Wokingham Borough News - Summer 2016

ut Check o n O What's er m this sum 1 page 3

Wokingham Borough

NEWS

Your magazine from Wokingham Borough Council Summer 2016

In this issue...

Centre pass for netballers page 3

Moving forward page 6

Family festival will be simply

Marvellous Focus on Hurst page 20

www.wokingham.gov.uk

page 16

2

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Keeping in touch with us www.wokingham.gov.uk customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk (0118) 974 6000

Welcome "Summer is upon us and there's no better place than our wonderful Borough for getting out and about.

Why not make the most of what's on our doorstep?

/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...

4

Focus on Woodley

9

Expanding our schools

23

Extra care foundations

28

Specialist care and support

"This magazine showcases some of the great things happening in Hurst this summer. For the first time we're delighted to welcome Marvellous Festival to Dinton Pastures. It promises to be a fantastic weekend for all the family with live music from world-class tribute artists to a funfair, big kids' village, food and drink and a stunning Spitfire flypast. I hope if you're able to attend you thoroughly enjoy yourselves.

"We're conscious there may be some disruption for local residents and Dinton’s neighbours. And we've taken this very seriously. We've been liaising with them, including a drop-in session in May, which helped answer their questions.

"We've also got some great activities for children this summer, with our popular Wokingham Active Kids programme (page 17). And our public rights of way have been given a massive thumbs up by the Ramblers' Association - another great excuse for you, and all the family, to get walking, on your bike or even by horse! All the details can be found on page 16.

"There's a lot going on in this magazine, from an update on the new school at Arborfield Garrison (page 22) to finding out more about recycling (page 26) – and from profiles on Woodley (page 4/5) and Hurst (page 20/21), to updates on our major road projects happening during the summer (page 13).

"Our community clean-ups across the Borough this spring were hugely successful once again, and I'm delighted precious war medals found in Swallowfield have been reunited with family members (page 8).

"We're also expanding primary schools around the Borough, including Earley, to meet rising pupil numbers (page 9).

"The way we deliver Council services will be changing (see page 8), so make sure you keep up-to-date with all the latest Council news by visiting our new microsite at: http://news.wokingham.gov.uk.

"This is where all our news, videos and photos have been brought together in one easy-to-use place for you to enjoy at any time you like (see page 10).

"You can also follow us on Twitter (@WokinghamBC) or like us on Facebook (facebook.com/ wokinghamboroughcouncil). Some of our photos are also available to see on Instagram (wokinghamboroughcouncil).

"If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with me via email at: keith.baker@wokingham.gov.uk. In the meantime I wish you all a lovely summer."

Cllr Keith Baker Council Leader

Editorial and design: Wokingham Borough Council's Communications Team Produced by: Digital Solutions on uncoated 60gsm UPM Matt C paper Cost: 7p per person / 16p per household To advertise in Wokingham Borough News, or any other queries about this magazine including delivery, please contact: communications@wokingham.gov.uk. A pdf version of this magazine is available online at: http://news.wokingham.gov.uk/wokingham-borough-news

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

3

Centre pass for Lower Earley's netballers

What started with a few mums four years ago, to get older players back into the game, has now grown into a club with 12 teams of all ages playing in most divisions of the Berkshire leagues.

Laurel Park Netball Club is a classic success story further sweetened by our £60,000 refurbishment of the Chalfont Courts in Lower Earley, which the netball players and footballers from Kickz happily now call home.

"You couldn't really use them before the work was done," said Lisa Wise, club founder and head coach of the netball club.

"They were a valuable community asset sat "There has been a huge resurgence in right in the middle of Lower Earley. So we netball in recent years," said Lisa. "It's now talked to the Borough Council. on Sky Sports so its profile is rising and the old image of it being a soft girls sport "They listened, and resurfaced the three is disappearing fast. The 'This Girl Can' courts, marked them out with non-slip campaign has also had a positive impact. paint. They took out the divisions between the courts, and renewed the existing "More than a million people now play in floodlights, fencing, rebound boards and this country every week." gave us new netball posts."

The netball club uses the courts on Lisa says the new open layout means Monday and Thursday evenings, while coaches can have different teams, abilities our Kickz project also uses them on and age ranges all playing in the same Wednesdays. time slot, which benefits the new junior section as parents can bring siblings and Kickz offers free football sessions to 11 friends to the same session together. to 19-year-olds. It hopes to steer young people from anti-social behaviour by giving "This also creates a better community spirit them new activities and different routes among all our players. It's lovely. But it's into education, employment and training. not all about leagues," she said. "We also get a lot of people coming down just to We run it in partnership with the Premier play socially through our Back to Netball League and Reading Football Club. To book and Netball Now sessions. That's how we the courts please call the Council's Sports originally started.

Team on (0118) 974 3728.

"But some of them catch the netball bug and move on to take it more seriously to compete in some of the many leagues in Berkshire. That visibility has, in turn, attracted more experienced players."

The club also welcomes men for mixed games.

More information: • www.laurelparknetball.co.uk • lisawiseuk@yahoo.co.uk • sport@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 974 3728

4

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Focus on

Woodley

This edition we take a look at Woodley to see what makes it special, and what it's doing to remain at the heart of its community.

Woodley town centre still has the characteristics of a traditional corner shop, where you pop down to get your bits and bobs for the day.

even on a busy day such as the Saturday market or Sunday car boot, spaces free up very quickly. Roads A strong community feeling, good access, and shops offering what are rarely snared up. people need quickly makes it an easy and welcoming place to visit.

"There are many offices above the shops, as well This is one of the reasons, says its town centre manager Jacques as more than 50 flats.

Lherbier, why it has managed to successfully navigate difficult This creates a community retail conditions in recent years, as well as stave off the threat within the town centre from out-of-town supermarkets and internet shopping. that is alive and breathing 24 hours a day, not just when Many high streets and town centres across the country have been the shops are open. struggling but while most have had many vacant units, Woodley's retail occupancy has been good and if stores leave others quickly "Also, the Woodley Town Centre Management take their place.

Initiative organises lots of events throughout the year to help make it more of a destination."

"Woodley town centre is not huge, but with around 60 retailers it offers all the sort of things you need on a daily basis," said With many new homes being built in and around Woodley its Jacques (pictured right). population looks set to grow in the next few years. Jacques is hopeful these new residents will embrace the unique charm of "It doesn't have one large supermarket, but instead three their newly-adopted town centre. nationally -known smaller ones offering quality, value and catering for different budgets. There are Woodley's existing residents are another reason why it has also independent traders and branded bucked the national trend, he says. "They have stayed loyal. Sure, stores, as well as cafes and now two they also use neighbouring towns and big supermarkets, but they restaurants helping the night-time come back here too." economy.

More information: "One of its strengths is its access; • www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk Woodley town centre is easy to • @WoodleyTCMI reach. There are five different main routes and plenty of car parking, so

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

A goal for Woodford Park

5

There's no more sitting on the sidelines for footballers in Woodley, thanks to the newly-opened 3G artificial grass pitch in Woodford Park.

The full-size competition pitch has been created near Woodford Park Leisure Centre. It can be divided into three smaller training pitches, and also has acoustic board fencing and floodlights.

It is part of a wider Woodley Town Council £510,000 project revamping the park, which also includes a new high-quality court for tennis and netball that can be hired out.

In addition, the leisure centre's car park has been resurfaced and 59 additional parking spaces created.

Local people and groups helped shaped the scheme, while financing came from the town council and a grant from the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund.

Space for everyone The northern end of Woodley shopping centre is getting a makeover to make it a more flexible space for traders, shoppers and community events.

