Wokingham

Hellenic League Division 1 East Holyport 2 Wokingham & Embrook 5

THE large crowd comprising nearly 100 refugees from last minute Christmas shopping enjoyed a fine, entertaining game as both Holyport and Wokingham produced a display full of skill and commitment on this bright and sunny afternoon.

They also had the bonus of being able to obtain refreshments from Holyport's new refreshment bar.

The game opened brightly for Wokingham when they took the lead after five minutes. A pass into the area from the right was collected by Wokingham's Williams who sidestepped the defender's challenge to slot the ball home from close range.

Holyport responded with a flurry of attacks with Norton's long range shot skimming over the bar and then Boateng bringing the ball down skilfully and shooting powerfully from 20 yards to force the goalkeeper to save.

Boateng then produced some clever footwork and a long accurate pass for Butler whose shot was saved by the Wokingham goalkeeper. Holyport produced the equaliser on 14 minutes when Captain Jones's long accurate cross ball into the area from the left allowed Mallinson to race in on the blind side of the defence and shoot home at the far post.

The game then seesawed and hung in the balance. Wokingham nearly regained their lead with a cross headed wide and a clear chance to score scorned when their forward got clear through on goal to shoot wide.

Holyport responded with a Mallinson overhead kick being tipped over the bar by the Wokingham goalkeeper and a Jones shot over the bar after the ball broke loose in the area. However in the 28th minute, Wokingham's second goal came when the ever-threatening Williams broke clear on the left of Holyport's area to fire past goalkeeper Larkin. Holyport's David Hyde then produced a good shot from 20 yards which went just the wrong side of the goalpost. Wokingham's Goddy followed up a Holyport goal line clearance to shoot home their third goal. A confident Wokingham then finished the half forcing goalkeeper Larkin into a couple of saves.

The second half opened with the same pacey football as in the first. In the first 10 minutes Wokingham had two goal efforts saved by goalkeeper Larkin, the first a header and the second a low hard shot requiring an excellent save. Meanwhile Holyport's Mallinson released a ferocious shot on the run into the side netting and Butler made an incisive run through the Wokingham defence to give Woods an excellent chance which was disappointingly fired at the goalkeeper from close range.

It all went horribly wrong for Holyport in the 55th minute when Wokingham's Needham raced through on goal and 'keeper Larkin collided with him on the edge of the area. The referee interpreted this as a foul and awarded a penalty. Larkin protested vigorously and was sent off for describing the incident to the referee with some select language.

Woods replaced Larkin in goal and bravely got a hand to Docherty's penalty kick but the ball ended up in the net to give Wokingham a 1-4 lead. Wokingham then increased their lead to 1-5 in the 59th minute when a corner was headed into the net by an unchallenged Micky Havermans.

Holyport came roaring back and played with a determination that belied their ten man status for the remainder of the game.

Holyport's Downey broke free on the left in the 61st minute and crossed low for Jones to meet the ball on the bounce and deliver a magnificent 20 yard shot into the Wokingham net to make the score 2-5.

Makeshift goalkeeper Woods did a great job of keeping the Holyport goal intact for the remainder of the match and Boetang pivoted on the edge of the Wokingham box and had his shot well saved by the goalkeeper. The score was not a reflection of this close and competitive match and a disappointed Holyport manager, Jason Andrews could not nominate a man of the match because of the magnificent effort produced by everyone at individual and team level.

Holyport: Larkin, Kelsey, Norton, Jones (capt), Wright, Mallinson, Daley, Downey, Boeteng, Woods, Butler. Subs: Barnes, David A Hyde

ic Berkshire ~ Wokingham

A Winnersh, Wokingham student who faced deportation after being arrested during an immigration swoop has been allowed to stay in the UK.

Muhammad Usman Ashraf, 21, was told by London solicitors Pennington and Co that the Home Office had withdrawn its case against him just days before a hearing was to take place. The reprieve was based on fresh evidence the Cannon Street firm had passed to the Home Office.

Mr Ashraf, from Pakistan, lives with his cousin Athar Ali in Reynards Close, Wokingham and was arrested by immigration officers at a Richmond flat in April after he failed to produce his passport. Despite Mr Ashraf’s family sending the 21-year-old’s passport to Richmond police station shortly after the arrest immigration officers also claimed he had breached a condition of his visa which prohibits him from working more than 20 hours a week. Mr Ashraf was given a last minute reprieve just hours before he was due to fly back to Pakistan after his former solicitors Linga and Co pleaded with the High Court to issue a judicial review under the Immigration Act 2002.

Since then Mr Ashraf, who works part-time at the Sultan Balti restaurant in Market Place, Wokingham has faced a nail-biting wait to find out his fate. On hearing the news last week he told The Times he was “delighted” he was spending Christmas with his family. Mr Ashraf said: “Everything seems to have gone right for me and I am absolutely thrilled with the result.
“It has been a very tough time for me and my family. We are all delighted with the result.”

Mr Ashraf’s solicitors had reapplied for judicial review in June and in August a barrister approached judges at the High Court. The hearing was due to take place on November 8. Mr Ashraf’s brother Jehan Zeb, manager at the Sultan Balti, Wokingham said in the weeks running up to the hearing his family were getting increasingly worried about the potential outcome but were “thrilled to bits” when they found out Mr Ashraf could stay.

Jen Greenwood, Mr Ashraf’s solicitor, said: “If the case had gone to the hearing it would have been embarrassing for the Home Office. “They decided to drop it because we unearthed some evidence that put them at a slight disadvantage. “In the end it was a very good result and we are very pleased.”

Mr Ashraf plans to continue his studies in the UK and has recently applied to extend his student visa. Mr Ashraf is due to start a hotel management degree next September.

get Wokingham

Staff and customers from businesses in Wokingham did their bit to make sure Christmas was extra special for needy youngsters this year.

The Sultan Balti Indian restaurant in Market Place, Wokingham had its very own Giving Tree with dozens of tags for their customers to choose so they could buy presents for children who might otherwise have gone without.

Staff at Waitrose also had a Giving Tree in their Rectory Road, Wokingham store to support this year’s appeal meaning kind-hearted staff and customers could buy toys, games and books.

Shurgard Self Storage in Molly Millar’s Lane, Wokingham did their bit for this year’s popular appeal and made sure there was plenty of space for The Times to store presents that had been donated in the run up to Christmas. This is the second year the firm has given their support to the Giving Tree Appeal and Jason Vermeulen, site manager, said he was only too pleased to help out. Mr Vermeulen said: “This is a brilliant appeal and it is great that my business has a chance to be included in something like this. “There were so many presents that kept coming in through the door and it was amazing how much support people had given to this year’s appeal. “The room we used to store the presents was bursting with presents and it was lovely to know they were going to children who would really appreciate them.”

Thanks to businesses in Wokingham who put up a Giving Tree and the hundreds of residents who bought a present so more than a thousand children had an extra present in their stocking.

get Wokingham

The run-up to Christmas has been a cracker for independent traders in Wokingham, who are reporting takings up to 60 per cent higher than the same time last year.

The flourishing festive season in Wokingham bucks a national trend which has seen retailers up and down the country slashing prices in a last-minute attempt to shore up a disappointing period. But independent retailers told The Wokingham Times they have not had to cut prices to attract trade and put the lively Christmas period down to the range of specialist goods available in the town.

