Wokingham

A project to address the issue of climate change is holding its second meeting in Wokingham. A local Carbon Rationing Action Group (CRAG) has begun in Berkshire, as part of a growing network of CRAGs across the country – and their second public meeting will again be held at the offices of Wokingham District Council.

While many local Wokingham people are concerned about climate change, some feel powerless to act. A CRAG is a voluntary carbon rationing system which helps people to ensure they are controlling the amount of carbon they use.

The Berkshire CRAG will be holding their second public meeting at the council offices at Shute End Wokingham on Monday February 5 at 7.30pm. The new group will help participants calculate the size of their personal Carbon Dioxide (CO2) footprint, and identify ways of reducing it. The meeting will also be a chance for Wokingham people who are already tackling their carbon emissions to share practical knowledge and experience of lower carbon living.

CRAGs represent a growing community of carbon conscious people who are now lobbying for the adoption of similar schemes at a national level. “We hope to demonstrate that it is possible to reduce your carbon footprint without compromising your quality of life,” says Robin Smith, chairman of Berkshire CRAG.

Carbon rationers believe that everyone should aim to produce no more than their fair share, their personal carbon ration. This year carbon rationers have set themselves a ration of 4.5 tonnes of CO2 to cover household, car and air travel emissions. In the system, if they exceed this amount they pay a carbon ‘debt’ into the group’s carbon fund. How the fund is ultimately used is at the discretion of the whole group. People who wish to attend the Wokingham meeting should contact Robin Smith on 07786 078836.

Wokingham District Council

Curves Fitness Centre Wokingham is usually just for women – but for two hours one Saturday afternoon last summer, body conscious men (including the chairman of Wokingham District Council) worked up a sweat at the centre to raise cash for local charity Sebastian’s Action Trust. And now the £165 they raised has been matched by the Gary and Diane Heavin Community Fund at Curves International in America.

Curves invited men to visit the fitness centre, based at the Ritz Plaza in Denton Road, Wokingham, where they worked around the circuit twice for a £5 donation to Sebastian’s Action Trust. Many gentlemen sported bras so that they would blend in better at the ladies-only centre. Even former Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Iain Brown wore a bra at the event, which was his last charity appearance following his year in office. Sebastian’s Action Trust was his nominated civic charity during his chairmanship.

At a special ceremony on Wednesday December 13, a cheque for $330, the matching sum put forward by the Gary and Diane Heavin Community Fund, was presented to Cllr Brown and his wife Carole so that it could be passed on to the charity.

Sebastian’s Action Trust is a registered charity committed to realising the last wish of Sebastian Gates who died aged nine after a two and a half year battle with cancer. Sebastian’s wish was to raise funds to provide a holiday home for families of cancer sufferers, so that they could spend precious time together away from the hospital and the punishing regimes that govern the lives of cancer patients.

“The circuit event was a fun afternoon for everybody,” said Wokingham Cllr Brown. “During my year as chairman, people came up with all kinds of extraordinary fundraising ideas for Sebastian’s Action Trust. But this was certainly among the most unusual! I would like to thank all those who volunteered their time and energy to make it such a success.”

Wokingham District Council

Children were spellbound at Wokingham Library last Friday (December 15) when Coronation Street star Ian Redford came to read them stories of mutiny on the high seas from the JM Barrie classic children’s novel Peter Pan.

Ian Redford, known mainly for playing Keith Appleyard in Coronation Street, was guest reader at a special storytime at the library. Children and parents are not only entertained by story tellers, but also encouraged to become more interested in literature and reading for themselves. Storytimes are run throughout the year, with different themes, in all of Wokingham Council’s libraries.

Ian Redford fascinated the audience of 20 children and 15 adults when he told them how much fun he had in his present role as the infamous pirate and villain Captain Hook, in the Peter Pan pantomine at the Camberley Theatre, Surrey.

Elizabeth McDonald, librarian at Wokingham Library, said: “It’s delightful that a star like Ian came to bring so much life to a special storytime at Wokingham Library. I would like to thank him very much. Storytime sessions have been very successful throughout this year and we hope this successful event will attract even more parents to bring their children along next year.”

Ian Redford said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Wokingham Library and it was a pleasure to read to such well behaved children. The library was very impressive and the staff were very helpful, they even gave me two mince pies!”

Storytime will continue in 2007 in all Wokingham district libraries. January’s sessions will be themed around bedtime stories, February will have a birthday theme to celebrate the tenth birthday of World Book Day, and March will feature yummy food stories!

There are weekly sessions at the larger libraries, with themed sessions once a month:

# Wokingham – 2.15pm-3pm, every Tuesday

# Woodley – 2.15pm-3pm, every Thursday

# Lower Earley – 2.30pm-3.15pm, every Thursday

# Spencers Wood – 4pm-4.45pm, every Monday

There are themed storytime sessions once a month in all other libraries, as follows:

# Maiden Erlegh – 2.15pm-3pm, January 16, February 27, March 20 (Tuesdays)

# Winnersh – 10.15am-11am, January 20, March 3, March 17 (Saturdays)

# Twyford – 2.15am-3pm, January 16, February 27, March 20 (Tuesdays)

# Wargrave – 1.45pm-2.30pm, January 15, February 26, March 19 (Mondays)

All storytime events are free to attend and there is no need to book. For more details please contact the relevant library or visit our website www.wokingham.gov.uk/leisure/libraries

Wokingham District Council

Plans are being made for an extravaganza of wild winter fun in Winnersh, Wokingham early in 2007 when on Saturday January 27 an array of performers and displays arrive at The Forest School to entertain everyone who lives in or uses services in the Winnersh community.

The free event is being organised by Wokingham District Council’s early years and child care team, together with Winnersh Parish Council and the Winnersh neighbourhood action group.

It will be for people of all ages and will include Indian dancers, wolves, a rodeo reindeer, stilt walkers, face painting, inflatables, choir singing and a simulator ride.

Vouchers to use the simulator ride, and other activities will be given to Wokingham children and their parents in return for completing a short survey.

In addition to bringing fun and frivolity into the chilly midwinter, the event will enable providers of services for families in Winnersh to promote what they do in the community.

Coinciding with the festival, Winnersh library, within the grounds of The Forest School, will be open. Anyone who joins the library on Festival day will be given 2 free DVD rentals. Other events at the library throughout the festival include Winnersh Gaming Club from 10.30am to 1pm, Jo Jingles from12.45pm to 1pm and 2.30pm to 2.45pm, and family storytimes at 1pm and 3pm.

Also on hand, Learndirect, the organisation that provides vocational learning programmes hosted at Wokingham district libraries, will be offering displays, leaflets, advice and course demonstrations to visitors over 16 years of age on skills and learning opportunities.

Wendy Woodcock, corporate head of Wokingham children services, said: “This festival will bring fun and interest at just the right time in the post Christmas lull, and it’s pleasing the event is a result of the council and community groups in Winnersh working so well together.”

Closer to the time of the event, more announcements will be made and in the meantime further information is available from Ann Tupman or Andrew Nicholls at Wokingham District Council’s children’s services on (0118) 974 6108.

Wokingham District Council

Getting involved with and influencing Wokingham development plans that could affect the Wokingham district is now a lot easier, thanks to adoption by the council of a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

The Wokingham SCI takes the form of an easy guide to various planning procedures and protocols and follows extensive consultation with community groups that began in 2005 as part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) - a series of documents that sets out where buildings, from homes and community buildings to shops and schools, may be built in future.