Our £290,000 project is refreshing the precinct, from the pavement next to the disabled parking bays northwards, removing cluttered and dated street furniture to install contemporary seating, litter bins and bike stands.

We are also replacing the existing pagoda with a modern structure that will provide shelter, as well as create a performance area.

The aim is to open up the area to create a community space for outdoor events such as concerts, al-fresco dining and pop-up exhibitions, and make it more family friendly with extra seating that can be put out when needed.

The work is due to be finished this autumn.

Most of the funding has come from developers' contributions for the Woodley area, topped up with £30,000 from the Woodley Town Centre Management Initiative and £10,000 from the Mary Portas scheme.

Photo shows Sports Officer Andrew Pearce, Leisure Services Manager Ed Whitesmith and Sports Officer Matt Cook-Gaetan

Look who's

30!

Happy 30th birthda y to Woodley Libra ry, which is celebrating three decades of lo aning books and reading materials as well as being a venue for popular clubs and groups.

Following our refit and creation of a ne w courtyard last year , it's looking good.

There's also a lot go ing on.

See for yourself at : www.wokingham.g ov.uk (search for 'library events').

6

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Moving forward

With planning consent now secured for all three parts of our regeneration scheme at Carnival Pool, Peach Street and Elms Field, Wokingham town centre is set to see lots of change during the next few years.

Work started at Carnival Pool this month (June), and will start at Peach Place in January next year and at Elms Field in May 2017 once the new Carnival Pool car park is completed. Work at Peach Place is expected to finish by the end of 2018, with Elms Field 12 months later.

Not only do our plans restore a better variety and choice of shops in the town centre, and fantastic new facilities including the three-screen Everyman Cinema, new bowling alley and hotel, they would also see Carnival Pool Leisure Centre expanded.

The regeneration will also create £7million in developer contributions which we can use to improve the Borough's infrastructure such as roads and schools as well as provide new tennis courts and other sports facilities.

It will also financially benefit residents across the whole Borough by generating around £4million of rental income every year which, in addition to paying for the regeneration itself, can be used to fund services and projects across the whole area for years to come.

In addition to the pool refurbishment, the proposals also include a More information: bigger gym, studio spaces for classes, improved changing facilities www.regenerationcompany.co.uk and a large four-court sports hall which could also be used as a performance space. We will be sharing more information on this Executive view in the coming months.

But the benefits of regeneration go far beyond the new facilities for local people and those elsewhere in the Borough.

The developments will see more than 350 new jobs created during construction, and more than 550 new permanent jobs in the new facilities including shops, cafés and restaurants. The scheme will also see the creation of new apprenticeships and training opportunities for the town.

Cllr Mark Ashwell, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration "Regeneration is a fantastic opportunity for Wokingham. Not only does it give local people the great town centre they deserve, but it also helps deliver a sustainable town centre which can thrive and continue to adapt to local needs."

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

Join the conversation about Bulmershe Leisure Centre's future Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley underwent some refurbishment in 2014 which saw new facilities and equipment installed thanks to joint investment from us and our leisure contractor 1Life.

While this work made some improvement, we also promised to look at plans to sustain and further improve the centre. Built in the 1970s, the centre and its facilities are tired and need to be brought up to a better standard to help us support our vision 'to create a great place to live, an even better place to do business' and our health and wellbeing strategy.

So next month (July 9 and 10) we will be in Woodley town centre and Bulmershe Leisure Centre respectively, between 9am and 4pm, to show you how serious we are. We want to know if you support proposals to either rebuild or refurbish the centre. Some disruption would unfortunately come from both options, so we are keen to know your thoughts on partial / full closures during work as well as your views on parking and transport.

We will also be showing you examples of other fantastic leisure facilities built around the country in recent years so you can see what we could possibly replicate in Woodley.

7

Date fo

ry

July 9 a our diary t Precinc Woodley t and Ju ly 10 at Bulm ershe Leisure Centre

We will be talking to the many people who regularly use the existing centre as well as Bulmershe and Addington schools who use it on a regular basis. We will also talk to the Town Council. More details will be on our website very soon.

More information: http://news.wokingham.gov.uk

Executive view Cllr Angus Ross, Executive Member for Environment "The possibility of rebuilding or refurbishing Bulmershe Leisure Centre is a top priority for us. We want you to take part and be involved in this consultation. It is really important that, before we start detailed work, you support our proposals. We're facing difficult financial times, but we do hope to agree the significant investment in this leisure centre."

Anyone for tennis?

More than 400 people took part in the hugely successful Great British Tennis Weekend at Cantley Park in May. Don't worry if you missed it - there will be another Great British Tennis Weekend taking place on July 16 and 17 at Cantley. To top it off, the Davis Cup trophy tour will also be coming too on the Saturday (July 16), so please come on down and have your photo taken with the cup and enjoy free tennis coaching.

Book your place by visiting: www.lta.org.uk/gbtw

Arborfield Library is open for business Arborfield Library is back and open for business, thanks to a partnership with Arborfield British Legion.

opening hours but folded away when not needed so the British Legion can use the space at other times.

The former Arborfield Container Library had become unusable and beyond repair so had to be closed earlier this year.

Arborfield Library will continue to offer a range of children and adult fiction as well as popular adult non-fiction.

Library services have moved to Arborfield British Legion on In the longer term, it's hoped a more extensive new library Eversley Road and will open with the same hours as the previous service will be created as part of the major development at library - Mondays between 2pm and 7pm, and Saturdays Arborfield Garrison. between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

But in the meantime, we're extremely grateful to the Royal The new library will be the first in the Borough to use 'pop-up' British Legion for providing a temporary home for this local furniture and equipment so it can be fully operational during service.

8

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Help us make difficult budget choices As you know, we're facing some difficult budget decisions in the coming years, and we want your help in making them.

Last October we invited you to a series of drop-in sessions around the Borough where we gave a presentation on the financial issues we're facing, and asked for your views on potential options for change. That was our most comprehensive attempt so far to engage you in setting our financial priorities.

Stay tuned for more information as we set the dates and locations for this year's drop-in sessions.

If you want to receive information about our budget conversation and how you can take part, send an email to: communityengagement@wokingham.gov.uk and ask to sign up for budget notifications.

Facing a tight financial future is, of course, nothing new for us and we'd already begun to think about how we could transform and reshape the Council to help meet this challenge.

We face the complete withdrawal of the Government support grant during the next two years. However thanks to transitional funding we're able to take time to plan and implement some radical changes needed during the next couple of years without making immediate significant cuts to services.

We aren't, of course, starting from scratch and have done a good

job so far balancing savings with protecting services.

But we will now need to take a long hard look at the services we provide and the way we deliver them to ensure we are financially secure and your services are fit for purpose given the financial reality.

This will involve a number of different initiatives and we're bringing these together under the title of the 21st Century Council.

Executive view Cllr Anthony Pollock, Executive Member for Economic Development and Finance "As our financial constraints are predicted to tighten in the coming years, it's now even more important that you give us your views on the difficult choices we face. We'll learn from last year and build on what we did to get more involved."

We'll tell you more about it in the next edition of Wokingham Borough News.

Great medal find during annual parish clean-up WWI and WWII medals have been reunited with their owner's family after being discovered in the River Loddon during a parish clean-up earlier this year.

A photograph of the medals, found in what appeared to be a locked cash deposit box, was put on the Swallowfield Parish Council Facebook page which attracted a lively response. The information was forwarded to Ancestry.co.uk and Oliver Dunn-Hipp, great, great nephew of the medal's owner - Oliver James Read - came forward, together with photographs of his great, great uncle wearing them!

