The Wokingham Paper April 13, 2017 by The Wokingham Paper

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Your regular Residents fear packed paper housing plan will is inside destroy village Page 3

Thursday, April 13, 2017 No. 103

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re3 shuns fresh call to axe tip charges By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE company behind the council’s recycling has said that it won’t immediately change its policy on charging for DIY waste despite new Government advice published this week. And its board are resisting calls to resign. On Monday, the Environment Secretary, MP Andrea Leadsom, revealed a new litter strategy aimed at reducing the £800m cost of sorting out fly-tipping across the country. Plans include fining litter louts £150 and making it easier to install new rubbish bins. And councils are to be made to stop charging residents for leaving their DIY waste at civic amenity sites. The note said: “Legally, household waste is supposed to be free to dispose of at such sites”. But re3, which runs the sites in Reading and Bracknell on behalf of Reading borough, Wokingham borough and Bracknell Forest councils, said that it was not going to make any immediate changes. A spokesperson said: “re3 welcomes the strategy’s aim of eliminating litter as we share the view that avoidable street cleaning costs would be better spent on vital public services. This was the main motivator for introducing the proportionate and not-for-profit charges for some non-household waste. “The charges mean residents undertaking improvements, repairs and alterations (which result in rubble, soil, asbestos and plasterboard) cover the cost of their activities.”  Continued on page 7

Wishing readers and advertisers a very Happy Easter!

‘Housing plans will destroy our village’

Thursday, April 13, 2017 No. 103

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Residents’ fears over new home scheme EXCLUSIVE By GEMMA DAVIDSON in RISELEY gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A VILLAGE in the south of the borough could be almost doubled in size if a controversial planning application is granted by a neighbouring council. And if the proposal is passed, residents fear that it will destroy their village. Residents in Riseley, which has a population of around 240 people, are fighting Hart District Council against

proposals for 83 new homes to be built on a piece of land right on the Berkshire and Hampshire border. The council’s planning committee were recommended to grant the application in principle last night (Wednesday), before passing it on to Full Council for consideration, subject to the completion of an appropriate legal agreement. But the application has been met with furious opposition from residents and organisations on both sides of the border, receiving more than 150 formal objections. Henry Bennett, who has lived in the

village for many years, argued that the volume of traffic on the roads around Riseley, heading onto the Swallowfield bypass during the morning and evening rush hours, are already at breaking point even without the potential addition of dozens of extra cars. Mr Bennett, who lives in Norwood Road, said: “We have taken traffic surveys ourselves and driven out with a dash cam to record the extent of the problems. On an average morning, it can take up to 15 minutes to travel a mere 0.4miles.  Continued on page 3

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WOODLEY Town Mayor Councillor Jenny Cheng presented Citizens’ Awards to four of its residents last month. A special reception was held in their honour at the Oakwood Centre on Friday, March 24. The awards are given to local residents who have made a difference within the community. This year’s recipients were: Alan Lovejoy: Alan is a great support to his neighbours, helping with DIY tasks, keeping front gardens and communal areas tidy and weed-free, and making sure that the local rubbish and recycling bins are put out at the correct time and returned after emptying. Alan is also an active Woodley Adopt A Street participant. David Provins: David has worked with endless enthusiasm to set up and run The Friends of Woodford Park, a group of volunteers who assist the Town Council with the maintenance of areas of the park. In 2016 David led The Friends in the creation of three formal ﬂowerbeds in the park to commemorate the Queen’s the Park for the beneﬁt of the local community. Tony Roper: Tony has volunteered within Woodley for

From left: David Provins, Alan Lovejoy, Mark Rozzier and Hilary Soane. Seated: Tony Roper and Cllr Jenny Cheng, Mayor of Woodley

many years; as a Scout leader, a member of the Carnival committee, a supporter in the local Toy Run each Christmas and as a volunteer driver for the patient transfer service. Tony has also held the Voluntary position of Woodley Town Crier for over 20 years. Mark Rozzier: Mark led the project to combine many of the individual football clubs in Woodley to form a community

Egg hunt fun at South Hill Park … AN Easter egg hunt will be held in the grounds of South Hill Park this Saturday. Members of the Bracknell Twins Club will be searching the grounds between 10am and 12pm, and all are welcome to join in. Refreshments will be available, and participants are encouraged to bring a picnic if the weather is nice. Entry is £2 per child for members, £2.50 per child for non-members, under ones are free. For more information and to book a space email chair@ bracknelltwins.org.uk.

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… And at The Salvation Army CHILDREN are invited to find some hidden Easter Eggs this Saturday.

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Members of the Salvation Army in Lower Earley are organising the fun event which includes a family-friendly barbecue. The eggs will be hidden around the Army’s base in Chalfont Close from 2pm. To ensure there are enough eggs for the children, places should be booked in advance. These are free, but donations will be taken for the Army’s welfare and social work. The event is being organised by Keith Vertigan who is running the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23 to raise more funds for the Army. For more details, search Eventbrite. co.uk for Easter BBQ and Egg Hunt

Messiah concert for Easter Monday THE Farley Singers will present a special seasonal performance of Handel’s Messiah on Easter Monday. The group will perform the famous

over many years, as a Brownie leader and a Beaver leader and as a committee member of Woodley Womens’ Club. Hilary also helps with the Rotary Club and is involved with Woodley Carnival. Cllr Cheng said: “I was delighted to present the awards and to be able to thank all the award winners in person for all the work they do.”

choral work at All Saints Church in Swallowfield from 7pm. Professional organist, trumpeter and solo singers will join the choir for the performance which will be directed by David Walder.

Bicycles stolen from garage THIEVES were seen stealing three bicycles in Swallowfield last month. Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, March 29, a resident in Foxborough looked outside to see three people searching through a garage and stealing three bicycles. The bikes were later found dumped further down the road. A house in the same road was also burgled, and a car was broken into, with the thieves making off with a laptop. Anyone with any information should call 101. If you ever suspect a crime is taking place always call 999.

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club, Woodley United. Mark has also worked tirelessly to form links between the club and local primary schools, organised sessions to help managers with their coaching skills and has provided support for junior referees. A special Mayor’s Award was also presented at the civic reception. This was awarded to Hilary Soane, who has given her time

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THE Wokingham Paper and TradeMark Windows have teamed up to present Community Cash Tokens. The scheme is simple – cut out the tokens we’ll print each week. Send them in to us, as many as you like, and once every two months we’ll pull one at random from the editor’s hat. One lucky group will win £200, courtesy of TradeMark Windows. The more tokens that you and your supporters send in, the more chance you have of your group being picked at random. The Community Cash Tokens are open to charities and other non-proﬁt making groups within Wokingham borough and offer a great way of boosting your funds. Send your tokens to: Community Cash Tokens, The Wokingham Paper, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please note, only original tokens can be accepted.

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Residents fears over plan for 83 homes in Riseley n From front page Mr Bennett continued: “I remember when the bypass was built back in the 1980s and we thought it would be the answer to our prayers, that our little village would return to the peace and quiet we moved here for, but it has made it worse.” Fellow resident Mike Goldsmith agreed: “I went out to the B3349 link road between the A33 and Wellington Country Park this morning (Monday), and even though it is the school holidays, the traffic was still backed up as far as the eye could see. “I’ve driven along that road at times and the traffic is queuing from Heckfield, or people will try to cut through Riseley to get through to Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, where there are also developments being built. “It is not NIMBYism, we appreciate that people need somewhere to live, but this will destroy the village. The plan isn’t sustainable. The traffic is only one of several issues that we are opposing, all of these new residents will need a medical centre, schools, there isn’t anything like that round here. “We have a pub and a church, that is it. It can take you a month to see your GP already. Where are these families going to send their children? Lambs Lane primary school, in Spencers Wood, is full. “The planning officers have put forward an argument that there will only be 53 more vehicles on the road during the peak morning rush hour, and 49 in the evening, I don’t know where they have plucked that figure from, and that there is a regular bus service to the train stations in Mortimer and Basingstoke. There isn’t a regular bus service at all.” Mike McKeown, who lives at Duke’s Field Cottage which overlooks the proposed site, said he would be forced to move house if the plans were given the green light. He said: “I suffer from tinnitus and high pitched noise really aggravates my condition. I have learned to live with the noise from the road, but 83 families with young children? I won’t be able to stand it. “It is a lovely field, I often see deer running through, but it is not suitable for housing. The ground slopes away to one edge, and even with the lovely weather we’ve had recently, there are still boggy areas. When it rains the field floods, have they considered that in their plans? “I love my house, and have invested substantial amounts of money in it over the year, most recently re-thatching the roof. But I will have no other option, I fear there may be a mass exodus from the village if this goes ahead.” Swallowfield Parish Council have strongly opposed the plans and are urging Hart District Council

A FAMILY day for Easter takes place on Saturday at Woodley Baptist Church in Hurricane Way. There will be crafts, food and games. It runs from 2.30pm to 4pm. Places are free and should be registered in advance at www. woodleybc.org

Above: Mike Goldsmith (left) with Mike McKeown and his dog Danny; below: the site where 83 homes are planned Pictures: Gemma Davidson Left: a proposed layout showing the impact on Riseley

Amber’s generous haircut A WOKINGHAM schoolgirl has proved she is a cut above the rest by donating her hair to charity. Amber Ormiston, six, who attends Saint Dominic Savio school in Woodley, decided to donate 30cm of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which will be made into wigs for children who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Amber’s proud mum Geraldine said: “Amber will be seven in May and has

almost never had her hair cut since she was born! “We chose to cut her hair on the first day of the school holidays in case she didn’t react too well, but she has been smiling ever since.” Geraldine set up a JustGiving site to collect sponsorship money for Amber’s chop, and has so far raised £350 for the charity. To donate visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/GeraldineOrmiston.

Bicycle stolen

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A PASSPORT and jewellery have been the development would have on the A BICYCLE has been stolen from an toSTRUCTURING reject the application.YOUR STRUCTURING YOURPENSIONS PENSIONS unlocked garage in Winnersh. stolen from a car in Woodley. neighbouring authority, rather than the In a letter addressed to the planning AND INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENTS At some time between Sunday, At some point between 3.30pm on full range of considerations taken into officer Graeme Felstead on April 3, the March 26 and the following Tuesday, Monday, March 27 and 8.45am the Let us on retirement council the you council’s Highways Letcalled usadvise advise you onyour your retirementaccount by the determining authority. someone stole the bicycle from a following morning, someone broke into report ‘inaccurate and pension overly optimistic’, by flexibilities byusing usingthe thenew new pension flexibilitiesto to “Wokingham Borough Council did garage in Bathhurst Road. the vehicle parked in Rowan Drive and comment on this application in terms of and pointed out the fact that a traffic protect your wealth and plan for the future protect your wealth and plan for the future Police are reminding residents to stole the IS passport, jewellery, a handbag THE FIRST MEETING ALWAYS highways impact and sustainability, and survey was taken during half term in THE FIRST MEETING IS ALWAYS AT OUR EXPENSE THE THE FIRST MEETINGIS ALWAYSAT ATOUR OUREXPENSE EXPENSE THE FIRST MEETING IS ALWAYS AT OUR EXPENSE THEFIRST FIRSTMEETING MEETINGISISALWAYS ALWAYSAT ATOUR OUREXPENSE EXPENSE and cash from inside. also asked the parish council comments always ensure their property is secure, June, when a lot of students would be on with all doors, garages and outbuildings A sat nav which had been stored in be taken into account.” study leave. the glovebox was also stolen. Neighbouring Heckfield Parish locked. The letter said: “The survey does Anyone with any information should Anyone with any information is Council has objected to the plans, citing not reflect normal traffic volumes and urged to contact 101. excessive traffic additions to an already call 101. hence the results are compromised and busy route. meaningless. Albany 1BJ Albany House, Albany AlbanyHouse, House,14 14Shute ShuteEnd, End,Wokingham WokinghamRG40 RG40 1BJ commuter Albany House,14 14Shute ShuteEnd, End,Wokingham WokinghamRG40 RG401BJ 1BJ AlbanyHouse, House,14 14Shute ShuteEnd, End,Wokingham WokinghamRG40 RG401BJ 1BJ Hart District Council’s planning “We believe that a proper [traffic] committee were expected to grant analysis requires the engagement of and Faron Partnership Ltd is an independent financial adviser which is an appointed representative of Faron Partnership Ltd is an independent financial adviser which is an appointed representative of Faron Partnership Ltd is an independent financial adviser which is an appointed representative of Faron Partnership Ltd is an independent financial adviser which is an appointed representative of Faron Partnership Ltd is an independent financial adviser which is an appointed representative of Faron Partnership an independent financial adviser which is an appointed representative of planning permission toLtd isthe Gleeson collaboration between both Highways ValidPath Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ValidPath Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ValidPath Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ValidPath Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ValidPath Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ValidPath Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Developments Ltd during their meeting Authorities – Hampshire County Council last night after we went to press. and Wokingham Borough Council.” Cllr Mark Ashwell, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for planning and regeneration said: “When a planning application is received by one authority close to the boundary with another, it’s common for the Let us Let Let Let usadvise advise you Letus usadvise adviseyou you Letus usadvise adviseyou you neighbouring planning authority to be you consulted on the application. However on your Retirement on your Retirement on your retirement on your Retirement on your Retirement on your retirement Call us today to by protecting consideration is limited to the impact by protecting by protecting

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Amber Ormiston had her hair cut so that 30cm of it could be made into wigs to help children being treated for cancer. The six-year-old has also raised money for charity

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inflation, earnings growth (measured by the Consumer Price Index) and 2.5%. In 2016 some significant changes to the pension rules were unveiled, with one of the key et the new pension and pensionpart built upoldunder old differences being that the any earnings-related of the system,the known as the Additional State Pension, was abolished. new system. To advertise It was replaced with a new ‘flat-rate’ system based solely on your National Insurance (NI) email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk alue the state pension them in retirement, record. Currently you willcan needoffer 35 years of NI record to qualify for the full pension. If you’re a manFor bornmarried before Aprilcouple 6, 1951, or a woman born is before April 6, 1953, your he constitution. the money a very pension will be paid under the old system, even if you deferred your pension to a date after underpin their other pension provisions. April 6, 2016. mewhatIf you laissez faire to the thenew state pension, this isbuilt not were born afterattitude this you’ll get pension and any pension up under the old system will be converted into the new system. th yourMany personal pension if you want the funds needed to people underestimate the value the state pension can offer them in retirement, especially as it is guaranteed by the constitution. For married couple the money is a very handy foundation can be used to underpin their other pension provisions. But while many people take a somewhat laissez faire attitude to the state pension, this is not lary before retirement, green ispersonal savings andif you want the funds needed something you can affordthe to do with your pension By to GEMMA DAVIDSON She said: “He would enjoythe retirement. gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk penditure, red and orange are two state pension begin to maintain eye