Wishes and Kisses, in Peach Street, Wokingham is celebrating a happy Christmas having rung up takings which are 60 per cent higher than last year, with shoppers flocking to snap up winter wools and hand-made cards. This is the second Christmas in Wokingham for the craft and gift shop and Heather Russell, owner, said she was delighted to be having such a busy year. She said: “This has been a really successful Christmas. Everyone has gone mad for knitting wool this year. “I think people have been coming to Wokingham to do their shopping because the town has a lot of independent shops and things people sell can be quite unique. “We’ve sold lots of hand-made cards and the bits and pieces to go with them. “People are also making their own presents too – one lady has knitted 63 scarves using our wool, while other people are buying knitting kits for friends or their family. “We have not put any items on sale as we have not needed to – we offer things some chain stores don’t and you can’t beat that.”

Some said that because people are working a full week they have more chance to do their shopping and people who work in the town but might not live in Wokingham are grabbing the chance to do their last-minute Christmas shopping in town. Dave Harrison owns Toyworld in Peach Street, Wokingham and said his sales were up 25 per cent compared to last year. Mr Harrison said despite the popularity of video games, traditional board games were still proving a hit with his customers and were flying off the shelves. Kharisma, in Market Place, has seen a busy few weeks with customers flocking to the women’s fashion shop snapping up outfits for Christmas and New Years Eve parties. Derek Barton from John Wood Sports, Wokingham said the store has had a bumper few weeks while Country Cobblers said they had seen shoe repairs and engraving sales go up by almost £200 a week in the last few weeks.

Margaret Finch, owner of The Flower Corner in Broad Street, Wokingham said the next few days will be the busiest for her as people buy Christmas flower table decorations and gifts. Tom Eaden from the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce said the thriving businesses for independent traders was “fantastic news” which would hopefully encourage more businesses to invest in the town in the future.

get Wokingham

A Brass band at the heart of community life in Wokingham is facing a major financial crisis for its 75th anniversary.
St Sebastian’s Brass Band – which was established in 1931 – faces increasing costs that are becoming difficult for members to cover despite having a calendar full of engagements this year.

Band members made a presentation to Wokingham Town Council last Tuesday in the town hall asking for their annual grant aid of £2,000 to be increased to £3,000 to allow the band to continue after its 75th anniversary next year. If the increase is not approved the Wokingham band will have to stop competing in national competitions and cut back on civic engagements. The band ran into difficulties when the room at St Sebastian’s Church, Wokingham it used for rehearsals became unusable and members decided to use the refurbished hall at St Sebastian’s School instead.

The move pushed up running costs and has left the Wokingham band with a financial deficit members believe will get worse if more revenue cannot be raised. If extra funding is not provided the band will have to cut several of its yearly engagements and stop travelling to brass band competitions, which keeps the group at “the top of its game”, according to secretary Damon Emes. He said: “The band will subside to the bottom of the heap and become a shadow of its former self.” This year the band competed at the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain finals for the third time, which Mr Emes says is an indicator of its high quality musical ability.

The band performs at several Wokingham civic engagements throughout the year including Remembrance Day and the St George’s Day parade. If an increased grant is approved by the Wokingham town council, members plan to establish a free annual Mayor’s Charity Concert next year. The band would perform free of charge and donations from the concert would go to the town mayor’s chosen charity. Mr Emes said: “We thought the 75th anniversary was momentous enough to mark it with a concert free of charge for charity.” Mr Emes also proposed that the band become the official Wokingham town band and wear a town crest on the uniform.

Cllr Danny Miller, Wokingham’s mayor, said: “They do a fantastic job, not only for helping us in our civic events but also appearing at community and charity events. “We already help them to the level of £2,000 a year and they are in dire straits and they need £3,000 a year, which does not seem a lot but it is.” Members of Wokingham Town Council agreed to refer the request to the finance and general purposes committee and civic committee. Cllr Miller added: “We are right behind them but this needs to be done in the proper way.”

get Wokingham ~ 21/12/2005

Angry homeowners in Barkham, Wokingham have lambasted a developer over proposals for a “nasty” three-storey block of flats which they claim would cause traffic mayhem.

More than 35 villagers from the area shared feelings over the plan to redevelop the Barkham Post Office site in Bearwood Road, Wokingham at a public meeting on Tuesday, minutes before Barkham Parish Council’s planning committee said it would fight the proposal. Locals said the plan to transform the bungalow site by N Compass Ltd into an eight-flat development and shop would ruin the character of Barkham village, which currently has no flats, and would cause serious safety issues for motorists.

Developer N Compass Ltd has applied for planning consent on the site with a view to buying it from parish and Wokingham district councillor Pam Stubbs once it has permission for a suitable development.

One resident from The Lilacs said that while there was general consensus that the ‘tired’ site needed a revamp the scale of the plan was too big and would have an impact on road safety. He said: “There are serious issues on road safety regarding this proposal. Also Barkham is a village and certainly is rural in nature and we do not want to see it turned into a town.
“It is totally unrepresentative of the area because there are no flats in the area or three storey dwellings and it really is out of character.” Craig Osborne, from Almond Close, said that the development would make traffic on Bearwood Road, Wokingham even more unbearable. Mr Osborne said: “Traffic is a major problem in that particular area today. With this development it will be a complete nightmare and is completely unacceptable. “I think what we are all looking for is support from the parish council by rejecting it.” Villagers said they realised a major overhaul of the Post Office was desperately needed but said the plan needed to be scaled down by at least 50 per cent. Other concerned locals said they were worried the junction of The Lilacs and Bearwood Road would become a blind spot for motorists, especially with cars parked in the street.

Russell Gascoyne, from N Compass Ltd, said while he understood there had been concerns about the proposal he was pleased to see that villagers were supportive of regenerating the site in principle. He said: “It is nice to see that people do want to see it redeveloped. There has to be some commercial value to go with it and we feel we are providing adequate facilities by keeping the Post Office open. “I realise there are many, many issues and I’m quite happy to discuss them with people at great length after the meeting.” He said the company felt the 14 parking spaces were adequate and it was a vast improvement on the existing facilities. Parish councillors said they would lodge a formal objection to Wokingham District Council on the grounds of inadequate parking provision and the potential impact on Barkham’s character.

After the meeting Mr Gascoyne said he was not disappointed with the result and the company was now waiting for it to go to the district council’s planning committee. He said: “It is going full steam ahead and we are waiting for the due process to go forward.”

get Wokingham ~ 21/12/2005

It's Just Not Cricket, Say Locals in Wokingham Homes' Shadow

Mixed feelings surround two applications to provide 107 new homes and move the 180-year-old Wokingham Cricket Club to better facilities. While those close to the Wellington Road, Wokingham site are looking nervously at the proposed housing, homeowners around Sindlesham are looking forward to greeting their new neighbour.

The site in Wellington Road has been earmarked for housing in the local plan for three years while Wokingham cricket club has been searching for an opportunity to expand its facilities since 1990. People living near the site in Wellington Road say they have been aware of plans for a housing development but thought the number of new homes would be capped at 80. Members of Wokingham Cricket Club have worked with developers George Wimpey UK Ltd to receive a good price for the site and allow them to provide more match space and all-weather facilities. The proposal from George Wimpey will see 58 flats and 49 homes replace the cricket pitches, pavilion and Wokingham Tennis Club courts.