Chairman of Swallowfield Parish Council Cllr Peter Sampson said: "Everyone was delighted the medals had found their way home. Thanks to all those involved with the litter pick as well as those who took up the story on social media and passed it on!"

Oliver (right) said: "To say me and my family were stunned by the news of the find, would be an understatement!"

Photo right kindly provided by Gemma Davidson / The Wokingham Paper

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

9

Expanding our primary schools Work is well underway to accommodate a rising number of primary school children in the Borough - a trend mirrored nationally.

Earlier this year our decision-making Executive agreed a strategy creating additional primary school places to meet demand in Earley (60 places), Woodley (15 places) and Shinfield (30 places).

School includes the creation of a new multi-purpose hall, school meals kitchen, additional classrooms remodelled from the old hall, as well as refurbished ones from existing classroom blocks.

We're looking to expand Loddon in Earley, Beechwood and Highwood in Woodley and the former Ryeish Green site in the south west of the Borough.

Amanda Turner, headteacher at Shinfield Infant and Nursery School, said: "We are most grateful for the opportunity to expand our school and for all the lovely new teaching spaces that have so enhanced our environment and the children’s learning.

Loddon Primary School's headteacher, Sarah Phillips, said: "We are excited at the prospect of our expansion resulting in increased "We're very much looking forward to a big new hall and being opportunity for children in Earley to attend their local community able to have the whole school together for assembly." school.

A further academy - Floreat Montague Park - will also open in "As a key part of the agreed expansion we also look forward to September which will support new homes in Wokingham town. working with the Council to secure purpose-built buildings of merit which will suitably house our growing population."

Six further new schools will open during the next decade to serve the new developments around Wokingham, Shinfield and in In recent years we've built three new academy schools; the Arborfield.

Charvil Piggott Primary, Windmill Primary (Woosehill) and Wheatfield Primary (Winnersh). And we've also supported parents Executive view to open a new free school - Evendons Primary.

Other existing Borough schools have also been expanded; The Colleton Primary in Twyford now has two forms of entry and Hawkedon Primary in Lower Earley now has three.

Work has also started at Grazeley Parochial CE Aided Primary School to create one form of entry. We're also expanding Shinfield St Mary’s CE Aided Junior School to take it up to three.

The £1.8million scheme to expand Shinfield Infant and Nursery

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Executive Member for Children's Services "We're doing all we can to make sure we are ready to provide a place for every child in the Wokingham Borough. We have a duty to provide the best education possible for our children and to give them the best start in life. This is what our primary school strategy is all about."

10

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Even more online services available In the last edition of Wokingham Borough News we told you about the new online account on our website where you can access some Council services and make requests.

And during the past few months we've made even more things available. If you've registered you can now: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Order / register garden waste annual collection service Renew garden waste annual collection service Order a black recycling box Report a problem with a road or street (e.g. potholes) Report waste dumped on public land (fly-tipping) Report graffiti and fly-posting Report an overflowing or broken litter bin Report missed waste collection Report a dead animal Report an abandoned vehicle Order / cancel clinical waste collections Order / cancel assisted waste collections Report annual allocation of blue bin bags not delivered

• Change the number of bins for garden waste annual collection service • Cancel garden waste annual collection service • Order blue bin bags if you are a new resident By using an online account we can keep you up-to-date about your enquiry, by email or text. And you can track progress of your requests via your online account.

Once logged in, you can also see a map of where you live, which shows useful information about your area such as your local councillor and your You can waste collection days. also To set up your own online account visit: https://selfservice. wokingham.gov.uk/ register

sign u receive Council p to ne by ema il and te ws xt messag e .

V i s i t www.w : okingha m. gov.uk/ signup

Meet your Council We've been out and about talking to you first hand to hear what you think about Council services.

Earlier this year we held our first Meet your Council event in Market Place in Wokingham - and it was really successful. And earlier this month (June) we were at Asda in Lower Earley.

Many of you took the time to complete surveys and we'll be reporting the results later this year.

A snapshot to date shows that more than 75 per cent of people responding say their experience met or exceeded their expectations. We continue to pass your feedback to departments to help improve your experiences.

We'll be at the Earley Green Fair on August 6 so hope you can come and see us - drop in between 10am and 3pm.

Executive view Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Executive Member for Resident Services "It's really important we understand what you want and deal with your day-to-day questions and issues. It's also helpful for our officers to get out from behind their desks and meet residents face-to-face. Our Meet your Council events in Earley, Woodley and Wokingham last year proved so valuable we've decided to repeat them this year. We all look forward to meeting you soon."

Council news at your fingertips Do you want to know what's happening at Wokingham Borough Council? Visit our new microsite, a one-stop-shop for all Council news, videos, photos, blogs and statements.

We've developed this internally at no additional cost to you and it gives you the most up-to-date Council news all in one place.

You can also view the latest Council meeting via our YouTube account, look at photos on our Instagram page whilst also reading the latest news articles.

Visit: http://news.wokingham.gov.uk

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

11

Tackling anti-social parking We're on track as we prepare to take over the Borough's civil parking enforcement (CPE) from the police.

CPE means we can legally enforce parking breaches such as on double yellow lines, double parking or parking across dropped kerbs, parking in a residents' parking zone without a permit, and overstaying time-limit bays.

We would also be able to tackle cars obstructing verges and pavements where they are parked next to yellow lines - making things safer for pedestrians and road users.

Our new powers would harmonise enforcement at both on and off-street parking locations, and help us better manage parking schemes for residents and businesses.

As part of our preparations we've started checking and refreshing existing parking restriction lines on roads and street signs.

Our application to the Department for Transport to adopt the new powers is being prepared and elements in it are due to be considered by our decision-making Executive.

Following the Executive's decision, the police, DVLA, and other statutory consultees would be told, plus a new section on our website set up to show how CPE will affect you.

Alongside this, we're putting together maps showing all the parking restrictions across the Borough. These maps would replace the old legal documents, making everything easier to look at and more transparent. There would also be a public consultation on this process.

More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'parking enforcement')

Smarter street lights Our upgrade of the Borough's street lighting to LED lanterns is now well underway and is expected to be finished by March 2018.

It involves replacing some 7,700 ageing columns along with LED lanterns, with a further 7,200 new LED lanterns on existing columns. It is being carried out in phases across the Borough and affects all streets with lighting, apart from those that already have LED lighting and locations where we have special lanterns.

This includes street lights on major roads, in residential areas, in parks and open spaces, property and car park lighting. It also includes some owned by town and parish councils. The new LED lanterns will provide white light, with a neutral colour temperature, compared to older yellow light lanterns.

We're also installing equipment so we can set and control the lighting levels on these lanterns, monitor how they operate, and identify any failures - all from a central management system. Combined with dimming and part-night lighting, the new energy efficient LEDs can cut the current street lighting energy consumption and carbon footprint by up to 60 per cent for each new lantern.

There may be some disruption, for a few days, in streets where columns are being replaced because they need to be hooked up to electricity supplies. If only lanterns are being changed, the job is much faster.

More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'street lighting upgrade') • streetlightingupgrade@wokingham.gov.uk

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Spring 2016

Your journey in hand www.roadworks.org is far more than a map showing closed roads or temporary lights.

The website also gives up-to-date information on incidents, traffic jams and other issues that might slow you down, as well as live public transport departures.

You can also search for roadworks due to happen in the future, as well as current and planned diversion routes.

You can see why the work is being done, and by whom.

13

It's one of the most visited traffic and travel websites in the UK, and is relied upon by many national and regional organisations including emergency services.

It's already a hit among people in the Wokingham Borough.

From your smart phone, tablet or computer you can access it via our website in the 'current roadworks' section.