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

Tinnitus agony drove man to take his own life

With Faron Partnership’s ANDY PULFORD

the savings areis used tobefore cover the shortfall. The ry stops In this example, the blue net salary retirement, the green is savings and investments, the red line is all expenditure, the red and orange two state w how much accumulated pension and savings youareneed onpension

Unpacking the new unified state pension

A MAN took his own life at Twyford station after becoming payable at age 67. When the salary stops the savings are used to cover the shortfall. The ‘exasperated’ by tinnitus, an key is to make sure that you know how much accumulated pension and savings you need on inquest has heard. top of the state pension. Michael Robert Clark, 59, flow State Pension, Savings and Cashflow of Greys Hill, Henley, suffered several years of depression and anxiety before he was diagnosed with tinnitus in August 2016 which he said had ‘ruined his life’. Despite trying several different treatments to try to alleviate the constant ringing in his ears, Mr Clark descended into a depressive state and became suicidal. The inquest, held at Reading Town Hall on Thursday, April 6, heard how Mr Clark’s wife, Debbie, was so concerned about her While many people take a HE new state pension has This is especially relevant given that people are living longer and longer and often enjoying husband’s mental state that somewhat laissez-faire attitude to the risen by 2.5% month in many active years after this retirement. she took control over his line with the “triple lock” state pension, this is not something medication and banned him promise. you can afford to do with your from driving to prevent him personal pension if you want the But while this may interest you, from harming himself. funds needed to enjoy retirement. how much thought have you given to The coroner, Peter Bedford, In the example pictured above, the your personal pension plan recently? heard how Mr Clark had been blue is net salary before retirement, full living rate statelonger pension will hat peopleThe are and longer and often enjoying referred to the Warneford the green is savings and investments, rise from £155.65 to £159.55 a week Hospital in Oxford, a day t. the red line is all expenditure, the red while the full basic old state pension centre for people with mental and orange are two state pension for those eligible will rise to £122.30 health issues, in order to payable at age 67. from £119.30. give him structure to his day, When the salary stops the savings The “triple lock” was announced offer a distraction from his are used to cover the shortfall. by the Coalition Government in its tinnitus, and respite for his The key is to make sure that first Budget after the 2010 election. wife. you know how much accumulated Its aim is to ensure state pensions Mr Clark attended the pension and savings you need on top rise by whichever is the highest out of centre several afternoons of the state pension. inflation, earnings growth (measured a week for three weeks in This is especially relevant given by the Consumer Price Index) and October last year, being that people are living longer and 2.5%. picked up and returned to his longer and often enjoying many active In 2016 some significant changes home by a driver provided by years after retirement. to the pension rules were unveiled, the hospital each day. It’s important that people shake with one of the key differences being One of his key workers of this apathy and ensure they fully that the earnings-related part of the Eleanor Greening, who examine their personal pensions old system, known as the Additional gave evidence during the well in advance of retirement if they State Pension, was abolished. inquest, said that Mr Clark don’t want to be caught out. Regular It was replaced with a new had gradually become more reviews are one way of avoiding any ‘flat-rate’ system based solely on reactive in group sessions, nasty shocks when your working life your National Insurance (NI) record. and enjoyed the activities on ends. Currently you will need 35 years of NI offer. Incidentally, despite the longrecord to qualify for the full pension. running debate about how affordable If you’re a man born before the state pension will be in the future, April 6, 1951, or a woman born it would be a brave Government before April 6, 1953, your pension indeed who would choose to do away will be paid under the old system, with the state pension – it’s unlikely even if you deferred your pension they’d stay in power for very long. to a date after April 6, 2016. Andy Pulford, Director and If you were born after this you’ll Independent Financial Adviser at get the new pension and any pension Faron Partnership Ltd built up under the old system will be Andy lives in Wokingham and has worked as a financial converted into the new system. adviser for over 30 years. He is married with three grown-up Many people underestimate the children. Faron Partnership offers personal financial advice, value the state pension can offer including retirement, investment and estate planning. them in retirement, especially as it Any information or views expressed in this article should only be acted upon within the context of your own is guaranteed by the constitution. • FLAT ROOF SYSTEMS circumstances with the help and guidance of a professional For married couple the money is a financial adviser. • GRP ROOF SYSTEMS Faron Partnership Ltd is an independent financial very handy foundation can be used adviser which is an appointed representative of ValidPath • FASCIAS, SOFFITS to underpin their other pension Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial & GUTTERING provisions. Conduct Authority.

contact and lift his head when participating in group sessions, and told me that he felt ‘much better’ than when he first started the treatment, and his risk of self-harm was assessed to be low.” But Mr Clark’s progress came to a halt when he was told his treatment at the centre would be ending. Ms Greening told the inquest that treatment at the hospital usually only lasted three to four weeks, but could be flexible depending on the individual’s needs. Mr Clark would have been told that a review of his treatment would be coming up ‘next week’, but Mr Bedford asked: “Could he have misunderstood this to mean his treatment would definitely be coming to an end?” The hearing heard how on his last day at the centre, October 25, he arrived at approximately 1pm, slightly later than usual, and was due to stay until 3.30pm during which time he would attend several activities and have a one-to-one session with his key worker, Ms Greening. However, the transport supplied by South Central Ambulance Service arrived to collect him at 1.15pm, nearly two hours early which, upon investigation, was deemed to be ‘human error’ in the service booking. Mr Clark was told he could leave at that time, or alternatively wait until 5pm for another driver to take him home. He opted to leave early rather than wait, and was driven home by Fiona Davidson.

She said in a statement that Mr Clark seemed ‘perturbed’ during the journey, and she saw him frantically scribbling on a piece of paper he had brought into the car. She asked if he was OK, but he did not want to talk. He told her to drop him at the end of his road, but she told him she would take him to his door ‘so I know your address for the next time’. She said she dropped him at his front door and saw him enter the house before she left. Mr Clark’s wife was not informed that he would be arriving home early, something which Patient Safety Investigator at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Fran Liles, accepted should have been done. She also confirmed that changes had been made to the way in which patients were transported to and from the day hospital. The inquest heard that shortly after arriving home Mr Clark made his way to Twyford Station, possibly via Henley Station, at around 3.35pm. Once he was there, he stepped off the platform into the path of a freight train travelling at around 50mph from London. Witnesses said he appeared calm and, once on the tracks, he faced away from the train and did not attempt to get out of the way. The train driver, Gary Britten, said by the time he saw Mr Clark it was too late

and, despite applying his brakes, he struck the man. Police and paramedics arrived shortly afterwards and items recovered from the area included Mr Clark’s personal belongings and a note to his family which read: “I love you more than you will ever know.” A post-mortem showed that Mr Clark died from multiple injuries, consistent with being struck by a train. No alcohol or other drugs were found in his system. Summing up, Mr Bedford said: “I need to be absolutely sure that Mr Clark intended to take his own life, beyond all reasonable doubt. “We know that he had been suffering from depression and anxiety for several years, for which he had been prescribed a number of medications for, and he had tried numerous treatments for his tinnitus, which I am sure must have been debilitating for him. “He appeared to enjoy his time at the day hospital, but could he have misunderstood when he was told that next week would be the last? “That message, coupled with the fact that he was taken home early that day, clearly had an effect on him. I believe his actions were impulsive, but the presence of the note suggests that he knew what he was doing.” Mr Bedford recorded that Mr Clark took his own life, while suffering from anxiety and depression and debilitating tinnitus.

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CCTV images have been released following an armed robbery at a shop in Wokingham last month. Thames Valley Police said this is a man they would like to speak to in relation to the robbery which took place at a shop in Barrett Crescent on Monday, March 27. Between 2.10pm and 2.20pm, two men entered the shop and threatened an employee with an object, believed to be a screwdriver before demanding money. They then fled on foot. Investigating officer, Det Con Amy HickmanHolden from Reading Force CID, said: “If you have any information, please call us on 101, quoting incident number 43170089160."

NEWS | 7

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Thursday, April 13, 2017 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

‘Until there’s clear advice, tip charges are staying’ says re3 over Easter (a busy weekend for DIY) would be  Continued from front page able to dispose of the waste free of charge. Our Charges were introduced last September to request was again turned down. cover a range of items that residents will want to “Andrea Leadsom the Secretary of State for recycle after carrying out DIY projects at home. the Environment says that she’ll be issuing clear, And residents also need to display a permit when common sense guidance for waste and recycling they visit the sites to prove residency. centres so there can be in no doubt people The re3 spokesperson aded: “As residents have a right to take their DIY waste to will be aware, re3 has introduced these sites free of charge.” proportionate charges for some types However, Wokingham borough of waste that the Government has councillors on the re3 board previously referred to as ‘nondismissed the accusations and household’ such as rubble, soil, said that the charges are legal. plasterboard and asbestos. Cllr Angus Ross and Cllr “Since the introduction of the re3 recycling centre Anthony Pollock, Wokingham’s charges in July 2016 fly-tipping residentʼs permit representatives on the re3 board, incidents have, on average, been issued a joint statement: declining across the re3 area as a Ref. no. “The Government’s new Litter whole and the councils will continue Strategy for England makes clear to monitor the situation. It is important that clarification is needed on the issue to stress that fly-tipping is illegal and there of charging In common with other councils, we is no excuse for it. will await any further legal guidance from central “We are also pleased the strategy has Government before making amendments to the acknowledged that clarification is needed on current policy. the charging issue and, in common with other “The re3 board – made up of councillors from councils, we will await any further legal guidance Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading – have from central Government before making any been acting within consistently vague advice. amendments to our current policy.” However, at no point has the board set a charging But the Liberal Democrats want the councillors policy on non-household waste which conflicts from all councils to resign over the situation. with Government guidelines. Environment spokesperson Cllr Clive Jones “Cllr Jones has once-again demonstrated his said: “The six Councillor Directors of re3 should lack of knowledge on the subject. resign immediately from the re3 Board of Directors “The Government’s strategy states that twoas they have failed to stand up for residents. thirds of fly-tipped material is household waste, “At the beginning of April we gave re3 a copy and re3 continues accept household waste free of of written questions and answers in the House of charge for those residents living in Wokingham Lords relating to DIY waste. Borough, Bracknell Forest, and Reading Borough. “This made it very clear that there should be no “This is typical party political point-scoring, charges for DIY waste. and we intend to continue working through re3 to “We asked for DIY waste charges to be stopped immediately so that residents who undertook DIY clarify the situation with the Government.”

E L P AM

Winners – Purple Prose came tops in a charity quiz night for Me2 Club

Purple Prose good at quizzing, no question A QUIZ night to raise money for a Woodley charity saw 13 teams battle it out to be crowned quiz masters. A total of 79 people took part in the Me2 Club quiz night on March 24, which saws participants answer questions on music, ﬁlm, sport and general knowledge, with the winning team, Purple Prose, picking up 109 points. Team captain Pat Taylor said: “We are all members in local quiz teams, though we aren’t usually on the same team. Through our daughter, Betony, who used to

work for Berkshire Scouts, we were aware of the wonderful work carried out by the Me2 Club charity. This quiz was an opportunity to support the charity, have fun and meet up with friends. Winning was a lovely bonus!” The quiz night, which was sponsored by Hicks Development Ltd, raised an incredible £1,626 for the Headley Road charity, which will be spent on volunteer recruitment and training costs. The charity’s fundraising development ofﬁcer, Liz McDaniel said: “Thank you to Quiz Master

Geoff from The Soundsmobile Roadshow, and to Hong Kong Gardens in Woodley for supplying the ﬁsh ‘n’ chip supper. “Thank you to everyone who kindly donated wonderful prizes including: Waitrose; Tesco; Barrett and Coe Photography; Marvellous Festivals; Woodley Theatre; Cozze; Kit Couture and Boots.” The Me2 Club enables disabled children and those with additional needs the opportunity to attend mainstream activities throughout Wokingham borough.  www.me2club.org.uk.

Glebelands Care Home

Relief road junction works underway WORK to create a new junction for the Winnersh Relief Road started thist week and take place for much of 2017. The new junction will link King Street Lane with a new traffic light junction at Lower Earley Way North and the project started on Monday. The first phase is estimated to take 17 weeks and not involve any lane closures

during the first five weeks. Then, from August, the second phase will begin and is also expected to take 17 weeks. For both phases, Wokingham Borough Council said that no traffic management is expected during rush hours – 7am to 9.30am and 3.30pm-6.30pm on weekdays. This is part of the full

Winnersh Relief Road that will eventually (subject to full planning consent) link Lower Earley Way North (B3270) to the Reading Road (A329), via the King Street Lane Junction. It will also ultimately provide access to the Hatch Farm Dairy housing development and ease congestion at the Winnersh Crossroads.

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8 | NEWS

CCTV released after Lower Earley bike theft

A BIKE worth at least £600 has been stolen from outside a supermarket in Lower Earley last month and now Thames Valley Police have released CCTV images of two people they would like to speak to in connection with the theft. The incident took place around 5.15pm on Sunday, March 26 in the Sainsbury’s Local in the Maiden Place parade of shops. The CUBE-branded bicycle had been left outside the store. Investigating officer PC Julie Susel, neighbourhood supervisor based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I would like to speak to the people shown in these CCTV images as I believe they may have vital information that could help us with our investigation. “If you recognise them or have any information please contact me via the Thames Valley Police nonemergency number 101. If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” PC Susel added: “I would like to remind members of the public of the importance of using a good quality lock to secure their bicycles when leaving them unattended, even if it’s just for a few moments. “It’s also a good idea to security mark the frame of your bike and register it with a scheme such as Immobilise which will help us reunite you with your property should it be stolen.”

