Wokingham

‘Help us unlock Wokingham town’s potential’. That’s the call from Wokingham District Council as it launches ‘Key to the Gateway’ - a new initiative to open up the Wellington House and Elms Field area and make it the southern gateway to Wokingham town.

The aim is to develop and revitalise the south of Wokingham town, significantly contributing to the vitality of Wokingham town centre. But before the council goes ahead and develops a vision for the south of the town centre it wants local residents, businesses, health care providers, councillors, groups and organisations to submit their ideas to guide how the project moves forward.

“We could really open up this end of town, making it a must-visit place for young and old, drawing them into the town centre and boosting Wokingham’s vitality and economy,” said chief executive Doug Patterson.

“And what’s really exciting about this is that it is deliverable! Between the council, our residents and partners, we will have ideas for what the area needs the most and as the council owns all of the land there are no joint ownership issues, so – subject to the usual planning systems and constraints – it could be all systems go!”

And to help Wokingham council find the key to unlocking the area’s potential, ‘Key to the Gateway’ is being launched to residents, key partners and possible developers at a special event on June 5 at 6.30pm at the civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham. Displays and leaflets in the civic offices, town hall and library will follow the launch to inform people of the initiative and to encourage as many local people and organisations as possible to get involved.

“This area could be a strategic entrance to the town centre providing much wanted facilities and a welcoming gate to visitors from the south side of the town,” said Doug. “In order to get it right, we want the public to kick off the ideas which we can then take forward to make this concept a reality.”

The area set to become the gateway to the south of the town encompasses Wellington House, Elms Field, the Paddocks car park and the nearby open space - all of which are in the single ownership of Wokingham council.
Opportunities exist to re-plan and redevelop this area, whilst still maintaining the unique character of Wokingham town. Wellington House is becoming unsuitable for delivering council services and plans are being drawn up to vacate the building. Some of the existing open space is low quality and under-used.

“We have to ask ourselves whether this sort of facility represents value for money to council tax payers,” said Doug. “The new development will have to be self-financing and not place financial demands on local taxpayers. That’s why the development probably needs to be a mix of business, leisure, residential and community space.

“The potential and possibilities for this area are endless. We want people’s ideas to be well thought out - not simply unsustainable ‘wish lists’. If we don’t take action now and grab this opportunity to provide quality buildings and outdoor areas at the southern ‘gateway’ to the town, we could see Wokingham’s economy dip in the face of competition from other town centres. We want to be able to fight poor quality and piecemeal development and to attract more private investment to help re-generate the town’s economy,” stressed Doug.

The ‘Key to the Gateway’ launch will therefore see the council calling for strong, well-thought out ideas that feature a balance of uses including business, leisure, residential, community and green space that complement the town centre and make it a place for everyone to enjoy. In order for ideas to be progressed, they will need to be self-financing, viable, sustainable and meet identified needs of the community.

The council will then use these ideas to bring forward a comprehensively planned and self-financing scheme at no additional cost to the Wokingham council taxpayer.

“We want this scheme to set a trend for other high quality developments in the town,” said Doug.

The ‘Key to the gateway’ initiative is open to all - local residents, business, health care providers, local developers, local councillors, local groups - everyone. The closing date for ideas to be submitted to the council will be July 17, 2006.

Wokingham District Council

It’s not big and it’s not clever to carry a knife – this is the message from a group of young people in the Wokingham district as they launch a knife amnesty on Friday May 26.

A group of some 15 young people from Wokingham have formed a Tribute group in memory of two of their friends - Twood Nadauld and Steven Bayliss – who tragically died last year.

The young people have had regular meetings with Wokingham district council youth workers about knives and concerns they have about their peers not understanding how dangerous knives can be. They were keen to arrange a knife amnesty and approached Wokingham District Council and Thames Valley Police to see if this would be possible. And as a result, the district council and Thames Valley Police will be backing a national knife amnesty in the district.

Over the past few weeks, young people have been giving presentations at some of the district’s secondary schools to raise awareness about the knife amnesty and the dangers of using weapons of any sort. The final presentation will take place on Friday May 26 at The Forest School in Winnersh, Wokingham where the Tribute group will officially launch the district’s knife amnesty, which will run until June 30.

Adam Couchman, aged 17, from Finchampstead, said: “By launching this amnesty, we aim to raise public awareness to the fact that people do carry knives and knives do get used. Some people carry knifes in self-defence, but half the time when they go to use them, it is not in a self-defence situation. Their knife could also be turned on them. You are no safer with a knife than you are without one.

“By launching the amnesty, we hope to reduce the number of knives on the streets. Our main aim is to prevent what happened to us from happening to other young people in the district. I used to carry a knife. I never used it, and never thought about using it, but now wish I had never carried it. I will be the first person to get rid of it, because it’s not big and it’s not clever.”

Local young people have also designed posters encouraging people to take part in the Wokingham knife amnesty.

Encouragement will be given to as many local residents as possible - young and old - to take advantage of the amnesty bins. Anyone wishing to dispose of a knife or offensive weapon can do so at Wokingham Police Station, Denmark Street, Wokingham or at Loddon Valley Police Station, Rushey Way, Lower Earley from May 26. During the amnesty period, people can hand their knives over to police without fear of prosecution. It is important that all knives deposited should be wrapped in cardboard or something similar and secured with tape. This will ensure it cannot be used before it is deposited in an amnesty bin at the police station.

Kelly Marshall, aged 17, from Wokingham, said: “This is the one opportunity for people with knives to dispose of them in a safe way and without being prosecuted. Carrying a knife in a public place is an offence. Due to this, there are certain ways knives to be deposited should be carried. The knives should be wrapped in cardboard, or something similar, and secured with tape. This will prevent any accidents on the way to the amnesty or whilst there. We would like to stress that people depositing of knives at the designated areas will not be questioned or prosecuted. If you have a knife, think about getting rid of it.”

