Wokingham

An action plan to ensure Wokingham Borough Council continues to promote opportunities for disabled people and eliminates discrimination against them is set to be adopted.

The authority’s decision-making executive is expected to approve a Disability Equality Scheme (DES), which sets out the authority’s achievements to date for disabled people and establishes a plan of action to further improve its performance, at its meeting on Thursday May 31. The scheme has been developed in partnership with disabled service users and Wokingham Borough Council staff members.

The DES sets out a holistic approach to disability equality to make sure the authority promotes opportunities for disabled people, makes positive changes for its employees and service users, eliminates discrimination and disability-related harassment, promotes positive attitudes towards disabled people and encourages disabled people to participate fully in public life.

In order to ensure Wokingham Borough Council considers disabled people in all decisions, the DES requires that Disability Impact Assessments be carried out on all policies and functions. This will make the council consider whether the policy or function could have a negative impact on disabled people and make necessary adjustments to it to ensure a positive impact instead.

The DES also sets out an action plan for 2007-2009 that sets out how the scheme will be implemented, publicised and monitored to ensure it achieves its aims. Each service will also have an input into this action plan, with its own specific goals for achieving disability equality over a three year period.

Executive member for Wokingham corporate services Cllr Rob Stanton said: “Following consultation I am delighted we will be able to publish this policy, which will ensure all our policies offer equality in all our processes.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Aren’t Birds Brilliant RSPB Walk

Sat 2 June

Join the Wokingham and Bracknell branch of the RSPB for a morning stroll around Dinton Pastures Country Park.

Meet: main car park, Dinton Pastures

Time: 9am

Cost: Adults £1, accompanied children free (proceeds to RSPB)

 

Keephatch Work Party

Sat 2 June

Ranger-led practical task in mature woodland

Meet: by pond Willowherb Close, Keephatch, Wokingham

Time: 10am-1pm

Cost: Free

 

Heathland Creatures - Serpents and Slow Worms

Sun 3 June

Join a Countryside Service ranger-led walk around California Country Park exploring and discovering the array of heathland reptiles, arachnids, insects, and other wildlife. (Sorry no dogs, or children under 5)

Meet: main car park, California Country Park

Time: 2pm-4pm

Cost: Free

Please book in advance by emailing countryside@ wokingham. gov.uk or calling 0118 934 2016

 

Friends of Lavell’s Lake Bird Walk

Sun 10 June

Lavell’s Lake is rich in bird life, which is attracted to the reedbed, shallow scrapes, and quiet surroundings. Two hides are available for viewing across the reserve. Join the Friends of Lavell’s Lake for a walk around the Park.

Meet: at Sandford Lane car park opposite the Black Swan Sailing Club

Time: 9am-12 noon (approx)

Cost: Free to Friends of Lavell’s Lake members; suggested donation of £1 for non-members

 

Junior Rangers Wildlife Watch Group - Bat Walk

Fri 15 June

Monthly club for children aged 8-12, who are interested in the environment. The group is run by a combination of parent leaders and rangers, and is affiliated with Wildlife WATCH (the junior branch of the Wildlife Trust).

An evening walk and barbecue - the Countryside Service will provide the barbecue, but bring your own food. Afterwards, join us on a twilight walk looking for bats, moths, and glow worms. Bring a torch and dress appropriately. Family members welcome; children must be accompanied. Please note: no toilets on site.

Meet: California Country Park

Time: 7.30pm-10.30pm 

Cost: Free

For further information or to book a place please contact 0118 934 2016

 

Glow Worms - Ranger-led Walk

Sat 16 June  

In the dark about glow worms? Illuminate your knowledge of these fascinating insects during a Countryside Service ranger-led walk. Suitable for ages 8+ Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear sturdy shoes and suitable clothing.

Meet: main car park, California Country Park

Time: 9.30pm-11pm

Cost: Free

Please book in advance by emailing countryside@ wokingham. gov.uk or calling 0118 934 2016

 

Identifying Minibeasts (BBOWT course)

Sat 16 June

Trainers: Des Sussex (Natural England) & Martin Woolner (BBOWT)

Minibeasts are invertebrates, of which spiders, beetles, and bees are just a few! Come along to this course for beginners, which will include a general introduction to minibeasts with a focus on dragonflies, grasshoppers, butterflies and moths, and woodlice. We will cover basic identification and ecology, and you will get the chance to hunt for these 'creepy-crawlies' in an afternoon outdoor session in the fantastic wildflower habitats of Shepherd Meadows. 