Parish noticeboard Will return after Easter

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MAN from Winnersh is due to appear in court charged with assault, criminal damage and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. Michael Edward Keyes, 23, of Jersey Drive, is due to appear at Reading Crown Court on April 24 after he denied the charges. He is accused of assaulting a person in Reading between February 1 and February 28, occasioning actual bodily harm; engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards a woman between September 1 and March 18; and of intentionally damaging a wall belonging to Reading University on March 18. Mr Keyes has been subjected to a curfew between 7pm and 7am daily; has been ordered to reside at his home address each night and to not contact the woman directly or indirectly. A MAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with theft and possessing an offensive weapon in public. Adam Little, 39, of Drovers Way, is charged with stealing three beef joints, worth £30, from Lidl in Woodley on February 15, to which he pleaded guilty; and possessing an offensive weapon in Lidl on the same day, to which he pleaded not guilty. He has been remanded on bail to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 17. Mr Little appeared at the same court on March 20 where he

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

From the courts

admitted failing to surrender to custody on March 14. For this he was fined £50. A MAN from Finchampstead has pleaded guilty to drug offences. Buster James Christopher Evans, 27, of Nash Grove Lane, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 20 where he pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing 13.89g of cocaine at an address in Finchampstead on August 23 last year; and one count of possessing 73 tablets of Diazepam on the same day. Mr Evans was fined a total of £614; ordered to pay a surcharge of £61 and costs of £85. The drugs were forfeited and destroyed. A MAN from Lower Earley is due in court charged with assault and criminal damage.

Braydon Corrigan, 22, of Squirrels Way, is accused of beating a man in Lower Earley on November 18 last year, and intentionally damaging the bonnet of the man’s car on the same day. Mr Corrigan denies both charges. He is remanded on bail to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 19. A MAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with drink driving. Jack Mew, 22, of Nightingale Road, is charged with driving in Butts Hill Road on March 5 this year while over the alcohol limit. Mr Mew denies the charge. He has been remanded on unconditional bail to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on June 8 for the trial.

A MAN from Theale is due to appear in court charged with stealing a shotgun in Wokingham. Michael John L Drake, 66, of James Butcher Drive, is charged with stealing the Anson and Deeley side-by-side shotgun from a man in Wokingham between December 31, 2015 and August 14 last year. Mr Drake denies the charge. He has been remanded on unconditional bail to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 15 for the trial. A MAN from Crowthorne has been fined £800 and banned from driving for a year for drink driving. Obadiah Peter Hussain, 32, of The Brackens, admitted driving in Rackstraw Road, Sandhurst on March 5 this year while over the alcohol limit. He was fined £800, banned from driving for 12 months; ordered to pay a surcharge of £80 and costs of £85. A MAN from Bracknell is due to appear in court charged with assaulting a man in a Wokingham nightclub. Kibra Ferries, 19, of Windlesham Road, is accused of assaulting the man in Spin Nightclub, in Alexandra Court, on March 5 this year. Mr Ferries denies the charge. He has been remanded on unconditional bail to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 23.

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10 | BUSINESS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

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

PROPERTY Generous gymgoers help women’s refuge PROPERTY GENEROUS members of a Wokingham town centre slimming club have donated more than 1,000lbs of food to a local refuge shelter. The members of Curves, which is based in Denton Road, spent March collecting bags and bags of food for Berkshire Women’s Aid, including Easter eggs, toiletries and non-perishable items. In total, the members collected 1,021lbs of groceries, around 73 stone, which were presented to the charity on Friday, March 31. Fireﬁghters from Wokingham Fire Station took some time out from their shift to help pack up all the items, and Town Mayor Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson was onhand to help make the donation ofﬁcial. She said: “Thank you to all the members of Curves and the staff who have collected such a

INSIGHT INSIGHT Erica Townend

wokinghampropertyblog.co.uk

Wokingham property values rising by £75.59 a day

Gwynneth Hewetson with Bev Gellard, club members and ﬁreﬁghters from Wokingham Fire Station Picture: Gemma Davidson

fantastic amount, it really is phenomenal to see how much you have all collected for such a worthy cause.”

Curves Wokingham managing director Bev Gellard said: “The women have really outdone themselves, every year

we hold a collection and it just gets bigger and bigger. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and donated.”

Plates valued at £30 sell at auction for £3,000 EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk FOUR plates valued for an auction at just £30 made an astonishing £3,000 when they were sold on Saturday. Wokingham Auctions held its latest sale in the Town Hall and saw more than 200 items go under the hammer. Lots included pictures, prints, Concorde memorabilia, toy cars and a Steiff teddy bear. The star turn was a collection of four wriggle-work pewter plates. Made by James Hitchman, London, around 1715, the plates were decorated with a vase of flowers and engraved with ownership initials. They were sold with a George III-style pewter tea pot with ivory knob, a silver plated oval basket, two copper circular dishes. The item had been put up for sale with a reserve of £30 but their final figure was 100 times that. Auctioneer Pascal McNamara said:

“There was great excitement and the vendor is very pleased. “It’s great to be wrong [with our valuations] sometimes! It’s much, much worse when the valuation goes the other way, it’s just one of those things.” He added that he had researched similar plates which had been sold for £30 to £50. “With Pewter, if it’s not pre-Georgian hardly anyone wants it. With these plates the hallmarks were very, very clear. We have no idea who they are, and that’s

what makes it significant.” Also attracting attention from bidders was a William De Morgan tile, which Mr McNamara sold for £2,500. It featured a hoopoe bird and had an estimate of £200. Mr McNamara said: “De Morgan was an English potter, tile designer and novelist. A lifelong friend of William Morris, he designed tiles, stained glass and furniture for Morris & Co from 1863 to 1872. This consignee’s grandfather was himself a tyler and admired De Morgan’s artistry so much he had his favourite tiles framed for display.”  Wokingham Auctions holds weekly valuation sessions in Wokingham Town Hall on Saturday mornings. Entry is free. Its next auction will take place on Saturday, June 10 and will be focusing on antiques, silver, jewellery and watches. For more details, log on to www.wokinghamauctions. com

Law firm’s success

Networkers help charity

A LOCAL company is celebrating after being listed in a survey of the top planning law ﬁrms in the country. Blandy & Blandy has been listed in joint 28th position in the list of 50 ﬁrms ranked by Planning Resource’s annual Planning Law Survey. The rankings are compiled based on peer-led interviews and

MEMBERS of a networking group learnt that they had been voted Chapter of the Month for their business success. BNI Wokingham discovered the news as they welcomed their new leadership team at their meeting last Friday. The group, which meets at Sandmartins Golf Club in Finchampstead

research with Blandy listed for planning and environmental law. Blandy’s team head Karen Jones said: “I am delighted that our team’s commitment to providing our clients with a ﬁrst rate service and legal advice that really adds value has been recognised in these important rankings.”

Road, was led by incoming president Ray Best from local garage company Citroemech. There were presentations from members including Alan Sherville from the AFP Partnership, who explored different forms of equity release and mortgages in the current climate.

The meeting also looked at how communications can be key including social media, for getting messages shared in the wider world. The group meets from 6.45am every Friday apart from tomorrow (Good Friday). For more details, visit www.bni-berkshire. co.uk

NVESTING in Wokingham buyto-let property is different from investing in the stock market or depositing your hard-earned cash in the building society. When you invest your money in the building society, this is considered the safe option but the returns are low (the best two-year bond rate from Nationwide is a whopping 0.75% a year!). Another investment is the Stock Market, which can give good returns. The problem is, unless you are on the phone every day to your stockbroker, you are never quite in control. With buy-to-let, things can be more hands on. Landlords like the tangible nature of property – the fact that you can see and touch the bricks and mortar. It is this factor that attracts many of Wokingham’s landlords – they are making their own decisions rather than entrusting them to city whizz kids in Canary Wharf playing roulette with their savings. I always say investing in property is a long-term game. When you invest in the property market, you can earn from your investment in two ways. When a property increases in value over time, it is known as ‘capital growth’. Capital growth has been strong in recent times in Wokingham. The value of property does go up as well as down just like shares do but the initial purchase price rarely decreases. Rental paid by the tenant is known as ‘income’. Hopefully this will also grow over time. If you divide the annual rent into the purchase price of the property, this is your ‘yield’, or ‘annual return’. So, over the last ﬁve years, an average Wokingham property has risen by £137,950 (equivalent to £75.59 a day), taking it to a current average value of £515,700. Yields range from 5% a year and can reach double digit percentages – although to achieve those sorts of returns, the risks are higher.

Something I haven’t spoken of before is the more specialist area of flipping property to make money. Flipping is defined as buying a property, carrying out some minor cosmetics and re-selling it quickly. I have seen several investors recently make decent returns from this strategy. For example …  One Wokingham Investor paid £390,000 for a four-bedroom semi on Brook Close in February 2016. It appears they carried out some cosmetic work to the property and resold it in December 2016 for £495,000 … 26.92% return before costs (or compound annual return equivalent of 33.52% AER) https://tinyurl. com/ldlbne8  Another Wokingham Investor flipped a lovely four-bedroom detached property on Woosehill Lane, paying £425,000 in September 2015 and selling it again after some doing some basic cosmetic works, for £575,000 a year later in October 2016 … 35.29% return before costs (or equivalent 31.23% AER) https:// tinyurl.com/k62mvzc This demonstrates how the Wokingham property market has not only provided very strong returns for the average investor over the last five years, it also shows how it has permitted a group of motivated buy-to-let Wokingham landlords and investors to increase their wealth. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, more and more Wokingham people may be giving up on owning their own home and are instead accepting long term renting whilst buy-to-let lending continues to grow from strength to strength.  If you want to know what (and what would not) make a decent buy to let property in Wokingham, then one place for such information would be the Wokingham Property Blog at www.wokinghampropertyblog.co.uk Erica Townend is a director and co-owner of the Martin & Co estate agency in Wokingham and has been aligned closely to the world of property for almost 20 years. Opinions expressed in this column are her own.

14 12 | NEWS

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February 16, 2017 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2017 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER 9,2017 Thursday, March 13, 30, 16, 2017 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

|5 7 NEWS NEWS| 11

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, Thursday, February January23, 5, 2017

First thicker Days are the best new charity shop Police to The Half aseek kilo Buses of blue food line: fordays Bohunt and Oranges Trees forfor chop as part Fire station’s future put inthe doubt Hotel & restaurant reunite jewellery policefor binned to every recruit gain week late 200 night extension of Market Place revamp plan Winnersh Get help to get online with festive e-gifts