The flats would be built in three three-storey blocks, one four-storey and one five-storey block. There will also be provision for 1,449 square metres of office space where the two tennis courts are currently located. A Wokingham resident of nearby Albert Road, who has lived there for 40 years, said: “Those blocks of flats so close to the road will look absolutely appalling. “They have sited them so the living accommodation is facing onto Wellington Road so we will have the benefit of these new flats overlooking our garden.” The resident, who asked not to be named, said they had written to the council objecting to the plans, saying the new homes were over-development in an inappropriate place and the blocks of flats were too ambitious and close to the road. Cllr Angus Ross, chairman of Wokingham District Council’s development control committee, said: “It is a site that has been identified for development in the local plan. “Clearly that site is very well situated for access to shops and buses and trains so flats would seem to be an appropriate type.”

Meanwhile members of parish councils in Winnersh and Barkham have voiced approval for the cricket club’s new site in Sadlers End, Sindlesham. Cllr Prue Bray, member of Winnersh Parish Council and Wokingham District Council, said: “I have had meetings with four out of the five homeowners in Sadlers End near the site and they seem reasonably positive. “The details have to be worked out but it looks okay.” Simon Herrington, chairman of the cricket club, said the plans will include a two-storey pavilion with male and female changing rooms. There will also be indoor nets to allow games to continue in poor weather.
The new site would have two pitches, allowing the club to host more home games rather than finding alternative venues every weekend. Wokingham Tennis Club, which is a tenant of the cricket club, could have four tennis courts at the new location.
Mr Herrington said: “Clearly we understand there are sensitivities but our understanding is that site has been earmarked for quite a while.”

A spokeswoman for George Wimpey said: “When working on a development we will look at a piece of land and then look at the local authority housing authority and assess what the requirements are. “The plans now rest with the local planning authority.”

getWokingham ~ 21/12/2005

A family in Norreys, Wokingham had all their Christmas presents swiped by a brick-throwing burglar who has targeted five homes in the Wokingham town centre area in just three days.

A spate of Wokingham burglaries where a yob has broken into homes by lobbing a brick through the window has worried police who have urged all residents to be on the look-out. The burglar first struck on Saturday when a home in Benning Way, Wokingham was broken into after a brick was thrown through a downstairs window and hundreds of pounds worth of Christmas presents and electrical goods were pillaged. A house in nearby Wescott Road, Wokingham was also broken into on the same day after a brick was thrown through an upstairs window. A brick was also lobbed through the window of a home in Rose Court later that day but despite breaking in and having a look around police said the culprit left empty-handed.

The spate of Wokingham burglaries continued on Sunday when a house in London Road was broken into after a brick was thrown through the kitchen window and on Monday a house in Pigott Road was targeted by the brick-throwing burglar who again left empty handed. Police have warned people in the area to be on their guard and keep a look out for anyone acting suspiciously in the run up to Christmas.

Sgt Mike Cull from Wokingham police station told The Times: “We have had a lot of burglaries in the past few days.
“The overriding thing is that there has been a brick through the window in each of the cases. “It is difficult to know whether it is the same person or a group doing it. All we can say is that there has been a brick through a downstairs window in all the cases apart from one where it was an upstairs rear window. “We would advise everyone to be extra careful and keep an eye out for their neighbours but they do seem to be in the town centre area.”

Sgt Cull said burglaries from homes and car break-ins do traditionally go up over the festive period as thieves know that people have bought Christmas presents, which they are storing either at home or in the car. He added that increased Wokingham police patrols were not the key to tracking down the burglar but said it was down to the public to keep vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. He said: “People should be careful about leaving things in their cars because we do traditionally have increased break-ins over the Christmas period where presents are stolen. “It is very difficult to patrol areas for burglaries and it is very much a case of the public looking out for each other and calling us if they see anything suspicious.”

Anyone with information or wanting to report suspicious behaviour should call Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

get Wokingham ~ 21/12/2005

The way in which parents apply for Wokingham infant and primary school places is set to change and this week over 2,500 information packs will be sent to parents of children born between September 1, 2001 and August 31, 2002.

From September 2006, Wokingham District Council, together with the governing bodies of the ten aided or foundation schools, will be implementing a new co-ordinated primary admissions scheme. These new arrangements will apply not just to those children starting school at the age of five, but will also affect those pupils who will be transferring from Wokingham infant to junior school. Parents need be aware that whilst they may well have registered an interest in attending an infant or primary school, a place will not have been reserved for their child and they must apply for a school place using an application form.

Parents of three and four-year-olds must apply to Wokingham District Council for a place if their child is due to start at school from September 2006, January 2007 or April 2007. Children will still start in either the autumn, spring or summer term, depending on when their birthday falls, but there is only one closing date each year for applications.

Previously, parents would register an interest in attending an infant or primary school, but now they need to apply to Wokingham District Council on an official application form. The new system sees the council moving to an equal preference scheme with parents expressing a preference for up to three infant or primary schools. However, if parents are applying to an aided or foundation school, they will need to complete the school’s own denominational / application form and return to the council.

The new co-ordinated system fits in with new government rules, meaning that everyone applying for an infant, primary or junior school place in the Wokingham district will receive a single offer on the same day (April 21, 2006).

The scheme also aims to ensure that parents are treated fairly and consistently. All preferences are treated on an equal basis taking into account the admissions criteria. Where there is the potential to offer a place at more than one Wokingham school, parents will be offered the school they have ranked highest.

Wokingham Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for children’s services, said: “The process this year is significantly different to previous years and we hope that it maximises the extent to which we are able to meet parental preferences.

“It may seem a very long way off to have to get your application submitted in March when your child may not be starting for over a year, but it is vitally important that parents do not miss the deadline. The district’s primary and infant schools are very high achieving and popular and infant school class size rules limit the number of children that we can allocate to each school.”

Application forms and admission guides are being sent to all parents who have registered their details with schools or who have contacted the Wokingham council’s admissions staff. Completed application forms need to be returned by March 10, 2006. If parents have not received an application form and guide by January 9, 2006, they should contact the council’s admissions staff on (0118) 974 6131, 974 6111, or (0118) 974 6274, who can provide further advice and information. Parents can also download the documents from the council’s website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk.

Wokingham District Counci

A below inflation increase to next year’s Wokingham district coffers has led civic leaders to blast the Labour Government as “irresponsible”.

Wokingham District Council has received an increase in its budget of just 2.2 per cent, but says spending commitments heaped upon it by central Government will leave it needing to make cuts.

Wokingham Council leader Frank Browne hit out at the settlement, saying Blair’s Government relied on the Council Tax payer to fund its policies.

However Cllr Coling Lawley, leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats, said the settlement was “disappointing” but followed two years of settlements that were above expectations and he did not expect to see any major hike in taxes or cuts in public services.

Cllr Browne said the settlement was made more difficult now the Wokingham council is being relied on by central Government to perform more services without full funding. As an example he said a scheme to provide bus passes for pensioners is estimated to cost the council £800,000 but only £340,000 is being provided by the Government. Cllr Browne said: “The Conservative administration is not opposed to policies such as the provision of free bus transport for the elderly. “What we are opposed to is the fact that the Government requires us to provide this service without giving us sufficient funding. “The cost has to be picked up by the already heavily taxed district resident. “If it was a simple one-off we would absorb it without significant concerns but there is a continuous conveyor belt of Labour policies that end up being funded through the Council Tax.”

Wokingham Cllr Lawley said: “It’s not a good settlement and we do have extreme pressures, as a result of legislation we have to do more and the Government are not fully funding all that. “But I am still expecting only an inflation rate increase in Council Tax.”

