Recycling is part of everyday life and it is an important way of ensuring a sustainable future. Recycling in Wokingham Borough has never been easier and you now have the opportunity to recycle more than ever from your home, especially plastic items.
STEP UP YOUR EFFORTS AND RECYCLE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN www.re3.org.uk @re3recycling