After the knife amnesty, the Tribute group will return to Wokingham district’s schools to talk about knife awareness and they are currently making a DVD to raise awareness further.

Cllr Barrie Patman, executive member for Wokingham community safety, said: “The month-long amnesty aims to reduce the number of crimes involving a knife and remove as many knives as possible from the streets of the Wokingham district. Everyone involved is committed to ensuring the district is a safe place to live, work and study. I would like to congratulate the Tribute group for their hard work and I hope that the amnesty will be a success.”

Chief Inspector Tony Ismay, the Local Police Area Commander for Wokingham, said: “I am really pleased that we are participating in the national knife amnesty and more so that our version has a real youth focus to it.

“The drive is to make the Wokingham area an even safer place to live and work and removing these weapons from circulation can only add to this enhanced safety. I would encourage anyone who has such a weapon to take this opportunity to legally dispose of it.”

A nationwide knives amnesty will also be held between May 24 and June 30.

Wokingham District Council

After many years of dedicated service to the local community, Cllr Angus Ross has been elected as the new chairman of Wokingham District Council.

Cllr Ross, who first joined Wokingham district council in 1990, took over as the new civic head of the council when out-going chairman Cllr Iain Brown handed over the chain of office at the annual meeting of the council last night (May 18). Cllr Ross also announced that his chosen charity for his year in office is the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.

The chairman of Wokingham council, who is the equivalent of a mayor in a borough council, is the official ‘first citizen’ of the district and has a civic role, representing the council and the people of the district, as well presiding over district council meetings. Unless Her Majesty the Queen or her representative is in attendance, the chairman takes precedence over any other dignitaries attending events.

Cllr Ross has already had first hand experience of the chairman’s role as he served a term as vice-chairman of the council under Cllr Iain Brown last year.

Delighted with his appointment, Wokingham Cllr Ross said: “I am looking forward to my term in office as it will give me the opportunity to meet many people throughout the Wokingham district who do so much good work for the local community. I feel that it is a great honour to be chosen as the chairman and I look forward to this challenging role and a very busy year representing our council. I would like to record the very successful year that Cllr Iain Brown has had, attending 335 functions during his year in office.”

Cllr Ross was first elected to the district council for the Wokingham Without ward on a wet and windy January day in 1990 and has been re-elected seven times since then. He has served on a number of committees and most recently as chairman of the development control committee. Outside of work and politics, he has been an active sportsman and is still keen to get out on the golf course. He has been involved in the running of many sports clubs including Bracknell Hockey Club and for the past 18 years he has been involved with the Wokingham District Sports Council, spending four years as its chairman.

Born in Harrow, Cllr Ross joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1958 and became a pilot on Canberra squadrons in Singapore and Germany as well as teaching many students to fly. After the RAF, Cllr Ross worked in property and facilities management, including 10 years running a subsidiary for a Japanese corporation, before becoming a part-time consultant. He is currently the ceremonial Beadle to the Alderman of Bread Street ward in the City of London and is the treasurer of the ward’s club. He is also the treasurer of Wokingham Job Support Centre.

Wokingham Cllr Ross’ chosen charity the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust is a charity funded by the businesses and people of the Thames Valley. The air ambulance started operating in June 1999 and is based at White Waltham near Maidenhead. The yellow Bolkow 105 helicopter carries life saving equipment and is crewed by a pilot and two paramedics. It can transport one patient to one of several hospitals in the area with landing facilities, or to a specialist hospital if required. The paramedics are provided by the NHS but all other costs are funded by the Trust.

Cllr Ross said: “The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust is a very worthwhile service and I am delighted to announce it as my chosen charity for the coming civic year. The air ambulance provides a life saving service for the Thames Valley including the Wokingham district.

“The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust is aiming to raise sufficient funds to be able to lease a newer, larger helicopter, the Eurocopter EC135, which can transport two patients or a patient and a relative. I hope that during my term in office we will raise much-needed funds and provide further awareness of the air ambulance.”

Another well-known councillor - Annette Drake - has been appointed as the new vice-chairman to support Cllr Ross during his time in office. She was appointed to Wokingham District Council as member for Hurst in 1983 where she has served ever since.

Born in London and educated at a boarding school in Kent, Cllr Drake trained as a nurse at one of the London teaching hospitals. She then joined British Airways as an air stewardess and met and married a pilot. Her two sons both attended the village school in Hurst, subsequently attending Reading School and Bearwood College respectively.

Returning to work in the 1980s, Cllr Drake joined a pharmaceutical company as a medical representative, followed by a marketing role before being head hunted by Smith & Nephew where she became a sales manager of the radiological division.

Experienced in planning, Cllr Drake has been chairman of Wokingham council’s planning and transportation and development control committees and in 2005 became chairman of the health select committee and the corporate parenting panel. Earlier this year, she was appointed as an English Heritage champion for heritage – an exciting new challenge, which she is looking forward to.

Wokingham Cllr Drake said: “I enjoy representing my local residents on the council. I am one of four people who formed Hurst Village Society in 1973, which still flourishes today. The aim of the society is to preserve the ambiance of Hurst which is constantly under threat of development of wall to wall executive homes; we do not oppose development, but want to see good design which enhances the street scene.”

For more information on the role of the chairman or to invite Cllr Ross or Cllr Drake to attend an event contact the chairman’s secretary Sonia Lawlor on (0118) 974 6004.

Wokingham District Council

Round two of consultation on the South East Plan is under way and Wokingham District Council is once again urging residents to make sure that their views on housing numbers in their district are heard.

Wokingham council is this month (May) writing to all 58,000 households in the district asking them to complete the official consultation form and return it to the panel secretary who will be managing an independent review of the Plan, called the Examination-in-Public.

Leader of Wokingham council Cllr Frank Browne said: “Many residents have already responded to previous consultations, and I would like to thank everyone for their time. I would like to stress, however, that it is just important that people respond to this latest stage and make their views know to a panel of government inspectors.”