Strengthening Twyford Mill Bridge At the time of going to print, we hope to re-open Twyford Mill Bridge on the A3032 Old Bath Road by the end of July.

This 185-year-old bridge is being repaired, waterproofed and strengthened to better withstand heavier modern vehicles. Summer was chosen as the best time for this work because the river level is lower.

The diversion for traffic is via A321 Wargrave Road, New Bath Road, A3032 Old Bath Road, or this route reversed. Pedestrians and walking cyclists can still cross the bridge during the works.

SERR final phases At the time of going to print, Hochtief UK was putting the finishing touches to the final phases of the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road (SERR) due to be completed this year.

A new M4 overbridge connects to the Blackboy Roundabout. A new junction links to a new 2km road running eastwards, crossing Cutbush Lane and joining the existing A327 Arborfield Road at a new roundabout near the Magpie and Parrot Public House.

The road has been built by the University of Reading for its new science and innovation park, as well as for the new homes in the South of M4 Strategic Development Location.

More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Shinfield Eastern Relief Road')

Loddon Viaduct upgrade The westbound carriage of the A3290/A329M Loddon Viaduct is being upgraded this July.

A contraflow will help keep traffic moving in both directions. This is the second, and final phase of this major project. It means the viaduct won't need major maintenance for some time and the road surface will be quieter for people living nearby and using it.

More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Loddon Viaduct')

Executive view Cllr Malcolm Richards, Executive Member for Highways and Transport "With so many major road projects happening across the Borough - as we create much-needed new routes and maintain important existing ones - we know it can be extremely frustrating for you. We try to schedule roadworks during a time when it should cause the least inconvenience to motorists and residents."

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

A guide to adult community learning We offer a range of adult education courses across the Borough.

These are designed to help you develop skills and interests to support your children, progress in to work or further study, enjoy leisure activities and take part in your community.

Like schools and colleges, we are subject to Ofsted Inspection and our current grade for teaching learning and assessment is good.

• Employability and work skills for those who are unemployed: e.g. CV writing, interview skills, property maintenance • Support for vulnerable individuals and families to learn things such as cyber safety, parenting support, family cooking • English and Maths courses from entry level to level 1 for those who have not achieved a level two qualification in either subject • Independent living skills for people with learning disabilities or difficulties: e.g. Sensory craft, grow it - share it, computers getting started More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'adult learning') • lifelonglearning@wokingham.gov.uk • Facebook: Ad Learning Wokingham • Twitter: @wbcacl

94 per cent of our learners rate our courses as excellent or good.

47 per cent said courses helped their employability and work skills.

21 per cent said courses helped with confidence, life and social skills.

Helping people live independently This year we are launching seven schemes under the Better Care Fund:

Connected Care This is an integrated IT system, which we hope to launch Integrated Hub in November. It will From June, the Integrated Hub will give people access to both allow GPs, ambulance community health and social care services in one place. staff, hospital staff, Wokingham Integrated Social Care and Health Team (WISH) Team community health workers and social The WISH Team offers timely and effective support to adults with health or social care needs, keeping them within their own care teams to share information to deliver improved care to patients. homes where possible, and ensuring they get the right help to stay safe.

Support to care homes We have established a specialist, nurse-led team to support Step Up / Step Down care home staff with the care of their residents and avoid 'Step Up' provides intensive support for elderly/frail people rather than going into hospital. 'Step Down' is for those who are unnecessary hospital admissions. ready to be discharged from hospital, but cannot return home straight away because of their level of independence.

Night Responder Service If someone is ill overnight, and struggling to look after themselves, our responder service can help them stay at home rather than be taken into hospital unnecessarily.

Neighbourhood Clusters, Primary Prevention and Self-Care We are looking at developing Neighbourhood Clusters, to improve coordinated care and support for people needing health and social care services in a smaller, local 'neighbourhood'. Staff will know their community well. The volunteer Community Navigator scheme helps people access local information / services to better manage their personal health, and prevent further ill-health.

More information • (0118) 974 6235 • james.burgess@wokingham.gov.uk

Executive view Cllr Julian McGhee Sumner, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing "The Better Care Fund is a single scheme, between the Borough Council and NHS, that works more closely around people and care services. It's about moving away from a ‘sickness service’ towards one that aims for people to live independent and healthily as possible."

15

16

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Borough's paths get a big thumbs up!

The Borough's rights of way have passed with flying colours in the recent Ramblers' Association's national path survey.

The association asked the public to choose a square kilometre near where they live and survey their local rights of way.

A path with a good surface and clear signage would get a 'thumbs-up', while a muddy or overgrown path would get a 'thumbs down'.

Nationally the number of thumbs-up was 45 per cent, while here in Wokingham Borough it was 68 per cent.

Public rights of way are free for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. In the Wokingham Borough there are 143 miles of public rights of way including the Thames Path, the Berkshire Loop of the Chiltern Way, and part of the Blackwater Valley Path.

And we're also working to extend our public rights of way with our new greenways. These joint commuting, leisure, school routes will help walkers, cyclists and horse riders with new routes within, and between, the major new developments and facilities.

To find out where to access paths and what is allowed visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'rights of way')

Dedicated website launched for Dinton Pastures A new, dedicated website has recently been launched for Dinton Pastures Country Park.

It lists events at the country park and activities at the Dinton Activity Centre. There are also details to help you plan your visit, and information on fishing and walking, plus much more.

More information: www.dinton-pastures.co.uk

Family festival at Dinton will be simply

Marvellous

On July 23 and 24 the family-friendly music festival will be making its way to Dinton Pastures for a weekend of live music and entertainment.

There will be music inspired by Queen, T-Rex, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Thin Lizzy, Bob Marley and Rod Stewart. Other attractions include a big kids village, fun fair, food and drink stalls and a Spitfire fly-past.

Buy your tickets online at: www.marvellousfestivals.com

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

Head to California...

Country Park

17

California Country Park off Nine Mile Ride, open daily, is set within 100 acres of ancient bogland and lowland heath in Finchampstead and offers scenic walks, wildlife watching and fishing.

There are two specific walks at the park; the Longmoor Lake walk is roughly a mile long and the Woodland Walk (which includes Longmoor Lake) is just over two miles. The latter explores the 8,000-year-old Longmoor Bog which is a site of special scientific interest, due to its many rare sedges and mosses.

Dogs are welcome at the country park. There is a paddling pool (seasonal), play area for children, café and plenty of parking available (charges apply). We're also looking to enhance car parking during the next few years.

To find out more visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'California Country Park')

Open air cinema comes to Dinton Grease is the word on Friday August 5, when an open air cinema comes to Dinton Pastures.

The 1950s inspired evening will include music from The Milkshakers, dancing, American diner food, plus the film.

It takes place from 7pm to 11pm and costs £25 for adults, and £15 concession. Refreshments will also be available from the riverside café.

Book online at: https://booking.wokingham.gov.uk/days-out

Keeping Kids Active Multi-sport camps

Looking for something to entertain the kids this summer?

Why not sign them up for Wokingham Active Kids?

For children aged five to 12, it runs from Monday July 25 until Friday September 2 (except Monday August 29) at Loddon Valley and St Crispin’s leisure centres.

Young people can try out a wide variety of sports, including rugby, athletics, basketball, trampolining, swimming, judo, gymnastics and football.

• Option 1: 8am to 6pm - £25 (£21 with a Wokingham Active discount card) per day or £112 (£95) a week • Option 2: 9.30am to 3.30pm - £16 a day (£13.50 with a discount card) per day or £72 (£61) a week

Wokingham Active Kids Football Camp

If you have a budding footballer, you can also sign them up for our football camps run in association with Reading Football Club.

These run from 10am to 3pm at Cantley Park, Wokingham (with one day at the Madejski Stadium) on: • August 8 to 12 (Madejski Stadium on August 11) • August 15 to 19 (Madejski Stadium on August 18) The five-day football course costs £64.80 with a discount card, or £74.50 without.

To book visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'active kids'), email: sport@wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 3728.

18

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Preserving our trees Trees are a prominent feature of our local landscapes and Wokingham Borough has many beautiful examples. We have many ancient trees and veteran trees across the Borough and new trees are regularly planted in new housing developments, on highways and in our open spaces.

Every public authority must consider conserving biodiversity, and trees are an important part of that. We have a duty to preserve and plant trees on development sites, and we keep a register of trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

But trees in Conservation Areas (a planning designation not to be confused with wildlife conservation areas) are also protected as are those in new development covered by planning conditions.

TPOs are applied to significant trees, groups of trees or woodlands, which are considered at risk of felling or inappropriate maintenance. It's illegal to remove or harm a TPO tree or trees, or those growing in a Conservation Area without formal permission from us.

Unauthorised removal of trees protected by condition is likely to result in enforcement action.

Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association, a voluntary group helping to conserve and enhance our tree stock, is involved in the Tree Council's Tree Warden Scheme and has logged over 7,000 veteran trees around the Borough.

In partnership with the Association, we planted sixty oak trees to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and we continue to plant street trees every year.

More information: • Search ‘tree preservation orders’ at: www.wokingham.gov.uk • Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association: www.wdvta.org.uk • The Tree Council: www.treecouncil.org.uk

Redhatch Copse When The University of Reading secured planning permission to redevelop its Sibly Hall site in Earley, it was agreed a number of areas would be retained once the development was complete, and managed as public open space.

This space includes Redhatch Copse, an area of ancient woodland next to the housing development. And this land is about to be transferred from us to Earley Town Council along with some £250,000 in commuted sums.

The Town Council already has experience of looking after areas like this, and employs its own countryside staff to maintain its Maiden Erlegh Lake nature reserve.

Work has been underway to help restore the woodland in preparation for the transfer including removal of garden waste and alien species, particularly invasive sycamores. This work will encourage native English bluebells to grow and create open glades for people to enjoy.

A surfaced footpath and new secure fencing are in the process of being installed.

Volunteers from Vodafone also carried out some planting in the area during spring.

Congratulations!

Wokingham Without Parish Councillor Peter Sturgess was awarded the freedom of the parish earlier this year for his outstanding contribution to the community.

He has been a councillor for nearly 49 years and was chairman for almost half of this time.

Peter has been involved in many activities focussing on the good of the community.

We'd like to offer our congratulations to him.

20

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Focus on

Hurst

The rural parish of St. Nicholas Hurst is the largest in the Wokingham Borough covering some two and a half square miles.

Located between Wokingham and Twyford, a large proportion from Wokingham to Hurst another gate will be opposite Dinton of the parish is open farmland with most of the 2,000 residents Pastures, with the final one positioned on the Forest Road living in the three residential areas: the village centre, Forest Road (B3034) near Binfield. and Davis Street.

"A much-needed footpath has also opened. Known as Howard's Dinton Pastures Country Park also lies within the parish.

Way, after local parish councillor Howard Larkin who worked tirelessly on this project, the new footpath means local children We caught up with Maria Bradshaw, Clerk to the Parish Council, to now have a safe route to school. And, to mark Her Majesty The find out more about the area.

Queen's 90th birthday, every pupil from St. Nicholas Primary School received a commemorative coin.

"It's been a busy year in Hurst with many of our projects coming to fruition. One of the many highlights has been the "We have strong links with the school and come together refurbishment of the play equipment on School Road. It's a big regularly. Recently the investment by the Parish Council - more than ÂŁ30,000 - and it's school's environment club great to see how well used and loved it is by the community, joined councillors to plant already. flowers and shrubs around the pond.

"The old equipment was past its best, and we now have fantastic, modern facilities which have been upgraded for all children "These are being enjoyed by disabled and abled-bodied alike - to enjoy safely. anyone who sits on the brand new eight-foot long "For anyone driving through the village you may have spotted a bench, another village sign, which was unveiled by Rt Hon Theresa May MP. The improvement by the sign, designed by local artist Sally Castle, reflects the heritage of Parish Council." our village from its early days when it was part of Windsor Great Forest.

So what's planned for the future? The Parish Council "It took two years of research by members of the Hurst Village is working with us in Society (HVS) to ensure the sign reflected the village history from negotiating what's called the 11th Century church to the 21st Century duck house on the a community asset transfer. village pond.

If agreed it would see land "And entrance gates are coming soon, funded by HVS. They at Church Hill transferred will be positioned on the A321 from Twyford to Hurst, and to the Parish Council and

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

proposals are being drawn up, working in partnership with HVS to bring a community orchard to the village.

The Parish Council is also working with HVS to update the public rights of way map. This map will be a useful tool for anyone visiting the village and highlights all the footpaths bridleways and cycle routes in the area.

Hurst Show and Country Fayre also takes place in June and usually attracts more than 5,000 visitors.

So this is just a taster of Hurst. Why not visit the new, interactive website? There is lots of information about the Parish Council as well as details on transport links, road information, and what's on.

Wayne Smith, Chairman of the Parish Council, said: "The secret of Hurst's success is its vibrant and fantastic community. In addition to the tireless work of many community organisations, we benefit as a parish from a wonderful cricket, football and bowls club which attracts members of all ages.

"There is something for everyone and many people work passionately to provide a wonderful parish to live, work and play."

More information: • www.hurstpc.org.uk • www.hvs.org.uk

Hurst Horticultural Show is back again this year Following the most successful Hurst Horticultural Show so far in 2015, planning for this year's show is now well underway with something that will appeal to everyone.

Entry and visitor numbers have been growing steadily in recent years and organisers expect even more this year. In addition to all the favourite horticultural, home industries, art and photography classes, three new ones have been introduced.

These are: • A scarecrow class - Open to groups as well as individuals so families, friends and work teams can join in. The full-size scarecrow exhibits will be outside and promise to be a fun feature of this year's event • YouTube video class - Hopes to attract many entries, from young and old, with the theme of 'Perspectives of Hurst'. Video entries, maximum of 2.5 minutes, will be shown throughout the day and available on the website afterwards • A new miniature tomato class to reflect on the increasing interest in small tasty tomatoes Don't be shy to enter. There are classes for everyone and the website has tips on choosing and presenting entries.

Show Chair, Kathy Tuggey, said: "The show is fun for both new and more experienced exhibitors, both young and old. There is a class for everyone. I also get a buzz from seeing the wide range of entries at the show. Come on... this is the year to have a go and join the fun!"

More information: www.hursthorticulturalshow.org

August

20

21

22

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Delighted students

This September more than 100 students will join our new secondary school – Bohunt School Wokingham.

Initially they will use the wellestablished legacy buildings on the former Arborfield Garrison site.

Meanwhile a brand new school building is well underway, and is set to be completed next summer when it opens its doors taking capacity to 1,200 students.

Phase 3 will provide an additional 300 places for future growth.

lapse camera which is posted regularly on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ WokinghamBoroughCouncil.

The new school is being built on our behalf by Dawnus, and it will be run

by Bohunt Education Trust.

Ben Godber has been appointed as headteacher.

More information: Earlier this year future students had the • www.bohuntwokingham.com chance to tour the construction site.

• www.wokingham.gov.uk It was fantastic to see the delight on (search for 'Arborfield student’s faces as they saw how their Secondary School') new classrooms are taking shape.