Meet: Sandhurst Community Centre, Sandhurst, Berks

Time: 10am-4pm

Cost: Free. £10 refundable deposit cheque (payable to BBOWT). 

To book, call 01865 788 309 or email lindsaywatts@ bbowt.org. uk. Deposit cheques should be sent to: BBOWT Course Bookings, Freepost OF2051, Oxford, OX4 4BR

 

Dog Agility

Sun 17 June

Come along to watch members of the local Lands End Agility Dogs test their accuracy and speed through a series of obstacles. Afterwards there will be an open class for the public, to see if you and your dog can make it over the jumps, tunnels, and weaves!

Meet: location will be sign-posted from main car park, Dinton Pastures 

Time: 3pm

Cost: Free

For more information email countryside@ wokingham. gov.uk or call 0118 934 2016

 

Friends of Lavell’s Lake Work Party

Sun 24 June

Lavell’s Lake is rich in bird life and monthly practical tasks help to encourage even more birds and other wildlife to visit. Friends of Lavell’s Lake is a registered charity, (no rangers on these tasks).

Meet: at Sandford Lane car park opposite Black Swan Sailing Club

Time: 10am till lunchtime (refreshments provided at tea break!)

Cost: Free

 

Bat Watch - Guided Walk

Tues 26 June

Look out for Britain's largest bats, the noctule, as they emerge from the woods on this short walk around Holt Copse. Bat enthusiast, Colin Melhuish from Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers will be your guide for this bat bonanza! Children welcome over 8yrs of age, accompanied by an adult.

Meet: Holt Lane, Wokingham

Time: 8.45pm - 10pm (approx)

Cost: Free

Please book in advance by emailing countryside@ wokingham. gov.uk or calling 0118 934 2016

 

Loddon Link Guided Walk

Thurs 28 June

If you want to discover some of the countryside found on the Hampshire- Berkshire border, this is one walk you won't want to miss. The route, covering about  7 miles, will introduce you to the area found at the lower reaches of the River Blackwater, around Arborfield, and will pass through open farmland and the woods at Farley Hill.
Meet: at the car park nr Bull pub in Arborfield

Time: 10am-1pm

For more details contact Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331 353

 

Theatre in the Park - The Merry Wives of Henry VIII

Sun 30 June

The Countryside Service is pleased to welcome back the Distraction Theatre Company with their brand new comedy The Merry Wives of Henry VIII. Set in the Tudor court of King Henry VIII, the esteemed and powerful monarch is on the search for love... and a woman who can give him an heir. Watch the six Mrs Tudors struggle to keep their position (and their heads), as they rival for Henry's attention to remain Queen of England. Come along to see history re-written with Distraction' s distinctive comedy flavour and bawdy and unique slapstick timing.

Place: California Country Park

Time: 8pm

Cost: £10 adult, £8 group bookings of 6 or more, £7 under 16s and students

Please book tickets in advance by emailing countryside@ wokingham. gov.uk or calling 0118 934 2016

 

Lynn Yardley
Countryside Ranger (Education and Interpretation)
Wokingham Borough Council Countryside Service, Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berkshire RG10 0TH
Tel: 0118 9342016, Fax 0118 9341987
Taking Care of Your Countryside

At its meeting on May 31, Wokingham Borough Council’s decision-making executive will carefully consider the responses to the whole consultation carried out on the proposed closure of Ryeish Green School.

The main reason for the Wokingham decision to consult was the falling number of pupils at the school in Spencers Wood. As a result there is a high level of surplus places and doubt about the educational and economic viability of the school.

An initial report was considered by the Wokingham executive in February 2007 and presented to councillors additional information which they felt consultees had not had an opportunity to consider or respond to. The executive agreed to an additional six-week consultation and the council issued a new consultation document in March.

At the meeting next week (May 31), the ten-strong executive will consider all the views received during the whole consultation period. No decision will be taken until the executive has considered all the pertinent facts. Wokingham Council officers are set to advise the executive that no further evidence has been submitted which constitutes persuasive argument to change their advice that that the school is not viable. At all times the council has paid regard to statutory and non-statutory guidance issued by the secretary of state about consultation on school organisation matters.

Wokingham Council officers believe that the school is not viable in educational terms with regard to its ability to offer breadth and quality of curriculum and in financial terms with regard to its ability to set a balanced budget and provide value for money.

The council has received a business proposal from the school governors but officers do not believe this contains a robust financial plan.

If the executive agrees with council officers’ recommendations, statutory proposals would be published to cease to maintain the school with effect from August 31, 2010, with no new admissions to the school after September 2007.

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “This is one of the most important decisions the council will have to make and we wanted to ensure that the consultation was as robust and as comprehensive as possible. Education officers will present the executive with a full report and we will consider very carefully all the views given during the whole consultation period. I believe we have all the pertinent facts and stakeholders’ views on which to base our decision.”

The council conducted a comprehensive consultation and sought the views of governors, staff, pupils, parents, prospective parents and the wider community. During October 2006 and March 2007, Wokingham council sent out some 18,000 consultation documents to pupils, parents, teachers and governors at Ryeish Green School as well parents of year 6 pupils and governors at the linked primary schools.

The document was also distributed to homes in the designated area of Ryeish Green School, town and parish councils, MPs and all headteachers as well as other children’s services partner organisations. Information was also posted on the council’s website. There was significant coverage of the issue in the local and regional media. As part of consultation process, the council held meetings with parents, teaching staff and governors at Ryeish Green School as well meetings with parents of pupils at linked primary schools.

Wokingham Borough Council

Libraries across the Wokingham Borough are marking two important anniversaries in children’s literature this year – the 70th anniversary of the CILIP Carnegie Medal and the 50th anniversary of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal.

The Carnegie Medal is presented for the best children’s book of the year and the Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded for the best illustration of a children’s book in the year. To mark the anniversaries three libraries in the Wokingham borough are holding special family story time sessions where some excerpts from past winning books and books on this year’s shortlist will be read. These will be at Spencers Wood Library from 11am to 11.45am on Saturday May 26, Lower Earley Library from 11am to 11.45am on Saturday June 2 and Wokingham Library from 10.30am to 11.15am on Saturday June 23. These sessions are children and families of all ages and are free to attend and no booking is necessary.

As well as the family story time sessions, the three Wokingham libraries will be launching the Spread the Word scheme for reader recommendations for children. Children and families are being asked to write about their favourite books and the recommendations are posted on a notice board in each library.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, a poll to find the nation’s favourite past CILIP Carnegie Medal and CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winners has been launched and the shortlist and details on how to vote are on the website www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk.

Wokingham Borough Council children’s librarian Elizabeth McDonald said: “It is good to look back at some of the wonderful children’s books that have been published over the past 70 years. Most people will remember Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet Ahlberg published in 1978 or Mr Magnolia by Quentin Blake published in 1980, both books have been enjoyed by many people and are still enjoyable today.”

Wokingham Borough Council

The summer season of children activities at the Wokingham borough’s libraries will continue in June.

There will be free baby bounce and rhyme sessions at Wokingham Library from 10.15am to 10.45am on Tuesday June 5; at Woodley Library from 10.30am to 11am on Monday June 11 and Lower Earley Library from 10.30am to 11am on Tuesday June 19. They are aimed at babies and toddlers up to 18 months old and places must be booked in advance.

There will also be free Wokingham storytime sessions, which are followed by a craft activity, and are aimed at the under fives. There is no need to book a place in advance. During June there will be weekly sessions from 2.15pm to 3pm on Tuesdays at Wokingham Library; on Thursdays from 2.15pm to 3pm at Woodley Library; also on Thursdays from 2.30pm to 3.15pm at Lower Earley Library and on Mondays from 4pm to 4.45pm at Spencers Wood Library.

In addition, the Wokingham borough’s other libraries will have one session in June. Maiden Erlegh Library’s session will be from 2.15pm to 3pm on Tuesday June 19; Twyford Library’s session will be from 2.15pm to 3pm Tuesday June 19 and Wargrave Library’s session will be from 1.45pm to 2.30pm on Monday June 18.

The Get Arty! craft club will run at Wokingham Library on Saturday June 16; Woodley Library on Saturday June 23 and Lower Earley Library on Saturday June 23. All these sessions will run from 11am to midday and the theme will be Creepy Monsters. These are all free and there is no need to book. They are aimed at children five to 11 years old.

Wokingham Borough Council

All pupils in the Wokingham borough’s schools could have their own online learning space thanks to new IT technology set to be adopted by the authority’s decision-making executive on Thursday May 31.

The Wokingham committee is expected to approve adoption of the UniServity learning platform, a set of online tools to help pupils and teachers share, store and manage their information and work. It would allow schools to access a vast range of services for their pupils and staff, including: a personal working space online for pupils and staff; individual logins for all pupils, staff and parents; shared files and workspace that could be accessed by specific users only; ability to host and manage schools’ websites; other communications tools and facilities such as calendars, surveys, instant messaging and discussion forums and the ability for all individual users to create webpages for a restricted audience or for general publication.

Specific examples of these uses could be: teachers storing lesson plans on a personal file and long-term plans on a shared file; infant pupils storing work they are particularly proud of on their personal space so that parents can see it; photographs of school plays and other activities on webpages with restricted access; pupils able to work on projects jointly with children from other countries; schools could be able to send messages directly to parents via the technology.

The system would be flexible and allow schools to select which of the services they want to adopt. It would also be up to individual schools to choose whether to adopt the UniServity system or a different system, but Department for Education and Skills advice is for all schools to adopt some sort of learning platform by 2008 and Wokingham Borough Council has selected UniServity as its most appropriate provider after a thorough procurement process.

Wokingham Borough council sees it as advantageous to use one learning platform across all its schools because this would allow pupils’ personal workspace to follow them if they change schools and would allow collaborative working between pupils of different schools both inside the borough and beyond – even internationally.

Wokingham Borough Council

Young Wokingham people will be stepping out across the Wokingham borough this week as they take part in Walk to School Week (Monday May 21 to Friday May 25).

Putting their best foot forward to enjoy the benefits of walking to school, pupils from some 42 Wokingham infant, junior or primary schools will be joining with teachers, parents and volunteers on walking buses and other initiatives to promote the healthy alternative to the school run. All pupils who take part in a walking activity during the week will receive a sticker and bookmark.

And a popular Wokingham walking bus is hoping to attract even more ‘passengers’ to its route from Wokingham library car park on Denmark Street to Wescott Infant School and Westende Junior School. The bus runs every day at 8.20am and regularly sees between six and 15 passengers hop on board.

Walking buses are an increasingly popular form of transporting Wokingham children to and from school. A supervised ‘crocodile’ of children collects passengers from allocated stops and walks them to school. The advantages of this type of transport include exercise, an increased awareness of the local area, a chance to socialise along the way, increased community spirit and a sense of security. Pupils also arrive at school more alert and ready to learn.

Wokingham Borough Council

This is the first Wokingham Town centre update from the neighbourhood team from NSO Mark Powell.

I am pleased to introduce the new look neighbourhood team for Wokingham Town centre. I am the new Neighbourhood Specialist Officer [NSO] and my name is Mark Powell. Joining me are Jennifer Skilton and Roy Sully who are Police Community Support Officers [PCSOs]. We all answer to Acting Police Sergeant Christina Berenger who also has supervisory responsibility for Norrey’s, Emmbrook, Winnersh and Woosehill.

Here is the latest news from our patch.

Wokingham Pubwatch: Wokingham Pubwatch continues to go from strength to strength in its aim to create safer communities.
The chairman of Wokingham Pubwatch has instigated Pubwatch on-line. This will enable all participating publicans to access a database which displays photographs of known troublemakers who have previously been barred for criminal or anti-social behaviour.

It will also enable better communication between the publicans and the police who fully support the scheme.
Pubwatch on-line is set to take off in the next few months and it is anticipated to continue the good work that has taken place. It is the first time such a scheme has been trialled within the Thames Valley Police area so its progress will be closely followed.

Wokingham Neighbourhood Action Group [NAG]: The Wokingham town centre NAG has recently merged with the Woosehill and Emmbrook NAG and elected its participating members. Nellie Williams was chosen as the NAG chairperson and has set about arranging the consultation to establish the three neighbourhood priorities that need to be tackled.

Over the next few weeks NAG members will approach members of the community and ask them what three priorities they have for the area.

Theft from lockers: There has been a recent spate of thefts from lockers at Wokingham sports centres and swimming pools where offenders are looking to steal handbags, valuables and car keys. Can you please store your valuables in secure lockers on the poolside if these facilities are available and report any suspicious behaviour to the police and sports centre management.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

As Foster Care Fortnight gets under way this week (May 14 to 28), Wokingham Borough Council is getting ready to launch its own recruitment campaign to find more local foster homes for its looked-after children.

And to mark the launch, Wokingham council will be making a special presentation to one of its longest serving foster carers. Jean King of Wokingham had been a foster carer for 33 years until she retired in December 2006. She had extensive experience of looking after a range of children, with a variety of needs, on a long and short-term basis as well as in cases of emergencies. Over the years she has cared for some 84 children ranging from babies to teenagers.

Jean was a foster parent with her late husband Roger, and both of them made a substantial contribution to the local foster care association and had acted as mentors to less experienced foster carers. Maeve Coupe, fostering team manager, said: “The contribution that Jean and her late husband made to local youngsters has been truly amazing. They have both given so much over the years and have played a key role in their foster children’s future. They have made a real difference to those children’s lives and have provided a safe family environment for the children to live in. I am delighted we are able to make a special presentation to Jean, and I hope that many people will be inspired by her to become foster carers themselves.”

Wokingham borough council is using the annual recruitment campaign to appeal for more foster carers to come forward and is launching the fortnight with a celebration lunch on Wednesday May 16. The lunch will provide an opportunity for current foster carers to meet each other and to celebrate the valuable contribution they make to the lives of looked-after children.

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “As there is a shortage of foster carers in the borough, the council is always looking for more local people to come forward to become foster carers.

Wokingham Borough Council

Downpours at the Wokingham May Fayre did not deter customers keen on greens. The plant stall run by Wokingham Resource and Opportunity Centre (WROC) made nearly £400 selling petunias, geraniums, asters and many other summer favourites – even in the wet weather.

Gardeners with learning disabilities from Wokingham WROC learn their horticultural skills at registered charity Growing Places Berkshire, based at Turgis Court Farm in Hampshire. Growing Places members have their own gardening plots, as well as helping the charity to grow plants for sale and even helping on at the plant sales, learning money handling and customer facing skills. All money made on sales goes directly back into the project.

Wokingham Horticultural therapist Margaret Larby said: “May is always a popular time for people to get stuck in with their gardens and I pleased to see that the rain hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm too much. The day was a great success and the money raised will be very valuable – our gardeners get so much from their visits to Growing Places and every little bit helps to keep the project running.”

Val Baker, whose son John has been learning horticultural skills at Growing Places for many years, helped to run the stall at the May Fayre. She said: “Customers come back year after year to buy from the stall – I think that shows they are always pleased with the plants. But everyone at the project is very grateful for their support. Selling plants is what keeps the whole thing going.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Generous patrons of Wokingham borough’s pubs and clubs have dug deep in their pockets over the past year and have donated just over £376 to Wokingham Borough Council mayor’s chosen charity, The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.

Last autumn, Wokingham mayor Cllr Angus Ross wrote to approximately 70 establishments across the borough asking if they would place an air ambulance collecting tin in their pub or club. And he recently visited some of them to collect the monies from the collection tin and to personally thank them for supporting his chosen charity.

It is traditional for the mayor to support a charity during his term in office. 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. Although counting is still going on, it is expected that Cllr Ross will have raised over £15,000 for the charity.

Cllr Ross said: “I have enjoyed working with the air ambulance in trying to raise money as well as awareness that this splendid service is only there because of commercial and private support. I have also tried, wherever possible, to draw attention to the £1 a week lottery that they run, which has one £1,000 prize each week and a number of other prizes. I was delighted to have won £100 a few weeks ago.

“I look forward to continuing to support this service and I am delighted that I have been able to help, albeit in a small way.”

Further details about the air ambulance and its weekly lottery, can be found on its website at: www.airambulancetvac.org

Wokingham Borough Council

Fantastic facts about our feathered friends and their nests will take flight at two libraries in the Wokingham borough in May.

Wokingham Borough Council countryside service rangers will be teaching children about birds and nests at the sessions, which will also include bird-related craft activities. The sessions will be for children aged five to 11 and an adult must accompany all children.

The free sessions will be from 11am to 12 noon at Woodley Library, Headley Road and 2pm to 3pm at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street on Thursday May 31. Places must be booked in advance from Woodley Library on (0118) 969 0304 or Wokingham Library on (0118) 978 1368.

The half-term sessions will be a taste of what will be on offer for children at the Wokingham borough’s libraries later in the year during the schools’ summer holidays, when a full range of activities on nature and environmental themes will be organised.

Wokingham Borough Council children’s librarian Elizabeth McDonald said: “The countryside service rangers always give a fascinating presentation and children really enjoy finding out about the birds and taking part in the craft activities. These half-term events are just a taster of what we do during the summer holidays so they are a great opportunity for families to find out what we offer.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Over 110 Wokingham young people were celebrating gold, silver and bronze success at the annual Duke of Edinburgh’s Award presentation ceremony held on April 26.

Wokingham Borough Council runs the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through the borough’s schools, youth clubs, independent schools and other organisations such as scouts, guides and groups that specialise in working with young people with special needs. The award continues to grow in popularity each year.

The awards were presented by Simon Whitmore, south east regional operations manager of the awards scheme, witnessed by the deputy mayor Wokingham Cllr Annette Drake at a presentation ceremony held at Bearwood College Theatre. Some 73 young people received the bronze award, while 24 were awarded silver and 16 were awarded gold.

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 are: service (helping the community), skills (a hobby, skill or interest), physical recreation (sport, dance, fitness) and 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.

Compères for the evening Alexandra Greehy and Samantha Pollen from Luckley Oakfield School in Wokingham. The Step-Up Academy dancers from Wokingham Youth Centre, a group of some 40 young people who teach, perform and encourage others to learn dance routines, entertained the audience. Pupils from the Holt School talked about their experiences on the animal care course, one of the most popular Duke of Edinburgh courses on offer.

Luckley Oakfield also provided musical entertainment on the saxophone and clarinet with performances of ‘Moon Dance’, ‘I could have danced all night’ and ‘Prelude.’

Cllr Annette Drake, deputy mayor at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The presentation evening is a culmination of months of hard work by our young people. We should especially recognise the achievements of those with learning difficulties who have also exceeded all expectations. Some of those who collected their gold awards will have been involved with the award scheme for as long as ten years, demonstrating a huge amount of dedication. The presentation evening is a fantastic achievement and so is their contribution to our community.

“These awards would not be possible without those dedicated individuals including teachers, expedition leaders, assessors, supervisors and not forgetting parents, who give their support, time and enthusiasm to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone involved. I am so proud of you all.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham police are reminding people of some basic crime prevention advice so that their summer is not ruined by becoming a robbery victim.

With the warm weather now upon us, Wokingham officers are concerned about the number of people walking around with mobile phones, Ipods and other expensive electrical equipment clearly on display.

Ch Insp Tony Ismay, the Wokingham LPA Commander, said: “Pleasingly we do not have a specific problem with robberies in this area.

“That said, there are still a number of these types of offences being committed and we want to ensure that our residents reduce their chances of becoming a victim even further by keeping their valuable items out of view.

“Most robberies are not planned, but are carried out by offenders who see a chance and take it. They are looking for an easy strike – a quick way to get cash or expensive electrical property.”

Tony’s crime Wokingham prevention tips:

• Keep your mobile phone and Ipod out of sight as much as possible
• Keep your wallet out of sight and don’t flash your cash
• Keep your bag/rucksack closed, zipped and buckled. If someone grabs it, let it go. Bags – and their contents – can be replaced
• Where possible use public transport rather than walk home alone
• Stick with your mates - you are more likely to be a target on your own
• Don't drink too much – someone who is drunk is an easier target for a potential robber
• Take extra care when taking money out of the cash-point and put your money away safely before leaving the cash-point
• When using a cash machine go in daylight or with a mate if you can, or choose a well lit machine where there are other people around
• Have your house keys ready before you reach the door. Rummaging around for them means you’re not looking at what’s around you

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

A Wokingham consultation on the education issues relating to the proposed all-weather pitches at The Bulmershe School in Woodley has been launched today (Tuesday May 8).

The Wokingham scheme, which would see ten five-a-side and two seven-a-side, all weather, multi-sport pitches and a pavilion provided on part of the school’s existing playing field, has already received planning consent. In order for the scheme to proceed to the next stage, approval from central government’s Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is required.

As part of this process, Wokingham council and school are consulting with the school community, as well as the town council, neighbouring schools and clubs using the playing field, asking for comments relating to education and school sports issues. Comments should not relate to issues already covered in the planning process, such as traffic impact, noise and design.

Consultation leaflets are being sent to Bulmershe School pupils, Addington and Highwood Schools head teachers and governors, Woodley Town Council and interested local groups. The consultation leaflet is also available on the council’s website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk. Comments should be sent to Property Services, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WH or emailed to property.services@wokingham.gov.uk by July 20, 2007.

Executive member for corporate services Wokingham Cllr Rob Stanton said: “This is a chance for the school and local community to comment on the educational or school sports issues relating to this proposal. All comments will be collated and the results submitted with an application to the DfES.”

A decision from the DfES is not expected until autumn 2007.

Wokingham Borough Council

Nine hard-working Wokingham home care assistants are to be rewarded for their long service at a special presentation held by Wokingham Borough Council next week (Wednesday May 9).

Long service certificates will be presented by older people’s champion Cllr Bob Wyatt and corporate head of community care Pat Brecknock at the event, taking place at Cockayne Court off Arnett Avenue in Finchampstead.

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

• 20 years - Helen Payne
• 15 years - Chris Greenaway
• 10 years - Lesley Swinden Strudley
• 5 years - Mary Prendergast, Lin Davies, Lisa Wilkins, Chris Witts, Michelle Jacobs and Lucy Leah

Wokingham Cllr Bob Wyatt said: “All home care staff provide personal care and practical support to a wide range of people wishing to live independently in the community.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of our home carers who make a real difference to local residents’ lives every day of the year. It’s a real pleasure to celebrate the contribution of such reliable carers who have given up to 20 years of service, often beyond the call of duty.”

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

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham People looking after vulnerable family members or friends with a physical disability or sensory needs are being invited to meet and enjoy the company of other carers.

A carers’ group has been set up by Wokingham Borough Council to support local carers and give them somewhere to turn on a regular basis.

The carers’ group will be getting together on Tuesday May 15 at the Westmead Centre off Rances Lane in Wokingham.

People can drop in anytime between 4.30pm and 7pm for a chance to find out what is happening for carers in the Wokingham Borough as well as enjoy a bowl of strawberries and cream and refreshments. The evening will also include a short talk on wine and a wine tasting session at 6pm.

This is the second Wokingham carers group meeting following a well attended evening last November.

Transport and sitting services are available to help people attend if necessary. To find out more about the carers’ group or to arrange transport, call service development officer Mike Stillman on (0118) 974 6231.

Wokingham Borough Council

Some seven months into the new school meal contract, Wokingham Borough Council is today celebrating an 8% per cent increase in the take-up of school meals since September 2006.

A new Wokingham menu has been launched this term and features the scrumptious delights of organic fishcakes, sweet and sour pork, vegetarian cottage pie, chilli and roast pork to name just a few. Every day the pupils tuck into salad and fruit salads meaning that many pupils now enjoy their five pieces of fruit or vegetables a day. And if that wasn’t tempting enough for pupils, homemade bread is also available everyday. School meals are freshly cooked using organic vegetables and meat products from local suppliers in the south of England including Berkshire.

Wokingham council introduced a new menu and new contract in September 2006 with Tunbridge Wells-based company Edwards & Ward. Parents have been given a leaflet which lists what is on the menu each day. Organic sausages and homemade cheese and tomato flan are a firm favourite amongst the pupils and they also get to sample cuisine from around the world including Mexican-style chicken and curry.

There are 56 schools in the Wokingham borough who are part of the school meal contract. All have seen increases in take-up, but some have seen large rises including: Hatch Ride Primary School with an 89% increase and Robert Piggott Infant School with a 65% increase.

Rachael Maughan, Wokingham procurement officer and contracts team leader, said: “The council continues to find fresh and interesting ways to engage pupils in healthy eating. We are delighted with the up-take in school meals this academic year and this impressive increase sends the council a clear message that pupils are really enjoying the new menus introduced this term.

“School meals have come along way over the past year and the pupils are reaping the benefits of tasty and nutritious food.”

Headteacher at Hatch Ride Primary School Tracy Frackelton said: “I am delighted with the improvement in the quality of the meals we are serving up to our children everyday - even the staff are tucking in!”

Mike Ward, joint managing director at Edwards & Ward, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and efforts of all our catering teams who have responded so positively to the new menus and a return to healthy fresh ingredients. Every day they transform these ingredients into the healthy lunches that are proving so popular throughout the Wokingham borough’s schools and they are seeing a month-on-month increase in the number of pupils choosing to have a school lunch rather than a packed-lunch."

Under the new contract arrangements, Wokingham council exceeds new government nutritional guidelines by providing fresh food that is cooked by the catering staff in 38 school kitchens across the borough. 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 Borough Council

Young families will find fun activities at the Wokingham borough’s libraries this month.

There will be free baby bounce and rhyme sessions at Woodley Library from 10.30am to 11am on Monday May 14 and Lower Earley Library from 10.30am to 11am on Tuesday May 15. They are aimed at babies and toddlers up to 18 months old and places must be booked in advance.

There will also be free storytime sessions, which are followed by a craft activity, and are aimed at the under fives. There is no need to book a place in advance. During May there will be weekly sessions from 2.15pm to 3pm on Tuesdays at Wokingham Library; on Thursdays from 2.15pm to 3pm at Woodley Library; also on Thursdays from 2.30pm to 3.15pm at Lower Earley Library and on Mondays from 4pm to 4.45pm at Spencers Wood Library.

In addition, the Wokingham borough’s other libraries will have one session a month in May. Maiden Erlegh Library’s session will be from 2.15pm to 3pm on Tuesday May 19; Winnersh Library’s session will be from 10.15am to 11am on Saturday May 19; Twyford Library’s session will be from 2.15pm to 3pm Tuesday May 15 and Wargrave Library’s session will be from 1.45pm to 2.30pm on Monday May 21.

All the monthly sessions, and one of the weekly sessions per month at Wokingham, Woodley, Lower Earley and Spencers Wood, will have a special theme, which will be The Very Hungry Caterpillar in May.

The Get Arty! craft club will run at Wokingham Library on Saturday May 19; Woodley Library on Saturday May 12 and Lower Earley Library on Saturday May 12. All these sessions will run from 11am to midday and the themes will be Brilliant Bugs. These are all free and there is no need to book. They are aimed at children five to 11 years old.

Wokingham Borough Council’s children’s librarian Elizabeth McDonald said: “These are fun sessions and babies, small children and parents really enjoy them. They are a good example of how libraries are a centre for the whole community – and for all ages – and taking books home can only be a bonus.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Green-fingered gardeners with learning disabilities from Wokingham Resource and Opportunity Centre (WROC) have been working hard on their horticultural skills at the Growing Places project. And on Wednesday April 25, Wokingham Borough Council Mayor Cllr Angus Ross presented some of the gardeners with certificates to recognise their skills at the Growing Places Awards.

The gardeners of Wokingham Growing Places have learned to sow seeds, look after seedlings and care for plants in the ground and in the greenhouse, as well as developing their creative skills making flower arrangements and hanging baskets for selling. At the awards they were congratulated on their achievements by the Mayor and received certificates that they can show to family and friends as recognition of their skills – and can even use to show a wider audience the extent of their abilities.

“Existing national award schemes are not flexible enough to reflect the achievements of such a wide range of individual gardeners as we have at Growing Places,” said horticultural therapist Margaret Larby. “The Growing Places Awards reflect the amazing efforts put in by gardeners. They have retained the skills they’ve learned and they constantly apply them - hence the very high standard of plants we grow and sell. Their abilities are often underestimated and these certificates will give them something to show to visitors, students and staff at the project, something they can be proud of.”

The Wokingham awards were not only for horticultural achievements. Both individuals and groups who had contributed to the Growing Places project in particular ways received recognition. The conservation group, who do planting and propagation of wildflowers at local nature reserves, were recognised for their commitment to demanding conservation work. The “mural” group received awards for their work helping to produce a mural, which brightens up the wall at Turgis Court Farm in Hampshire, where the project is based.

“Helping to teach the pupils of Addington School, who now attend Growing Places on a regular basis, is recognised as a wonderful achievement and has brought out qualities in our gardeners that have amazed us,” said Margaret. “In fact, high standards are noticeable in all that they do, whether it is mutual support and encouragement or passing on their knowledge to pupils.

“We have been pleased to see the enthusiasm shown by all who attend Growing Places - not just the gardeners but also the staff, volunteers and students on placement.”

Presenting the awards, Wokingham Cllr Ross said: “Growing Places is a special place and I enjoyed my visit there last year and seeing so many familiar faces today. Providing recognition to those with difficulties by receiving awards here is great and all deserve to be very proud of their achievements. A lot of hard work by staff, helpers and gardeners has gone into Growing Places this year and I am delighted to see such dedication and skill from all the gardeners. I know everyone will keep up the good work!”

Wokingham Borough Council

As part of Wokingham Borough Council’s ongoing effort to improve relations with Wokingham town and parish councils a monthly newsletter, The Town and Parish News, has been launched.

The Wokingham Town and Parish News is designed to update town and parish councils on the borough council’s plans, policies and decisions and to provide a forum for the towns and parishes to voice concerns, raise issues and publicise their own activities.

The first edition contains articles on new initiatives aimed at better working partnerships between Wokingham borough council and town and parish councils, environmental initiatives and a focus on the borough council’s new economic development officer Andy Nicholls.

Wokingham Borough Council deputy chief executive Paul Turrell said: “The borough council is working hard to develop a strong relationship with all town and parish councils and this newsletter is one way we aim to achieve that. I hope we get a lot of feedback on the first edition and I believe the Town and Parish News will become a useful tool for all involved.”

Wokingham Borough Council