Covering the period from 2007 to 2026, the draft South East Plan has been drawn up by the South East Regional Assembly (SEERA) and sets out a proposed vision for the South East to guide development in the region. When adopted, the Plan will provide the wider framework for the district’s own land-use blueprint (Local Development Framework). The Plan currently recommends that 523 houses are built in the Wokingham district every year for the next 20 years, a total of 10,460 for 2006 to 2026.

As well as asking residents to reply to the latest consultation, Wokingham district council is set to agree its own response to the Plan, arguing that the number of houses allocated to the Wokingham district is too high.

“As a district we have already taken significant housing development over the last 30 years, being one of the fastest growing areas in the country during this period. And we haven’t seen any extra funding materialise from central government to help us develop the infrastructure we require to support this level of development. Our roads, schools, doctors’ surgeries and the other essentials of our day-to-day lives simply can’t cope with any more,” said Cllr Browne.

At its meeting on Thursday May 25 the council’s decision-making executive will be recommended to:

* Object to the plan as a whole as unsustainable
* Object to the housing allocation for the Wokingham district
* Suggest that a review of the district’s housing allocation for the period 2011-16 is required
* Object to proposals for housing allocations to other districts which may adversely effect this district
* Argue that the current infrastructure is inadequate even for existing needs
* Oppose restrictive policies on car parking
* Support only ‘managed’ economic growth

Wokingham council is also set to argue that the process used by SEERA to set housing figures is flawed; that the forecasting used is likely to over-estimate the need for housing; that, based on evidence by independent consultants, the current level of housing development is too high; that any development should fully fund any necessary mitigation measures; that policies which promote the conservation and improvement of existing built environments be supported; that the final plan should be shorter, more focused and more usable and that the level of affordable homes should be set at a local level.

“The South East Plan will affect not only housing numbers but the local economy, employment, environment and infrastructure – in essence, everything that contributes towards our quality of life.

“We have the evidence to make a strong case to the panel, using the findings of independent consultants, our own analysis and our residents’ overwhelming response to our own consultation last year. It is vital, however, that everyone once again makes their voice heard, this time to the government inspectors,” urged Cllr Browne.

People can make their views known by completing the panel’s official response form and using the pre-paid envelope. These are set to arrive with residents from the end of May. Alternatively, the response form can be downloaded or completed online at www.eipsoutheast.co.uk. All responses must be received by the panel secretary by 5pm on June 23, 2006.

Wokingham District Council

Four hard-working Wokingham home care assistants are to be rewarded for their long service next week (Tuesday May 16) at a special presentation being held by Wokingham District Council.

Long service certificates are to be presented by Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, executive member for social care services, and corporate head of community care Pat Brecknock at the event, which is taking place at Crescent House in Woodley at 2pm.

The long-serving home care assistants, who visit service users throughout the Wokingham district area, are:

* 25 years – Cynthia Knott from Woodley
* 10 years - Annie Neville from Woodley
* 5 years - Helen Giles from Earley and Carole Kurton from Twyford

Tribute was paid to the level of commitment and dedication of all home care staff who provide personal care and practical support 365 days a year to a wide range of people wishing to live independently in the Wokingham community.

Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “These dedicated and modest staff make a real difference to local residents’ lives every day of the year. They help frail and vulnerable people to retain their independence and self-respect. It is a real pleasure to have the chance to say thank you to such reliable carers, who have given up to a quarter of a century of dedicated service.”

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in the domiciliary care service should call (0118) 974 6923.

Wokingham District Council

Date            :       Tuesday 6th June 2006
Event           :       Woodley Flower Club, Flower Arranging Demonstration
                           Entitled "Gypsy Ways" by Caroline Reid from High Wycombe.
                           Coronation Hall, Headley Road, Woodley, Berkshire, RG5 4JZ
                           Raffle of arranged flowers. Sales table bi-monthly for flower-arranging accessories,
                           silk flowers, ribbons, etc. at special prices.
Time            :       Demonstration Starts 7.45 pm, doors open 7 o'clock
                           Come early, join us for a cuppa and a chat - we're a friendly, welcoming club.
                           We meet the first Tuesday of every month (except August, and in November when we have a special Christmas meeting)
Cost            :       Visitors £3.50
Contact       :       Dulcie Sims, Chairman, Tel. 0118 969 0550

Wokingham District Council is joining employers across Great Britain in the fight to tackle ageism at work. Age Positive Week, from Monday May 8 to Friday May 12, aims to challenge ageist stereotypes at work and promote positive examples of employers and employees defying ageism.

Wokingham District Council has recently been rewarded for its age-friendly employment practices by the government. The council is the first employer in the Wokingham district to be awarded “Employer Champion” status by the Age Positive campaign, a Department for Work and Pensions initiative aimed at tackling age discrimination in the workplace. The accolade is in recognition of the council’s open-minded approach to employing staff of all ages.

Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Pensions Reform, praised the council saying: “Wokingham District Council is one of the most forward-thinking organisations in the country, taking advantage of the benefits that come from employing staff of all ages.”

The council has included age in their equal opportunities policies to ensure that there is no ageism in their recruitment and selection process and encourages staff to stay on beyond 65. This in turn helps to reduce vacancies and ensures continuity of service delivery.

Peter Richardson joined Wokingham Council as a temporary facilities manager, and was made permanent last May at the age of 57.

“I think that my age was seen as a plus factor,” says Peter. “It meant that I had acquired a diversity of experience and qualifications. This was seen as beneficial to the role.

“I feel that I have the drive and enthusiasm to carry me through any challenges that lie ahead. I enjoy doing the work and working with the staff here.”

Nancy Brinkies is 72 years old and works for Wokingham council at Suffolk Lodge residential care home, where she has been a cleaner for 15 years.

“I really enjoy my job, and although I’m sure there will come a time when I have to give up, I will miss the job when I go,” she says. “I feel very fortunate that I am still able to work, and I do believe it is important for older people to have that opportunity. It’s so much better than sitting at home stagnating.”