More than 30,000 people have also viewed the school’s progress via a time-

Concerned for a child?

Do something If you have concerns about a child or young person not properly cared for; or you're worried Wok they may be physically, Safegua ingham emotionally or sexually rd Board h ing Children abused, or neglected, get as launc hed in touch confidentially with own Tw itter pro its our Duty, Triage and Follow file.

Assessment Team. @ Children and their parents may need help urgently.

Woking ha

mSCB

If you don't feel comfortable telling us, or you're not sure if you're right, you can also speak to a police officer, teacher, health visitor, doctor or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

The most important thing is to tell someone who can help.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

More information: • www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'safeguarding') • triage@wokingham.gcsx.gov.uk • (0118) 908 8002

What is private fostering?

Private fostering is when a child or young person aged 16 or under (or 18 if they are disabled) is cared for by an adult (who is not a close relative) for 28 days or more.

A private foster carer may be: • a friend of the family • the parent of a friend of the child • someone who is previously unknown to the child's family who is willing to privately foster a child If someone else is looking after your child, or if you're looking after someone else’s child, you could be privately fostering. You must tell us. We will take your details and arrange for a social work to visit.

For more information or tell us about a private fostering arrangement please contact: • www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'private fostering') • triage@wokingham.gov.uk • (0118) 908 8002

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

23

Fosters laying the foundations of extra care Foundations for the new Fosters Residential Care Home in Woodley are being laid, the building substructures worked on, and drainage prepped.

The specialised internal designs have also been finalised for this £6million purpose-built extra care facility on the site of a former old people’s home.

This new two-storey facility we're building in Fosters Lane will have 34 affordable one-bedroom apartments, with a private balcony or terrace, for frail elderly and those suffering from dementia.

Communal facilities include two lounge areas, a dining room, laundry room, and accommodation for guests to stay over.

The project is being developed by our company Wokingham Housing Ltd who secured a grant of £1.5million from the Homes and Community Agency towards the overall cost of the new facility.

It's due to be finished by autumn next year. It will eventually be owned and managed by Loddon Homes, our affordable housing company.

Extra care housing provides a safe environment where people can continue to live as independently as possible through additional care and support. Long gone are the days of long-term residential care being the only option.

This is why we must offer a wide range of care for older people giving them greater choice if they need support.

Phoenix Avenue taking shape

Elections round-up

The new houses and flats we're building in Phoenix Avenue in Wokingham are beginning to look more like the homes and community they will become.

Residents headed to the polls in May to vote in the local elections.

On the houses the external brickwork is nearly finished, ready for their roofs to be added by the end of this summer. Now the plots and gardens on the site have been levelled out, initial brickwork on the flats has started.

A third of the Borough Council seats were up for election.

Our £12million scheme is creating 68 homes, ranging from onebedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, and landscaping, replacing the former Eustace Crescent 1960s blocks in the heart of the Norreys estate.

The first phase of the new development is due to be finished in spring next year when families start moving in.

The project is being developed on our behalf by our company Wokingham Housing Ltd, which during the past few months has been posting construction photographs on its website.

More information: http://wokinghamhousing.co.uk

The political make-up of the Council is now: • 48 Conservative • 5 Liberal Democrat • 1 Labour Visit our website for details about your local councillor.

More information: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'councillors') Also 32.2 per cent of you voted in the Police and Crime Commissioner election. Anthony Stansfeld was elected to hold the position for the next four years.

Find out more at: www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk

24

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

New Mayor for Wokingham Borough Cllr Bob Pitts is the new Wokingham Borough Mayor after being elected by fellow councillors in May. The Mayor is officially the 'first citizen' of the Borough and has a civic role, representing the Council and the people of the Borough, as well presiding over Borough Council meetings.

Cllr Pitts said: "It's an honour to take on the role of Borough Mayor.

As a Ruscombe resident, I'm especially proud to represent our northern-most parishes who sometimes feel a bit forgotten.

"I will be supporting Wokingham Mencap this year and funds raised will be ring-fenced for a Wokingham Borough Family Liaison Worker. Their role is to provide preventative/early intervention support to families who are affected by learning difficulties and autism.

"Wokingham Mencap has been working tirelessly and independently to serve the local community within the Borough since 1997 and I look forward to working with them."

Cllr Bob Pitts was born on the Isle of Wight and has served in the Royal Air Force and civil service. After retiring, Bob was elected to serve the ward of Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe, the ward in which he now lives. In his spare time Bob pursues an

interest in Roman archaeology, sings with the Reading Male Voice Choir and enjoys walking with his three Border Collies.

Cllr Rob Stanton was elected to serve as Deputy Mayor.

More information • www.wokinghambracknellmencap.org • www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Mayor')

Borough's first Honorary Alderman announced Congratulation to Mr Bob Wyatt who, earlier this month (June), became the Borough's first Honorary Alderman in recognition of his untiring service during a period of 22 years to the people of the Borough - particularly those of the Wescott Ward - on committees of the Council, to local organisations and in the offices of Chairman and Mayor.

Bob was the driving force in setting up Seaford Court, a hostel for homeless teenagers in Wokingham. He was also the older persons' champion, and an active member of the BME Forum.

New 'one-stop-shop' for our major developments Things are forging ahead at the four • Parks and open space major development areas (known as • Employment Strategic Development Locations - SDLs) • How to get involved in North and South Wokingham, around • Resources for new residents Arborfield Garrison and in Shinfield Parish • Who to contact for any building work - known as the South of the M4 SDL. concerns To help you keep track of what's happening where, what's coming and when, how to get involved and who to contact with any concerns, we've updated the major developments pages on our website (search for 'SDLs') at: www.wokingham.gov.uk.

Visit our new website page to find: • An overview of the major developments in the Borough • Latest news for each area including: • Schools • Housing • Community facilities • Sports / recreational facilities

What's the latest on the major development sites?

New secondary school and first new homes at Arborfield Garrison set for autumn - the secondary school will be open for pupils this September (page 22) and the first new homes are expected to be complete by August. A new recreational nature area will open to the public by then too.

Shinfield Eastern Relief Road, scheduled to open later this year, will link the A327 south of Shinfield village with the Black Boy roundabout via a new bridge over the M4 (page 13).

Thames Valley Science and Innovation Park - construction on phase 1 will begin this summer. The new science park will be a cluster of knowledge-based businesses linked to The University of Reading.

North Wokingham Distributor Road is being built through the Matthewsgreen Farm development site. The first phase of homes in the Matthewsgreen development are now under construction and we're currently considering a planning application for the second phase.

Phase 7 of new homes in Montague Park were approved in April for 100 new homes, a children's playground and allotments. Pre-application discussions are now taking place for the neighbourhood centre to include retail and other commercial space, as well as a community centre and a children's playground.

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Have your say in shaping our future

Summer 2016

25

Work is underway on our new Local Plan update which will shape the future of the Wokingham Borough, and we want you to join the conversation and have your say.

The Local Plan update will guide development in the Borough for the next 20 years. We know we have to plan for more housing - our current calculations indicate we'll need to plan for about 200 new homes every year up to 2036. This is on top of what is currently being built, primarily in the Borough's four strategic development locations (SDLs) at Arborfield Garrison, Shinfield Parish (South of the M4) and North and South Wokingham.

We also need to plan for the new employment, schools, roads, parks, shops and community facilities needed to create places people want to live, work, and do business.

We believe our current approach is working. The four SDLs will not only have homes, but between them: seven new primary schools, one secondary school, four new community centres, new and improved sports and leisure facilities, more than 260 hectares of new public open space, 2,500 new affordable homes, new and improved roads including the north and south Wokingham distributor roads, the Shinfield Eastern and the Arborfield Cross relief roads and some 25 miles of new green ways.

What else is happening?

We're busy doing research to ensure the plan is based on the most up-to-date data available. We're currently working on studies to make sure we understand how many jobs will be needed in the future, what areas are subject to flooding, what shops and office space we'll need and how our green belt functions.

We previously asked you to suggest potential development sites for us to consider. These sites are now all being assessed and the most appropriate of them will then be allocated in the new plan.

More information www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'Local Plan')

How can you get involved?

We will be coming to local events this summer to talk to you about what you think we should consider while updating our Local Plan.

We'll also be sending out questions via Facebook and Twitter, and updating our website, to find out what living in the Wokingham Borough means to you.

26

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Reducing our waste Don't throw away your milk bottle tops We've recently installed a bin in our Shute End reception for visitors to drop off their milk bottle tops.

These bottle tops are collected by GHS Recycling and all the funds generated from them will go to the Mayor's charity which is Wokingham Mencap. Two more collection points are at Wokingham and Woodley libraries where milk bottle tops can be recycled.

Remember to also recycle your household batteries. These are hazardous and should not be disposed of in general waste and black recycling boxes. There are also a number of recycling points around the Borough, at council offices and libraries where you can recycle them.

Think before you bin, can you still use it?

The average family throws away £700 of food a year.

‘Best before’ dates refer to quality rather than food safety. The food should still be safe to eat for a while after that date has passed.

'Use by' and 'eat within' instructions should be followed carefully, but 'display until' dates are a guide for shop staff, not consumers.

Join Greenredeem today and get rewarded for recycling.

There are more than 100 ways to reward yourself, including donating to schools. It's free to register and if you join today you can earn an extra 150 points.

By planning meals, only buying what you need, storing food properly, freezing and using leftovers for other dishes, you can help reduce the 15million tonnes of food waste generated in the UK every year.

A better understanding of food labels can also cut waste.

Rewarding recycling

When registered, carry on recycling as normal and then once a week just let Greenredeem know you've recycled. You'll earn 10 points which can be used for great rewards in a number of local shops, restaurants and leisure centres.

ing For food sav ideas, follow g on Re3 Recyclin d fin Facebook or er itt them on Tw ng @re3recycli

Joining is easy: • Register at: www.greenredeem.co.uk • Download the free app for iPhone and Android • Call 0844 409 9490 Remember you can recycle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles (only), food tins, drinks cans and aerosols.

Think Green, act green This year's recycling week (September 12 to 18) is all about looking out for items you might otherwise throw in the bin.

A prime example is worn out clothing, which cannot be donated to charity shops. Clothing can be discarded in one of the household waste recycling centres at Reading or Bracknell.

Also, look for the recyclable items in the bathroom which are easily missed from recycling e.g. toilet roll tubes, shampoo and cleaning bottles. You can also recycle old paint and books too.

Come and see us in Asda, Lower Earley on September 13, Sainsbury's, Winnersh on September 15, and Dinton Pastures on September 16 for some hints and tips.

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

Changes to HWRCs this summer

27

As of July 1, the two household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) at Smallmead in Reading and Longshot Lane in Bracknell are changing the way visitors access their sites, following the decision by West Berkshire Council to end a joint recycling agreement.

From this date, the centres will only accept household waste from people living in the Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, and Reading local authority areas.

Every household in these areas will be sent a recycling centre permit in the post. Visitors should display the permit in their windscreen. Alternative forms of ID will be accepted, but checking these documents will slow down access so residents are being urged to use their windscreen permit.

As of September 1, residents who visit in any vehicle, other than a car, will now be asked to apply for a commercial vehicle permit before each visit (full details to be confirmed and we'll tell you more in the next edition of Wokingham Borough News).

Small charges for some non-household waste are also being introduced from September. By introducing small charges for items like soil, rubble, plasterboard and asbestos we can cover the cost of managing those types of waste. It will also act as a deterrent to those firms who try to dump trade waste for free at the recycling centres. re3 has calculated that if even just 1 per cent of what is deposited at the recycling centres came from traders, then it would cost council tax payers £68,000 a year to process it.

More information • www.re3.org.uk • 0800 988 3023

Advice for citizens Some £3.7billion of benefits goes unclaimed by older people every year, including those in Wokingham Borough. One reason for unclaimed benefits is the process can be very complicated and time consuming. Our aim is to make this easier for older people.

We can help you find out if you are eligible for any benefits and assist you making a claim by helping you fill in forms, make phone calls and with any letters you receive or need to send.

The benefits available include: • Pension Credit (which can top up a low income) • Housing Benefit (to help with rent) • Council Tax Reduction (to help with Council Tax) Other benefits include: • Attendance Allowance - for over 65s who need help to keep safe or if their personal care is affected by physical or mental illness or disability • Carer's Allowance - if you need to care for someone else

Some major changes have been made to the benefit system, and more are on the way.

Most of the changes affect people of working age, but some of the changes will affect older people too.

To find out if you are eligible for a benefit, and for help claiming, come and see us, or contact us by phone or email.

We have offices in Wokingham, open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3pm, and Friday 9am to 1pm and in Woodley (open Monday and Wednesday, 9.30am to 3.30pm). Full details can be found on our website.

More information: • www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk • public@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk • 0300 330 1189 (messages can be left out of hours if you cannot get through)

28

Summer 2016

www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughcouncil

Offering specialist care and support

With an ageing society and an expected rise in the number of people diagnosed with dementia, it is vital the right support systems are in place.

Wokingham-based specialist care and support company Optalis delivers care and support services to older people and adults with a disability in their own homes, in residential accommodation and in community settings.

stories - they make me smile, and in return I do my utmost to make them smile.

Customers and their families are at the very heart of everything Optalis does. The skills, knowledge and caring qualities of its staff are vital so they can support customers to make the best decisions about their daily lives and how their needs can be best met.

"Sometimes I might be their only visitor so it means a lot for me to be there. I will spend up to an hour with someone and we can have the most amazing conversations.

For anyone wanting to make a career out of delivering excellent care to people in their own home, Optalis offers the opportunity to do so, providing great pay, generous mileage, full training and free uniform.

Senior Care and Support Worker, Monika Unfer, (pictured right) has worked for Optalis for two years and has always enjoyed working with the elderly.

"I had a special rapport with older people when I worked as a photographer - getting to know them, putting them at their ease.

I grew up with my grandfather and was always around the older generation. It was, therefore, an easy transition to homecare. I was attracted by the opportunities to develop and learn and also to be able to make a big contribution to those who are often the most vulnerable in our community. I love being out and about visiting different people.

"The support I give people is personal care, food preparation and medication, but in reality it's much more than this. It's all about establishing a connection with someone. After all, you are in their home so it's a privileged position. I love to hear their personal

"Some of the people I visit are in their 80s or 90s so they can have a great deal of personal history which is fascinating to hear. Some may have a cognitive impairment but their long-term memory is still sharp.

"Of course, sometimes it can be challenging, but it's also very rewarding and full of variety. Every day is different. I also like the flexibility Optalis offers. There is a friendly team atmosphere here and my colleagues are supportive. The pay is also good and the hours are flexible, which helps with the work / life balance."

More information: • www.optalis.org/jobs • (0118) 977 8600

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

29

Get your finances under control with CAP Money For six years now, a steady stream of people in the Wokingham Borough have been given the tools they need to get on top of their personal finances, thanks to the CAP Money Course run by Kings' Church and Christ Church.

Tim Randall has been heading it up since the start, and explains how it works.