Cllr Browne said the Wokingham district council could be forced to raise Council Tax “more than I would like”. The increase would be in contrast to last year’s rise in Council Tax in Wokingham, which was among the lowest in the country. In the last two years the increase has been close to the rate of inflation at 1.9 and 3.9 per cent. Cllr Browne could not say where savings would have to be made, but added the council is currently working on the budget. The council will ask local MPs to lobby ministers over the settlement. The budget and council tax will be finalised by the council early next year.

get Wokingham

Hundreds of Wokingham schoolchildren melted the hearts of proud parents and friends on Sunday when they sang their socks off at an annual carol concert, writes Alana Razzell.

Children from 20 primary schools spread Christmas cheer when they performed traditional carols in front of more than 1,000 friends and relatives at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. The Wokingham District Primary Schools’ Carol Concert was hosted by council chairman Cllr Iain Brown and featured various yuletide classics sang by more than 400 children, who had been rehearsing for weeks.

Berkshire Young Musicians’ Trust’s South Berkshire Corelli Orchestra provided the musical backdrop on the evening with director James Baker conducting the 50 musicians who also played two instrumentals, Christmas Festival and Sleigh Ride.
Parents, friends and teachers who had watched the delightful concert were also encouraged to sing along to Once in Royal David’s City and As With Gladness Men of Old.

Wokingham Cllr Brown said: “There is certainly no better way to start the Christmas festivities than at the annual primary schools’ carol concert. It is always one of the biggest civic events of the year and one that, as chairman, I was very much looking forward to. It certainly was a very special evening. “The annual carol concert is time to celebrate the musical talents of the young people of Wokingham district. It was fantastic to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers who have spent a great deal of time preparing the children for this concert and also to the conductor James Baker and the young musicians of the Corelli Orchestra.”

Proceeds from the event, including the sale of programmes, were given to the chairman’s charity of Sebastian’s Action Trust, which is raising funds for a holiday home for children with life-threatening illnesses. Wokingham Cllr Brown added: “I would like to thank all those who gave so generously for my charity- Sebastian’s Action Trust.”

get Wokingham ~ 14/12/2005

A Pigeon-loving terminally ill woman has hit out at a Wokingham town councillor who said she would let the tyres on her mobility scooter down if she did not stop feeding the birds.

Val Franklin says she has suffered a barrage of abuse from passers-by over her habit of feeding the pigeons in Market Place, but was taken aback when Wokingham Cllr Linda Barnes suggested deflating the tyres on her buggy. The exchange was confirmed in a letter from Wokingham District Council, to which Mrs Franklin complained, although it says that Cllr Barnes meant the comment as a joke. But Mrs Franklin, who is bound to an electric buggy and is suffering from Cryptogenic Fibrosing Alveolitis – a rare lung disease – said the incident left her shaken and vulnerable.

She said: “I have got quite a good sense of humour but I did not find it funny. “When I’m out in the town I never take the keys out the ignition of my buggy but when she said that I took the key out and put it in my pocket. “I could not even get to a shop so if she had let the tyres down I would not have been able to get far for help.” “This is a woman who wants our votes and she is threatening me.”

The disagreement happened on October 11 when Mrs Franklin, from Wokingham, made her regular visit to the town centre to feed the pigeons. She was told by Wokingham Cllr Barnes to stop feeding the pigeons or she would let the tyres on her electric buggy down. Mrs Franklin was unaware the woman who approached her was a town councillor until she made a complaint to Wokingham District Council’s corporate complaints and customer services manager, Sarah Barrow. Mrs Franklin forwarded a letter from Wokingham District Council to the Times which confirmed Cllr Linda Barnes of Wokingham Town Council had made the comment. The letter from Wokingham council reads: “I spoke to her [Cllr Barnes] on Tuesday morning and she acknowledges that she did say she was going to let your tyres down, but meant it as a joke.

“I realise that you interpreted it differently but she has stressed it was never her intention to do anything that would put you in a vulnerable position. “For her part she was quite taken aback when you swore at her.” Ms Barrow said: “I did explain to all the people concerned that it was not the right thing to do but apparently Mrs Franklin’s language back to them was worse which ended with them going to the police station. The police dropped both complaints. “It’s a very emotive subject because she wants to feed the birds and we have streets to cleanse. For that incident there was no more I could do as the people involved are not employees of the district council.”

The Times made repeated attempts to discuss the matter with Wokingham Cllr Barnes but she declined to comment.

get Wokingham

Wokingham Health bosses are considering plans to provide a modern medical centre in Woodley.

Wokingham Primary Care Trust and the district council are drawing up a business case for a new multi-purpose healthcare centre to improve the facilities for the town's growing population.

The proposals are still embryonic but, if approved, would involve closure of the Parkside family practices and Woodley centre surgeries.

They would be replaced by a complex housing a GP centre, nursing services, a children's clinic and a pharmacy.

Wokingham PCT spokeswoman Camilla Bashaarat said: "Some of the surgery buildings currently being used are quite old and cramped and we want to be able to provide better facilities for patients and staff.

"We are looking at several potential sites but we think the most likely is around the Bulmershe area, although nothing has been decided."

She added: "We'll be presenting the board with an outline business case early next year, and then will be working to produce a water-tight plan to go before the board in the summer.

"We will also be carrying out a patient survey about possible relocation and amalgamation of the central surgeries.

icBerkshire ~ Wokingham ~ Dec 15 2005

Growing Wokingham Support for 'New Town' Concept

An Entirely new town should be built in the Wokingham district if attempts to reduce the Government housing allocation for the area are unsuccessful, civic groups have said.

A draft plan, showing how the town could be developed over the next 15 years, was put before Wokingham town councillors last week showing potential areas of development as well as major new roads, a park and ride scheme and a new railway bridge.
But Wokingham councillors spoke out against the scheme – called the Draft Local Development Plan – saying the thousands of homes required should be developed in one area rather than scattered piecemeal in already built-up areas.

Wokingham Cllr Dianne King, a Wokingham town and district councillor, said: “There are already sites allocated in Wokingham for future housing development and new homes are being approved by the district council for housing in parishes all over Wokingham. “While this is only a draft plan the town council has the opportunity to say what it would like to see and if we have to have some new housing it should be in a concentrated area not always in peoples’ back gardens.” She was joined by Could you please give Paul McCreanney access to the construction H drive.
Cllrs Bob Wyatt and David Lee, who both called for a single town instead of piecemeal housing, while others chipped in with similar comments or voiced their assent.

The draft plan says 5,350 new homes are planned for Wokingham Town between 2007 and 2021. A major redevelopment to the south and east of Wokingham, between Finchampstead Road and the A329 is earmarked as a ‘strategic development location’ to be developed a decade from now with around 2,000 homes. The strip of land between the northern edge of Wokingham and the A329 – running from Matthewsgreen Farm to Plough Lane – is set to take a further 2,000 homes. The remaining 150 would form part of the Amen Corner development to the east of the Coppid Beech roundabout. The draft plan sketches in a major new road running to the north of the town, parallel to the A329, and south from the Coppid Beech Roundabout, arcing round to join with the Finchampstead Road.

Further transport plans include a bridge over the Wokingham railway connecting Wellington Road and Ashville Way and an improved road between Wellington Road and the Reading Road. Commenting on the plan David Tinker, chairman of the Wokingham Society, said the district council should get its housing allocation within the framework “all over and done with at once” by building a new town which would take the brunt of the new housing. He said: “The council should look at establishing a new town where everything could be over and done with at once. “Obviously you would need infrastructure, schools and doctors’ surgeries to go with it. That would probably be the most practical solution.”

Last year Wokingham District Council carried out a public consultation to establish people’s views on the best way to cope with housing development in the district. That consultation found there was support for concentrating housing in fewer location, with Spencers Wood, Arborfield Garrison, Shinfield and Three Mile Cross identified as potential areas for a new town.

You can comment by writing to the development plans team at the Wokingham district council’s offices in Shute End, e-mailing policyandplans@wokingham.gov.uk or calling (0118) 974 6385.

Good and getting better - that's the verdict of Government watchdog the Audit Commission in an independent Wokingham report released today, Thursday December 15.

Wokingham District Council services have been put under the Audit Commission spotlight throughout the year with Audit Commission inspectors poring over performance statistics and scoring individual services as part of the council’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). Particular attention was paid to how the council uses its resources.

And in their report, the Audit Commission says that the Wokingham council is improving well and is a three star council.

“This is very good news,” says chief executive Doug Patterson. “The CPA rules changed this year, making it much more difficult. Last year we were rated ‘good’ and I am delighted that we have been able to retain this level of achievement, despite the CPA becoming a much harder test of our services.

“The CPA is a catalyst to service improvement, and a successful CPA inspection is further testament to the fact that we are serving the community well – highlighting what we have achieved and how much has improved. We know we’re not perfect and that there are a lot of challenges ahead but it will allow us to celebrate our successes locally and nationally through independent recognition, share our good practice and show others how it is done!”

The Comprehensive Performance Assessment aims to drive up standards in local services. Devised by the Audit Commission, it applies to all unitary councils, such as Wokingham District Council, as well as all London boroughs and county councils.

Leader of the Wokingham council Cllr Frank Browne said: "CPA reflects on every service, the corporate management of the authority and the way we serve the residents of the district. I am pleased that the Audit Commission's report shows the council in such good light, despite its financial restrictions.

“The assessors identified what we are strong at, as well as those areas where we need to demonstrate further improvement. I recognise and accept the assessors’ points on these services and will ensure that we focus even more strongly on improving them over the coming year. That said, I am delighted that these independent assessors recognised the overall high standards of services provided by our staff to our residents.”

In their Wokingham report the CPA inspectors said: “The council has improved its performance in its highest priority, education - building on already high standards. Its focus on weaker services – benefits, planning and housing – is now resulting in improved performance. Improvements have also been made in other priority areas including waste recycling, road safety and adult social care. However, the assessment for children’s social care has fallen and some areas have not improved such as street cleaning and the condition of minor roads.”

The Wokingham report goes on to say: “The council manages its finances well. It is improving value for money as well as the quality of its services and has managed to keep council tax rises at a low level. Surveys show that there has been a six per cent increase in public satisfaction with the council since 2003. And the council has increased its ability to improve by developing key plans, making better use of IT, improving purchasing, strengthening its approach to social inclusion and starting a programme of service reviews. However, it has made little progress in improving how leading councillors are held to account for council decisions.”

Doug Patterson said: “Our focus has been value-for-money, high performance and customer care and this has been recognised by the Audit Commission. Our direction of travel is strong and already our action plans to improve our weaker services are paying dividends – performance is up in benefits, planning and housing. But we are not complacent and will strive to do even better and to continue to improve well.”

Copies of the report are available from executive officer Neil Carr on (0118) 974 6023 or on the Audit Commission Inspection website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk.

Wokingham District Council ~ December 14, 2005

Santas donned their red outfits and got their motors running to deliver presents to excited Wokingham children for Christmas.
Residents lined the streets of Wokingham to welcome more than 3,000 bikers as they carried out their 17th Toy Run to Barnardo’s High Close School.

A round of applause and cheers rose from the Wokingham crowd as motorcyclists arrived in style with a police escort on Sunday at 2.30pm. The event is organised by the Reading Christian Bikers who carry out the special delivery of Christmas presents for youngsters involved with Barnado’s. The mountain of gifts was placed in the hall at the Wiltshire Road, Wokingham school and will be distributed to pupils and other children by Barnado’s in their centres around the UK.

Sandy Patterson, headteacher at High Close School, Wokingham said: “This is a brilliant day for the children. Every year it starts our annual Christmas celebrations. “It’s a tremendous event for everyone and people’s generosity is amazing. “We think it’s just become a really special event that benefits an awful lot of kids. “They have had to open a third car park this year to make more room for all the bikers, they have never had to do that before.”

The Toy Run has been taking place for 20 years and attracts riders from across the biking fraternity. The bikes started out in Sindlesham and travelled along the Lower Earley Way and the A329 Reading Road to reach High Close School, Wokingham. Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists provided 88 marshals to keep an eye on 30 junctions.

Pupils and parents turned out to welcome the gifts and said they were delighted to see the variety of vehicles. Fenton Bayliss, 14, a pupil at High Close School, Wokingham said: “I have been to watch this three times before, it’s really good. “I do not think you will see something like this anywhere else, its really special and it feels special watching it.” Motorbikes were decorated with tinsel, Christmas trees and one driver even loaded presents onto a boat on wheels. Ashley Marshall, 13, a pupil and resident at High Close School, Wokingham said: “I live here as well and its good to see all the nice bikes coming past. “You get all the presents from the nice bikers, so it’s pretty lovely really.”

Richard Thompson, one of the bikers on the Wokingham Toy Run, said: “This is my fourth year running of being in the Toy Run and I think it’s wonderful. “Everybody brings something for the children and other motorists have been really patient with the delays.”

get Wokingham ~ 7/12/2005

A well-deserved floral thank you was awarded to Earley volunteer Heather Cresswell by the Wokingham district council’s chairman Cllr Iain Brown last Friday (November 25).

The Wokingham chairman presents an award after each main council meeting to a person, group or organisation that has given good service to the community. To mark the Wokingham council meeting in November, chairman Cllr Iain Brown presented flowers to Heather Cresswell during a special presentation on Friday.

Heather lost her daughter Julie to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 32, after she had been diagnosed at the age of just 21. Heather and her husband Bill have been volunteering for their Wokingham local branch of the MS Society for some 13 years. Bill was one of the society’s hard working minibus drivers before he retired, as he was aged over 70 years old! He still spends a lot of his time helping as a volunteer.

Heather currently runs a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone support service from her home in Earley. There is also an answerphone service if Heather is not available. The work is extremely rewarding and she spends time helping not just those with MS, but their friends and family who may also require support. Heather takes on average 30 to 40 calls a week from people affected by MS and also organises a special support group for those newly diagnosed with the disease.

The Reading, Wokingham and District Branch of the MS Society has some 350 members and up to 30 people regularly visit their drop in centre in Earley. The branch also owns a holiday chalet in Bournemouth which members can visit. Two of their volunteers are aged in their 80s and 90s and are still running the coffee shop. Members also take advantage of the computers available at the drop in centre.

The Reading, Wokingham and District Branch, which receives grant funding from both Wokingham District Council and Reading Borough Council for their drop-in centre, has also just won two national awards for its newsletter and also for the wide range of services it offers people with MS, their families and carers.

Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Iain Brown said: “Heather provides an invaluable service for local multiple sclerosis sufferers and their family and friends. The telephone support service that she runs from her own home has helped many people over the years. For those who are newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it can be a worrying time and often people are not aware of who can help them. Heather’s support group goes a long way to do just that.

“It’s people like Heather that make such a difference to so many people in our district. She has volunteered so much of her time, along with her husband Bill, and I am delighted to present her with some flowers as a token of thanks and recognition on behalf of Wokingham District Council.”

Heather Cresswell said: “I was thrilled to receive the flowers from the chairman. They are absolutely beautiful. Many volunteers, like me, spend a great deal of their time working away from the public eye, so their work is often unnoticed. However, I am just part of a hardworking team and it is good to have recognition of the time and commitment we give, trying to improve the quality of life for people with MS and their families.”

Wokingham District Council

A Vicious mugger stole £500 in cash from a pensioner after a daylight tussle in the Wokingham town centre.

The robber stalked up behind the 70-year-old Wokingham woman as she walked along Rose Street, Wokingham at 1pm last Wednesday before grabbing her by the shoulders and attempting to wrestle her bag from her. The stunned pensioner struggled with her assailant for a few seconds before the strap on her bag broke allowing the man to run off towards Wokingham Market Place with it. The bag contained £500 in cash, as well as keys and a credit card.

The woman ran into Kings Property Management, in Rose Street, where she was comforted by staff who called the police. Six officers from Wokingham and Loddon Valley stations searched the town for the mugger but the man was not found. Sergeant Ron Card from Wokingham police said the attack was very serious and wanted to hear from anyone who saw the attack or the man running off with the bag.

He said: “This woman is obviously very shaken up by what has happened to her and £500 is an awful lot of money to lose in such an awful way, especially around Christmas time. “This is a serious incident and it happened in broad daylight and at lunch time in the town so someone must have seen what happened. “We do not want this man to strike again and possibly do the same to someone else so it is very important we find him.”

Moments before the robbery the pensioner had left Wokingham Waitrose supermarket in Rectory Road. She told officers that as she made her way down Old Row Court and then onto Rose Street, Wokingham she had the feeling someone was following her. The man is described as being in his 30s, of medium build, 5ft 6ins, with sores around his mouth and shaved dark hair. He was wearing a dark coloured jacket, white trainers, blue jeans and scruffy leather gloves.

Anyone with information on the Wokingham robbery can call DC Colin McCarlie at Loddon Valley police on (08458) 505 505.

get Wokingham ~ 7/12/2005

‘Buying a home? Then you can’t afford to miss Wokingham District Council’s land search sale!’ That’s the message from the Wokingham Council’s dedicated land search team, who pledge a quick turnaround time on the high quality professional searches.

After the proposal got the green light last night (Thursday November 24) from the council’s decision making executive, the Wokingham council is slashing the cost of a basic local land search from £145 to £100 but is not compromising on quality. The offer begins next week (Thursday December 1) and ends March 31, 2006. Leaflets will be sent to local solicitors and estate agents.

Speaking on the four-month offer Wokingham Cllr Matthew Deegan, executive member for corporate services, said: “This is a great opportunity to get a fast, high quality land search carried out by a dedicated in-house team at a competitive price. Anyone sold on buying a new home and wanting to keep costs to a minimum, whilst not compromising on quality, should contact the council today!”

The three-strong Wokingham land charges team carries out local searches on behalf of home purchasers to reveal issues affecting properties such as highway details, planning decisions, legal agreements, planning enforcement notices and tree preservations orders.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the land search price cut or to arrange a land search should call (0118) 974 6532 or write to Local Land Charges, Wokingham District Council, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH.

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham District Addington Special School in Woodley was alive with the sound of music on Thursday (November 17) when it officially celebrated its specialist music status.

Pupils and teachers joined in the festivities and spent the day playing instruments, performing in concerts, taking part in sensory and musical workshops and creating works of art instead of their normal timetable. Music is an important medium for many Addington pupils, enabling them to express themselves and explore their emotions.

And special guests, the Life Guards Band of the Household Cavalry, joined the pupils throughout the morning. The whole school gathered for a demonstration from the 30-strong Royal Marching Band.

Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Iain Brown officially declared the specialist music school open and the children released 200 orange balloons, to match the colour of music specialist status, to mark the occasion.

Addington Special School, Wokingham was awarded specialist status by the government in January - the only special school in the country to have been designated specialist music status.

The Wokingham District school, located off Loddon Bridge Road, is one of only 16 schools across the country to achieve music specialist status. Their success will mean improved facilities both for the school and the local community as specialist status brings extra in grant funding over the next four years. To submit the bid for specialist college status to the government last year, the school had to raise £50,000 themselves through events and business sponsorship.

Specialist status will allow Addington School, Wokingham to extend skills in music and information and communications technology (ICT) which will lead to improvements across the whole school.

Specialist music status also brings opportunities to extend the creativity already established within the curriculum and will allow the school to increase inclusion with other local schools and community groups which in turn supports the government’s policy outlined in ‘Raising Barriers to Achievement’.

Peripatetic teachers, who work in more than one place, have been brought in to teach music instrumental lessons for groups of children. The development of information and communication technology is also planned for the future, which will include the purchase of whiteboards and software.

Liz Meek, headteacher at Addington Special School, Wokingham said: “The launch day was about celebrating and enjoying music alongside the recognition of the positive enrichment music has on the curriculum. Everyone associated with the school was very excited about receiving specialist status. I am very proud of the achievements already made in music at the school and am delighted to have such a talented Music teacher, Matthew Kemp, who has brought us to this exciting stage in the school’s life.”

Wokingham Council chairman Cllr Iain Brown said: “The day was a very special one for the Addington pupils. Music is very important to them and it was a great honour to see the Life Guards Band of the Household Cavalry joining the pupils.

“Specialist status brings great benefits to the students at Addington Special School as well as the local community too. It means improved facilities for pupils with extra grant funding over the next four years. I would once again like to congratulate all those involved with putting the bid together – it took a lot of hard work and fundraising. I hope that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations.”

Wokingham District Council ~ November 22, 2005

Sixth formers from Maiden Erlegh School in Earley took time out from their studies last week to learn all about Wokingham District Council.

Six pupils visited the Wokingham civic offices on Wednesday November 16 to learn more about Wokingham district council and to gain a better understanding of the services provided to local residents. The pupils spent time with community care, legal and democratic, communications and electoral services.

This is the second in a series of sixth form visits. And in June a visit was made by students at The Holt School, Wokingham. The aim of the visits are to encourage the district’s schools to learn more about what the council does and encourage pupils to think about a career in local government. The visits also help the students to understand how Wokingham council deals with issues on a day-to-day basis and how council officers and councillors work together with members of the public.

Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Iain Brown hosted the event and spent time explaining to the students about his civic role, giving a presentation on the history of the district’s coat of arms. Cllr Brown said: “I was delighted to meet pupils from Maiden Erlegh School and I hope that they found the visit very informative.

“It can be difficult explaining the responsibilities of the chairman but I hope the students now have a better understanding of the varied role that I undertake. I look forward to welcoming more students from other schools in the future.”

Wokingham Chief executive Doug Patterson joined the group to explain how officers carry out the policies and strategies agreed by members of the council.

Secondary schools who are interested in visiting the council to learn more about the role it carries out, should contact Sonia Lawlor, Wokingham chairman’s secretary, on (0118) 974 6004.

Wokingham District Council ~ November 22, 2005

A council that actively fights the Government's house building plans is to publish its own design guide to ensure those that are built meet Wokingham authority's exacting standards.

Wokingham Council's decision-making executive has given the thumbs up to a guide that ensures a 'robust defence' of the district's 'unique character'.

According to the council, the guide will give usable, focused and well-illustrated guidance to influence any housing scheme in the district, whether large or small.

Wokingham Council says it is facing increasing pressure to accommodate high housing numbers at greater densities to meet Government guidance and is looking at ways to minimise the impact on the countryside, urban open spaces and the established and varied character of the existing built-up areas.

Executive member for Wokingham local and regional planning Councillor Gary Cowan said: “We know that our residents are concerned about maintaining the very distinct characters of our towns and villages and therefore it is vital to adopt robust guidance to ensure sympathetic design for any new development.”

24dash com ~ Wokingham ~ 2005-12-06

Scores of Wokingham District Council staff looked a little out of the ordinary last Friday when they came to work in fancy dress - and raised over £900 for Children In Need!

Staff at the district council, including members of the Wokingham corporate management team, got into the true spirit of national Children In Need day on Friday November 18, and paid a donation to dress up as either a nursery or television character or in their posh frocks / dinner jackets for the day.

Amongst the different fancy dress characters were Fred Flinstone, Cruella De Ville, Batwoman, Barbie, Police Officers and the Three Tenors. And there was a competition for the best outfits, judged by the Wokingham council chairman. Lots of other fundraising activities were organised too, such as a cake sale, quizzes and a guess the baby photo competition.

The money will be donated to the BBC’s Children In Need appeal, which gives to charities and projects that work to improve the lives of children and young people throughout the UK.

Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Iain Brown said: “I was very pleased to see so many staff dress up and have a bit of fun whilst at the same time raise money for such a brilliant cause. I would like to thank everyone that helped to organise the fundraising activities and of course everyone that made a donation.”

Wokingham District Council

WEBCAS, which provides support to people with learning disabilities in Berkshire, has been awarded a £500 grant under the Berkshire Brewery Silver Jubilee Partnership Awards Scheme. The money will be used to develop a new website which will help to publicise the Wokingham charity’s work. Staff will be attending a presentation ceremony at the Brewery on 5th December.

WEBCAS has offices in Wokingham and Newbury and promotes independent advocacy services for people with learning disabilities and multiple disabilities within the areas of Newbury, Reading and Wokingham. It welcomes contact from families, carers, health professionals and those with disabilities themselves. Its services are provided by volunteer advocates, trained and supported by a small paid staff team.

WEBCAS currently provides advocacy services for over 200 adults with learning disabilities in Berkshire. In the Wokingham area alone, the number of people seeking services has risen by over 68% in the past 12 months. In order for Webcas to meet this growing need for its services, it has to increase the numbers of people coming forward as potential volunteer advocates. The website will form a focal part, not only of the campaign to bring forward new volunteers but also to publicise Webcas's work to new potential service users and to those who support them.

WEBCAS also works within the borough of Reading as well as Wokingham where there is a much larger population of minority ethnic groups. It will be essential to ensure that services are made available to members of these groups, and that volunteers from minority ethnic backgrounds come forward. For this reason, it is planned to engage a professional translator who can provide web pages which convey the concept of the service, not just a translation of the English text.

If readers would like to know more about the way Wokingham WEBCAS works with the people its supports and would like to become involved in its work. Please contact Sally Grant on 0118 979 2031.

WEBCAS ~ 5th December 2005
30 Rose Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XU

Wokingham Cricket Club could be replaced by homes and offices if it gets permission to move from its 180-year-old ground. Club members are waiting to discover if their application to relocate to a larger site in Sadlers End, Sindlesham, will be successful.

Simon Herrington, chairman of the cricket club which is based in Wellington Road, Wokingham said: “The club has been bulging at the seams for a number of years so the club has been exploring the options locally.” Mr Herrington said he had been involved with the club for seven years and the search for a larger ground predated his arrival.

The club has now come to an agreement with developer George Wimpey to sell the ground in Wellington Road to them if planning permission is granted. Wokingham District Council planning officers are waiting for more information from the developer before it becomes a valid application.

Mr Herrington said: “There are two issues. One, developing a cricket ground is not a job for amateurs and, two, the only way we can afford to move is if we get a reasonable market rate for our existing ground.” The club’s trust deed states the ground cannot be sold unless the club, which has 200 junior members and hosts several teams at weekends, is moving to another site. The club has submitted its planning application to Wokingham District Council to develop a site in Sadlers End, Bearwood Road, Wokingham.

Meanwhile George Wimpey has submitted an application for 49 one and two-bedroom houses and 58 flats and office space. The development would involve demolition of the Wokingham tennis courts and buildings. Mr Herrington said: “It is not a new initiative as far as we are concerned. It has been obvious for a while in terms of playing facilities that its appropriate that we move to somewhere that is a bit better.” He added: “It’s about needing to move away from Wellington Road rather than anyone having to dangle a carrot under our nose.” The application submitted for the new cricket club in Sadlers Lane involves a change of use for a building on the site called Homeward House.

The new facility could feature four tennis courts – to be used by Wokingham Tennis Club – two cricket pitches, changing rooms, a club office, meeting rooms and car parking space. “Its something in the interests of the club and we want to have two reasonable sized pitches and some better practical facilities and some buildings that are not going to fall down around our ears,” said Mr Herrington. Representatives from George Wimpey were unavailable for comment as The Times went to press.

get Wokingham ~ 1/12/2005

People half way round the world could receive mental health care based on Wokingham's award-winning Crisis House after a New Zealand health chief dropped in.

Rob Warriner, director of the Walsh Trust based in Auckland, visited the Wokingham centre on Thursday, November 17, while on holiday in the UK and said he could take the ideas from the town to help provide his own support services. He said the services currently available for people with acute mental health problems in New Zealand were often limited to mental illness wards within hospitals, and said he wanted to give more choice to those with more serious mental health problems.

He said: “I am particularly impressed with the way people who have been affected by mental illness are involved by becoming a volunteer – their experience is invaluable and I’d like to see that in our trust. “Our services are full to bursting and there is a need to provide an alternative to what is currently on offer. “We want to be able to give 24-hour support like they do here. Crisis House is very homely and people here seem very relaxed. I’d love to see something like that in New Zealand.”

Crisis House in Station Approach – opposite Wokingham train station – is the home of the Wokingham and West Berkshire Mental Health Association and is the only crisis house in Berkshire. It was founded in 1988 under the name of Wokingham and District MIND, and has helped turn around the lives of thousands of people since its inception offering support for people with depression or other mental illnesses as well as people who are bereaved. It is also one of just five mental health charities in the country to receive a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award.

Walking through the front door it feels more like a home than a crisis centre. There are comfy sofas, ornaments, a roaring fire, pictures all over the walls and three resident cats which give the place a feel of somewhere safe where you can be yourself.

Pam Jenkinson, president, has been with the organisation since it first started. She said it was thanks to those people and the support the Wokingham and West Berkshire Mental Health Association received in the community that really make the charity what it is. She said: “You need to have a team which is run by members of the local community who know what people suffering from mental illness or depression have really been through. “This is a user run crisis house and as well as them wanting to give something to us we want to give something to them too by getting them involved. “People come here to get help resolving a crisis but this doesn't always happen overnight and can take anything up to two years. “As well as the volunteers we have a crisis team which can be called out any time – there is always someone around to talk to. “We offer a place to sleep and somewhere to go and a time of sanctuary – no-one hassles you until you want to talk. “People here don’t judge you and because you might have a problem with drugs, alcohol or you are ill, and because of this we have an excellent reputation in Wokingham.”

To run Crisis House the charity needs around £10,000 a year, which comes mostly from Wokingham District Council with the rest from donations. People are either referred to the charity by their GP or physiatrist or refer themselves. In an average week 60 people will walk through the doors and up to five guests may be staying in the bedrooms upstairs at any time.

Frances Rowley has been a volunteer for 10 years and comes to Crisis House most days. Her contribution to the Wokingham charity involves collecting second-hand furniture, such as beds, sofas, tables and crockery for people who have perhaps lost their home and might need to start again. There are rooms at Crisis House where people who need a bed for the night – or longer – can stay and Mrs Rowley does her best to get them kitted out before they move on.

Denise Grimsdale has been going to Crisis House for six years and is now a volunteer. She said: “All people want is a job, somewhere to live and have friends and this place goes a long way in helping them achieve that.”

A 70-year-old Wokingham woman, who lost her son, praised Mrs Jenkinson and other volunteers. The woman, who asked not to be named, has been going to Crisis House for 11 years and said she was still suffering from her tragic loss which was made easier to bear by talking to the volunteers. “No-body knows I come here. I am not embarrassed, it is just they might judge me. I can discuss anything with people here and they take me for what I am and what my problems might be at the time,” she said.

get Wokingham ~ 1/12/2005

An annual Christmas toy run that has supported local charities in the Thames Valley for more than two decades was this year celebrating 20 years of giving by delivering presents to schoolchildren in Wokingham.

The Reading Toy Run started with humble beginnings in 1985 when 18 bikers first helped spread some Christmas cheer by delivering presents to children at a local hospital.

But on Sunday, a phenomenal 2,000 charitable bikers will be delivering gifts to children at Barnardo's High Close School in Wokingham, which has seen deliveries of presents from the bikers for the last 16 years.

High Close School, Wokingham is a residential special school for boys and girls who have a statement of special educational needs.

The school's principal, Sandy Paterson, said: "Each and every year this event gets bigger and better, the pupils are excited about it for a full 12 months before it happens.

"It is a truly amazing sight with all the bikes decked out with decorations and many dressed as Santa. The bikes range from 1920's antique bikes to the latest models.

"They are exceptionally generous and we receive thousand's of toys for children within Barnardo's."

The bikers will meet at 1pm at Foster Wheeler (formerly Shire Hall), next to Junction 11 on the M4 in Reading and leave with a police escort to take them to Wokingham when they are expected to arrive at 2.45pm.

Community Newswire ~ Social Bikers Wokingham ~ 2/12/05

Staff at Iceland in Wokingham will spend Christmas hunting for new jobs as the store is set to close its doors on Christmas Eve.

Workers at the branch in Wokingham Market Place have received notice of the closure and the store will be taken over by Mackays, a clothing retailer, early next year. Town centre retailers have said the new shop will be a welcome competitor in the town and could bring in more shoppers to Wokingham.

The Iceland supermarket in Wokingham town centre currently employs around 12 people. A member of staff at the Market Place branch said: “Some of us might be relocated to another branch, it depends if there are vacancies at other places. “Christmas Eve will be our last day and that will be that. It was a shock to find out. “It’s just a shame they are going to close, but it’s a commercial decision.” The worker, who asked not to be identified, said hunting for jobs in January would be difficult for Wokingham people because it is a busy time of year for job hunters. The member of staff added: “It’s horrible when people are made redundant, I do not know why they seem to do it near Christmas time. “It puts a damper on Christmas and everyone has to find new jobs around New Year, which can be difficult. “Some staff have been here quite a number of years so it will be a bit of a blow to them. It’s such a pity but it is out of our hands.”

Mary Piasecki, co-owner of Hudson Bay in Denmark Street, Wokingham said: “Mackays are quite strong on children’s wear from what I know. I said to the people from Peacocks in Market Place are you worried, because Mackays is so very keen on affordable prices. “I think it will be a good thing for Wokingham to have more shops because there are so many restaurants and that’s not what we want really. “Competition is healthy and we want a healthy mix of businesses, people will come to the town if there are more shops to pull them in.”

Sally Russell, owner of See-Saw lingerie shop in Bush Walk, Market Place, Wokingham said: “As long as something else is replacing Iceland it’s fine. “We have too many empty shops at the moment in Peach Street and I think it’s a disgrace.”

Claire Prosser, policy executive for the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce said: “The main issue that we must look at for Wokingham in this case is employment. “Losing a large retailer such as Iceland in the centre of town will have an effect on the employment opportunities for local people. “For people based in Wokingham and the surrounding towns and villages, local employment opportunities are vital for the sustainability of the town’s economy. “However, with another large retailer, albeit in a different market coming to the town, we are hoping that employment requirements will be match and therefore resolve this issue.”

A spokeswoman for Mackays confirmed the Wokingham store will be opening in 2006 but no dates have been confirmed. Mackays sells clothes for children and adults, as well as homeware at affordable prices. The company has over 250 branches nationwide, with local shops in Henley and Farnborough. A spokeswoman for Iceland Foods Plc confirmed: “We are closing that branch on Christmas Eve due to operational reasons.”

get Wokingham ~ 1/12/2005

A Junior and an infant school in Wokingham could be merged if a consultation into the proposal proves positive.

A six-week consultation period started on Monday for the amalgamation of Whitelocke Infant and Nursery and The Palmer Church of England (Aided) Wokingham Junior schools. If approved, the merger would create a Church of England Aided Status Primary School to serve children from three to 11 years old from September 2006.

A meeting for parents of children at both schools, staff and the wider community to raise questions and comments will be held on Thursday, December 8, at 7.30pm at the Cornerstone in Norreys Avenue, Wokingham. The proposal to merge the schools, both in Norreys Avenue, has been backed by the Oxford Diocese. Wokingham District Council executive members will be asked to support the proposal and consider feedback from the public consultation at their meeting on January 26.

According to the proposals, the new Wokingham primary school could have a significant number of benefits for pupils, parents and staff, including a comprehensive curriculum to help fill the gap between infant and junior school, easing the transition through the key stages of primary education. The merger would also allow for a sustainable number of pupil places for the future.

Wokingham Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for children’s services, said: “An amalgamation of these two schools could bring great benefits to local pupils, providing them with even better education opportunities. “If the proposals are agreed, the district council would work in partnership with the diocese and both schools to ensure that standards are raised even further and that teachers at the schools are offered continued professional development. “The public meeting will be an opportunity for parents to raise concerns or lend their support to these proposals and I hope as many people as possible will attend.”

Jenny Partridge, chairman of governors of Whitelocke Infant and Nursery School, Wokingham said: “The idea of one ‘through’ primary school on this site makes sense. “While both schools have been successful in their own right, this seems a sensible time to consider joining to become even more effective in the future. “A school that will take children on their learning journey from three to 11 years old is an exciting prospect.”

Karen Wellman, chairman of governors of Palmer Junior School, Wokingham said: “In the long history of the school, since the 18th century, there have been many changes. “We are particularly excited by this opportunity to take our caring Christian ethos into a new 21st century school.” If the proposal is approved a further six-week public consultation will take place in February and March.

get Wokingham ~ 1/12/2005