Executive member for human resources Wokingham Cllr Rob Stanton said: “I am a firm supporter of people working as long as they wish and for all people to be chosen on merit and suitability and certainly not age.”

Wokingham District Council

Over 120 young people were celebrating gold, silver and bronze success at the annual Wokingham Duke of Edinburgh’s Award presentation ceremony held on April 27.

Wokingham District Council runs the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through the district’s schools, youth clubs, open award centres and other organisations such as scouts, guides and the air training corps. There are groups that specialise in working with young people with special needs and groups that work with older participants who have already left school. The award continues to grow in popularity each year.

The Wokingham awards were presented by Philip Wroughton, Lord Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, witnessed by the chairman of Wokingham district council Cllr Iain Brown at a presentation ceremony held at Bearwood College Theatre. Some 94 young people received the bronze award, while 21 were awarded silver and 13 were awarded gold. Certificates were also awarded to members of Bulmershe Youth Centre’s special needs group.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a voluntary programme of activities for anyone aged 14 – 25 years. The award is a four-section programme with three progressive levels: bronze, silver and gold. The sections involve: service (helping the community); skills (a hobby, skill or interest); physical recreation (sport, dance, fitness); expeditions (on foot, cycle, horseback or water). The amount of time spent on each activity depends on whether the young person is at bronze, silver or gold level.

Wokingham Award participants Emily Woods, aged 16, and Katie Smith, aged16, who received their bronze award, compéred the evening. They were joined by a number of young people from Wokingham and Bulmershe Open Award Centres as well as pupils from Luckley Oakfield, Maiden Erlegh and The Holt schools, who shared their expedition experiences and their musical and dance skills with a packed audience.

Through participating in the award, young people broaden their horizons and gain a wide variety of experiences. Some have helped at Brownies and local primary schools, while others have been involved in conservation work or working in a charity shop.

Many others have participated in range of sporting activities from canoeing to golf and horse riding to karate. Under the skills section of the awards, young people are encouraged to pursue activities within a wide range of practical, cultural and social environments, which included tall ship sailing. Many young people have taken up a musical instrument while some have developed skills for song writing and public speaking.

The Forest of Dean, Lake District, the New Forest, Canada and Bolivia are some of the expedition locations that youngsters have visited over the past year. Working as part of a team, all young people have to plan their adventurous journey and rise to the challenge of the physical demands of the expedition as well as developing an awareness of the areas visited and the issues that affect the environment.

Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Iain Brown said: “I have met many young people during the year I have been chairman and I have been impressed by their enthusiasm for stretching themselves in their chosen fields of activity whatever their abilities.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme has stood the test of time to bring out the very best in our young people. It has taught many of them the values that hold our communities together – most of which is through voluntary action of one sort or another. I have seen them in action in our district putting their newly found skills to good practical use.

“I have every confidence that that the young people who have embarked upon the award scheme will find themselves well equipped to meet the challenges that will face them throughout their adult lives. They will be able to progress into becoming our leaders of tomorrow and be able to give others a helping hand. I would like to congratulate all of them on their individual successes.”

Wokingham District Council

Derelict bike sheds at St Crispin’s Secondary School in Wokingham are being demolished this week to make way for Wokingham District Council’s innovative housing scheme that aims to help stop teachers and other key workers from being priced out of working in the Wokingham district by the high cost of housing.

Work gets under way at the Wokingham school on Thursday May 10 on clearing land which is currently unused by the school and seen as an eyesore by some local people.

Executive member for community care and housing Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “I am delighted that work on this innovative scheme is to get under way this week. Housing for new teachers is desperately needed in this area and we need to do all we can to develop schemes that help to recruit and retain high quality teaching staff to maintain the district’s high standards of education. Since these homes are available at a much lower rent than can be found in the private sector, it will make it easier for new teachers to start to save something towards buying their own house."

Some 22 flats are to be built on the Wokingham school site and could be ready for occupation at the start of the 2007-08 school year. Priority would be given to teachers but if there proved to be insufficient teacher demand for the St Crispin’s homes then the council would offer them to other criminal record-checked key workers, such as police officers, nurses and social workers. The flats would be let at 20-25% below normal rent levels on short-term tenancies.
Working together with Warden Housing, this pilot project could mean that Wokingham District Council is one of the first in the country to build much-needed key worker accommodation on unusable or surplus school land.

Jo Curson, development manager for Warden Housing said: “Warden Housing is delighted to be working with Wokingham DC on this exciting scheme, providing affordable and much needed quality housing for key workers in the local area.”

Anyone wanting further information should contact Louise Strongitharm, senior housing strategy and development officer, on (0118) 974 6779 or louise.strongitharm@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham District Council

Family Half-Term Activity Days at the REME Museum

Wednesday 31 May to Friday 2 June 2006
Drop in between 11.00 am and 3.30 pm.

SURVIVE Sir’s Mini Assault Course and water jump! MARCH with a Sergeant and learn to salute like a soldier! Brave the Big Bug Hunt!

You can construct your own marble maze; make a paddle boat and a magnetic racing boat; build windmills and fly kites! Come and make your own wind powered dodgem and spitfire or try land your parachute on the Drop Zone! All this and much more……

For further information contact:

Alice Purle – Education Officer

Tel: 0118 976 3375
Fax: 0118 976 2017
E-mail: education@rememuseum.org.uk
Additional information about this event:
Adult £3.50
Child £4.50
Family £14 (2 adults and up to 3 Children)
Under 5’s FREE

Suitable for children aged 5 – 12 years.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Remember to bring a change of clothes and shoes!
Other facilities include disabled access; café/shop; picnic area and nappy changing facilities.

So why not set your wheels in motion and visit the REME Museum? We have outdoor games; the mini assault course; things to make and do and quizzes - lots of fun for all the family!