"This is a free course, usually run over three evenings, and is the brainchild of Christians Against Poverty (CAP). This area has people who are struggling to manage their money, and also those who aren't in debt but want to feel more in control. CAP Money helps give back that control, so you can plan for the things you want.

"We show you how to identify what you have coming in and all your outgoings. We discuss how to budget and to save for the future.

The course uses discussion, DVD clips and practical tasks, but you won't have to share any personal information unless you want to.

"Sometimes it simply helps put everything in order, enabling people to plan properly for the future. If there are issues with debt, then help is at hand. CAP also offer free debt counselling and support. Facing up to debt can seem scary, but you are not alone and, with commitment, a debt-free future can be yours!"

More information: • www.capmoney.org • capmoney@abch.org.uk

Monika’s move from photographer to carer at Optalis was easy because she already had the right values:

• Compassion • Dedication • Reliability

We are looking for more people like Monika to join our team of care and support workers.

If you think you have something to offer older people who need home care please contact us on (0118) 977 8600 or visit our website: www.optalis.org/jobs

www.twitter.com/WokinghamBC

Summer 2016

31

What's on this summer...

Every Saturday

Saturday July 9

Thursday July 21

Free entertainment in Wokingham Market Place.

Visit: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk for more information

South Berkshire Singers perform midsummer music at St Paul's Church, Wokingham.

7.30pm, £10

Learn about native bats and how to detect them, then head off round the park to put your new skills into practice.

Dinton Pastures, 8pm to 10pm £8 per person

Sunny Saturdays

Mid-summer Music

Thursday June 30

Sunday July 10 and Sunday August 7

Presented by Andy Thomas, one of Britain's most prolific authors and lecturers, discusses unexplained mysteries and global cover-ups.

St Nicholas School Hall, Hurst 7.30pm, free

Bring along your favourite teddy and picnic and follow the teddy trail in the woods, and enjoy a story-time picnic in the adventure play park.

Dinton Pastures, 11am to 1pm, £3 per child (under 2s go free)

The Crop Circle Mystery

Teddy Bears Picnic

Every Wednesday in July and August

Thursday July 14

Come along with the family and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere of the park at twilight. BBQ will be provided, bring your own food.

Dinton Pastures from 6pm to 8pm £12 per person

Do you like drawing comics? Perhaps you have an idea for one but don't know where to start? Then head to Wokingham Library to work on your ideas.

5pm to 7pm, free

Twilight Club

Create a Comic

Every Friday in July and August

Thursday July 14

As the sun goes down, the night sky lights up. Watch out for shooting stars and bats as you go on a guided paddle of the lake.

Dinton Pastures, 9pm to 11pm Adults £15, children £10

Enjoy one or two laps of a lovely offroad, traffic-free route around Dinton Pastures Country Park.

7.30pm, £11 per race or £32 for all four

Sunset Paddles

Monday July 4

Wish You Were Here

The History Wardrobe presents a happy history of seaside clothes and swimwear, through a nostalgic trip looking at 200 years of seaside outfits.

7pm, £7, Lower Earley Library (0118) 931 2150 Thursday July 7

Nicaragua

An illustrated talk with Katrina Barnes and her experiences as a volunteer with Raleigh International.

Wokingham Library (0118) 978 1368 6.30pm to 7.30pm, £2 Saturday July 9

Pond Dipping Discovery

Join the Environment Rangers to find out about creatures living in and around Dinton's ponds.

10am to noon, £8 Saturday July 9

Mini-Beast safari

Join the Environment Rangers in the meadow and woodlands at Dinton Pastures and discover the park's smallest inhabitants.

Dinton Pastures, 2pm to 4pm, £8

Dinton Pastures 5/10k Summer Series

July 14 to 23

Donkeys' Years

Six former students reunite after 25 years for a weekend of reminiscences at their old university college.

Wokingham Theatre, 7.30pm, £10 July 16 and 17

Try Tennis for Free

As part of the Great British Tennis Weekend, try the sport for free at Cantley Park. Suitable for all ages and abilities with coaching and equipment provided. The Davis Cup trophy tour will also be arriving on July 16.

10am to 2pm (until 4pm on July 16) Book online at: www.lta.org.uk/gbtw July 16 and July 17 (full weekend) August 14 and August 21

Learn to Paddle – Introduction and Improvers

Follow the British Canoeing's star award scheme to explore the world of paddle sports. Learn the basic paddle strokes and gain confidence on the water in a variety of canoes, kayaks and paddle boards.

Min age 16, £110

Bat Walk and Talk

July 23 and July 24 August 13 and August 20

Learn to Sail – Introduction and Improvers Course

Heritage walk around Wokingham

Enjoy a walk around Wokingham and learn some fascinating facts about the history of the town. Suitable for adults and families with accompanied children over eight years old.

Wokingham Library, 10.30am to 11.45am, free but please call (0118) 978 1368 to book a place Thursday August 18

Follow the Royal Yachting Association's national sailing scheme to explore the world of dinghy sailing.

Min age 16, £181

Meet the Creatures

Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) during holidays

August 19, 20 and 21

Children's Holiday Activities

Have a fun-filled school holiday by the lake with a choice of multi-activity days or progressive courses in sailing.

Gain qualifications keep fit and active.

Wild days (ages eight to 13) £35 per day / £157.50 per week Adventure days (ages 13 to 17) £46 per day / £207 per week Junior sailing scheme (ages eight to 17) £210 per week Saturday July 30

Theatre in the Park

Activity morning with the rangers at Dinton Pastures for under 12s.

10.30am, £1

Open Air Cinema

Bring family and friends and sit, snack and relax under the stars whilst enjoying The Italian Job, Wall-E and The Princess Bride.

Elms Field, Wokingham Free, 8.30pm Saturday August 20

Twyford Family Picnic

Organised by the Parish Council, the Twyford Family Picnic will have lots of free activities for children.

Stanlake Meadow, noon to 4pm

Choose between different interactive showings performed by the Walking Theatre Co. A wiz around Oz from 1.30pm to 3pm, Treasure Island from 4.30pm to 6pm Dinton Pastures, Ages 8+, £10

Saturday August 20

July 30 July 31 August 27 and August 28

Wednesday August 24

Powerboat Driving Course

Learn how to safely operate a powerboat, through a series theory and practical modules.

Dinton Pastures, min age 12, £240 Thursday August 4

Bat Walk and Talk

Learn about native bats and how to detect them, then head off round Dinton Pastures to put your new skills into practice.

8pm to 10pm, £8 per person Saturday August 6

Earley Green Fair

All the usual stalls and fun of the fair at Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve.

10am to 3pm

Monday July 18

Thursday August 11

Drop-in for knitting, sewing and a chat, at Wokingham Library. All abilities welcome.

2pm to 4pm, free

Enjoy one or two laps of a lovely offroad, traffic-free route around Dinton Pastures Country Park.

7pm, £11 per race or £32 for all four

Knit, Stitch and Natter

Thursday August 11

Dinton Pastures 5/10k

Hurst Horticultural Show

Enter your flowers or vegetables in the show, taking place at Hurst Village Hall, by visiting: www.hursthorticulturalshow.org

Meet the Creatures

Activity morning with the rangers from Dinton Pastures for under 12s.

10.30am, £1 August 26, 27 and 28

Wokingham Festival

Expect food and drink, a selection of craft ales, live music and activities to keep the children happy.

Tickets available at: www.wokinghamfestival.co.uk

Booking information To book any Dinton Activity Centre events please visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'DAC'), email: dintonactivitycentre@ wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 6343.

To book a library event please contact the relevant library. Contact details can be found on our website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk (search for 'libraries') or call (0118) 974 6000.