Central to the SCI’s development was analysis of the results of two questionnaires sent to over 1,200 people in the district asking how they would like to give and receive information and how much involvement they would like in larger planning applications. Details of these consultations are available at www.wokingham.gov.uk/sci.

Another part of the consultation process included examination of the SCI by an independent inspector representing the Secretary of State. The inspectors report is legally binding and can be seen on Wokingham council’s website at www.wokingham.gov.uk/sci-adopted, along with the SCI itself.

The SCI explains in an easy format how groups and individuals can become involved with the planning process even before development proposals are first submitted to the council. The SCI encourages more publicity and public consultation than is formally required in law alone for planning regulations, thus ensuring that when controversial or large scale applications are made, more public awareness may be generated through exhibitions or, leaflet distribution for example.

Wokingham Cllr Gary Cowan, executive member for local and regional planning, said: “The SCI is part of a wider set of initiatives concerning planning within the Local Development Framework and I am pleased that so many people contributed to its formation. We needed to get it right so that there is a written procedure detailing how people can have early and active influence in planning for the district.”

Paper copies of the SCI are available in libraries throughout the Wokingham district. Any queries about the SCI or the Local Development Framework can be addressed to the development plans team by email at policyandplans@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham district residents are now receiving a revenue and benefits service that is better than ever. Initial major changes were made after Wokingham District Council’s service was brought back in-house from private contractors in 2002 and steady improvements led it to be recently classified as ‘good’ in 2005/6 by the Benefit and Fraud Inspectorate (BFI), the official government body responsible for evaluating performance of local authority revenue and benefits teams.

A new survey by BFI shows that performance in the number of rent allowance claims paid on time has improved from 75% in 2004/05 to 82% in 2005/06. Accuracy of payments has also improved from 98% in 2004/05 to 99% in 2005/6. Claims are processed on average within 26 days, significantly better than the 36 day standard set by government.

Excellent performance was also maintained in aspects of security, with the council carrying out 31 sanctions to help counteract fraud during 2005/06, an increase of 82% over 2004/05.

Investment to improve the Wokingham service has included introduction of a new benefits information technology system and management restructuring. Before being returned to council management, the service, which includes council tax and business rate collection, processing of housing and council tax benefit claims and counter-fraud activity, took on average over 110 days to process and pay out a claim.

Cllr Frank Browne, leader of Wokingham council, said: “May I take this opportunity to thank the officers involved in transforming this important service for their professionalism and commitment which sees the improvement of the quality of provision for our residents.”

The council’s performance was measured using BFI’s Comprehensive Assessment Programme (CPA) and more details of the results are available on the BFI website www.bfi.gov.uk

Wokingham District Council

Since the launch of Wokingham District Council’s new website in October, visitors who have offered feedback on the new site have all been entered into a competition to win £50 in high street vouchers. The time has come for the prize to be drawn – and users’ comments continue to be considered.

Response to the new website has been positive - Wokingham council’s web team has received 117 comments from the public since the site was launched, with 75% of visitors making positive observations and congratulating the council on the website’s ease of use, improved design and simpler structure.

Website visitor Amy Dutton said: “The new site is much better than the previous one, it looks fresh and modern, easy to use and to find things. It makes you want to visit again!”

And Katie Phillips, who visited the site to renew a library book, said: “As someone who has worked to design websites in the past, I think your new look is a fantastic improvement on the old one, and it's so much easier to navigate.”

“The feedback we’ve received has told us not only what people think of the site, but the kind of things they use it for the most – many people visit the council’s website to renew their library books or to apply for jobs, as well as paying bills and reporting fly-tipping. I’m pleased to see so many people using our online services and feeling happy with the improvements we’ve made,” said website manager Nick Spencer.

The £50 voucher has been won by Mr Patrick Garrett of Swallowfield, who sent feedback offering constructive suggestions on the website’s text sizes.

“Mr Garrett’s ideas are very important, as are the views of all our website visitors,” said Nick Spencer. “Mr Garrett has mentioned another website that he finds easier to use so I will definitely be taking a look at that one to see their ideas. It is great to see residents sending us their constructive comments because our aim is to make this website as effective and simple to use as it can be, and we hope it will evolve with users’ needs.”

Wokingham District Council’s website at www.wokingham.gov.uk has been redesigned and restructured with less jargon and clearer page design. The new look website, delivered on time after a period of consultation with customers and staff, has been available online since October 16. As well as providing information, the website is interactive and allows residents to do many things instantly, online, which would otherwise require a phone call, letter or even a visit to the council offices. Anyone who hasn’t got access to the internet at home can use the computers in the district’s libraries, or a computer in reception at the civic offices for free access to the site.
Residents can go online to pay council tax, submit comments on planning applications, renew library books and pay parking fines, as well as a host of other tasks, and can find information about waste collections, council meetings, school catchment areas and local clubs, among many other council services.

There is also a brand new postcode search facility where residents can look up their property for links to useful information about property prices, council tax, waste collections, nearby doctors and other details of their immediate area.

Wokingham council’s ‘community network’ of mini-sites for community organisations who do not have the technology to create their own websites is even easier to access. Anyone interested in this aspect of the website should contact website manager Nicholas Spencer on (0118) 974 6109.

Chief executive Doug Patterson said: “I’m pleased with the easier access to services that our residents now have. A website is not static, however, and we will continue to consider feedback and comments on the new site. It’s good to see residents making full use of the facilities and telling us how we can make their visit to the site better still.”

The council’s web team will be holding a ‘surgery’ for people with questions about how to use the website, at Wokingham Library on January 12 from 10am until 4pm. Residents are invited to come along and find out more.

Wokingham District Council

There was an air of tense expectation in the council chamber at Wokingham District Council’s civic offices on Wednesday (December 13) as the results of the youth parliament elections were eagerly anticipated. With no less than 2,100 votes cast across the district, it was time for the five candidates to find out who would take over the reins from outgoing youth MP (MYP) Michael Burgess.

The deputy returning officer at Wokingham District Council, Alison Wood, announced that 16-year-old Yan Couper-Harris from Woodley received 675 votes and was duly elected as the district’s youth MP. As part of his campaign, Yan pledged to look at improving transport for young people and getting reduced fares until the age of 18. He also would like to work towards providing young people with suitable and appropriate space in which bands can rehearse and develop their music.

The evening was the culmination of a week of voting across the Wokingham district which saw thousands of 11 to 18 year olds turning out to vote for their member of the youth parliament for the coming year ahead. The youth parliament gives young people a voice at the heart of both national and local government and is supported and organised locally by Wokingham District Council’s youth service.

The five candidates Yan Couper-Harris, Shabana Karim, Tom Munro, James Steel and Adam Tyndall put themselves forward for election; each hoping to win precious votes with their campaigns on youth issues. Improvements in transport and leisure activities as well as addressing bullying were among the important ideas that the young voters had to consider. Polling stations were found at local youth centres and schools across the district as well as a mobile voting bus which allowed young people to cast their votes.

Yan said: “I’m really looking forward to working as the new MYP and will hopefully do a good job. My main points are to sort out travel fares and rehearsal areas for musicians. I think Michael has done a great job as an MYP for the past two years and hopefully I can do just as good a job.”

Close behind in the polls was 14-year-old Shabana Karim from Earley with 594 votes and she will take on the role of deputy MYP for the district. Shabana would particularly like to address issues of racism and to improve student facilities with a place to chill out and relax.