For more details about workshops and family events or to book places please call the Education Officer on 0118 976 3375. To find out about other forthcoming MINTI Club workshops and family events check out our web site at www.rememuseum.org.uk

REME Museum, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Berkshire
RG2 9NJ

Over £1,000 has been raised by young people in the Wokingham district for a memorial bench and plaque in memory of two teenagers who died tragically last year. And it was unveiled at a special ceremony on April 29 following a fundraising Tribute event.

Youth workers from Wokingham District Council’s youth service had been meeting with more than 15 young people every week at Wokingham Baptist Church to help organise the Tribute event in remembrance of teenagers Twood Nadauld and Steven Bayliss.

The evening was a resounding success with over 250 young people witnessing local bands Tainted Folk, Space Between and Order of playing a selection of songs. Magic man Lee Edgecombe, aged 15 from Finchampstead, also entertained the crowds with a selection of tricks. The closing number saw the young people who organised the event get on stage and sing 'Wonderwall' by Oasis. It was a song that they all used to sing last summer and it means a great deal to all of them.

It was during their initial planning meetings that young people spoke to youth workers about having a permanent memorial for the teenagers. The first memorial bench was donated by Wokingham Town Council and is located at Redlands Farm Park near Evendons Lane. And, enough money was raised at the Tribute event to purchase an additional memorial bench, which they hope will be placed at Leslie Sears playing field in Wokingham.

Adam Couchman, aged 17, said: “The memorial bench is a way for all the community to be able to reflect and remember two of the greatest people that I had the pleasure of knowing and loving.”

Sally-Ann Brooks, youth worker at Wokingham District Council, said: "As youth workers, both Nat Sharpe and I assisted the young people in achieving their goal to have a memorial bench to remember their friends by. Their commitment to accomplish their target has been second to none. The project has pulled the group closer together and shown what fine young adults they are turning out to be."

Also attending the unveiling ceremony was Wokingham district council chairman Cllr Iain Brown. He said: “The Tribute event and memorial benches were something that the young people wanted to do in memory of their two friends. They have been the driving force behind this and they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. The benches will be a lasting memory and fitting tribute to two much loved and missed young people.”

Clare Hooper, minister of The Wokingham Baptist Church said: “We've been working alongside the young people since September and we felt that it was important to support the young people and their idea for a gig as a tribute to their friends. They're a fantastic group with loads of creativity, talent and vision and we think that the church should provide a safe space and opportunities for them to develop their gifts.”

Chief inspector Tony Ismay, Wokingham LPA commander at Thames Valley Police, said: “The young people have shown great initiative in raising money to commemorate the lives of their friends.

“It is fitting that they have driven this initiative forward and created a lasting memory of two friends who have clearly had a huge impact on their lives.”

Wokingham District Council

Healthy, tasty and balanced food to get schoolchildren’s taste buds tingling will now be on the menu as Wokingham District Council today (May 9) announces the successful contractor to provide school meals in the district’s schools.

After an extremely competitive tender and detailed evaluation as well as a district-wide consultation with schools, parents and children on what type of school meal they would like to see, Wokingham District Council’s school meal catering contract has been awarded to Edwards & Ward based in Tunbridge Wells. This process was been successfully managed in a market environment where many other councils nationally are having problems appointing a successful contractor. The contract will start on August 1, 2006, and will be in place to provide school meals for the district’s pupils from September.

Working in partnership with Wokingham District Council, Edwards & Ward will continue to improve the school meal menu in consultation with schools, parents and pupils.

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Wokingham procurement, human resources and environment services, said: “Edwards & Ward will bring innovative ideas to improve the school meal service, ensuring pupils receive a fresh, healthy, nutritionally balanced meal with a daily choice of hot or cold food. The district’s pupils demand a high standard and the council will ensure that it provides a much-enhanced level of quality to our school meals.

“Our menus already meet and exceed the Caroline Walker Trust guidelines. These core guidelines are adhered to by all local authorities, which provide nutrient-based standards for school food. Wokingham District Council is committed to ensuring continued ongoing quality improvements.

“The council will deliver a flexible customer-focused school meal service to ensure all of our pupils can enjoy their midday lunch break.”

Unfortunately, due to increase levels of quality, the central government grant ceasing and the cost implications of fresh ingredients in line with government standards, the price of a meal will increase. Part of the cost of a new menu will be funded by Wokingham District Council who are committed to providing healthy meals made from fresh ingredients as well as keeping the cost to parents at a minimum. The cost to parents will be £1.60 for primary school meals and £1.80 for secondary school meals.

Wokingham council will subsidise the school meals contract through the direct support grant, which will equate to £67,000 in 2006/07, rising to £100,000 in subsequent years.

Michael Edwards of Edwards & Ward, said: “We will deliver the personalised service that many clients wish for but often believe they can’t afford, bigger isn’t necessarily better or cheaper.”

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham Choral Society, 'Pilgrims Progress',
Saturday June 17th 2006,
All Saints Church,
Wokingham
at 7.30pm

‘Pilgrims Progress’ - Bunyan's classic tale presented in a thrilling sequence of words and music, specially conceived for Wokingham Choral Society.

Programme includes popular choruses by Elgar, Parry, Brahms, Fauré, Tallis, Tippett, Stainer, Haydn and Schubert.
Narrated by Bruce Alexander ‘Superintendent Mullett’ in A Touch of Frost.

Conductor: Aidan Oliver
Organist: Christopher Cromar

Tickets £13 (concessions £11) including after concert drink and refreshments. Available from Sue Bryant 0118 934 0283, Bookends Peach Street, Wokingham Information Centre, Choir Members.

Details at www.wokingham-choral-society.org.uk

Young people from the Wokingham district have organised a performing arts group called Rising Talent and they are looking for new talent to join the group!

The Wokingham project is aimed at young people aged between 11 and 16 years who are interested in taking part and producing various events such as singing, drama and dancing. The project is being co-ordinated by Wokingham youth club member Hayley Smith, aged 15, from Bracknell.