Break Sarah Stuckey, bread Debbie for Reeves and EasterRobplay Wilson

PEOPLE who received a tablet, iPhone or MP enjoy By GEMMA DAVIDSON them to be able to deal with their Area Manager computer for Christmas but don’t know EVENTS fromathe first game of gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk Simon Jefferies, incident. how to use it are being invited to join a Easter will given a fresh Subbuteo “Whatever decision is made, Area Manager clubfuture to giveofthem a helping take in Wokingham’s at the Lend THE Wargrave fire station the public will not be put at any Jim Powell, hand. Place&this By GEMMA DAVIDSON Bythey PHIL CREIGHTON treethey’d pits would delay the scheme’s therisk. sitebuses will be carried out, candidates required toby hold and ask any questions they may food waste only buying what needed, Play Toy is inGEMMA doubt following the results of a and By PHIL CREIGHTON Buses to the now running the specially risenMarket asdesigned much as If a station were to close, or By DAVIDSON footprint. The Beefeater and replace it with a single new West Berkshire gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Shinfield’s Understanding Computers weekend. and the services and utilities which help them flourish completion. They added that at least two A-Levels graded have. news@wokinghampaper.co.uk while 48 per cent said they froze food that Library gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk public consultation. Woodley same route around Woodley, hoped for. if it were to be managed remotely purpose-built hotel, restaurant Costa Coffee will provide an Councillor Club offersBerkshire lessons to people Ondamaging Good Friday, from pedestrianised their the trees are constrained by beneath A-E, drive-thru or an equivalent The and web chat willfrontage begin couldn’t beLevel eaten time of purchase. Royal Fire who and have willWebster now butanother in the alternate said: “While we by site or directions. see a changewithout in Mr Osman active attractive and as well as on-3at the Emma THAMES Valley Police ispeople set toin Wokingham WORK has started on removing MORE than a quarter of no prior experience of IT equipment but noon, the town centre surface then repositioned to roots.” the surrounding buildings qualification. However, 36 per cent admitted that food at 1pm and is available to NEW timetables introduced PLANS Rescue to redevelop Service a disused (RBFRS) site run until shift patterns, the public will still The subsequent timetables are still seeing small growth at ground level and the Premier car parking spaces and and Deputy By JOHN WAKEFIELD start recruiting police officers as throw of each week, aSally survey four online trees from want learn500g how tofood use it tothat send will become anitchairman open-air accommodate thebeen new design Cllr Peter Lucey, so 3am cannot might wasted in their household because Farley, TVP's People view fromMarket any Place and pavements Chief forbe the borough’s buses this site intoaway Winnersh into a (7) hotel, announced on Friday have firehave cover, it will just come for this difficult on these routes, is not at Inn bedrooms have been raised landscaping. news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Fireand part of and a large-scale drive to get enhanced has revealed. asthe partfridge of the town centre’s mature further. emails staydrive-thru safe online. theatre for a special of from Market Place, road of the Town it had been left forgotten in or Advisor said: smartphone, tablet week sees Bohunt School gain restaurant coffee more than and 1,000 people took part Services a different place. serve to implement in challenging the levels expected –Council mainly to reduce the risk of flooding.” Stuart Rose, Acquisition Officer Trevor more constables onbooked the street. According to the results of a survey Lessons can by calling regeneration. passion play called drainage, cupboard and had gone past the use by date.is close Market Working Roots from the Ferguson twoSandford largest layout, “Wecarried are for seeking the and or computer. a stop Woodley’s Orangeshop, creating 90be new jobs, have in the consultation on plans to Manager “What I would urge people to traffic conditions. due to the performance of Oakdene Court Whitbread Hotels ANThe APPEAL has gone out to reunite recruitment drive is due very out by re3 recycling in Wokingham, Bracknell 0118 988 2459. the first stage of plans trees at the southern Breaking Bread. the started running freeIt’sLove Food Party, said: end and best to joinRe3 our has Candidates save £1.4million. been unveiled.with stolen jewellery do is“The come along to our meeting coloured routes gain a number lateLane great news for the to a of major roads the timetables. The buses and Restaurants, who is the owners Picture: Gemma to startand on Monday, with thecent Forest Reading, 26 per of Callers should leave a message mentioning the ideal It will be performed of replacement to help revamp the attend area around of Market Place are every Hate support too big on the April 18, the residents Whitbread, the plans parent Seven were ranks – the the must night service. 15 includingtothe A329M the B3270 leading planning of Waste the sessions people of Woodley is the who themselves “Whilst are brand Davidson found in ancost-saving abandoned vehicle. force aiming toifsign up around people questioned said mightcandidates will be Computer Club there isthey no reply. by local residents, some trees. the Town Hall, improving the residents, offering advice on small, course sorry for the space they occupy, have submitted a petition will be company to Premier Inn and put to the public, members of staff an eligibility minutes Reading Buses said that to the south of the site and proposed development, said: Last Thursday, Thames Valley introduction of evening new after the significant 200 new officers. throw around 500g in the individuals who are be making The main to the Fire Authority of whom will pavements, installing non- are pulling up the pavement simple could help to them. see theThey old presenting Costa Coffee, hasof food launched and various stakeholders during appointment the changes arechanges aimed that at Junction 10 of the M4 is to the “The site at 613 Reading Road Police released pictures of the Asian buses on orange 13 running investment in largest non-metropolitan binThe each their stage debut. taken of slip food paving slabs andto creating and are creating a hazard for phase them reduce their waste and explaining the– petition, and trees plans to week. redevelop the vacant the consultation, which saw an honest, enthusiastic prior making its services more east of Winnersh. is well positioned for a new gold jewellery which was left in an until around 3am perfect are modern, comfortable force in theanother country26 offers However, perand Organised by I am the work isof the Fire Authority well as save money. a more flexible space for pedestrians. down, Oakdene Court off3 Reading option toof closesite Wargrave and hard working. Ifbeen a as submitting “a-peeling” to customers. Baptist Church hotel and leisure development. abandoned blue BMW Series estate “If you have victim ofThe a proposed Indevelopment Woodley, the Orange Sandford Lane area benefit members to get customers back from with superfast 4G WiFi, USB aMembers range ofShinfield urban and rural cent of people surveyed said Churches Together in the due to start Wokingham Borough will be listening to what they say events. Road in Winnersh into a new Pangbourne stations proving to delighted Their roots are also you believe you have their application. heldin a church service with a very big It Leopard buses on the 3 is not expected to generate benefits from excellent car Windsor. burglary and think this jewellery is routes, 12, 13 and 14, have from buses running every 15 ‘social nights’ in Reading. chargers, tablets and tables. policing opportunities, and that didn’t throw anyis Wokingham and Stagein having June and and Council’s Executive Member read the report and theand Didcot Wokingham Borough 102-bedroom Premier Inn hotel, be thethey most popular, with 42.91% Market Place with a high voltage Mayor, Cllr Tony Virgo, opens the new First Days Crowthorne by mayor Cllr Jackie Rance Woodley difference onhad Sunday – it was a day for whatBracknell it takes to be part of These appointments any additional traffic as the Residents ofwatched Alexandra Grange Care Home enjoyed a dance display by the Reading Irish School transport connections and is route will now to Bohunt Officers been looking yours weForest would ask you torun contact been adjusted so and that store aentwined minutes inEarley both directions. “These changes are “They also have looking for who want food away atrecruits all. Parents and children from Building For The Future receive a cheque from finish Ellie Barnes (in that red) from Barnes Fitness’ Santa Dash December Fright, theinplay willglazed in spring for Environment Cllr Angus comments have been made Wokingham Town Councils 190-cover Beefeater restaurant of respondents choosing it. refurbishment cable running under the mayor Cllr Jenny Cheng and plenty of well-wishers and supporters Pictures: Gemma Davidson of pancake races. majority of potential customers of Dancers as part of its St Patrick’s Day celebrations very accessible for existing our team then we would love to are limited in number and the vehicle, which had been stolen Thames Valley Police enquiry centre School near Arborfield bus runs every 15 minutes Jake Osman, Reading a reflection of what we staircases and a sunroof to develop their skills while According to research BICYCLES have stolen from Wokingham and a community focus next by year. the people of Wokingham and have said: “On behalf of re3, I’d together are working on the and Costa Coffee drive-thru. A petition tobeen save Wargrave project pedestrian which The congregration, which meets on will already travelling the businesses Winnersh during a burglary in Wokingham 101, mightRoss have vital hearon from you.asinyou allocated onbeaduring first-come-firstSANTA is well-known for bringing gifts The moneyneeds came from the Santalearned Dashsuch “Itfrom will be bigger this year andiswe’llmoving raise Garrison on weekdays, theonday, while Buses area Marketing and have so far although we appreciate transforming the lives of local commissioned by re3 last year, purchasing larger items as long-term supporters of First opened during a special Woodley. with support from thethat “No-one in wants to when they Wargrave particular likeassist to thank those residents who PICTURE The January company isin station was started inplanning February Triangle. the scheme, which aims tonow forward. to MP be moved inDecember the Manager, early at Shinfield Parish Hall School road network. Our plans will provide Friday, 13. information that could us in and good cheer – and that’s exactly what held in last year and plans are more for charity. ” “It’s a challenging role, but served basis. meaning that school pupils Orange 13 service will Communications analysing the routes since the sun roof is not at its best A LOCAL demonstrated his I always had the red set of and can hire toys for three weeks people. results showed that a typical On Wednesday, December 21, a bicycle was car seats and mattresses. Days. stages of the project – but the party on Thursday Wokingham Foodbank. see trees removed but these then conscientiously consider all“And took the timelaunch to fill out the survey to invest than £8 million by former manager Tony better utilities the as part new Green, heldmore awatch café style service with Mr Rose added: “Our nextforbetween these businesses with a have topCase investigator, Kate our investigation” aprovide host of Father Christmasses running being made for another fund raising dash but also Jane Holmes, who is the CEOofof the Building with first class no training and to walk Further information about longer from EXCLUSIVE run until 3am said: “We were excited to September, what during winter! love for the beautiful game when players. from as little as 50p. In a statement released on household in Wokingham, Bracknell stolen from outside a shop in Peach Street, while Entry to the play ones suitableand formake the their Operations director The council charity, which is based evening. the aren’t information and help us toshould better understand why, people ofthis Wokingham for filling inDinton the online survey, for and the which received in the treat new development Annetts, and received 245 market area and allow design everyone will beiswere able that cannot the savoury in preparation for step is engage local residents quality newoption leisure as Devonshire based at Loddon Valley “Anyone with information RESIDENTS at a said home in offor Dancers on March 17 as part in the suchbuses as StToutley Patrick’s round Pastures havelocal brought to“The alaunch later this year. For The Future, which is based off opportunities for promotion how totobook your appointment the facility schooland to the previous GEMMA DAVIDSON Reading and Woodley. the new routes customers and drivers have “These he dropped into acare Woodley charity “Many parents simply can’t Thecalendar, charity’s Sarah Tuesday, Police Forest Reading throws away ofByfood over inand Woodley, a Valley mountain bike2.7kg was stolen free andchair isnewly-planted preceded space they’re in,”the said Cllr decision on the outcome of which in Woodley, provides support Three local mayors were Kathryn Tibble-Taylor said despite our best intentions, we still are covered by a trees number ofday sending inmight letters and theinand petition, the most votes wouldn’t which is Thames expected to intelligence create signatures. cafés, restaurants pubs to appreciate be done while the are Lent, which started yesterday. and businesses on the proposals gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk well as creating a significant police station, said: “Our quote the reference 43170011663.” Wokingham had the luck of of a of Irish-themed fun. Day. Wokingham charity. Presenting the donation to the charity Road in Wokingham, said: “We’re very specialisation, it’sstop a rewarding will be available oncompany Thames said which is close to St The that Woodley in September, but been telling us since the new specified with their added last week. afford the latest toys children Stuckley said: “Rob’s copy of (TVP) said it is keen to recruit each week, 1.2kg of which hadn’t even been from a property in Silver Fox Crescent on the option should be picked.” a procession from Malcolm Richards, executive trees, by contribute to foodtowaste. for who are struggling attendance –as Cllr Tony Virgo launch party been a huge fire stations [Wokingham, but also well for coming to families automatically be adopted. approximately 90 gathering, new jobswhich oncould A final decision on to use the pavement provided with At the end of the still there. ahead submitting atook planning ofyou new jobs. suggests that jewellery do not towant the Irish on their side asReading Residents and guests weregrateful also for “We had a wonderful The group part in festive fun run was Ellie Barnes, heads uphad the fitness the donation. We’llsuccumbed useafternoon this tothe career If that continues make speak Valley ofPolice’s website from Eligius church. its changes are inaspace response we realise that the who initial Rob Wilson, MP for want. Learning through play may have routes were implemented. extras thanks toproper people with athis wide range of number prepared or taken out of packaging. same day. n The Fire Authority meeting will Wokingham Methodist member for highways and Subbuteo “The help and you advice that is being offered Wokingham Road, Bracknell, ourBracknell, session at Wargrave to ask West Berkshire councillor toDecember. afford baby clothes, toys, from Cllr Jenny success. opening. plan will be adopted byits RBFRS for tables during summer members went to the parish hall car a “Our root pits, to complement our application in the coming During the refurbishment plans have been have been taken by a gang operating A CHARITY shop with a directly to the police can theycelebrated St Patrick’s Day invited to take part in a shortbread and the residents really enjoyed organised by Barnes Fitness in company. help run the space. We rely on fundraising as genuine difference for our Monday, when the recruitment The company has also East, visited the Lend & Play Toy with the right equipment is to time and over-excited play, but to customer feedback since timetables haven’t quite We have wanted to listen feedback from customers skills and experiences and When asked about the types of food they Elsewhere in Woodley, at some time be held at RBFRS Headquarters, Church by local transport. through the Love Food Hate Waste sessions Whitley and it’sreplaced important questions, meet the crewpresented and Emma Webster said that the Whitbread ispublic seeking will be afun meeting equipment and Wood] furniture across Cheng from Woodley and Cllr She said:to“The shop is lookingwe don’t get park formade a seriesatoflines pancake racesM4 months. months. If planning permission designed to take account of beautiful Market Place: an works, they will be across county along the contact the independent charity earlier this month. difference opened its doors in afternoon social and a lightwatching the children dance in Last month, the company a She said: “I’m very proud support a any grants. Without donations communities.” Library, in Ambleside Close, on incredibly important in a child’s process opens. parents can now hire the game made some slight timetable the service launched last achieved what we wanted and respond to customers’ from the trials Reading Buses an understanding ofand cultural wasted, 66 per centthe respondents said they tois close between December 16 21, to someone Pincents Kiln,have Newsham Court, dignitaries. “Their semi-mature also being shared onJackie socialRance media, for people to remember the but understand aplease bit decision any station planning permission on Tuesday at service’s Berkshire and beyond. from Earley – asare fantastic, we” couldn’t in which dads, mums andWest children wecandidates will ensure theabout of theStreet site.for The The four trees being and M40 corridor and London.the Crimestoppers anonymously on open and welcoming space Residents and staff at charity. hearted limerick competition. their amazing, colourful traditional by10 six semi-mature treesthat of adevelopment. Crowthorne High the grand donation tomore Building For The Future, local we wouldn’t be able tojust function. ” hundreds February to check out the range from us. It’s one of Ageography livenotweb chat has been Potential with adjustments at isthegranted, same September and include from them. issues.” previously conducted.” issues. threw away fruit andOakdene vegetable peelings, picked the lock to a block of garages in Calcot, Reading RG31 7SD at replacements are more After theofplay, a search for re3 recycling on Twitter, Facebook, fire and rescue service are always what the options mean and what would be taken lightly. demolish the vacant headquarters in Calcot. The charity relies heavily well as aactress Anna Acton, achieved itLend without the help of nsuited battled it out to seecould who could tossbeen final development is built to new development will be set “The items have 0800 555 111. No personal details removed now to avoid the bird Alexandra Grange Care Home, in General Manager at Alexandra outfits. where we can all linger, enjoy species better suited to urban parent-led charity providing activities, very first time last week. “This was the first Santa Dash and we Barnes Fitness is organising a duathlon A warm welcome was given to the new Bishop of Oxford as he visited Wokingham last week. Church leaders and of toys on offer, and ended up The & Play Toy Library is toys, games and party equipment planned for today (Thursday) time, again making it easier any queries are encouraged more timewould for thebebuses to “Wewhen listened to customers n Forwooden further cross information However, despite A review of the educational while 60 per cent said they binned leftovers Drovers Way, stealing bicycles and tools 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 18. to urban environments and will be Instagram and YouTube.” there, and people pick up the consequences if She said: “Thank you to the Court, which was home to RBFRS's assistant chief fire of their pancake while running. on donations from members ofto of Topsy and Tim fame, and wonderful volunteers, our atothe very high standard and ischildren further back from Reading stolen a house the areThe taken, information isthe notget traced Some the clothes and in toys on east sale Oaklands Drive, were treated Grange, Magda Anca, said: was so inviting that everyone support and therapy for with nesting season. The borough didn’t expect it to be so successful. We a“It coffee or” questions meal, browse in Dinton Pastures on Sunday, April 2on from First Days Boutique, spaces. congregations gathered St Paul’s inour Reading Road tomore hear the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft answer playing a game ofat Subbuteo. athe not-for-profit charity run and that we provide. for students to busoptions tothe which will offer people email TVP recruitment complete circuit of visit www.reading-buses. and drivers toChurch change investment in thecanopies. services, requirements for anyone aoffrom cooked or prepared meal. from inside. For information visit blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT5119_07B_PRINT_READY.pdf 1a full 22/03/2016 18:14 have controlled taken to the Salvation For more information visit www. the phone and call 999 we will the containing Wargrave residents of Wokingham formanaged British Biotech Services but officer Simon Jefferies said the The church also organised races pro-actively and Road compared to the existing the Thames Valley, West London, or or recorded and you will not go to at the new First Days charity store in “It is important to our residents a traditional performance by the the public, but profits from the wanted to join in and dance, former Liberty X singer Jessica staff and our many supporters disabilities and/or additional needs and their thought we’d get 100 runners, but we got 9.30am. There are two events, a 5km and which sells high-quality secondthe market, and watch the council said that if the work Once the trees are gone, everything from the future of the church to the way in which it should handle relationships. The evening opened with Arsenal fan Rob said: “When I funded largely by volunteers. n For more information visit and from lessons team at the new opportunity out more on RecruitmentPoliceOff@ co.uk/articles/januaryWoodley, but also interlink orange 13 andappliance 14 routes Reading said that wanting towith join the force More than half of those whoisanswered the to Anyone any information relating http://bit.ly/2oU36KI. They will Buses be planted in Army in Sturges Road.an lovefoodhatewaste.com. send the closest to were chosen. participating infind the was consultation, has been vacant since 2012, options were ‘not referendum’, on Shrove Tuesday ataSchool Green. building and will have a process smaller Birmingham. court. Crowthorne that we celebrate special dates Reading and Didcot Irish me!” barnesfitness.co.uk families. 300. 10km. Forincluding details, visit new boutique will go towards Pietersen, whom are have been so generous. ” have hand baby clothes, officially effectively.” entertainment.” wasboth left autumn it the an archaeological survey of evensong service. Before visiting the church,-who he also took time to meet at the town centre Foodbank played Subbuteo mySchool brothers Members can join forstaff just £10 www.lendandplay.org.uk. school. also being undertaken, withto reduce timetable-changes-2/ about the recruitment thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. so ofuntil that the people in to a with circular service with passenger levels not survey said they actively their to these thefts should calltried 101.

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Family pay tribute to cyclist who died in road accident By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk TRIBUTES have been paid to a cyclist who died following a crash in Earley last month. Benjamin Pedley, 26, died on March 22 after he collided with a pedestrian in Church Road. Ben, as he was known to family and friends, was a mature student studying chemistry at the University of Reading. Born in Cheltenham in 1991, Ben had a ‘hunger for knowledge’ and was described as ‘an exceptional human being’, and as well as being a keen cyclist, he was a talented classical pianist. He enjoyed running, flying light aircraft, skateboarding, golf and playing snooker, as well as being fluent in French and learning German and Italian. His family paid tribute to him in a statement released on Friday. The statement included: “Were you to know Ben, you were to know magnanimity and humble magnificence. “Books knew him well. They were at the core of his being; a visual representation to us all of his appreciation and hunger for knowledge. “In books, Ben found warmth and a comprehension of the simplicity of a good, honest life and absorbed their wisdom. “We are not, in a true sense, a religious family; yet Ben read the Bible front to back as a child. Later he would read Scripture daily, which he’d note in a wellkept ‘non-emotional’ diary. “Yet, ever the inquisitor, Ben read text from many different religions, political parties, historians and biographers. To debate, one must find patience

and willing to sequester knowledge from all sides. “Ben was exceptional; not just as a brother or a son, a friend or a student; but as a human being with unparalleled natural talent, matched only by his immeasurable strength and perseverance to better himself. “Ben was, soon to be, a grade 8 classical pianist, largely selftaught. He was a keen cyclist; and a ‘prodigious talent’, as he was often introduced. “He was an athlete; running televised races months after taking up the sport, could fly light aircraft, skateboard on half-pipes, keep up with professional snooker players and excelled at golf. “He was a poet, a hiker, a climber and had recently earned his second belt in Judo. He was a linguist, fluent in French and learning Italian and German. “Ben tried his hand at the guitar and drums and began to write his own music. And still, the most beautiful element of all of this, being his humility and modesty; never truly realising his own ability. “Yet, with all of this, he was cheeky, mischievous and curious, playful and energetic. He had an infectious laugh and loved to reminisce and relive stories of his younger days, whilst often asking: “Do you have any jokes?” His confident, adventurous nature would take him across borders and cultures, and provide many an anecdote. That intrigue brought

about clarity. Ben knew he wanted true love, a family with two boys whom he could teach French and piano, to live in the country amongst the hills, valleys, trees and birds. “Ben was a chemist at the University of Reading, having previously studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics in his first year. Science was the backbone of his intellect, as religion was of his personality. “With our mum, Jacquie, Ben would explore his love of the arts, the simply beauty of the garden and would don his new wellington boots to trudge through the winter mud on Leckhampton Hill to walk Nellie, mum’s black Labrador. “Ben’s one true girlfriend turned best friend and confidant, Jo, was his life partner. They’d share books, learn new languages and explored the world together – an invaluable love our family are so comforted to know Ben had witnessed. “My older brother, George, and I, Jo, our extended family and, of course, our wonderful parents, will never be able to tell you what a truly inspirational, wondrous and profoundly exceptional person Ben was. “Even upon his last journey, Ben carried a Bible as he cycled to St Peter’s Church for the evening to learn more about ‘The Calling of St Matthew’ by Caravaggio. He was a great man and, at just 26, able to leave a legacy from such an incredibly full and purposeful life.”

Nursery celebrates top 10 ranking A NURSERY provider in Wokingham has been ranked as one of the top 10 large nursery groups in the UK. Bright Horizons Family Solutions, which has a centre in Molly MIllars Lane, was named within the top 10 of the Large Nursery Groups Award by review site www.daynurseries.co.uk, which receives more than 28,795 nursery reviews each year. Nursery Groups with the highest average reviews between March 1, 2015 and March 1, 2017 were chosen to be part of the list. James Tugendhat, managing director, international, at Bright Horizons, said he was delighted Bright Horizons are featured on the “recommended large nursery groups” list for the first time. “This is a great achievement by each and every nursery and

Staff from Bright Horizons Family Solutions celebrate their top 10 ranking

I want to congratulate all of our nursery teams for their hard work in actively generating so many positive reviews; there is no higher praise than that of our parents,” said Tugendhat. “Each and every day all of our teams continue with our

mission to offer exceptional care and education across all of our nurseries. “We are thankful to our parents and guardians for taking the time to review our nurseries and support us in winning this amazing award.”

A pigeon has made a nest in the ‘a’ of the Waitrose sign in its Woodley car park and it is expected that new arrivals will hatch out soon Pictures: Phil Creighton

Birds are nest in show COO is the sound you’re most likely to overhear in Waitrose right now – but it’s not due to shoppers. The supermarket chain has a new partner at its Woodley store which has taken up residence in its car park. Shoppers have spotted the feathered friends making themselves comfy in the ‘a’ of the Waitrose sign by the bottle banks. The ingenious birds have used the counter of the ‘a’ to use as a base for their new

home, filling it with twigs and moss to create a comfy base for the nesting season. And being close to the supermarket means that they will be sure to find a host of tasty items to feed their growing brood when they hatch out. Tracey Kirkpatrick, branch manager at Waitrose Woodley, said: “Our feathered friend is a clear sign that spring has sprung – and it’s certainly chosen an A-list location to nest.”

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

Teenagers wanted after man attacked TWO teenage girls are being sought by police after a man was attacked in Rose Street. Thames Valley Police said that the victim, a man in his thirties, was walking in the Wokingham town centre street around 1pm on Thursday, April 6. As he has a disability which gives him mobility issues, he was walking slowly. The two girls were walking ahead of him, but then allowed him to get past while they laughed at him. Police said that the duo them stepped on his heels, nearly causing him to fall. Afterwards, they made offensive remarks to him and laughed at his walking speed. They then met up with three other girls and left in a bright red vehicle, which was dirty on the lower half and had a loud exhaust. This was parked in a disabled bay outside the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street. Thames Valley Police said that the people they would like to speak to in relation to the offence are thought to be aged around 16,and of a slim build. One of the girls had her hair tied back in a ponytail and had shoulder-length hair. Investigating officer PC Will Townsend, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw the incident or anyone who recognises the descriptions of the offenders. If you have any information which could be of use to the investigation, please come forward and speak to police.” Anyone with information relating to this case are asked to call 101 quoting reference ‘43170101436’, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Come and sing Les Mis SONGS from the popular musical Les Miserables will be performed at a special come and sing event taking place in Charvil later this month. Open to women, the event will be led by local music teacher Suzanne Newman. It takes place at Charvil Village Hall on Saturday, April 22 from 2pm. Places cost £10. For details and to book call 0118 934 0589 or email suzanneynewman@ btinternet.com

More than 300 people took part in a run through Dinton Pastures earlier this month Pictures: Neil Fenwick

Fun run in the sun By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE SUN shone for the morning of the very first Dinton 5km and 10km races. More than 300 runners took part in the inaugural events at Dinton Pastures on Sunday, April 2, which were organised by Barnes Fitness and sponsored by The Fitness Clinic, Wokingham. There were trophies on offer for the fastest men and women, and every runner took home a medal. Andrew Cittern-Jones won the 5km course with a time of 18:46,48, and Faye Sharpley

WOKINGHAM - WE NEED YOU EVENMORE!

One of WOKINGHAM’S newest registered charities WOKINGHAM IN NEED was launched in September 2015 with the grand opening of new kitchen facilities (following the successful wet room installation), at the Salvation Army Church and Community Centre, Struges Road Wokingham WE ARE NOW PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF : THE WOKINGHAM DROP IN CENTRE On 27th February 2017 for use by the Homeless and Vulnerable in Wokingham.The Drop in Centre, created by WOKINGHAM IN NEED (W IN), is on the site of the premises of the Salvation Army Citadel, Sturges Road, in Wokingham.

The Salvation Army and a team of volunteers will develop their existing resources and provide new workshops and individual support to help the homeless and vulnerable in our society. WIN will work with the Salvation Army in relation to assisting with requirements and needs for the Drop In Centre. WIN has also donated a large storage unit, located next to the Drop in Centre, which will provide supplies to those in need.

“However we still need additional funds for this project and also to assist other groups in the community as there is even more to do in the future ”, said Sue Jackson, “and we want to include the whole Community’s needs as we progress with helping others. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in helping people in your Community.” The reason for supplying you with this information .

We would like your support.

As an individual or business Your donations, no matter how small .Anything would be gratefully received. Please donate : by cheque made payable to Wokingham In Need which can be sent/ delivered to Prospect Estate Agents, one of our valued sponsors, at their Broad Street Office in Wokingham. Alternatively contact our website to see other ways to donate. Thank you to our existing supporters: Prospect Estate Agents: Wokingham Lions: Healthwatch: Fencing Products: BSW: Alamo Blinds and more please see our website. Sue Jackson WOKINGHAM IN NEED Telephone Number: 07340 301770 wokinghaminneed@gmail.com

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from Thame Runners was the fastest lady in 20:17,83. Simon Millett from Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow AC won the 10km race in a time of 33:51,91, while Amber Gascoigne was the fastest lady in 40:19,00. Organiser Ellie Barnes said: “It was a sunny Sunday morning, there was lots of support and runners from local clubs such as the Reading Roadrunners and Bracknell Forest Runners, as well as

clubs further afield, such as the Thame Runners who used the event as their Club Championships. “The course was the same as our Dinton Pastures 5km/10km Summer Series, which starts on May 11, but in reverse. We will be back with this event next year!” n The next event in the running diary will be the Woodley 10km on Sunday, May 7. For more details visit www. barnesfitness.co.uk.

Call for independent monitors on council A SEARCH is on to find non-political residents who want to keep an eye on the council. There are two vacancies on Wokingham Borough Council’s independent panel that helps maintain high standards of conduct by borough, town and parish councillors. The two people will be asked to work alongside the council’s monitoring officer to provide objective and impartial views on complaints about councillors’ behaviour. A council spokesperson said that the role would suit someone with a keen interest in local government and standards of behaviour. Applicants should have experience of public sector organisations, good analytical and communication skills, be contactable during working hours and be available to attend daytime/ evening hearings or meetings at short notice with the monitoring officer. An allowance of £1,000 per annum will be paid and travel and parking expenses will also be covered. Applications from politically active residents will be rejected as will people who have been a member or officer of a town or borough council in the past five years or have a close friend or relative in one of the roles. Suppliers, partners and contractors of Wokingham Borough Council are also ineligible. The closing date for applications is Monday, April 24 and interviews are expected to be held on Wednesday, May 3 or Thursday, May 4. For more details, email democratic.services@ wokingham.gov.uk or telephone (0118) 974 6058.

Copper faces probe after allegedly using force on youngster By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk AN OFFICER from Thames Valley Police is due to face a misconduct hearing for allegedly using 'disproportionate force' towards a 15-year-old in Wokingham last year. PC 7615 Peter Crimmins is alleged to have attended Howard Palmer Gardens at around 9.30pm on June 17 last year, along with Special Constable Roy Egarr, following reports that a group of youths had been behaving anti-socially. Two PCSOs were already on the scene. PC Crimmins is alleged to have approached the group of youths and observed one of them, referred to as Witness A, move away from the group and take a phone call on his mobile phone. PC Crimmins is then alleged to have put his arm out to direct him back to the group, and pushed Witness A with his arm across Witness A's chest. When hearing Witness A say to the person on the other end of the phone words to the effect: “This

guy's being a k**b”, PC Crimmins allegedly grabbed Witness A by the neck, saying words to the effect: “A k**b yeah?” PC Crimmins then allegedly pushed Witness A backwards, still with his hand around the boy’s neck, until he smacked PC Crimmin's hand and he let go. Thames Valley Police also allege that PC Crimmins failed to complete a Use of Force form or make any other record of the use of force on Witness A until he was advised to do so by PS O'Brien at a meeting at 1am on June 19. The force concludes that these actions amount, individually and/ or collectively, to gross misconduct and breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour of: n Use of Force; n Orders and Instructions. PC Crimmins will face the misconduct hearing, chaired by Mr William Hansen, a legally qualified chair, at the Thames Valley Police Headquarters in Kidlington, Oxford, between April 19 and April 21, commencing at 10am.

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Elegy for a deceased dog

Cost of social care is going up 600%

AST week I mentioned the sister of a friend who was going through a personal crisis following the death of her pet dog after 13 years of companionship. Even though she paid £25 a month pet insurance she was told the insurance was invalid because, in one way or another, the ailments were related. In the end the poor woman took on two lowpaid jobs to pay over £30,000 on the dog’s various treatments. I can’t help feeling that the pet industry has pet lovers over a barrel due to the strong emotional attachments they develop. I think Which? magazine planned an investigation into these charges some years ago – I must look into this. I wonder if Mrs Smith would have spent £30,000 on me if I was about to topple over? I finished last week’s column referring to an article in The Saturday Times about pet bereavement. The BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham made the point that it is only humans, not pets who let you down. There is an innocence about pets that we do not see in humans. They are not capable of cheating, lying or revenge. The 18th century Irish poet Oliver Goldsmith satirically summed up the difference in a poem about a mad dog (presumably with Rabies) that bit a ‘good’ man and everyone assumed the man would die: But soon the wonder came to light, That showed the rogues they lied: The man recovered from the bite, The dog it was that died. It’s the innocence and inability to show ingratitude that makes pets, especially dogs, so easily lovable. I think Mrs Smith might find a dog much more congenial company than me. She would never find herself feeling let down or ignored by a loyal pet, or have to put up with selfish behaviour. Nor would she be worn down arguing about politics, religion, relatives or TV programmes. I don’t know why she argues about TV programmes or films as she usually falls asleep having dictated what programmes we watch. I do in fact know a couple in their fifties who told me they have never ever argued. How is that possible? Disagreement is the oxygen of life.

Dog lover or dog owner In the case of Chris Packham, he told The Saturday Times that as someone diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, it was easier for him to relate to his pet dogs than people. He also said he had suffered a troubled childhood and it was during these years he developed an intense relationship with animals. He even stored the deceased bodies of his dogs in a freezer while he sought out cremation services. I would simply have taken the animal to the vet for the fatal injection and walked away; therein lies the difference between a dog lover and a dog owner. You’ll be pleased to know that since childhood I have never owned a dog – apart from a brief affair with a mongrel from a dog’s home that only lasted a matter of weeks and he went back. Sorry dog lovers.

Dog loyalty boosts UK economy Of all the things I had not considered however was the major contribution loyal pets make to the UK economy through the health benefits to owners. Mr Packham didn’t divulge specific figures and I haven’t been able to find any via Google. But please don’t tell any of this to Gemma, our chief reporter. She loves cats. Now I ask you what have cats ever done for humanity. OK, they keep us free from rats and mice (if you don’t feed them). There is also the case of a cat helping Dick Whittington become Lord Mayor of London. But that’s definitely it. If you know of any other useful things cats do please let Gemma know by writing to us at: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

I wonder how many of your readers know the depths of despair to which local disabled people are being pushed. Wokingham Council have recently added a precept to our Council Tax bills for Adult Social Care. I was angry, because despite my own difficulties as a disabled person increasing all the time, I was refused social care. But my anger was nothing compared to what I felt when I bumped into a disabled friend in Woodley today. I have known her for many years and she has never been free of appalling pain. She used to manage to get around with callipers and crutches but has had to use a wheelchair for several years and is in and out of hospital. Some time ago she was granted a Personal Budget for social care and had a carer to help her, as she can’t even get food out of the oven or dress herself any more. She was paying £25 a week contribution to this care from her benefits. The other day, however, she received a letter from Wokingham telling her that her contribution would now have to be £136 a week! So they get increased council tax from everyone but are still bumping up the cost of social care over 600%!! And Yes, she rang to see if it was a mistake and No, it wasn’t. So she had to tell them she could no longer have any social care and is now dependent on her adult son to help her – though he too is disabled! My friend couldn’t stop the tears from falling – right there in the street. Shame on you Wokingham Council! This is inhuman, degrading and utterly unacceptable. I invite your readers to let their council know how this makes them feel. Merry Cross, via email

Get into single lane quickly! With reference to the lady who writes about “zipper merging” in Peach Street, I am afraid she is sadly deluded if she thinks that moving the merging point from the junction with Wiltshire Road to further along Peach Street will speed the traffic flow. It is an indisputable fact that the speed of the traffic is governed by its speed in the single lane section. Furthermore, staying in the right hand lane will block those who wish to have access to the parking spaces or Cross Street. It is also probable that by leaving it until the last possible moment to merge, the traffic flow just before the restriction will be disrupted and the overall speed reduced. What is certain is that it will greatly irritate those drivers who have patiently and considerately merged earlier and see those doing what the lady suggests as simply jumping the queue. Mike Smith, via email

Sorry is just not good enough I have been reading the recent letters from Cllr Keith Baker and Cllr Gary Cowan, now Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield. I am sorry he is no longer a Conservative. I am a staunch Conservative and have been a Parish Cllr for Barkham and Chairman.of various societies in Arborfield. I feel that major decisions affecting the electorate should be discussed by the whole Council and possibly published in this newspaper to get a public opinion and then voted on by the whole Council and not decided upon by a few Councillors. In my committees we had an Agenda published before a meeting placed on our Notice boards, the itinerary was discussed by all members and then a decision was voted on for or against each item. Cllr Gary Cowan and his family have been friends for many years and I trust him implicity, he does not lie as has been stated by Cllr Baker and I quote”Most of what he says are out and out lies”. The trouble is, once something has been published in print some people only read part of the story and not the whole story, so some mud sticks and is not retractable, sorry is not good enough, it should not have been said in the first place by a responsible Councillor. Sheila Bunce, Barkham/Arborfield

Chickens are finally coming home to roost

One-by-one they are jumping ship (‘Another Conservative Quits, The Wokingham Paper, March 30). What do they know that we don’t? You get the feeling, don’t you, that borough councillors are eyeing each other up, sharpening their knives and just awaiting the opportunity to do the dirty on each other.

Is it maybe they now are beginning to realise their incompetence is catching up with them, their duplicity bit-by-bit being uncovered, or that they are at last ‘getting it’ that the electorate have had enough of their arrogance, undemocratic bullying and secrecy? Or is it simply that their selfserving disregard for the views of residents and attempts in the

face of public opinion to destroy a once attractive, thriving town and its surrounding countryside? Whatever the reason is it too much to hope that finally their chickens are coming home to roost and that some of them, at least, deciding to jump before they are pushed. J W Blaney, Wokingham

Instructive or constructive?

An open letter to John Redwood

When is DIY “construction” ? or Household gardening Notifiable under the CDM regulations for construction? Answer: Waste produced by a householder is considered as DIY. This has a totally meaningless description according to WBC. You are doing nonhousehold work producing Non-household waste. Non-household waste must be “commercial” or “industrial” waste according to the legislation – http:// www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/811/schedule/1/ made So if a Householder is digging soil out of their garden it is now classed as “construction” because it is an “improvement “or “alteration”(“construction” includes improvement, repair or alteration). This results in the house holder now engaging in “construction work”, also as stated in the CDM regulations and is notifiable.. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: “construction work” means the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work and includes— the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance (including cleaning which involves the use of water or an abrasive at high pressure, or the use of corrosive or toxic substances), de-commissioning, demolition or dismantling of a structure. So, if a Householder is gardening, that is an endless task in the garden and lasts your life time, it is now notifiable under the CDM regulations because it now falls under the notification section. A project is notifiable if the construction work on a construction site is scheduled to—(a) last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working simultaneously at any point in the project (b) exceed 500 person days. Construction and the legislation with wonderful words! Is a householder doing “construction” or DIY and producing “Household waste”? Cllr Colin George, Wokingham

I am writing to express my very real concern and the concerns of many residents that I represent as a Wokingham Borough Councillor. The current government was elected on a manifesto promise that there would be a real-terms increase in the schools budget in the next Parliament, as the number of pupils rises so will the amount of money in our schools. This clearly is not happening and has been confirmed by Jonathan Slater, permanent Secretary at the Department for Education. Without increased investment cuts are likely to result in: · Cuts to teachers and support staff · Class sizes of up to 40 · Parents contributing to core running costs · School days shortened to save money · Cuts to subjects such as music and languages Will you ask Justine Greening, our Secretary of State for Education to increase investment in our schools and ensure NO child loses out as a result of the new funding formula - taking money away from any of our schools is wrong. I would like you to demand your government gives our schools the funding it promised – and recognises that investment in education is an investment both in the future of our children and of our country. I understand that you are due to see the Secretary of State soon and would be grateful if you could let me know how your discussions with her go. Cllr Clive Jones, Member for Hawkedon ward Wokingham Borough Council

Not even Conservative voters support a bonfire of EU environmental safeguards A new survey by the Conservative think tank Bright Blue has revealed the vast majority of the party’s supporters want to retain vital EU environmental safeguards post-Brexit. This is welcome news. The poll sends the clear message that the government has no mandate, even from its own voters, to use Brexit as an excuse to slash

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

Your letters

A wry look at life

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Elegy for a deceased dog

Cost of social care is going up 600%

Chickens are finally coming home to roost

Instructive or constructive?

An open letter to John Redwood

Your letters

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk and burn environmental protections. The MPs elected to represent the views of the voters polled in the report must ensure Ministers get the message loud and clear. That’s why I’m calling on Berkshire’s Tory MPs to lobby their Maidenhead colleague Prime Minster, Theresa May. With the environment being a mere afterthought for this government, Brexit threatens to cut Britain off from the crucial environmental safeguards that the EU provides. But it’s evident nobody voted to trash our precious environment, Leave supporters and Tory voters included. Conservative MPs must join the Greens in our campaign to ensure the environment is a key priority for the government. We need to start work immediately on introducing an Environment Act so that crucial environmental protections are made legally binding and enforceable. I’m asking for the county’s elected representatives to play a pivotal role in holding the Conservative government to account over its pledge to become ‘the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it’; a promise it is failing to fulfil. Keith Taylor Green Party MEP for the South East

We are the 48%

As part of ‘The 48% - Wokingham’ (part of Berkshire for Europe; both groups are on Facebook, and welcome new members) a few of us decided to show some support for the EU on the evening of Wednesday 29th March, a few hours after Theresa May’s letter invoking Article 50. We received a lot of enthusiastic support from passing drivers, and several people stopped to chat. One kind Italian visitor was so delighted that he bought us coffee and muffins! The majority of Wokingham referendum voters backed Remain, and we wanted to show that the cause is still very much worth fighting for, and that Mrs May is very far from articulating the will of all the people. Article 50 is reversible, and it’s never too late to admit a terrible mistake. Anthea West, via email

Getting baking to Help our Heroes Lorriane Kelly wants readers to get baking to help Help For Heroes this summer

I’m writing to call on readers to get out the aprons, wooden spoons and mixing bowls to help this year’s annual Bake for Heroes campaign. So far, supporters of all ages and all around the UK have cooked up more than £850,000 for Help for Heroes since Bake for Heroes began in 2009. This year we’re hoping to top the £1million mark. The ingredients for success are simple – supporters simply sign up for a free fundraising pack through H4H to bake cupcakes, sponges, biscuits, flapjacks or whatever tasty treat they fancy, and sell them off to colleagues, family and friends. All money raised goes to H4H supporting wounded, injured and

sick personnel, veterans and their loved ones. The Bake for Heroes campaign runs between April 15 and April 30, but supporters can take part whenever it suits them. I’m so proud to be a Patron of Help for Heroes. Every time I sit down and talk to our brave men and women, they tell me how much it means to know the public is behind them and their families throughout their recovery. I’m determined to help make sure that this vital support is there whenever it is needed. So please join us, it’s very simple to sign up and bake a difference! You could just get some friends together for a cup of tea, have a laugh and have a chat. You really will be helping to rebuild lives and

Thank you for your donation A Big Thank You to the wonderful generosity shown to Wokingham In Need following our ongoing Marketing Campaign in The Wokingham Paper. How wonderful to receive your kind donations directly and via Prospect Estate Agents who are assisting us in collecting donations at their offices. We value your assistance and are working hard to help the Homeless and Vulnerable in the borough and

VOLUNTEER CORNER  Age UK Reading is a local charity providing services to older in the greater Reading area. Services include Lively Living Activity Club, Lunch and Tea social clubs, Happy Feet toenail cutting, Befriending and Information and Advice. They are currently in need of help at their Lively Living Club which take place Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays. The role will include setting up, welcoming clients as they arrive, preparing and serving hot and cold drinks, serving meals and ensuring the venue is clean and tidy when the group is finished.

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continue the amazing work that Help for Heroes does. Bake sales can be as big or small as you want – it could be a tea and cake event at work or school, a coffee and cake morning at the local community centre, or simply an invitation to friends to come round for a slice of cake and a catch-up in return for a donation. Funds will support the work of Help for Heroes and their four Recovery Centres, which have been purpose-built and support around 4,000 people every year. To register to take part visit www.bakeforheroes.org.uk or call 01980 846459. Lorraine Kelly, Help for Heroes, Salisbury, Wiltshire

are beginning to move forward with other projects over the next few months. We would also like to thank Waitrose this month for us being involved in their Green Token Community Matters Scheme. Together we can make a difference—Thank You. Sue Jackson, Wokingham In Need Telephone Number: 07340 301770 wokinghaminneed@gmail.com www.wokinghaminneed.com

With Helena Badger Volunteers must be friendly and caring, have a flexible attitude and enjoy spending time with older people.  The Link Visiting Scheme aims at reaching people who have become socially isolated by offering friendship, support and a listening ear. They need befrienders who will be responsible for visiting an elderly local resident on a regular basis. This can be as frequently as you choose and will be up to you to arrange with the person you are visiting. This scheme can be hugely rewarding and makes such a difference to the person you are visiting.

 The Trust House Reading provides a confidential counselling service. They are looking to take on Volunteer Counsellors / Play Therapists for children and young people will be responsible for providing professional and confidential counselling / therapy to clients of Trust House Reading. They work with children and young people who are victims/survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Volunteers must be a qualified counsellor or in the final year of a Diploma course (or equivalent) that leads to being a qualified counsellor OR to be a qualified therapist or in the final year of a

Diploma course (or equivalent) that leads to being a qualified therapist. Placements would include an induction course, regular supervision with a qualified, experienced supervisor and ongoing training. All volunteers must have a satisfactory DBS check.

 To find out more about the event and volunteering in general, please visit our website www. volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk or call us on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk

NELLIE KNOWS

Nellie Williams www.nelliepompoms.co.uk Fighting the weeds OH, THE weather last weekend was just gorgeous and we had our first barbecue of the season, albeit in jumpers as the temperature dropped! The lawn was mown and the weeding was done, not that weeding is ever done – I do admire people who have weed-free gardens, infact I admire anyone who has a garden as they really are a labour of love and take many hours, I could spend hours in the garden just pottering. I was very lucky to have gardening parents and grandparents so I was given chores as a child which I believe started my love of gardening. However, the one thing I can’t bear is Mare’s Tail which comes creeping back every year! Luckily I have a hotline to Terry Walton who some of you will know as the Allotment Man from Wales on BBC Radio 2 with Jeremy Vine. He says I need to dig down deep and get to the bottom of it, so I guess I will be digging up a border at the weekend and getting down to the roots of this pesky weed. Maybe I’ll ask him to come and show me!

DrugFAM service You may have seen in last week’s paper about the special service at Westminster Abbey and not entered the ballot, well don’t fear as the deadline has been extended. If you would like to attend you’ve got until this Friday to apply for tickets. There are a number of ways of entering the ballot, either via this link on the DrugFAM website http:// bit.ly/2nHXAJJ or by contacting DrugFAM on 01494 442777 or emailing specialservice@drugfam.co.uk. If you would like support from DrugFAM contact the helpline 0300 888 3853. To find out more information about the charity visit www.drugfam.co.uk. I know only too well how an addiction can affect a family and community and it’s down to the experiences that Elizabeth Burton-Phillips faced when her twin sons were gripped by heroin that this service is happening and the stigma of having an addict in the family needs to be changed. Elizabeth’s book Mum, Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid? was one of my choices on the BBC Radio Berkshire Book Club on Tuesday afternoon.

My book recommendations The BBC Radio Berkshire Book Club is huge fun and I am thrilled to be involved. Bill Buckley is the host and a variety of authors, reviewers and readers pop into the studio at 2pm on a Tuesday to chat books. This week my recommendations were Georgie Newbery’s All Desires Known which is a gentle read for anyone yearning for village life AND The Flower Farmer’s Year, a must have for anyone wanting a garden of flowers all year round, A Talent For Murder by Andrew Wilson surrounding the disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926 and Elizabeth B-P’s book. Although it’s the holidays and my lot have been off I have had plenty of early evenings or hanging around evenings waiting to pick them up and can highly recommend Their Lost Daughters by Joy Ellis which I consider to be an exceptional book. The book starts slowly, as the plot unfolds the storyline becomes more intense and when I got to the end I thought “blimey”. It might not be your cup of tea, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A few books I have enjoyed were After You Left by Carol Mason and A Secret Garden by Katie Fforde.

Revision time So now the holidays are drawing to a close and we are heading towards those GCSEs, there’s been some heavy duty revision going on in our house and I will be pleased when life gets back to normal, whatever normal is. Unfortunately they start before half term and loom over families until June 23, thankfully June 16 for us. Then it’s Prom, the end-of-term and then results. The revision talks suggest lots of snacks and breaks so I’m off to whip up some sorbet in the Thermomix.

Happy Easter one and all

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Inthecommunity

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

If you are in a WI, Mothers’ Union, a friendship group or an action group then send us a report of your meetings and we’ll print them in here! Share your reports by emailing news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

News from your clubs and societies

Gardening tips and ideas from the Association Arborfield Gardening Association OUR meetings are now held on the fourth Thursday in the month. Thirty three people have so far enrolled as members of AGA, including two new people – welcome Andy and Val. Our March meeting proved very popular, with 27 people attending, including two members from Shinfield/ Swallowfield. Margaret Finch invited everyone to come to their Spring Show at their next meeting at Shinfield Parish Hall on Thursday, April 13. Jim Butress will be speaking on Britain in Bloom. Christine Leary who last spoke to us on Container Gardening and introduced us to some most unusual containers for the garden, this month gave us a very informative and amusing talk on Fuschas. Whenever we hold meetings at Henry Street, or when Alan Goold comes to talk to us, we donate the proceeds of our raffle or what we would give to speakers, to the Henry Street charity, Greenfingers. This is a charity supported by many garden centres, to provide pleasant gardens for children’s hospices. They are now celebrating the creation of its 50th garden. Three new gardens are also underway in Luton, Sunderland and Oxford – so well done everyone for supporting this very worthwhile venture with something that we all love. Our next meeting is Floriade – a talk by Gwen Barton on Thursday, April 27. Floriade is an international exhibition and garden festival, held every 10 years in the Netherlands. All have been World Horticultural Expositions. CATHERINE BREEN

Woodley Women’s Club EIGHTY members plus eight visitors met at the Oakwood Centre on Monday, April 3 to listen to Tony Boffin talk about the life of Lord Nuffield. Tony works as a volunteer at Nuffield Place which is now in the hands of the National Trust. His talk covered the life of Lord Nuffield, born William Morris in 1877. Leaving school at 15 he became an apprentice with a local bicycle seller and repairer, but at the age of 16 decided to set up his own business repairing cycles.

Easthampstead Rotary

Olly Staines, Laura Turner Mark Hamilton from the Berkshire Tortoise Club. The trio were just some of the exhibitors at the Berkshire Tortoise Club show Pictures: Phil Creighton

Berkshire Tortoise Club TORTOISE lovers from across the county gathered in Charvil earlier this month for a special showcase event. Members of the Berkshire Tortoise Club welcomed visitors to its annual show on Saturday, April 1. Held at Charvil Piggott Primary School, the event saw tortoise

owners offer tips and advice on how to keep the pets while showing off their pride and joys. There were also arts and crafts activities to try, sweet stalls and a barbecue. Mark Hamilton, from the club, said: “The club helps share knowledge about tortoises. They should be kept in a natural environment as much as possible. “The club has been running

During this time not only was he repairing cycles, but was himself a champion cyclist. In 1912, be became a car manufacturer designing the first Morris Oxford and purchased many buildings in Cowley, Oxford – hence Cowley Motors. This extremely wealthy man didn’t have any children to pass his wealth on to so gave much of it away to good charitable causes. He produced iron lungs which he distributed to hospitals, 17,000 in total. He died at the age of 86 in 1963 and the National Trust acquired this property in 2011. During the evening our chairlady proudly informed us that our own Hilary Soane had received a Citizens Award for not only her work with Brownies and Beavers in the Woodley area, but also all the work she has put in over the years being the Treasurer for the Woodley Women’s Club. Details of future trips were announced and it shows that we will

for just over three years. It’s a good little club with about 90 members. “Our Facebook group has around 471 members. It’s very useful: people post advice on it – it’s brilliant.” And Mr Hamilton said that the day had been well received. “We’ve been really, really busy. We’ve changed venue from Emmer Green and the response has been brilliant,

once again be having a wonderful year, our first trip being a five day break to Warners at Bodelwyddan in May. Our next meeting is on Monday, April 24, when our speaker will be Frances Hill who will be talking about the Ways and Means Trust. MOLLY CHEESMAN

Grave Talk at All Saints THE next Grave Talk session is happening on Thursday, April 27 from 7pm to 8.30pm in the De Vitre Room at The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. Our culture puts a taboo around the subject of death. Lots of us avoid the subject and then struggle when we are bereaved or dying. Lots of us have no idea what sort of funeral our loved one would really like. We then have to deal with these decisions when we are most vulnerable. It doesn’t have to be like this if we are more open and start to break down the taboo. The idea is to get us talking about

I’m ecstatic. “Lots of families have come in.” Debbie Gee runs a tortoise hotel in Newbury – like a cattery for tortoise owners on holiday – and was on hand to explain to visitors about the services she provides. “They get quite excited coming here as they get a lot of attention. We know how to look after them.” PHIL CREIGHTON

our feelings around the loss of a loved one, our own death, grief, what a ‘good’ funeral means to us etc. The hope is that taking part in the discussion will get us thinking and talking to our loved ones about our feelings and our ideas about funerals. This way, when the time comes, and we are feeling so vulnerable, we will already know what we, and they, would choose. The session is a guided conversation over tea / coffee and cake, in a relaxed, social setting, using prompt cards that cover five themes: life, death, society, funerals and grief. Tea and cake is an essential part! If you have already been to a session, please feel free to join us again – every session is different - and perhaps bring a friend or relative with you. Despite the name, it isn’t about graves and it isn’t a grave subject either – we have fun. Why not come to find out more? CLAIRE JONES

WOKINGHAM

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3 ROUTES - 5, 10 OR 15 MILES WWW.WOKINGHAMWALK.CO.UK

ON SATURDAY, Wokingham’s End Polio Now campaigner, John Acton, aided by a few of his Easthampstead Rotarians and the generous shoppers at Tesco Warfield collected almost £500 to help rid the World finally of this crippling disease before 2020. According to the Polio Global Eradication Initiative, “As long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat to children everywhere. If polio is not eradicated, we could see a global resurgence of the disease, with as many as 200,000 new cases each year within a decade. “ Twenty five years ago 350,000 children worldwide were diagnosed with Polio every year. In 2015, just 74. Last year there were only 37 cases: 20 in Pakistan, 13 in Afghanistan, and four in Nigeria. So far this year, only five cases have been diagnosed. Nowadays many people in this country do not remember – or even know – about the terrible problems that Polio causes. Polio is a horrible disease which affects children, in most cases crippling them for life. Unable to walk or play, some children had to live in a metal machine called an iron lung to help them breathe. Why are there so few children in the World now suffering from Polio? Because Rotary Clubs around the world gave their money and time to inoculate children everywhere. The End Polio Now programme delivers over a billion doses of polio vaccine to children every year. Last autumn, along with other local Rotary Clubs, Easthampstead RC helped plant thousands of purple crocus bulbs in Berkshire. The flowers are purple because that is the colour of the temporary mark put on a child’s finger to show that they have been vaccinated. Flowering this Spring these flowers will remind us that we still have a job to do to finally rid the world of this horrid disease. It’s not too late to donate, call us on 01344 862440 for details. Easthampstead Rotary Club currently has 50 members who live in Wokingham, Bracknell and surrounding villages. The group meets most Monday evenings at the Coppid Beech Hotel. For more information go to: www. easthampsteadrotary.co.uk PETER VON BERGEN

SUNDAY 7TH MAY 2017

Thursday, April 13, 2017 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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Wokinghampeople

SOCIETY | 19

Wokingham

Service helps remember loved ones

music

club

THE HOME OF GREAT LIVE MUSIC IN WOKINGHAM FRIDAY 21TH APRIL

5th birthday party: Never The Bride These ladies are true rock and roll royalty 7.45pm Tickets £13 in advance The Vice Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Jeffrey Branch, The Bishop of Reading the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, Melissa Walker and Matthew Walker from A B Walker at the special service of Remembrance organised by the funeral directors. Below: Reading Minster church was packed for the event

HUNDREDS of people came together to remember loved ones at a special church service earlier this month. Funeral Directors AB Walker, which has a branch in Wokingham’s London Road, organised its annual Service of Remembrance at Reading Minster Church in Reading’s town centre on Sunday, April 1. The event was led by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, and gave the congregation an opportunity to light candles in memory of friends and family who have passed away. Matthew Walker, director of A B Walker, said: “This service is an occasion of togetherness and

allows us to reﬂect on love and lives shared. “Each of you will be here on your own personal journey adjusting to the pain of losing a loved one. I stand here today, with my family, in a similar situation, having lost a dear uncle who we buried just 10 days ago. “Throughout our journey a whole spectrum of feelings and sensations are experienced which are individual to each of us. “Although we all grieve in our own manner, each of us has gathered this afternoon with a common thread of being on similar journeys, being in a position of having to adjust our lives when we lose someone we

love and dearly miss.” The Service of Remembrance is part of the aftercare service offered by the company, which includes the Link Bereavement Care Course. Anyone in Berkshire and South Oxfordshire who has been bereaved and feels they can beneﬁt can apply to go on a six-week group course. The Link was set up in partnership with the charity Cruse Bereavement Care and the programme is free of charge. A B Walker staff have volunteered and trained as facilitators for the Link, including pall bearers and funeral arrangers.

FRIDAY 12TH MAY

The Jigantics and Fred's House at The Whitty Theatre 7.45pm Tickets £13 in advance

FRIDAY 7TH APRIL

Green Diesel plus Spriggan Mist Lite

GOOD ADVICE

Folklore, traditional songs and inventive reworkings

Right to light

F YOU own property you do not have an automatic right to prevent your neighbour blocking your light. However, if light has been coming across your neighbour’s property for at least 20 years, you will generally have acquired a right to continue receiving that light. This right is known as ancient lights and applies even if you have lived there for fewer than 20 years, and/or the building has been unoccupied for part of that time. There are two exceptions to the 20-year rule:  The owner of the window(s) makes a nominal yearly payment and acquires the right to light immediately  The title documents may prevent a right of light being acquired. This is quite common in housing estates. The right of ancient lights applies to

7.45pm Tickets £11 in advance windows in buildings. A greater right cannot be acquired simply by enlarging the opening. A reduction in the amount of light may be permissible, for example, if a neighbour wishes to build an extension, as long as a ‘reasonable’ amount of light still comes from across your property. Any dispute would have to be decided by the courts. Loss of light because of the development of a neighbouring plot can also be a reason for court action. In this case, the likely proﬁt to the developer will be taken into consideration in any judgment. Ancient lights only apply to the light coming on to windows in buildings, for example, in a house or greenhouse. It does not apply to light coming on to land such as a garden. If a neighbour’s

extension prevents you from sunbathing, nothing can be done. In addition, there is no general right to: Privacy, for example, if your neighbour builds an extension which overlooks your bedroom window; and/or protects the view, for example, if your neighbour’s extension blocks the view. You can always object to a neighbour’s plans for an extension through the local authority planning procedure. If a proposed development will have an effect on the amenities of your property, such as being overlooked or losing a view, these will be a relevant consideration in any planning decision. Any loss in value of your property will not.

If someone builds a property with windows near your boundary, they may subsequently acquire the right of ancient lights and restrict your right to build at a later date (20 years later). However, you can preserve these rights by applying to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) for registration of a notice under the Rights of Light Act 1959.  You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www. citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: public@citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk

FRIDAY 14TH APRIL

Curved Air

Experimental blends of classical themes, electronic sounds & beautiful, timeless songs 7.45pm Tickets £17 in advance

Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road, Wokingham RG41 1JB

WOKINGHAMMUSICCLUB.CO.UK

20 | PROPERTY

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

To advertise in this section, call Phil Creighton on 0118 327 2662

Bungalow is all on the level By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A DOUBLE-FRONTED bungalow close to Wokingham’s town centre is being offered to the market by Martin & Co. The home has three double bedrooms, a large living room, a kitchen and a mature rear garden with a large patio area. An entrance hall leads to all rooms as, being a bungalow, all of them are on the same level. Two of the three bedrooms face the front, while the third is on the side. They are all doubles, one being 12ft 9in by 10ft 6in, the second being 10ft 7in by 10ft 6in and the third could double as a study and is 12ft 10in by 11ft 3in. This bedroom has two doors, one leading to the hall the second leading to the 11ft 8in by 11ft dining room. The kitchen is 12ft 4in by 11ft and has recently been reﬁtted with integrated appliances and a solid wood counter. It has shaker style cupboards and there is space for a washing machine and dishwasher next to the sink unit. The living room is 18ft 7in by 18ft 1in and has double doors leading to the gardens. It boasts an unusual corner ﬁreplace as well as ample space for furniture and bookcases. As well as a 9ft 6in by 6ft 8in bathroom with corner bath, there is a

A doublefronted bungalow close to Wokingham’s town centre is being offered to the rental market from Martin & Co’s Wokingham branch

separate downstairs cloakroom. There are three storage cupboards opposite the bathrooms, offering space to keep things tidy. The property has a separate 19ft 6in by 10ft 4in garage, and there is space for ﬁve cars to park off road. Subject to the usual planning consents, there is the potential to expand and develop the property. The property is being offered to the market for £525,000 and is in council tax band E. Mike Townend, managing director of Martin & Co’s Wokingham branch, said:

“This is a superb home with plenty of space for someone who wants to settle down. “The gardens are mature and will be perfect for relaxing in during the summer months. “With lots of windows there is plenty of natural light in the house so if it’s cold and sunny you can still enjoy the view and the weather. “Being just a mile from the town centre it is perfect for people who want all the peace and quiet of living in a bungalow but also have the security of knowing that all amenities are just a

Independent advice comes as standard with your local independent, family-owned property managing agent If you are looking for a Property Management Company, then your first step should be to visit our website and download a copy of our report ‘How to hire a Property Management Company”. This is an unbiased report providing you with the things to look out for and the questions to ask. When you’ve read, feel free to call Cleaver Property Managerment and ask us any questions about managing property

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short walk away.”  For more details, or to arrange a viewing, call Martin & Co’s Peach Street ofﬁce on 0118 334 2389 or log on to wokingham.martinco.com

Eggs is heaven for Montague pupils PUPILS from one of Wokingham’s newest primary schools rose to an Easter challenge set for them by David Wilson Homes and Wokingham Borough Council. The youngsters who attend the Floreat Montague Park school took part in an Easter card competition run by the council and the housebuilder. Two artistic pupils won the competition – Annalia, aged three, and Alana, aged ﬁve. They impressed the David Wilson Homes sales advisers at the development with their creative designs. The two youngsters won a £15 Book Token and an Easter egg. All of the other children who also entered the competition received an Easter egg. Neil Douglas, Sales Manager at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “Easter is a fantastic time of year and we really wanted to do something special for the new primary school in Wokingham at our Montague Park development. “We decided it would be a great idea to ask the pupils at Floreat at Montague Park and they all came up with some colourful and lovely designs. “The children were very enthusiastic to design the Easter cards and we hope they had fun

Pupils at the Floreat Montague Park primary school with their Easter eggs, won by taking part in an Easter card competition. Inset, one of the winners, Alana

taking part in the competition.” The Easter cards will be hand delivered by the Residents Group to every household on Montague Park. Kate Harper-Cole, Headteacher at Floreat Montague Park, said: “We at Floreat believe in the importance of serving others and showing kindness. When we told our children that the winning designs were going to be gifts for people who lived nearby, they worked especially hard to make their drawings bright and exciting. “All the children were so proud

of Alana and Annalia for their creative designs.” Cllr Mark Ashwell, Executive Member for Planning, Regeneration and Communities at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Montague Park is the most advanced of our major developments and I am delighted that a real sense of community is emerging there. “The Easter card competition is just one of the many activities where we’ve worked with partners such as Floreat, David Wilson Homes and local church groups in order to bring people together in the area. “Congratulations to the winners and all those who took part in this competition.”

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PROPERTY | 21

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Thursday, April 13, 2017 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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22 | EDUCATION

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News from schools | stories from pupils

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

At school? This is the page you can write! We welcome your articles, poems, pictures and stories for this page. Send your articles to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Wheatﬁeld parents, from left: Ray Joshi, Trupti Nanajkar, Gemma Clarkson, Emma Whitaker, Kaajal Barot, Alison Attenborough, Nidhi Thakur, Janka Bodnar Goodwin, Sheryl Horner. Front Row: Kim Kobal, Lee Gordon-Walker, Alena Nobles

Parents plan a Color Run Rock climbing, side-by-side buggy driving and rock pooling were just some of the activities packed into Radstock Primary School’s visit to a special educational centre on the Isle of Wight

A visit to the Isle of Wight By YEAR 4 STUDENTS at RADSTOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL LAST week Radstock Primary School, Year 4, went to Kingswood in the Isle of Wight. We had lots of fun and stayed for three days and two nights and did lots of awesome activities. We had to go on a coach and then on a ferry. The sea was quite rough on our

way there and the water was going up and down out of the window. We had our lunch on the ferry which we had to eat very quickly as it was such a short trip. The first thing we did was unload our suitcases and then went to have a look around. Once we had looked around we went to our dormitories. It was the first residential trip for lots of us and we

Wokingham May Fayre Monday 1st May 2017 10.00 AM—5.00 PM

Local Car Parks Within Easy Reach Charges Apply Free Admission Free Programme

really enjoyed being in the dormitories with all our friends. One of our favourite activities was the climbing wall. Lots of the children had never tried rock climbing before but we all had a go and some children even got to the top. Some of them were very fast too! The climbing wall was very high which meant it looked quite scary from the bottom. Another activity was Laser Storm. In was really good fun and very realistic. In Laser Storm you have a laser gun and we played Protect the VIP where you have to protect the person on your team with the gun and capture the other team’s VIP. Both teams had secret bases in the trees and we had to use the bases to try and hide from our enemies. “In archery we learned how to hold a bow properly and fire and arrow. Some of us hit the bullseye even though it was only our first go. “We also enjoyed a visit to the beach, which was very rocky. We had to be careful where we stepped as some of the rock pools were very deep and some of us got our feet wet. We looked for whelks and crabs and shrimps. The rocks were all covered in seaweed. We found two lobster cages and a few crabs. It was so windy on the shore that we found it difficult to walk at some points. We also loved the side-by-side buggies. We loved the feeling of driving and even learnt how to reverse park! A few of the children crashed into the barriers because they forgot how to steer and brake at the same time. It didn’t hurt though as we were well protected and the barriers moved when we hit them. We would recommend a visit to Kingswood as we really enjoyed it and think you will too. We liked it so much we wish we could be in Year 4 for another year so that we could go again!

PARENTS from a school in Winnersh are getting ready to tackle an obstacle course to raise money for new library books. Members of the Wheatﬁeld Primary School Parent Staff Association (PSA) will travel to Windsor Racecourse next month to take part in the Color Obstacle Rush. Chair of the PSA Emma Whitaker said: “The school [which is based in Woodward Close] is still relatively new, we have 90 children on roll and the aim of the PSA is to raise money for things like library books or play equipment. “We are looking to raise around £2,000, and taking part in the Color Run is just one of the activities we will be taking part in.” The 18 parents will tumble across

20 different obstacles around the 5km course on May 20, all while being pelted with coloured dust. Ms Whitaker said: “It will be good fun, a lot of us have done charity runs before but not for a good few years so it will be interesting!” Executive headteacher of the school, Bev Homer said: “We are thrilled that we have a group of committed parents who are taking part in the Color Obstacle Rush to raise money for our school. I know they will do the school and themselves proud. Wheatﬁeld Parents do so much for our school and its community – we couldn't ask for a better parent body. Good luck to them all!”  To donate visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/WPS.

Stepping Out for Easter

Above: Krystin Barzey, aged 6, and below, Florence Sancto, aged 10, with their bonnets. Top right: Some of the Steppin Out Step 2 Woodley class showing off the Easter hats

BIG hearted youngsters celebrated Easter by getting ahead with a hat. Pupils from Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow held an Easter bonnet parade on its ﬁnal Saturday meeting of the spring term, raising £160 for Cancer Research. They also enjoyed an Easter egg hunt. Shelley Fitzgibbon, the school’s principal, said: “This charity is particularly close to our hearts after losing one of our most fantastic teachers to cancer last month. It has been an incredibly tough time for the schools students, teachers and, of course, as a business owner losing a friend and one of your best staff members to this horrendous disease.” She added “It was lovely to see the children having smiles back on their faces coupled with raising money for such a great cause.”

24 | LEISURE

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With Gemma Davidson

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 13, 2017

Liam joins Reading line-up Liam Gallagher is a deﬁnitely, maybe for this year’s Reading Festival

Here’s a talkie about a silent ROCK superstar Liam Gallagher will perform at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festivals, it has been announced. The former Oasis frontman will be bringing his highly anticipated solo performance to Reading and Leeds in a UK festival exclusive, it was announced on Friday last week. One of the most recognised figures in British music, his show will be an attitude filled performance fuelled with Oasis classics and tracks from his debut solo record; announcing the next huge step for the nation’s most unmissable frontman. Dozens more acts have also been added to the already jam-packed line-up, including PVRIS, Goldie, Vince Staples and VANT. With an incredible variety of genres The cast of the Shinﬁeld Players’ latest show, Mack and Mabel rehearse their scenes ahead of next week’s curtain up Pictures: Gemma Davidson

SLAPSTICK comedy harking back to the golden days of silent movies is coming to Shinfield next week. Mack and Mabel, a musical which is based loosely on the tumultuous relationship between Hollywood director Mack Sennett and waitress-turned-Hollywood-starlet Mabel Normand, is a throwback to the times of over-the-top car chases, large orchestral accompaniment and, of course, very few words. Director Carol Vockins let slip a few of the surprises in store for the audience, including video imaging, a life-sized stage horse and a full-on custard pie fight! She said: “It’s hysterical, the rehearsals have gone very well, something along the lines of organised chaos if you will.

“The cast are all doubling up on their characters which is a big ask, but they have really taken to it wonderfully. We even have tap-dancing for the very first time in a Shinfield Players show, thanks to our choreographer Laura-Anne Putterford. “It’s a love story, told through a series of flashbacks. Mack is remembering Mabel, how he met her and fell in love, but it is quite poignant and emotional at the end, we’re expecting a few tears. “We have all the hallmarks of the silent movie, we have a set of Keystone Cops who are involved in a chase scene, and when Mabel is on the horse we have video playing in the background of Wild West footage. It is silly, but it has some serious tones.” Tap-dancing isn’t the only speciality that

the Players will see in this show, the play will also feature a full orchestra, just like in the silent movies. Chairman Graham Vockins said: “We will have the backing of a full orchestra on tape which certainly gives the show more authenticity. It is unexpected, our audiences don’t expect to see or hear that kind of thing in a theatre of our size, but modern technology makes it possible.” n Mack and Mabel, which stars Kevin Goodfellow and Charis Luke in the title roles, opens at the Shinfield Players Theatre on Friday April 21 and runs until April 29. Tickets are £12, £11 for concessions. For more information and to book visit www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk. GEMMA DAVIDSON

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 That’ll Be The Day. Thurs. Will Pound and Eddy Jay. Thurs. The Solid Silver 60s Show. Wed. Papillon. Wed. Naomi’s Wild & Scary. Thurs 20. Russell Kane. Fri 21. Al Stewart. Sat 22. Robin Hood. Sun 23.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Return of the Mods. Sat. The Tap Dancing Mermaid. Tues. The Kast Off Kinks. Sat 22.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Seussical. Thurs-Mon. Geoff Simkins: Bracknell Jazz. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. James Akers: Bracknell Jazz. Wed. Joel Dommett Live SOLD OUT. Wed. Forbidden Nights: Male Variety Show.

Thurs 20-Fri 21. The R’n’B Beatles. Thurs 20. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 21. Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Sat 22. Wilde Sundays. Sun 23. West Forest Chamber Ensemble. Sun 23. FILMS: Manchester By the Sea. Thurs. Hidden Figures. Fri-Sun. Loving. Fri-Sun. Irreplacable. Mon. Tharlo. Tues. The Australian Ballet: Coppelia. Wed. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Thurs 20. Fences. Fri 21-Sun 23. Sing. Sat 22-Sun 23. Patriots Day. Sat 22.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Beauty and the Beast with Keith Chegwin and Basil Brush. Mon. Tony Rae: Discover Your Past Lives. Thurs 20. The Cavern Beatles. Fri 21.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Tweedy’s Lost Property. Thurs.

Made In Dagenham. Thurs 20-Sat 22.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Fracked! Or Please Don’t Use The F-Word. Until Sat 22.

Henley – Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 Detect Egg. Thurs. A Strange New Space. Tues. Comedy at the Kenton. Fri 21.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Alice In Wonderland. Thurs. Remembering Fred. Sun. Shirley Valentine. Tues-Sat 21. Hellﬁre Comedy Club. Thurs 20. Tropicana Nights. Fri 21.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Jack and the Beans Talk. Thurs. Norman Lovett: Entertaining Moaner. Thurs. The Jiganics. Sat. The Amazing Bubble Man. Mon. Mark Nightingale. Fri 21. Myra Dubois: Self Admyra. Fri 21. The Vinyl Frontier: Screamadelica. Sat 22. Tankus The Henge. Sun 23. FILMS: Moonlight (15). Thurs. Viceroy’s House (12a). FriSat. Elle (18). Sat-Sun. Certain Women (12a). Tues-Wed. NT Live: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Thurs 20. Rules Don’t Apply. Fri 21. Trespass Against Us (15). Sat 22, Mon 24.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 The Party. Thurs. Circus Games. Thurs. The Amazing Bubble Man. Tues. NT Live: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Thurs 20. Someone Like You. Thurs 20. Brainiac Live! Fri

Instalment plan available now with an initial payment of £50 (Plus booking fee); Weekend Camping Tickets – £205 (Plus booking fee); Day Tickets – £65 – Reading Saturday SOLD OUT; Early entry Pass – £20; Campervan Pass – £75; Seat of Luxury – £35 – Reading Sold Out; Lockers – £20; Reading Car Park – £10;Mobile Charging – £20; To book visit www. readingandleedsfestival.com

Get ready to book festival tickets IT IS time to set your alarm clocks as tickets for this year’s Wargrave Festival go on sale next weekend. Tickets for the twoweek extravaganza will go on sale on Saturday, April 22 at 9am on the dot, but people have been known to start queuing from 4am in previous years to guarantee their place at the best events. Tickets for the 46 different events, which

At the theatre Basingstoke – The Anvil

and styles spread across six stages, Reading Festival is bursting with exciting names and defining sounds for 2017 and beyond. Friday’s announcement comes after headliners Muse, Kasabian and Eminem were already confirmed to play on the main stage during the Bank Holiday weekend festival. Tickets for Reading & Leeds Festivals 2017 are on sale now

21-Sat 22. The First Hippo on the Moon. Sun 23-Mon 24.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk. 01635 46044 Twelfth Night. Until July 22.

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Sean Mcloughlin: Kamikaze. Thurs 20. Are You Listening? Festival. Sat 22.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Naomi’s Wild and Scary. Fri. Reading Operatic Society present Legally Blonde. Wed-Sat 22.

Reading – Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Vienna Piano Trio. Thurs 20.

range from dancing shows to historic walks, theatre to golf tournaments, are expected to sell out quickly so organisers are urging patrons to get their ticket purchase

form filled in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For a full run-down of the events taking place and ticket details visit www.wargravefestival. org.uk.

Reading – Progress Theatre

Woking – New Victoria

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Progress Premieres: The Writer Bird and The Swastika Party. April 24-29

www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 The Woman In Black. Until Sat. The Commitments. Tues-Sat 22.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Mack and Mabel. Apr 21-22, 27-29.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Improbable Fiction. Until May 6. Tim Valentine. Fri-Sat. Storytime. Wed.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Fame The Musical. Until Sat. The Dreamers. Sun. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Tues-Sat 22. The Beach Boys Story. Sun 23.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice. Thurs 20-Sat 29.

Wokingham – The Whi‫מּ‬y Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: A Bigger Splash (15). Thurs May 4.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 NEXT SHOW: Lucky Sods. June 13-17.