The declaration ceremony was hosted by champion for youth and leisure Wokingham Cllr Malcolm Bryant and was attended by lead members and officers of the council along with the five candidates and their families and friends. Outgoing MYP Michael Burgess gave a presentation on his year in office.

Paul Blount, Wokingham area youth work manager, said: “The candidates this year are all very capable and they should all be very pleased with the campaigns they have presented. We have seen some excellent support right across the district and I am very impressed that young people take the democratic process seriously.”

Outgoing MYP Michael Burgess said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time as the district’s youth MP, some big things have happened this year and I’m sure Yan will work hard for young people in the Wokingham district.”

Yan will attend national UKYP meetings including an annual sitting and regional meetings, take part in regular dialogue with ministers, including the prime minister and opposition spokespeople, and have his say on policy and programme development.

In the Wokingham district the MYP is supported by a representative group of young people known as Youth 10 who look at youth issues and solutions in the Wokingham district as well as being responsible for awarding £60,000 in funding to groups of young people who would like to develop projects that will benefit the local community.

Cllr Malcolm Bryant, champion for Wokingham youth and leisure, said: “This was a great opportunity for the district’s young people to select someone to represent them and make an impact on the lives of others living in the Wokingham district. Yan will be the voice of the district’s young people and one of his jobs will be to challenge negative opinions of young people.

“Yan will be able to tell the decision makers what it’s like to be a young person living in the Wokingham district and help influence change and services. This is a golden opportunity for him to enter the world of politics and take part in the decision-making process.”

The coming year will be busy and challenging for Yan and Shabana. They will meet local council members and service providers for young people and will provide the vital youth perspective on decisions that affect young people. The Youth Parliament also meets in a larger South East forum allowing MYPs to come together to discuss regional matters and in July the youth parliament holds its national sitting.

Wokingham District Council

The joy of Christmas filled the air at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on the evening of December 10 when over 400 children, families, school teachers and local dignitaries joined each other for the annual Christmas carol concert hosted by Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Angus Ross.

The concert was attended by children from over 20 schools in and around the Wokingham district, including Addington School who had not been able to attend in previous years. Other schools involved with the event were Arborfield, Newland and Barkham CE Junior, Bearwood Primary, Crazies Hill CE Primary, Grazeley Parochial Primary, Hawthorns Primary, Hillside Primary, Nine Mile Ride Primary, Palmer CE Junior, Polehampton CE Junior, Radstock Primary, Rivermead Primary, Robert Piggott Junior, Shinfield St.Mary’s CE Junior, St Dominic Savio RC Primary, St Sebastian’s CE Primary, St Teresa’s RC Primary, The White House, Waverley and Winnersh Primary.

The evening was filled with a selection of old and new favourites, from ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ to ‘White Christmas’ and each song was followed by rapturous applause from the audience. Instrumental music was provided by the 50 strong Berkshire Maestros Corelli Orchestra, with musical director James Baker of the Berkshire Musicians’ Trust as their conductor. They also performed modern pieces such as ‘Star Carol’.

Wokingham Cllr Angus Ross said: “It was a truly wonderful occasion and the high attendance showed that Christmas spirit is alive and well among us. It was especially inspiring that so many children made a huge effort rehearsing all the material so they could perform beautifully on the night.”

Over £3,800 was raised at the event from donations and the sale of programmes for Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance, the chairman’s chosen charity.

Cllr Angus Ross concluded: “Our annual Christmas carol concert is now one of the biggest annual civic occasions in the Wokingham district, so I would like to thank everyone who was involved, especially as so much was raised for such a worthy cause.”

Wokingham District Council

A report just published by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), the government body for inspecting performance of education establishments, shows that Wokingham’s Pupil Referral Service achieved grade 2 (good) in each of the categories used by OFSTED to make their assessment.

The Pupil Referral Service (PRS) provides for a small number of pupils and students between 11 and 16 years of age, the majority of whom have been permanently excluded from their secondary school for persistent disruptive behaviour

In their report following a one-day Wokingham inspection on October 16, inspectors applauded the service for the good quality of education for its students. They agreed with parents, carers and the students themselves that the unit is effective in meeting the needs of learners. The report also praised the headteacher and said she ‘provides good leadership and has a clear understanding of the services strengths and weaknesses and she has established an effective staff team who work well together to bring about improvements.’

The service underwent a restructuring in September 2005 when two separate referral units were amalgamated and a new headteacher, Jo Holt, was appointed.

Jo Holt said: “We aimed to quickly consolidate the work of the two units and I feel that we achieved that. We want to make even more improvements, but it’s very reassuring that OFSTED has acknowledged our progress so far. The results of the inspection are a great achievement for the pupils and their teachers. We motivate our pupils with challenging activities, build their self confidence and re-engage them with learning.”

The Wokingham Pupil Referral Service puts strong emphasis on ensuring students understand their responsibility to manage their own learning and behaviour, building self esteem, confidence and respect for others, in the process of overcoming their difficulties.

Many of the pupils enjoy their learning; the curriculum meets the needs and interest of the students and they are offered good opportunities for vocational training. Inspectors also praised the fact that ‘students are well prepared for reintegration into mainstream schooling, further education or employment once they leave the PRS.’

Students receive good careers’ advice and are well informed of their future options and supported to make decisions for themselves

All pupils who were entered for GCSE examinations in 2005/06 gained passes and achieved grade A* to Gs. The inspectors noted ‘they achieved well as a result of their hard work and the teaching and support they receive, which gives them the confidence to improve.’

The Wokingham Pupil Referral Service is already addressing challenges highlighted by the report. These include improving pupils’ attendance, ensuring teachers give pupils more help in reaching the challenging targets and ensuring teachers use the information they have about pupils to plan lessons more effectively.

Wokingham District Council

Many ask themselves questions such as: What do we do when we are worried about their behaviour and attitudes towards friends, homework, responsibilities? How do we cope with their requests and demands? How do we arrive at solutions to problems that are acceptable to all? How do we help them cope with and manage their own problems, anxieties or pressures?

The Wokingham Effective Parenting Partnership is running a workshop designed for mothers, fathers and other carers who are concerned with these issues. Topics include:

# Coping with problems, anxieties, worries and concerns

# Ownership of problems – whose problem is it – parents’, childs’, teens’?

# Developing negotiated solutions.

To book a place on this workshop, contact Bianca Morrison, parenting project co-ordinator, or Jane Fletcher, parenting project assistant, on (0118) 944 5340 or email: parenting.project@wokingham.gov.uk The cost is £5 per parent (free to all on income support).

Wokingham District Council

Where in the Wokingham district can I take my children to visit Santa Claus? What pantomimes are showing this holiday season? How can I keep my children amused during the Christmas break when the novelty of new toys has worn off?

The answers to these questions and more can be found in the Wokingham district family information service’s (FIS) Christmas newsletter (2006). The newsletter is packed full of information about Christmas events and activities for all the family.

The newsletter can be downloaded from Wokingham District Council’s website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/fis . You can also obtain the newsletter by telephoning (0118) 935 2255 or emailing: fis@wokingham.gov.uk.

The FIS will be closed over the Christmas period and will re-open to the public on January 2, 2007.
Normal opening hours are Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. The service is located at the Ambleside Centre, Ambleside Close, Woodley (behind Woodley Library). Alternatively, you can telephone them on (0118) 935 2255 or email FIS@wokingham.gov.uk . For registered childcare, visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Jo Jolly, Wokingham FIS manager, said: “The Christmas holidays are often a busy and hectic time of year and many families and carers have a stressful time keeping their children amused. But don’t worry, the family information service is here to help! I hope families and carers will find this newsletter very useful in finding places to visit and activities to take part in this Christmas!”

Wokingham District Council

Some 70 young people from different organisations in and around Woodley have just been presented with awards at the Bulmershe Leisure Centre for their high achievements in activities ranging from first aid to aviation studies and community volunteer work.

The awards ceremony which took place on November 25, was organised by Kay Nicker, youth worker at Bulmershe Youth Club and certificates were presented to the young people by both Cllr. Annette Drake, vice chairman of Wokingham District Council and the mayor of Woodley Cllr. Tony Mattingley.

Young people’s organisations that took part include The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, Woodley Boys Brigade, Woodley Activity Group, Woodley Airfield Youth Club and Woodley Air Training Corps.

Kay Nicker said: “We are all immensely proud of the achievements of our young people, some of whom have learning difficulties and disabilities. You just needed to see the smiles on all their faces that night to know how important it was to them all.”

Cllr Annette Drake said: ”Woodley’s young people have so much to be proud of and my congratulations go to them and everyone involved with this event.”

Wokingham District Council

Licensing officers at Wokingham District Council are keen to help people get home safely this festive season by pointing out what to look for when using a taxi or private hire vehicle.

All Wokingham licensed taxis and private hire vehicles have undergone strict tests on their roadworthiness and are insured for the purpose. Licensed drivers are subject to Criminal Record Bureau checks, are deemed ‘fit and proper persons’ and have passed knowledge tests on the local area.

Anyone out and about during the festive season is offered the following advice to make sure that they get home safely:

# Pre-book a private hire vehicle in advance by phoning a licensed operator, preferably one that you have used before and found to be reliable. Agree the fare for the journey at the time of booking. If the party is four or more passengers check the additional price with the company.

# A private hire vehicle must be pre-booked, it cannot be hailed in the street or use a taxi rank. If a private hire vehicle is hailed in the street, it will not be covered by insurance.

# Before getting into the private hire vehicle, check they are the company that was booked.

# Only vehicles with a ‘taxi’ roof sign can be hailed, approached in the street, or use a taxi rank.

# Before the journey begins, take time to ensure that both the driver and the vehicle are correctly licensed.

# Vehicles must display a vehicle licence plate on the rear exterior that shows the registration, make and model, maximum number of passengers and expiry of the licence.

# Drivers must have their driver identity badges with them that show their name, photograph, driver’s number and expiry of licence.

# It is a good idea to make a note of the vehicle number plate and driver’s licence number and text them to someone as an extra precaution.

# Women sometimes prefer to be driven by a woman driver. Some operators do have them so don’t be afraid to ask!

A Hackney Carriage or ‘taxi’ can be identified by an illuminated roof sign and can be hailed in the street or collect customers from a taxi rank. It has a white licence plate on the rear of the vehicle, showing the vehicle details and expiry date.

Private hire vehicles must by pre-booked via an operator and cannot pick customers up on the street or at a taxi rank. They have a yellow licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. Drivers of all vehicles should have a photo identity badge with their name on it and an expiry date.

Executive member for community safety Wokingham Cllr Barrie Patman said: “Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are subject to very strict rules and regulations. This means that anyone using them can be reassured that both the driver and vehicle have been subject to the necessary checks.

“It is important that people check that they aren’t using an unlicensed vehicle – if they’re not licensed, they’re not insured.”

Anyone who has a complaint or comment about a Wokingham district taxi or private hire vehicle should contact the licensing team on (0118) 974 6380.

Wokingham District Council

A Wokingham campaign to persuade drivers and their passengers to wear safety belts and to stop drivers using hand held mobile phones whilst driving, has resumed in the Wokingham district.

Police and fire service representatives, with Wokingham District Council’s highway consultants Mouchel Parkman, stopped 23 vehicles in the town centre on Tuesday December 5 between 12.30 and 2pm, to explain consequences of breaking the law.

Maureen Lockwood, road safety officer with Mouchel Parkman, said: “We need to make sure that people know the importance of wearing the right safety belt - in a collision at just 30 miles per hour, body weight magnifies up to 60 times. People must make sure that both they and their passengers, including children, are wearing the right type of safety belt.”

Executive member for highways and transport Wokingham Cllr Anthony Pollock said: “It doesn’t take long to put a safety belt on and everyone should now be clear that is it against the law to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Observing these simple rules saves lives.”

The police, fire service and Mouchel Parkman will be driving the message home again at another event in Wokingham Town Centre’s market place on Wednesday December 13 between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Maureen Lockwood added: “Often people don’t realise that a child needs a restraint that is appropriate to their age and size. An adult seat belt is designed for someone with an adult bone structure and who is 135cm (4’5’’) or taller. A booster seat or cushion may not be popular with older children, but it puts them in the right position so that they get the maximum protection from the adult belt. It must also be remembered that it is against the law for people to share a seat belt, including a child sitting on a parent’s knee.

”What pleased us at the December 5 event is that when we spoke to people they took on board the message. The Fire Service made it very clear what happens when people don’t wear a seat belt, using the personal experience they have when attending accidents. With just a little more thought on the part of those who break the law, lives could be saved. We’ll be driving that message home again on December 13.”

Further information is available from Maureen by calling (0118) 936 7307 or emailing maureen.lockwood@mouchelparkman.com.

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham LPA’s two new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) say they can’t wait to play an active role in the community.

Michael Neave and Irene McKenzie were introduced to the local media today (15/12) and both said they could not wait to complete their training and begin working with the Wokingham communities they will serve.

PCSO McKenzie, a former customer service advisor who will cover Woodley, said: “I’m really looking forward to getting out in the area and getting to know the community and its issues.

“I think the public find PCSOs easier to talk to because we are out on patrol virtually all of the time we are at work and we are highly visible.

“I have been looking for a job where I could be out and about speaking to people and that is exactly what this job offers.”

PCSO McKenzie’s views are shared by her colleague PCSO Michael Neave, a former jailer at Loddon Valley police station, who will be covering the Norreys area of Wokingham.

He said: “I’ve seen police work from the other side and I’m now looking forward to getting out there, making a difference to the community and trying to tackle their issues and concerns.”

The two new recruits mean Wokingham now has eight PCSOs and the LPA will look to recruit at least another 15.

Ch Insp Tony Ismay, the LPA Commander, said: “We now have eight excellent PCSOs in this area who have enhanced our Neighbourhood Policing team.

“We are looking to recruit at least another 15 and if anyone is interested in a job that offers real variety, diversity and the opportunity to help improve a community then I would love to hear from them.”

*If you are interested in finding out more about what being a PCSO involves, then please contact the national call centre on 0845 600 0925 or go to www.rewardingrole.co.uk.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

Police in Wokingham are sending good wishes to everyone who will be going into the busy town centre over the festive period but are warning trouble makers to stay away.

Every Friday and Saturday night officers are running Operation Forge – a high visibility Wokingham campaign tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related incidents before they get out of hand.

Over the busy Christmas period more people than usual will flock into Wokingham town centre and police want them to have a good time. But they will take a hard-line on those who cause trouble.

Ch Insp Tony Ismay said: “My message is simple, if you want to come into the town and have a good time then you are very welcome.

“However, if you come into the town and cause anti-social behaviour, get drunk and commit a violent crime you will be dealt with by my officers who will be patrolling the streets.

“It is a small minority who take their drinking too far and cause trouble and they will be dealt with robustly.

“Operation Forge has proved to be very successful in combating alcohol related violence in the town centre throughout the year. Figures for violent assaults have been reduced by over 20% and this operation has undoubtedly played a major part in this reduction.

“We also have an excellent Pub-watch scheme in the town which will support the operation once again. If a trouble maker is banned from one pub they will be banned from all the other venues in the scheme.

“The pubs in the scheme also have a radio link so they can communicate with each other immediately, identify trouble makers and turn them away.”

As part of the operation, which began at the start of this month, officers and PCSOs, are carrying out high visibility patrols outside Wokingham pubs and clubs to deter thieves, prevent assaults and to deal with any disorderly behaviour at closing time.

Officers also make regular contact with door staff and record details of any youth related alcohol issues.

Ch Insp Ismay said: “We want people to continue to enjoy their nights out in the town safely and by carrying out this high visibility operation at this particularly busy time of year, we hope to prevent any possible issues before they arise.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

An exciting new Wokingham community facility in place of the Rides Community Centre in Gorse Ride, Finchampstead has been proposed by Finchampstead Baptist Church, in partnership with Wokingham District Council and Finchampstead Parish Council. And while the proposals for the new centre are developing, the two councils would like to reassure current users of the existing facility that they will be able to continue their activities.

If the development is approved, the centre will be built by Finchampstead Baptist Church, on land owned by Wokingham District Council and currently occupied by the Rides Community Centre. The existing centre was run by the Rides Community Association and the Rides Sports and Social Club. The Sports and Social Club has entered into voluntary liquidation and is now winding down its activities. The Community Association have asked Finchampstead Parish Council and Wokingham District Council to take over the running of the existing community centre, and the two councils have made arrangements to ensure that the building will continue to be regularly cleaned and opened as normal to allow existing users the same access they have had in the past. All groups who currently use the centre will receive information about the changes, and about what will be done to ensure that any impact on their activities is minimised.

The Finchampstead Baptist Church is developing a proposal for a new facility on the site, in partnership with the two councils, and a planning application is expected in the near future. Strong support for the proposed development has been shown by a broad cross-section of the community of Finchampstead, including local schools, the local residents’ association, local police officers, the parish council and the local Neighbourhood Action Group. All members of the community will be able to express their views through the planning process.

Executive member for Wokingham community development Dianne King said: “This is an exciting proposal and I look forward to seeing the planning application when it is submitted. It is a great opportunity for the facilities for local people to be re-evaluated and improved.”

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham District Council

Pupils at Gorse Ride Junior School in Finchampstead, Wokingham will be enjoying a ‘pukka’ Christmas lunch next week (December 11) thanks to Wokingham District Council’s successful new catering contract.

Over 180 pupils and 19 teachers will be tucking into a fresh, healthy and tasty Christmas lunch of turkey, roast potatoes, peas and carrots, with a vegetarian option also available to those pupils who choose not to eat meat. Dinner will be rounded off with a yuletide brownie, fresh fruit and a novelty Christmas biscuit. All meals, including the Christmas menu, are freshly cooked using produce from local suppliers in the south of England including Berkshire. And, school meals at Gorse Ride Junior School are cooked by four catering staff in the school kitchen.

Gorse Ride Junior School is one of 56 schools who are part of Wokingham District Council’s school meal contract. The council has seen the take-up of school meals increase by eight per cent since it introduced a new menu and new contract in September with Tunbridge Wells-based company Edwards & Ward. And at Gorse Ride Junior, the increase in take-up is even higher with over 300 extra meals being served each month so far, bucking the national trend.

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Wokingham corporate services, said: “I am delighted to join the festive feast at Gorse Ride Junior School next week. It promises to be a fresh, tasty and nutritious meal and I am very much looking forward to hearing at first hand how much the pupils are enjoying their lunches. More and more pupils at Gorse Ride Junior School, along with many hundreds across the district, are reaping the benefits of the new menu which includes fresh meat, vegetables and organic produce.

“Since the new contact started in September, we have been monitoring the meal take-up and many of the district’s pupils are choosing to have a school meal at lunchtime which is in contrast to the national picture where the uptake is declining. A staggering 70,000 meals are being cooked in our school kitchens every month by dedicated catering staff. I am delighted to see that we are bucking the national trend and this increased take-up is a significant achievement for everyone involved.”

Sarah Phillips, headteacher at Gorse Ride Junior School, said: “We are all looking forward to starting our Christmas celebrations with the children and staff sharing lunch together. The fresh produce now on offer through school meals has been well received by our children with many requesting more! This is testimony to the improved service and efforts of our invaluable catering team.”

Under the new contract arrangements, the council exceeds new government nutritional guidelines by providing fresh food that is cooked by the catering staff in 38 school kitchens across the district. Those schools who are part of the school meal contract but do not have a kitchen, have their meals cooked freshly by a neighbouring school.

Wokingham District Council

Over the past few weeks, Bearwood College children and staff have adopted ‘Operation Christmas Child’. This is a project of Samaritan’s Purse which aims to distribute shoe boxes covered in Christmas paper and filled with small toys, pencils, crayons, hats and scarves, soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste to children in hospitals, orphanages, refugee camps, and homeless shelters across Central and Eastern Europe.

Last year Samaritan’s Purse, with the help of their volunteers, was able to distribute over 1.18 million shoe boxes from the UK to suffering children in these areas, and this year the target is to distribute over 1.2 million boxes across Eastern Europe and further afield.

The pupils at Bearwood College, Wokingham have worked in their respective tutor groups and houses to enthusiastically pack their gifts into shoe boxes. Parents have been delighted to encourage the children and the competitive spirit between the houses has spurred the groups on to see which house could put together the most boxes.

With the help of thousands of volunteers, the Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse collects and processes these gift-filled shoe boxes in its warehouses across the United Kingdom. Working with national churches and charities, they deliver the boxes to children in hospitals, orphanages, refugee camps, homeless shelters and impoverished neighbourhoods.

Carolyn Bradley, our Receptionist who has been responsible for introducing Operation Christmas Child to Bearwood, says, “Packing a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap as well as cuddly toys, pencils and crayons into a box has really brought home to us all how fortunate we are. There cannot be many of us who would delight in being given what we consider essentials as our Christmas present.”

Pupils at the Wokingham College have watched the Operation Christmas Child video showing children receiving and opening the shoe boxes with grateful excitement a speaker from Samaritan’s Purse came in to talk at Assembly about who received our parcels and the reaction of those children on Christmas morning.

Bearwood College, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5BG

Some children danced in delight whilst others were transfixed, listening and looking in wonderment at an appearance of a string quartet from the Reading Symphony Orchestra in Woodley Library on Sunday December 3.

It was part of the Woodley Winter Extravaganza event at the library, that also included craft activities and festive stories read by library staff. There were free mince pies and biscuits for the 15 children and 23 adults that came along, in return for a small donation to the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, the chosen charity this year of Wokingham council chairman Cllr Angus Ross.

Christine Grieve, community librarian, said: “We had lots of positive comments and events like this really inspire people to make use of the many facilities here, especially as we are now open on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm.”

Cllr Angus Ross, said: “We have excellent libraries in the Wokingham district and it’s very encouraging when young people and adults discover that libraries can provide fun and educational value all under one roof. I would also like to say thank you for all the generous donations to my chosen charity.”

The library plans to organise similar events in the future aimed at a broad cross-section of library users.

Wokingham District Council

A 20 strong team of public service executives from The Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform commission (SMDRC), in China have just concluded a 14 day study programme to the UK with a visit to the offices of Wokingham District Council.

The SMDRC programme was funded by the Shanghai Government and the delegates are civil servants responsible for public service reform policy making and review.

During their visit on Friday (December 1) they listened to a presentation by Doug Patterson, chief executive of the council, on reforms in public services and the way in which Wokingham District Council have adapted to the changes.

Doug Patterson discussed the council structure, its decision making processes and financial management systems. This was followed by a presentation on council history by chairman Cllr Angus Ross.

Mr Yue We, senior economist with SMDRC, said: “We really appreciated this great opportunity to meet our UK partners and exchange ideas and views on UK public service and reform. We have been deeply impressed by the presentation and through this friendly visit we have learnt a great deal about the UK unitary local government system and its services. We believe that Wokingham District Council’s valuable experience and practice on public service will benefit us a lot and we may adopt some similar models in China before long. China has undergone public service reform as well, so more communication and exchange programmes would benefit both the UK and China."

At the end of the visit, Cllr Angus Ross presented a commemorative plaque to Mr Yue We and said: “We feel that the Chinese delegation gained a full and useful insight into the way we work and this could well be of mutual benefit.”

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham youngsters will have a festive treat when a nightclub hosts a Christmas under 18s party.

The party, which takes place this Friday (15/12), is the latest in a series of Kaos nights held at The Chameleon nightclub.

Kaos was first organised in September by Winnersh Neighbourhood Officer PC Emma Johnson and the club’s management as a way of giving youngsters a cool place to hang out in the evenings. The idea had earlier been suggested at a Winnersh Neighbourhood Action Group meeting.

The two nights held so far have proved hugely popular and PC Johnson is expecting another successful night with this Christmas party.

She said: “I think everyone has been really pleased with the two Kaos nights we have held so far.

“The youngsters think they are great, there has been no trouble and the club has been full.

“Everyone has got behind this idea and I think it a great way of giving the youngsters something to look forward to and a much more enjoyable night out than hanging around on the streets.”

The strictly no alcohol night is aimed at 13-17 year olds and is backed by the local schools, Wokingham District Council and the area’s youth workers.

Tickets will be priced at £3 in advance and £5 on the day and are available from the club itself and schools throughout the area. Tickets are selling fast so it is advisable to buy them in advance of the event.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

Results of tests taken at the end of key stage two (seven to 11-years-old) have put Wokingham District Council among the top two performing education authorities in the country for its average key stage 2 point score.

And, to top that official rating, pupils across the Wokingham district were also celebrating after being ranked top of the class in science for both the expected level and higher level at key stage 2.

Published today (December 7) by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the results show the percentage of pupils in each local authority reaching the expected levels of achievement. Data has also been released for the percentage of pupils reaching above the expected levels in these tests.

At age 11, key stage 2, level four and above

At key stage 2, level four is the expected level for 11-year-olds taking the tests. Some 85% of pupils achieved the expected level or above in English, which is 6% more than the national average (79%) placing the district equal fourth in the country for this. In maths, the district was equal second with 82% achieving the expected level compared to the national average of 76%.

Boys came equal third in the country with 82% achieving the expected level in English, whilst the girls came equal fourth in the country with 89%. Boys came equal second in the country with 83% achieving the expected level in maths, whilst girls came equal fourth (81%).

Young scientists in the Wokingham district’s primary schools continue to achieve above the national average (87%) with 92% achieving the expected level, placing the district first in the country overall. Girls came first in the country with 93% achieving the expected level in science, whilst the boys also came first with 92%, compared to the national figure of 86%.

At age 11, key stage 2, level five

And the district’s pupils also excelled at level five, which is higher than the expected level – with the district’s pupils coming first in science (59% against a national average of 45%). The district also came equal third in maths (43% against a national average of 33%) and equal sixth in English (39% against a national average of 32%).

Boys came equal seventh in the country with 31% achieving higher than the expected level in English, whilst girls came sixth in the country with 47%. In maths, Wokingham boys came second in the country with 47% achieving higher than the expected level, with girls coming equal fourth (39%).

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “I am delighted that once again our primary school children have received such outstanding results. For the district to be ranked as second in the country is a particularly pleasing achievement for everyone involved. We are committed to ensuring all our pupils have the best education opportunities available to them.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to all pupils and their teachers for their hard work and dedication in achieving these results. It will stand them in good stead as they work towards key stage 3.”

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham District Council and The Bulmershe School have begun a joint initiative to get people out and about for a walk and a natter in Woodley. Over 50s’ Talk ‘n’ Walk Sessions are taking place around the South Lake area, with walks lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Walkers meet outside the Thatcher’s pub in Woodley, accessible from the Woodley 63 and 65 bus routes, and refreshments are available at the end of the walk.

The walks are led by four specially trained walk leaders from the local area. If the venture is successful they hope to increase the number of walks that take place each week, and to introduce new walks in the New Year.

The training of the walk leaders and the refreshments on the walks have been funded by The Bulmershe School. As a specialist Sports College, the school has agreed to support the scheme as part of its community development action plan.

Director of community sport at the school Graham Swatridge said: “These walks are designed to complement the existing Health Walks scheme run by Wokingham District Council’s countryside service. The new walks are designed to encourage people who may not have done much physical exercise for a while. The Bulmershe School is keen to increase the opportunities on offer for the 50+ age group and is in negotiation with clubs, schools and centres to see what more can be done.’’

Walks take place on December 5 and 12, and January 9, 16 and 23 with walkers meeting at 1.45pm at the Thatcher’s pub for a short registration process before setting off on the walk at 2pm. Alternative walks are also planned to start at the Berkshire Aviation Museum, near the bus stop, close to Bader Way on January 9, 16 and 23, with walkers meeting at 9.45am for a 10am start.

People over 50 who would like more information, as well as anybody who is interested in becoming a walk leader, should contact Karol Thumwood or Graham Swatridge at The Bulmershe School on (0118) 935 8322 for further information. Any walker over 50 can just turn up on the day if they wish.

Executive member for community development Wokingham Cllr Dianne King said: “The council aims to provide a range of activities to the community that suit the particular needs of different groups. I am pleased with this initiative to bring more activities to people over 50 – it will be an opportunity for them to enjoy their surrounding area at a leisurely pace while meeting new people at the same time.”

Wokingham District Council

The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), the government body responsible for inspecting performance of education establishments has published an ‘outstanding’ list in which 13 education providers in the Wokingham district have received high praise, putting them at the top of the class in Berkshire.

The ‘outstanding’ list, published to coincide with the OFSTED chief inspector’s annual report for 2005/6, includes the Ambleside Centre in Woodley, Blue Bird Nursery Centre in Finchampstead, Colleton Primary School in Twyford, Walter Infant School and Nursery in Wokingham, Farley Hill Primary School and eight registered childminders throughout the district. The Wokingham district was top of the class in Berkshire by having more education providers listed than any other local education authority in the county.

All the education providers on the ‘outstanding list’ were inspected by OFSTED during 2005/06. To qualify as outstanding, the education provider needs to have achieved high standards in areas that include:

# Helping children to be healthy

# Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

# Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

# Helping children make a positive contribution

# Improvements since the last inspection.

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “We know that all providers in the Wokingham district strive to achieve very high standards and that is pleasing enough, but to top the table in Berkshire area is especially satisfying. I would like to extend my congratulations to the children, practitioners, staff, parents and governors who should all be very proud of their achievements.”

For further information and to see detailed OFSTED reports for all schools, nurseries and other education establishments in the Wokingham district, visit the OFSTED website: www. oftsted.co.uk

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham Young people at risk of committing offences will now receive local support, following Wokingham District Council’s decision to set up its own youth offending service (YOS). The local service will be supported by a range of external agencies, including the police, probation service, health and the Connexions Service. In addition, locally-based teams within the council’s community safety team and children’s services will contribute to this work.

Previously run as a joint service with Reading Borough Council, the new youth offending service will operate at a local level and intends to bring several benefits to the local Wokingham community and its young people.

Elaine Morgan, Wokingham youth offending service manager, said: “The new service presents the district with an ideal opportunity to develop a resource that meets the needs of the district’s young people. Our primary objective is to prevent children and young people from becoming involved in crime and reduce re-offending. By taking a co-ordinated approach to youth crime, the Wokingham YOS together with our partner agencies will be in a stronger position to identify those children and young people known to be most at risk of offending. The focus of the work will be to engage with young people, their families and carers to take part with more positive activities.”

The voluntary sector will be a significant contributor to this work, especially in supporting reparation activities within the local community. Reparation is an important part of the criminal justice process, as it requires young people to think about the impact of their actions, their families and the wider community.

Wokingham YOS is also involved in making an ‘Invest To Save’ bid supported by the police and Social Enterprise Berkshire to set up its own social enterprise. If the bid is successful, this innovative team will help young people find work and in the long term enable them to set up their own businesses.

Elaine Morgan added: “Whilst there is emphasis on prevention and early intervention, the YOS has a clear responsibility to meet the needs of young people leaving custodial settings
and returning to the community. By working closely with the voluntary and statutory sector we aim to guide, support and rehabilitate these young people to enable them to make informed choices in their future.”

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “Bringing the service back within the Wokingham district allows us to take real ownership of the issues involved in both preventing young people offending in the first place and supporting those who have already offended, to make a positive contribution to their community.”

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham District Council has this week received both good and bad news on its finances.

On the good news front, Wokingham council has received top marks (4 out of 4) in an independent inspection by Audit Commission into the way the council uses its resources.

The CPA 'Use of Resources' assessment is a very extensive look by the Audit Commission at how the council ensures it gets value for money for its services and how well it runs its business in terms of financial management, financial reporting and internal controls.

Corporate head of Wokingham finance Graham Ebers said: “The council has continued to make significant improvements in its use of resources, improving from a highly credible assessment of 3 last year to the top score of 4 this year. It is a very challenging test and only three authorities out of 150 across the country scored a 4 last year, so our result this year puts us in a small group at the top*.”

Council leader Wokingham Cllr Frank Browne said: “I am delighted to see Wokingham receive this independent confirmation that we are prudent in the way we spend tax payers’ money. This demonstrates that Wokingham District Council is amongst the best of making best possible use of our residents’ money, making every pound go as far as it can. My thanks go to all the officers and staff who have all worked extremely hard to achieve this top ranking, which demonstrates very clearly that there is very little waste in the organisation across the board.”

This good news, however, was tempered by Wokingham council’s financial settlement for the 2007-08 financial year from central government.

“At just 2.7 per cent, some 1.1 per cent below national average, this is very disappointing news for the taxpayers of the Wokingham district,” said Cllr Browne.

“In real terms this paltry increase means just £446,000 extra cash for next year – this will not even cover inflation which equates to be approximately £2million.

“It also means we are the worst funded unitary council, with some 80 per cent of our budget having to come from local council tax payers. The average figure for all unitary councils in England and Wales is just over 50 per cent.

"Our settlement is below a very low national average and doesn't bode well for the future. Our grant will only ever increase in line with inflation which simply doesn't add up when we are faced with unavoidable statutory costs well in excess of inflation, particularly in social care.

"We will be asking the district's MPs to lobby ministers to make the case that the 2.7% funding settlement will not cover our unavoidable growth pressures and the extra responsibilities we've been given.

“We have already examined every budget in the council with a fine-tooth comb, making over £10million of savings over the past three years. This is because we are committed to keeping any council tax increase to as close to the rate of inflation as possible, whilst still protecting core services as best we can.”

The budget for 2007/2008 will be agreed at the council meeting on February 22, 2006, when the council tax is set.

Wokingham District Council

When Wokingham District Council sent contractors to renovate sheltered housing at Harman Court, Winnersh, Wokingham the hard-working handymen got more than they bargained for from the tenants.

The residents of Harman Court, Wokingham were so impressed with contractors from Contract Trading Services (CTS) who renovated their kitchens and bathrooms, and Preheat, who installed new boilers, that they held a roast beef lunch for the workmen as a thank you.

The team of contractors worked hard to cause as little disruption as possible and even did little jobs for the tenants that went beyond their duties in the renovation. “They did many little kindnesses for some of us, me included,” said Mrs Doreen Atkins, a resident at Harman Court. “Nothing was too much trouble.”

The lunch was held on Wednesday November 22 at Harman Court, where Mrs Atkins presented the contractors with an engraved glass trophy in recognition of their good work. “I have a new kitchen and now a shower room instead of a bathroom… everyone has worked so hard,” said Mrs Atkins in her presentation speech. “We would all like to thank everyone who has been involved in the work.”

Executive member for Wokingham social care and housing Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “The council works very hard to make sure we get the best contractors when work is needed in council properties. Our first priority is to make sure that the minimum of disruption is caused to tenants’ lives and that they benefit as much as possible from the work done. I am delighted to see the arrangements working so well and I am pleased that the residents of Harman Court want to recognise the excellent standard of work that our contractors provide.”

Wokingham District Council

Since glass recycling was introduced into the Wokingham district 16 years ago, bottle banks have now been placed in over 40 convenient locations, as a handy facility for residents to dispose of their waste glassware in an environmentally-friendly way. The facility is now set to sharpen up just in time for Christmas, with the delivery of new replacement bottle banks that enable glass items to be deposited according to colour, rather than being all mixed up.

Presently, over 200 tons of glass is collected every month from across 40 sites in the Wokingham district, but between 20 and 30 per cent more glass is collected over the festive season in many different forms, from wine and beer bottles to pickled walnut jars.

Wokingham Glass recycling is integral to the 25-year Waste Private Finance Initiative (PFI) between Wokingham District Council, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Reading Borough Council and contractor Waste & Recycling Group (WRG), all known as the RE3 Waste Partnership. RE3 aims to deliver long-term sustainable solutions to waste collection and recycling across the three council areas. The replacement bottle banks are part of this new contract.

Peter Baveystock, waste and recycling manager at Wokingham District Council, said: “We’re happy to be reverting to a colour separate system again which will mean that the glass deposited can be turned into new glass bottles and jars more easily. It’s also great that we’re starting with a completely new set of bottle banks throughout the Wokingham district at a time of year when glass usage is so high and I’m sure the residents will soon get back into the practice of separating their green, clear and brown glass when they put them in the bottle banks.”

WRG, the company appointed to deliver the waste strategy for RE3, brought the first of the new bottle banks to the Toutley depot in Old Forest Road Friday December 1. Over a period of three weeks, all 40 locations will take delivery of the new bottle banks and there are plans for more where appropriate.

Tom Coleman, contract operations manager with contractor WRG, said: “With the 25 year contract starting on December 4 it’s important that we get the service to the customer right and this is why this initiative is so important.”

Cllr Simon Weeks, Wokingham executive member for the environment, said: “The new arrangement with WRG is working well at a practical level. We wanted the RE3 initiative to be genuinely useful and convenient for the growing number of residents in the Wokingham district who want to recycle their waste. This is an important part of a project that should bring a measurable and sustainable reduction in landfill usage, which is good news for the environment and our residents.”

Wokingham District Council

The future of the popular Loddon Bridge Park and Ride service has been secured for another five years after Wokingham District Council’s decision-making executive approved the awarding of the tender.

Executive member for Wokingham corporate services Cllr Rob Stanton said: “We know that our residents value the Loddon Bridge Park and Ride service and in recent months we have been working hard to secure its immediate future.

“We’ve been through a very robust tendering process and I’m pleased that we can now announce Goldline Travel and Vinci Park (UK) Ltd as our partners for the next five years.”

The decision will allow for a continuity in service as Vinci Park have been running the parking service and Goldline the bus service for the last five years. The current contract will expire in February 2007 and the new contract will begin operation immediately with no break in service for residents.

Wokingham Cllr Stanton added: “This popular service will continue to carry people to and from Reading and I’m sure, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, people will be delighted to know it will continue for another five years.”

The park and ride runs from a site owned by Showcase cinema in Winnersh with buses to the Reading town centre every eight to ten minutes. Bus lanes and traffic lights give the service priority over other traffic, providing a fast-track into Reading. There is free parking for some 600 cars and the service runs Monday to Saturday. More details are available at www.wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham District Council

Over 100 schoolchildren will bring The Loddon Valley Leisure Centre to life with festive cheer at the annual Wokingham district primary schools’ carol concert to be held on Sunday, December 10 from 7pm.

Wokingham District Council chairman Cllr Angus Ross will host the evening and all proceeds from the sale of programmes will go to the chairman’s chosen charity, which this year is the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.

Some 20 local Wokingham schools will form the choir and have spent many hours over the past few weeks rehearsing for the annual event. The schools involved are: Addington, Arborfield, Newland and Barnham CE Junior, Bearwood Primary, Crazies Hill CE Primary, Grazeley Parochial Primary, Hawthorns Primary, Hillside Primary, Nine Mile Ride Primary, Palmer CE Junior, Polehampton CE Junior, Radstock Primary, Rivermead Primary, Robert Piggott Junior, Shinfield St.Mary’s CE Junior, St Dominic Savio RC Primary, St Sebastian’s CE Primary, St Teresa’s RC Primary, The White House, Waverley and Winnersh Primary.

Berkshire Maestros Corelli Orchestra will provide the music for the concert and the children will sing a variety of songs including ‘White Christmas’, ‘Star Carol’ and ‘Away In A Manger’ to name just a few. Musical director James Baker of The Berkshire Young Musicians’ Trust will conduct the choir and the 50 strong orchestra, who will also perform instrumental songs including ‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘Christmas Festival’.

Over 1,000 people are expected in the audience, made up of parents and teachers. They too will have a part to play in bringing festive cheer to the centre when they join in the singing of Christmas favourites such as ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ and ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’.

Wokingham District Council’s chairman Angus Ross said: “There certainly is 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 am very much looking forward to.

“The annual carol concert is a time to celebrate the musical talents of the young people of the Wokingham district. It will be fantastic to see the children’s enthusiasm and hearing their wonderful voices. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers who have spent a great deal of time preparing the children for this concert, the conductor and the young musicians of the orchestra.”

Wokingham District Council

Local residents are invited to join Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Angus Ross to sing-in the Christmas season with traditional carols around the tree on Thursday December 21.

Carols, hosted by the chairman, are held each year in the Mall at the Civic Offices, Shute End in Wokingham. Local residents are welcome to join in the festive fun where they can enjoy a glass of mulled wine, a mince pie and sing along to favourite Christmas carols between 2pm and 3.30pm.

Berkshire Maestros South Berkshire youth brass group will be providing the music, and the chairman will be joined by councillors and officers. There will also be a collection for the chairman’s charity, the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham District Council

Wokingham Shoppers are set to get an early Christmas car parking present from Wokingham District Council as it announces free parking in its car parks on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

Wokingham Council-owned town and village centre car parks will be offering free parking all day on Saturday December 9, 16 and 23.

For the last few years, car parking on the three Saturdays before Christmas has been free to encourage people to make use of their local shopping areas. The move has proved very popular with both traders and the public and three years ago the offer was extended to include station road car park in Earley and the Winnersh Triangle station car park.

The Carnival Pool car park in Wokingham is excluded from the incentive as it is not a shoppers’ car park.

Cllr Anthony Pollock, executive member for highways and transport, said: “The council is offering this incentive to encourage people to use the district’s excellent shopping centres. The inclusion of station car parks means that people wanting to travel to neighbouring towns within the district can also take advantage of this early present.”

Although parking will be free on the three Saturdays before Christmas, maximum stay limits and disabled parking bays will still be enforced and any vehicles breaching these regulations will be subject to the usual excess charges and fees.

Wokingham District Council

A revitalised Wokingham town centre is on the cards after Wokingham District Council’s planning committee last night (Wednesday November 29) gave approval to an application for new shops, cafés, restaurants and homes in the area around Rose Street car park.

Known as Peach Place, Wokingham the new development is designed to enhance the town centre, ensuring continued vibrancy and offering a range of attractions to entice people into the town. The district council has for some time been working to ensure a viable and desirable development of this area, recognising that it is key to Wokingham town centre’s future success.

Officers at the council have worked closely with developers Rock Investment Group, who are a significant landowner in the site, to find the best way forward for the development and ensure new buildings and environment that are suitable to this prominent site in the town centre.

And last night the council’s planning committee approved the application for 27 retail units, 137 flats, five houses and a decked car park. The council has negotiated a total of £400,000 contribution from the developer for education, community, recreation transport and traffic management, affordable housing and art facilities.

Cllr David Lee, chairman of the Wokingham planning committee, said: “There were a number of concerns raised by residents and organisations when this application last came to planning committee on October 18. Councillors therefore asked for the decision to be deferred until the applicants had been given an opportunity to consider and address these concerns.

“The application was then modified, taking account of the points raised and I am pleased that we now have approval from the committee. I look forward to seeing the scheme develop and Wokingham town centre revitalised as a result.”

Formal approval of the application will now be given in writing, subject to the signing of legal agreements.

Wokingham District Council

Talented members of Wokingham Youth Centre got together on Saturday November 25 to perform a cabaret and variety show to over 120 people.

Twenty young people performed drama, dance and song with a ‘diversity’ theme. Special effects lighting, stage props and the sound system were also managed by club members. This was the first time the group had performed in public.

Cllr Angus Ross, chairman of the council attended the event and said “It’s great that the concept of such an inclusive activity took off at the first attempt. There is so much talent at the club.”

Wokingham Youth Club project leader Cyril Samsun said: “We would like to welcome more members to the club who can join in on future projects. This is a real opportunity for our members to develop their talent and have lots of fun too. Who knows where it might lead to?”

Nigel Shaw, head of the youth service, said: “This kind of event shows that talented young people in the Wokingham district can find an outlet in places provided by the youth service, so they can positively channel their energies to bring so much good fun and pleasure.”

Wokingham Youth Club is planning to put on another cabaret event in Spring 2007 and young people interested in joining the club to become involved should call youth worker Cyril Samsun on (0118) 948 2912.

Wokingham District Council