Rising Talent meets every Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm at Wokingham Youth and Community Centre, Reading Road, Wokingham. Young people wishing to join the group must become members of Wokingham youth club, which costs £1.50 for yearly membership and 50 pence for each session thereafter.

Wokingham District council youth worker Cyril Sansum, who is supporting the group, said: “We have a number of regular events which take place throughout the year involving talented young people from all over the Wokingham district, such as the recent Academy Showcase at Bearwood College and the ever popular Pop Idol contest.

“The idea behind the Rising Talent performing arts project allows young people to continue improving their skills and improves their self confidence by participating and managing events on a regular basis. There’s a great number of talented youngsters in the district and with additional professional coaching, there’s every chance we could be looking at the stars of tomorrow.”

South Hill Park Arts Centre will also be offering its services to young people joining the workshop. Gail Babb, education and outreach officer for South Hill Park Arts Centre, said: “The arts has always been used as a vehicle for reflecting, exploring and commenting on society. I am particularly interested in using the arts with young people because I believe that they can benefit greatly from having a platform to explore and discuss issues that are important to them.

“An involvement in the arts helps develop good team work, communication and problem solving skills. It also increases confidence, raises self-esteem and is a lot of fun. It's a shame we're not all doing it!”

Any young people wishing to join the group, should simply drop in to the youth centre on a Wednesday evening or contact Wokingham district council youth worker Cyril Sansum on (0118) 978 3610 for more information.

Wokingham District Council

When Edith Thomas took early retirement from her job at Barnardos, after 31 years, she wanted a new challenge.

She saw that a pedestrian crossing was needed on a busy road in Norreys where she lives as a Wokingham council tenant. Edith immediately began campaigning for a crossing to be installed.

“We were able to show the council that a crossing was really important, and we got one straight away,” says Edith.

“Following that success I began to see other projects that needed work. I got more involved in the local community and in meetings with the council to try and improve things.”

Since her success with the pedestrian crossing, Edith has worked tirelessly on many community projects, including clean-up walks, a new residents’ association, and a drop-in centre for council tenants.

Wokingham Cllr Iain Brown, the council chairman, usually presents a small gift and a plaque each month to an individual or group that has given good service to the community. Edith won April’s award for her many years of campaign work on behalf of the Norreys Wokingham community. On Friday April 28 she was invited to the civic offices at Shute End to receive her gift of flowers from the chairman.

“Everybody knows Edith,” said Wokingham Cllr Brown. “She has made such a valuable contribution to the residents of Norreys and she thoroughly deserves to be recognised for it. I am delighted to have the opportunity to thank her for her years of work.”

As a tenant representative, Wokingham District Council recently gave Edith the opportunity to attend a course at Oxford Brookes University on tenant participation and neighbourhood renewal.

“It was a very useful course and I was able to share information with tenant representatives from other areas, and bring their ideas back to Wokingham,” says Edith. “There is already a fantastic atmosphere among the Norreys community. But I think there is even more we can improve, especially for younger people.”

The Norreys Residents’ Association, set up by Edith three months ago, has already established itself as an important liaison between Norreys residents and Wokingham Council.

“I want to get people really involved in the community, and improve the profile of the area,” says Edith. “In the residents association, we have many ideas. We hope to set up a community centre at Elizabeth Park. That’s my next big aim.”

The Norreys Residents’ Association is looking for support for the community centre project. If you can help with fundraising, please call Tenants Services at Wokingham District Council on (0118) 974 3767.

Wokingham District Council

Following the local elections held yesterday (May 4) when 18 seats were up for election, the new composition of Wokingham District Council is:  

• Conservative –  41                                                           
• Liberal Democrats – 13           

(Previously: Conservative 38, Liberal Democrat 16)   Total turnout =  39.8% (Total number eligible to vote = 91,119)   The results in each Wokingham ward were:    

		Votes:	Elected:
ARBORFIELD WARD – No of seats: 1
Bacon, Stephen Paul	Liberal Democrat	172
Bristow, Ronald John	UK Independence Party	31
Cowan, Gary	Conservative	541	E
Electorate = 1,811  Turnout = 41.1%	Total votes:	744	(0 spoiled)
BULMERSHE & WHITEGATES WARD – No of seats: 1
Bello, Gregory	Labour	338
De Hoedt, Tanya Jennifer	Conservative	727
Rahmouni, Sellam Amar ('Sam')	Liberal Democrat	999	E
Williams, Peter Harry	UK Independence Party	216
Electorate = 5,906   Turnout = 38.7%	Total votes:	2,288	(8 spoiled)
CORONATION WARD – No of seats: 1
Baker, Keith James	Conservative	1,285	E
Garcha, Jasdip Singh (Jazz)	Labour	88
Lawley, Coling Eric	Liberal Democrat	813
Thornton, Amy Louise	UK Independence Party	72
Electorate = 4,298   Turnout = 52.8%	Total votes:	2,269	(11 spoiled)
EMMBROOK WARD – No of seats: 1
Davis, Ann Amanda	UK Independence Party	277
Lewis, Deborah Anne (Debbie)	Conservative	1,448	E
Malvern, Keith Andrew	Liberal Democrat	757
Rogerson, Anna Maria	Labour	171
Electorate = 5,979  Turnout = 44.6%	Total votes:	2,669	(16 spoiled)
EVENDONS WARD – No of seats: 1
Carstairs, Franklin	UK Independence Party	197
Harley, Jeremy Stephen	Liberal Democrat	639
Morgan, Denis Charles	Conservative	1,367	E
Valente, Franco Gino	Labour	144
Electorate = 6,349   Turnout = 37%	Total votes:	2,352	(5 spoiled)
FINCHAMPSTEAD NORTH WARD – No of seats: 1
Cundy, Roland Henry	Liberal Democrat	382
Gordon, Ian Frank	UK Independence Party	116
Stanton, Robert Adrian	Conservative	1,363	E
White, Pippa	Labour	57
Electorate = 4,106  Turnout = 46.8%	Total votes:	1,921	(3 spoiled)
FINCHAMPSTEAD SOUTH WARD – No of seats: 1
Hayes, Roger Clive	Labour	86
Huntley, Leslie	UK Independence Party	113
May, James	Liberal Democrat	351
Weeks, Simon Philip	Conservative	1,221	E
Electorate = 4,218   Turnout = 42%	Total votes:	1,773	(2 spoiled)
HAWKEDON WARD – No of seats: 1
Firmager, Michael John	Conservative	1,152	E
Orchard, Jennifer	Liberal Democrat	505
Pearson, Vincent Richard Denis	UK Independence Party	91
Pluves, Jacqueline Jane	Labour	175
Electorate = 6,222  Turnout = 30.9%	Total votes:	1,925	(2 spoiled)
HILLSIDE WARD – No of seats: 1
Bradley, Andrew Terence	Conservative	1,303	E
Christidis, Tania	Liberal Democrat	1,109
Findlay, Andrew James	UK Independence Party	70
Owen, Peter Thomas (Topcat Owen)	The Official Monster Raving Loony Party	120
Sharp, David Andrew	Labour	183
Electorate = 6,546   Turnout = 42.6%	Total votes:	2,787	(2 spoiled)
LODDON WARD – No of seats: 1
Brooks, William Henry	UK Independence Party	144
Jewell, Carol Ann	Liberal Democrat	736
Loyes, Abdul	Conservative	941	E
Troccoli, Alberto	Labour	241
Electorate = 6,157   Turnout = 33.6%	Total votes:	2,066	(4 spoiled)
MAIDEN ERLEGH WARD – No of seats: 1
Hogg, David Gary	Green Party	164
Lamb, David	UK Independence Party	112
Rupert, Jacqueline Earla	Labour	173
Smith, Caroline Ann	Liberal Democrat	735
Swaddle, Paul Stanley	Conservative	1,295	E
Electorate = 7,163  Turnout = 34.7%	Total votes:	2,482	(3 spoiled)
NORREYS WARD– No of seats: 1
Harper, Michael James	Liberal Democrat	390
Knight, Keith John	UK Independence Party	209
Lee, David George	Conservative	1,452	E
Woodward, John	Labour	228
Electorate = 6,028   Turnout = 37.9%	Total votes:	2,286	(7 spoiled)
REMENHAM, WARGRAVE & RUSCOMBE WARD – No of seats: 1
Alder, Martin George	Liberal Democrat	357
Bulpit, Geoffrey	UK Independence Party	75
Fort, Richard James	Labour	72
Schutz, Christopher	Conservative	1,398	E
Electorate = 4,054   Turnout = 47%	Total votes:	1,907	(5 spoiled)
SHINFIELD SOUTH WARD – No of seats: 1
Bisset, Marjory Diane	Green Party	127
Grafton, Julianne	Labour	112
Huntley, Joan	UK Independence Party	59
Patman, Barrie John Samuel	Conservative	969	E
Rolls, Fiona Margaret	Liberal Democrat	203
Electorate = 4,123   Turnout = 35.7%	Total votes:	1,473	(3 spoiled)
SOUTH LAKE WARD – No of seats: 1
Batth, Parvindar Singh (Parry)	Conservative	611
Hill, David Maurice	UK Independence Party	108
Rowland, Elizabeth Anne ('Beth')	Liberal Democrat	724	E
Sharples, Paul Grant	Labour	134
Electorate = 4,433   Turnout = 35.8%	Total votes:	1,587	(10 spoiled)
SWALLOWFIELD WARD – No of seats: 1
Allison, Jeremy Patrick	UK Independence Party	55
Munro, Stuart Ian	Conservative	637	E
Thair, Denis Arthur	Liberal Democrat	144
Electorate = 1,937   Turnout = 43.2%	Total votes:	837	(1 spoiled)
WINNERSH WARD – No of seats: 1
Bray, Prue	Liberal Democrat	1,199	E
Forrestal, Colin Anthony Gabriel (Count 'Ur Chickens)	The Official Monster Raving Loony Party	51
Pollock, Anthony	UK Independence Party	109
Sefton, Derek Neil (Neil)	Conservative	1,083
Wilson, Keith Gordon	Labour	63
Electorate = 5,897   Turnout = 42.6%	Total votes:	2,511	(6 spoiled)
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT WARD – No of seats: 1
Bristow, Philip John	Liberal Democrat	282
Chapman, Rosemary	Labour	247
Ross, Angus James	Conservative	1,560	E
Widdows, Graham	UK Independence Party	279
Electorate = 5,892   Turnout = 40.3%	Total votes:	2,373	(5 spoiled)

Wokingham District Council

Altitude sickness and sub-zero temperatures were all in a day’s work for Wokingham District Council's Jenny Coates when she made a twelve day trek across the Nepali Himalayas to Everest Base Camp this Easter.

And the sense of achievement in trekking to the world’s highest mountain wasn’t all she brought back – boyfriend Phil proposed to her at Everest Base Camp, at a height of 5,300m.

Jenny and Phil made the expedition to raise money for a school partnership, between The Holt School in Wokingham and a school in the Himalayas for impoverished farmers’ daughters, known as Laxmi Ashram.

“I’m so pleased we made it,” said Jenny. “We’ve raised £5,000 for the school partnership. Laxmi Ashram will now be able to buy lots of computer equipment and correspond regularly with The Holt School by email.”

When they reached Everest Base Camp, Jenny and Phil were so thrilled with their achievement that they decided to get married.

“I thought all the excitement would be over when we got back from the trip,” said Jenny. “But now we have a wedding to organise. Another adventure!”

After the trek to Mount Everest, Jenny and Phil visited Laxmi Ashram, the Himalayan school in the remote rural community of the Kumaon, who will receive the money raised and build an email relationship with Wokingham’s Holt School. Jenny presented the school with a DVD made by girls from class 8C at The Holt.

“Girls from The Holt have videoed themselves in class, so that the children of Laxmi Ashram can see what a British school is like. With the money we have raised, I hope Laxmi Ashram may soon be able to make a video of themselves at work in the Ashram, and send it here to The Holt in return.”

Nandi, a student at Laxmi Ashram, said, “Our schools are very different. But one thing we have in common is that we usually have to work from books, which can become monotonous. Meeting students from another country by email has made the curriculum much more lively… for all of us, in India and in the UK!’

“Visiting Laxmi Ashram was a lovely end to our fundraising expedition,” said Jenny. “Hopefully one day girls from The Holt can follow in our footsteps and visit their Himalayan friends on a pupil exchange. “

To find out more about the partnership between Laxmi Ashram and The Holt, or to donate money towards the computer equipment, please call Jenny on (0118) 974 6011.

Wokingham District Council

A clampdown on truancy in the Wokingham district, which has seen education welfare officers and police offices visiting houses where it was thought local pupils were at home instead of being at school, has been hailed a success and it is hoped it will make pupils think twice about skipping class in future!

In the first truancy sweep of 2006, Wokingham District Council’s education welfare officers targeted homes in the Winnersh and Wokingham area. They also visited well-known truancy spots such as shopping centres and railway stations.

And as a result, the Wokingham team visited 20 homes and returned seven pupils to school. A further 13 young people were identified as being truant from school and their parents will now receive a letter explaining that their child was absent from school without authorisation. The parents will also receive a warning that unless attendance is improved, a penalty notice may be issued.

In addition to the Wokingham home visits, a further five children were identified in the sweep. The teams challenged pupils they found out of school and of these, two were with their parents or another family member. Parents or family members were spoken to by education welfare officers to establish why the child was out of school.

During a sweep every school-aged young person is stopped and their details taken. During the past twelve months, 25 young people have been stopped and the majority of them were with an adult. All of these did not have a justified reason for being absent from school.

Barry Smith, Wokingham education welfare officer, said: “This has been the most successful truancy sweep conducted and we will be repeating it in the near future. Whilst we do have good attendance figures in the district we still have too many youngsters absent from school without permission. Although there may be genuine reasons why a child is out of school, often when they are approached they are with their parents or another family member.

“We want to send a clear message to parents that it is not acceptable. Truancy affects the quality of any child's education and can harm their future opportunities. The district council has many measures in place to tackle truancy and non-attendance, but we also need the help of parents and we ask that they work with us.”

David Hawthorne, corporate head of Wokingham children’s services (education), said: “The truancy sweeps are a way of reducing truancy and anti-social behaviour as well as raising awareness of the importance of school attendance.

"They enable us to gather information about truants in the district, what school they attend, and why they are not in school, so appropriate action can be taken and children with any problems can be given further help to improve their school attendance."

Truancy sweeps are now a regular feature in the Wokingham district and the education welfare service aims to reduce unauthorised absence by tackling truancy head on. The sweeps are carried out in partnership with Thames Valley Police. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the police have powers to pick up children playing truant. Children will not be arrested but returned to school.

Wokingham District Council

Nine Mile Ride Primary School in Finchampstead, Wokingham has become the first school in the Wokingham district to net a runner-up prize in a national Digital Media Award.

The awards were open to all students aged between five to 18 years across the UK and winning entries had to demonstrate effective use of technology and be highly creative and imaginative.

The school in Finchampstead, Wokingham came runner-up in the digital image still category (age group five to seven) for their photograph of an autumn hedgehog. The school had been studying hedgehogs and their habitats during the autumn term last year and made a collage of them from natural materials such as leaves, conkers and twigs. Once their collage was complete, the children took digital photos of the masterpiece and entered the digital still images category of Becta’s Digital Media Awards.

The project gave pupils the chance to express their creativity through the eye of a digital camera. The judges looked for inspiring digital still images created by budding photographers, with links to the school curriculum. They were so impressed with the level of response across the UK and the exceptionally high quality of all the entries.

And, just before the Easter holidays, foundation stage teacher Tracy Jones took some Wokingham pupils to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford and they were awarded the runner-up prize in the digital image still category. The certificate and award-winning picture will be framed and displayed at the school. And to top it off, they were presented with digital media equipment for all the whole school to use!

Wokingham Headteacher Caroline Norris said: “The staff and children were thrilled to hear about this award. It is great to see such young children using digital cameras, having fun and producing pictures of which they are so proud.”

David Hawthorne, corporate head of Wokingham children’s services (education) at Wokingham District Council, said: “Once again, one of the district’s schools has achieved national recognition for work they have undertaken using information and communication technology (ICT). It always amazes me the skills younger children have when it comes to new technology! They are using these skills to produce such creative and imaginative work.

“I would like to congratulate the school on its innovative approach to using ICT across the whole curriculum and thank the teachers for releasing the talents of their children.”

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham Police are warning thieves who stole bows and arrows from an archery club that the equipment could cause serious injury.

Five bows and 400 arrows were taken from the Bowmen of Burleigh archery club, in Cantley Park, Twyford Road, Wokingham, between 5pm on Sunday (30/4) and 10am on Monday (1/5)

Two arrows have since been found in Norreys Avenue, Wokingham, where it appears they have been fired at a car and a house.

Sgt Mike Cull, from Wokingham police station, said: “The fact that these bows and arrows now seem to be in the hands of either young or irresponsible people is a serious concern.

“I want to stress that this equipment is not a toy and it could cause serious injury or worse. The bows and arrows are a serious threat to the safety of the people using them and to the general public.

“They are also offensive weapons and if they are being carried around in a public place then that it is offence. The people who currently have them should also be aware that they are handling stolen property which is also a serious offence.”

Anyone with any information about the Wokingham burglary in Cantley Park or on the current location of the bows and arrows should contact Sgt Cull on 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham