Wokingham

Here is a monthly update for the East Wokingham Neighbourhoods from Inspector Lindsay James. This includes Wokingham Town Centre, Emmbrook, Woosehill and Winnersh:

“To kick off then I would like to remind you of the recruitment that is ongoing for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) across Wokingham.

“We have had PCSO Wayne Plowright join the team in Winnersh. He will be joined by PCSO Shelly Townsend towards the end of August as she finishes her training. Waiting in the wings is Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Marc Robinson who is set to join us from Reading.

“Winnersh is about to have its first Dispersal Order and I will update you with its progress next month.

“Its purpose is to reduce anti-social behaviour in Winnersh particularly for residents close to Robin Hood Lane. Details of the order have gone into the local newspapers and I will ensure that public notices are placed in appropriate places around the designated area. If you see anti-social behaviour please call Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505 to report it.

“Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Simon Pink joins us from Reading to front the Woosehill and Emmbrook team. This will take effect from the middle of August. Emma Harper, the PCSO in this area, is on restricted duties due to her pregnancy. Recruitment for the additional post is ongoing and I hope to inform you in my next article, who it will be.

“Wokingham Town Centre, led by PC Mark Powell the Neighbourhood Specialist Officer, is shaping up nicely. He has two PCSOs, Jenny Skilton and Roy Sully. Over the coming months this team will be working hard to combat alcohol related violence and criminal damage. I will be encouraging licensed premises to cooperate with me to reduce crime within the town centre through a number of initiatives. There is a strong Pubwatch scheme within Wokingham which is working with us to ensure that visitors to the town have a peaceful stay.

“The Norreys has two part time Neighbourhood Specialist officers, Julie Susel and Caroline Powell. They will share the role and lead two PCSOs Mike Neave and Nellie Williams. Nellie, who is chair of the Wokingham Town Centre Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG), will be in training in September so hopefully we will see her in October.

“It’s an exciting time for these neighbourhoods as the teams take shape. I am confident that they will be a success as they work with our partners to make your communities safer.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

Proposals to revitalise Wokingham town centre are a step closer after Wokingham Borough Council agreed last night (Thursday July 26) to legally appropriate the Elms Field / Wellington House area.

The Wokingham project aims to open up the southern end of the town, making it a must-visit place for all ages, drawing people into the town centre and boosting its vitality, whilst maintaining the character of the town. It also aims to set a trend for other high quality improvements in the town.

Appropriation is a legal process required by the Local Government Act in order for the council to potentially update the use of the land. The future use of the land will be decided by the planning process not appropriation.

Champion for town centres Wokingham Cllr Chris Bowring said: “This is an ambitious project that is set to bring many benefits to the town centre and its residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors. I really do believe it will bring great community benefits to the town, such as increased footfall, greater choice and improved open space.

“We have considered all of the feedback received under this legal process and have taken it into account. There was a spread of comments with key themes including open space and transport issues.”

The council has agreed to the recommendation that any proposals must allow for a significant area of the land to be used for open recreational purposes and for a contribution to the car-parking needs of the town centre.

The brief from the Wokingham council asked for schemes that achieve a balance between:

- providing a new southern gateway to the town centre
- improving the economic viability and social vitality of the town whilst maintaining its character
- providing high quality open space
- improving links between the town centre, Wellington Road leisure area and the railway stations
- providing high quality and well-designed development
- considering the opportunities that evening weekend trading might offer
- ensuring a financially viable scheme

“We have received feedback, some critical, suggesting that this is solely a money-making scheme. We’re aiming to increase the town centre’s vitality and secure its future prosperity. To do this, the scheme does have to be financially viable. Any section 106 (developer contribution) monies received will contribute to infrastructure, such as schools and roads,” said Cllr Bowring.

“I would encourage people to come and see how the six developers have responded to the brief. The schemes are on display in the council’s Shute End offices – now extended until August 10 - with feedback forms available to submit comments.”

And an extra Saturday session has been arranged for August 4 when councillors and officers will be on hand between 9am and 1pm. Alternatively, developers will be on hand to explain their proposals between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday August 2.

The council will be undertaking a thorough evaluation of all of the proposals. Once a final partner is selected, further work will take place to finalise a scheme before beginning the planning process which will involve addressing issues such as traffic implications through a full impact assessment. It will also involve further public consultation in which people will once again be encouraged to take part.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Jobseekers and all those interested in local government careers were invited to Wokingham Borough Council’s civic offices on Monday July 23, to learn more about the variety of opportunities on offer at the Council.

There are vacancies in many services units at Wokingham council, offering good career progression and excellent staff benefits including a flexible working policy, a final salary pension scheme, discounts at local shops and help with child care arrangements. Wokingham Borough Council is an age positive employer champion, and is committed to equal opportunities. The council also operates family-friendly working policies.

Recruitment and Careers Day was a chance for Wokingham council staff to promote their individual services and meet potential new recruits in a relaxed setting, allowing people to browse the many different career options. There were 27 council vacancies being advertised on the day, as well as five being advertised on behalf of partner agencies such as colleges, early years centres and charities. Service units competed to offer the best stand – a prize was awarded to the service that made their career opportunities the most inviting and accessible to job-seeking visitors.

Mayor Cllr Annette Drake judged the 14 stands, finally awarding children’s services a prize of gift vouchers for their powerful visual displays and wide array of information.

“All the stands have been very impressive,” said the Mayor. “But I particularly liked the display offered by children’s services and was glad to see opportunities for foster carers given a high profile alongside the staff vacancies. I am pleased to see that staff here at the council are proud of the career opportunities the organisation offers, and are keen to welcome new recruits."

Recruitment and retention officer Sinead O’Flynn said: “The day was a great success. We had about 600 visitors and nearly 80 people signed up to receive our regular jobs bulletins, which we send every week by email or by post to interested jobseekers.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Young musicians in the Wokingham borough are encouraged to get practising their acts ready for the Wokingham Battle of the Bands!

Auditions for the event, hosted by Wokingham Borough Council’s youth service, were due to take place at Wokingham Youth Centre on Friday July 27 but have now been rescheduled to Friday August 3. The final of the competition is on August 17 from 7pm to 10pm and £100 prize money is up for grabs for the lucky winners.

Young people aged between 13 and 19 years are invited to enter their band for the competition, at a cost of £5 per band. All applications need to be submitted by the evening of Wednesday August 1.

For an application form to enter the competition, or for more information, contact Wokingham Youth Centre on (0118) 978 3610 or email: shelia.jones@wokingham.gov.uk or drop in to 35 Reading Road, Wokingham.

Wokingham Borough Council

Children were spellbound with excitement at the Harry Potter Midnight Launch Party at Wokingham Library on Friday night.

More than 50 lucky young Wokingham competition winners attended the party, where they enjoyed a magical time that culminated in the unveiling of the seventh and final Hogwarts adventure, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The young partygoers had won tickets to the big night in three competitions run at all the Wokingham borough’s libraries.

At the Wokingham party, the children and their families enjoyed games, puzzles and craft activities as well as being taught magical tricks by children’s magician Mike Tait – all on a Harry Potter theme. And, at one minute past midnight, the moment all Harry Potter fans had been waiting for arrived when the final book was unveiled.

One young partygoer, Matthew Hillman, aged nine, who was one of the fancy dress competition winners with his Dumbledore costume, said: “I would describe the party as very bewitching. My favourite bit was learning to do magic. I had entered all three competitions and was amazed when I found out I had won.”

Another Wokingham Harry Potter fan at the party, Stephanie Gaddum, aged nine, who was also a fancy dress competition winner with her imaginative spell book costume, said: “My favourite bit was learning to do magic tricks; they were really interesting and I’ve never done anything like that before.”

And Stephanie’s mum Ruth, who was also at the party, said: “The party is a really inventive idea. It was really good fun and great for the children. Stephanie has been so excited about tonight – the end of term paled into insignificance ever since she found out she had won a ticket.”

As well as Stephanie and Matthew, the third Wokingham fancy dress competition winner on the night was Tara Sharif – who celebrated her tenth birthday on the day of the party. All the winners received a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as a prize.

Wokingham Borough Council reader development officer for young people and families Elizabeth McDonald said: “It was an incredible evening and I think all the guests had a great time. The build up of anticipation as we got close to midnight was intense and it was magical to see so much excitement caused by a book and so much fun being had in a library. The children seemed to enjoy everything at the party, although Mike Tait and his magic tricks were particularly popular.”
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The party’s success came despite the heavy rain on Friday evening; with young fans determined they would make the big night and dedicated staff prepared to battle the bad weather to make it happen. Only one party ticket winner could not make it to the event and he is being sent a goody bag from the party to help make up for the disappointment.

Corporate head of Wokingham knowledge development Chris Hamilton said: “Apparently the children were so determined to get to the party that they would not let the floods stop them and begged their parents to get them to it, which is a credit to how much excitement the party created. I would also like to pay tribute to the dedication of the staff who made it in on the night and ensured it was such a success.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Tomorrow (July 25) some 60 young people will come together in the Wokingham Borough for a week-long youth exchange which will see them taking part in a number of exciting activities.

The exchange, funded by the European Commission, will see young people from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Turkey, France, the Basque area of Spain and the Wokingham Borough explore the meaning of international citizenship.

This exciting event brings together young people from diverse backgrounds from around the world to actively explore international citizenship, co-operation, equality and diversity, rights and responsibilities, human rights and democracy through workshops, discussion groups and outdoor activities.

Cllr Malcolm Bryant, champion for Wokingham youth and leisure, said: “Some of these young people will be leaving virtual war zones to come together and learn about each others’ lives and cultures. They will have the chance to explore their differences and similarities and address the myths of stereotyping of people's ethnicity and beliefs. Through team work and shared experiences the young people will have the opportunity to discover and challenge their beliefs and attitudes as young adults living in the same world.

“It promises to be a fun and exciting week as well as a wonderful experience for all the young people and the Wokingham Borough is delighted to host such an important event.”

The young Wokingham people will be staying at Reading University during their week-long visit and will take part in a variety of fun activities including canoeing, raft building, street dance, African drumming, pottery, arts and crafts and traditional games from each country. Each day they will spend time taking part in workshops run by leaders from each of the different countries allowing them to explore issues around citizenship, security and identity.

They will also take part in a treasure hunt in London to find famous places of interest. The exchange will culminate with a farewell party generously hosted by the Irish Club in Reading.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council and the John Lewis Partnership are continuing to work together to create exciting play areas at schools in the borough. And on Thursday (July 19) they were regenerating a garden at Keephatch Primary School in Wokingham.

Back in November 2006, the John Lewis Partnership provided a team of volunteers from their ‘Time Bank’ team to create a fenced garden area at Shinfield St Mary’s Primary School. The ‘Time Bank’ is a company scheme that allows employees to get involved with voluntary projects during work time, with the support of the company. Having read about this project in their staff newsletter, a team from Waitrose, who are part of the John Lewis Partnership, contacted Wokingham council’s play strategy advisor to see if there were any projects they could get involved with.

And as a result, some 10 employees from Waitrose head office spent the day working hard to regenerate the school’s garden as part of the council’s better places to play project. Waitrose has donated over 40 plants and planted them to create a habitat attracting wildlife including butterflies and bees. This will greatly enhance the school’s outdoor learning. Waitrose also donated garden materials such as composters.

Employees from Waitrose head office tidied up the school’s pagoda creating an area for the children to play and socialise. Waitrose Wokingham also donated a children’s bench made out of recycled plastic bags allowing pupils to enjoy storytime sessions in the garden.

Mike English, Waitrose systems at Waitrose (Bracknell), said: “It is a privilege for us at Waitrose to be involved in helping to improve the pagoda and surrounding area used by the children at Keephatch Primary School. We are all excited about being here and really hope that the children will be able to enjoy the area when they return from their holiday in September.

“I’d like to thank the headteacher Angela Young and Brian Matthews from the council for allowing us to be involved. I’d also like to thank Waitrose Wokingham for the donation of a bench. Lastly, I’d like to thank my team from Waitrose systems who worked hard to complete the project and especially to team member Jo Goddard, who has been involved with organising the day.”

Brian Matthews, Wokingham council’s play strategy advisor, said: “The garden and surrounding play area have been enhanced considerably thanks to Waitrose and what better way for children to learn more about wildlife than with their very own garden and flowerbed.

“The council is delighted to be working in partnership with John Lewis on the better places to play project. It has allowed some of our schools to make improvements to their play areas and I am very grateful, as our schools are, to their commitment. Children play on average seven and a half hours a week in the playground so it is great to see projects like these getting off the ground and making a real difference.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham trading standards service today warned flood victims across the Wokingham borough to be on their guard for cowboy builders and repair companies exploiting their desperate plight.

In previous emergencies, unscrupulous individuals have tried to take advantage of victims in the worst hit areas by offering quick-fix building and repair work which may be unnecessary or of poor quality.

Pauline McWilliams, principal trading standards officer for Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Unfortunately we know from previous incidents that conmen and disreputable companies will see the chance for making easy money from desperate families. Doorstep sellers will also seek to exploit the urgency of the situation facing victims.”

With further heavy rain forecast for later in the week, Wokingham Borough Trading Standards has advised people in affected areas to seek advice from their insurers, or to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

People with home insurance should get a minimum of three quotes for any work and then check with their insurers before getting work carried out. Those without insurance should contact Wokingham & District Citizens’ Advice Bureau on 0844 499 4126. They should not organise work without first getting several quotes and then agreeing the details of the work in writing.

Pauline McWilliams said: “We have lots of evidence from previous natural disasters, including other flooding incidents, that dodgy traders and cowboy builders take the opportunity to exploit the situation.”

Anyone requiring general advice should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 Evidence of scams or criminal trading activity should be reported to Wokingham Borough Council Trading Standards Service on 0118 974 6400 or Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505.

Wokingham Borough Council

Young Wokingham people, aged between 13 and 19 years, will soon have the opportunity to take a crash-course in babysitting. A variety of similar courses have already taken place across the Wokingham Borough and have become so popular that Earley Centrepoint Youth Centre is running a week-long babysitting course during the school summer holidays.

The Wokingham courses are accredited and youngsters will receive certificates on completion, which can be invaluable in securing part-time jobs. The accreditation can also count towards the nationally recognised youth achievement awards.

The sessions aim to teach teenagers basic skills in childcare, including safe play, paediatric first aid and health and safety in the home. And hands-on experience is provided through the use of virtual reality babies.

The course will be taking place at Earley Centrepoint Youth Centre from Monday August 13 to Friday August 17 between 10am and 2.30pm, at a cost of £20 per person.

Places are filling fast, so anyone wishing to take part should contact Rachael Robinson, senior youth worker on (0118) 931 2951.

Wokingham Borough Council

Football fever gripped young Wokingham Borough Council tenants this month, as they took to the field for the sports development unit’s football tournament at Cantley Park, Wokingham. Forty children from four key estates took part in the evening of football and were cheered on by over 80 enthusiastic parents and supporters.

Coaches Ross Herridge and Glenn Goudie have been working with the children for two years. Sessions are held once a week in Gorse Ride in Finchampstead, Rainbow Park in Winnersh, Norreys in Wokingham and Skylark Way in Shinfield. The children are taught by qualified Football Association coaches and, as well as ball control, they learn valuable life skills that they can transfer into everyday life such teamwork, sportsmanship, respect for others and communication.

For the Wokingham tournament the children were split into six teams, with players from each of the four different areas on the same team. With the sponsorship of the tenant services monitoring board, players were resplendent in their very own football shirts and every team had their very own ‘Alex Ferguson’ to guide them through the tournament.

The games were officiated by qualified Berks and Bucks Football Association referees and they were extremely complimentary about the way the children conducted themselves and the excellent teamwork, skill and sportsmanship on offer.

Champion for Wokingham youth and leisure councillor Malcolm Bryant was on hand to present commemorative medals and prizes, and chair of the tenant services monitoring board Maureen Ford selected four children to receive the “Fair Play” award, for showing excellent sportsmanship during the tournament.

The winners were:
•Kelsie Warren aged 10, Rainbow Park
•Daniel Savory aged 9, Wokingham
•Liam Connolly aged 7, Finchampstead
•Callum Lucas aged 8, Shinfield

The Wokingham council’s community sports coach Glenn Goudie was very pleased with the evening. He said, “The tournament was very well attended by the children and it was very exciting for them to play in front of such a large and supportive crowd. The council’s aim is to make this a regular event and the sports unit would like to thank the tenant services monitoring board for their support and to Cllr Bryant for his positive support.”

Wokingham Cllr Malcolm Bryant said: “I was very impressed by the enthusiasm shown in the tournament. It was the culmination of several months’ intensive training which the council is glad to be able to put resources into. It was also nice to see so much support from the youngsters’ parents – about 75 parents were there. Football is a great way to bring people from different parts of the borough together.”

For more information on the free football sessions please contact the sports development unit on (0118) 974 6264 or (0118) 974 6265.

Wokingham Borough Council

Pupils and staff at Wokingham Borough Council’s vulnerable children’s education service unit in Wokingham said a big thank you to Cable & Wireless for their generous donation of £5,000.

Representatives from the international communications company visited Foxwood in Milton Road in Wokingham on Thursday July 12. The council’s executive member for children’s services Cllr Frank Browne also visited the unit to see Cable & Wireless present the cheque to pupils and staff along with a water cooler and book tokens.

This generous donation follows on from a number of partnership events that have taken place between Cable & Wireless and the unit. Over the past few months members of the company’s transformation team have been visiting the unit to take part in activities with the pupils. At Easter they joined pupils in making Easter cards and also planted some shrubs in large planters.

The education base for individual and small groups of vulnerable Wokingham pupils who are temporarily unable to attend mainstream schools, Foxwood helps children with medical needs, school-age pregnant girls and primary school pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Most of the children are taught at the unit although some receive tuition at home.

Senior teacher at Foxwood Emma O’Brien said: “The developing relationship between Foxwood and Cable & Wireless is very exciting and proving to be mutually rewarding. I am thrilled with this generous donation, which will be put to good use in expanding our resources for our pupils. I would like to thank them wholeheartedly for their continued support.”

Tracy O’Brien from Cable & Wireless said: “The developing relationship with Foxwood is more rewarding than I anticipated. Spending quality time with the children and teachers gives you a difference perspective on life and work. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Emma and the children.”

Andrew Roughan from Cable & Wireless said: “It was so rewarding to get out of the office and get some perspective on life and the challenges we face.”

Cllr Frank Browne, Wokingham council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “The staff at Foxwood provide a great service to some of our most vulnerable children in the borough and I am very impressed with their hard work and dedication. The partnership with Cable & Wireless has really made a positive contribution to the unit and I am delighted with their ongoing support. Their donation will complement council funding of the unit and will help fund extra equipment such as whiteboards. I would like to say a big thank you to the team at Cable & Wireless for their donation but also for the time they have spent at the unit mentoring pupils.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Here is the latest Wokingham Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing update from Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) PC Mark Powell:

“In my last report I mentioned a small spate of thefts from lockers at sports centres/swimming pools during which wallets and other valuables were stolen. I am happy to report that this appears to have come to an end. An arrest has been made and the matter is now moving through the courts.

“During late June police received a number of calls relating to anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at Wokingham train station car park. The target of this behaviour appeared to be the taxi drivers waiting to pick up fares.

“As a result of an increase in patrols by police and PSCOs to the area there has been a fall in the amount of calls reporting the incidents. A group of youths have been identified and a number of them have been arrested for criminal damage and assault.

“A 16-year-old boy has been charged with criminal damage and is due to appear at Maidenhead Youth Court on July 24. An 18-year old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault and will answer his bail on July 18.

“The situation at the train station car park is being closely monitored but I am keen to hear if the problems start up again so please report any incidents.

“The Wokingham Pubwatch meeting took place at the start of the month where publicans discussed two separate incidents involving men engaged in unacceptable drunken aggressive behaviour. Publicans unanimously voted for both men to be banned from entering pubs participating in Wokingham Pubwatch. Their photos will be circulated amongst the publicans so as to assist them in the reduction of alcohol related crime in Wokingham Town Centre.

“Wokingham Pubwatch, supported by Wokingham police and Wokingham Borough Counci, are determined to work together to continue to ensure that there is a safe night time economy in Wokingham Town Centre.

“And finally, I am looking to establish a Wokingham Town Centre surgery in the near future. This will be an ideal opportunity for anybody wishing to speak to me in the flesh and report anything they wish to or speak to me in strict confidence. I promise I do not bite! Watch this space for details of the venue, dates and times.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

Wokingham Borough Council and the John Lewis Partnership are continuing to work together to create exciting play areas at schools in the borough. And tomorrow (Thursday July 19) they will be regenerating a garden at Keephatch Primary School in Wokingham.

Back in November 2006, the John Lewis Partnership provided a team of volunteers from their ‘Time Bank’ team to create a fenced garden area at Shinfield St Mary’s Primary School. The ‘Time Bank’ is a company scheme that allows employees to get involved with voluntary projects during work time, with the support of the company. Having read about this project in their staff newsletter, a team from Waitrose, who are part of the John Lewis Partnership, contacted the Wokingham council’s play strategy advisor to see if there were any projects they could get involved with.

And as a result, some 10 employees from Waitrose head office will be spending the day working hard to regenerate the school’s garden as part of the council’s better places to play project. Waitrose is donating over 40 plants and these will be planted to create a habitat attracting wildlife including butterflies and bees. This will greatly enhance the school’s outdoor learning. Waitrose will also be donating garden materials such as composters.

Employees from Waitrose head office will tidy up the school’s pagoda creating an area for the children to play and socialise. Waitrose in Wokingham are also donating a children’s bench made out of recycled plastic bags allowing pupils to enjoy storytime sessions in the garden.

Brian Matthews, the Wokingham council’s play strategy advisor, said: “The garden and surrounding play area will be enhanced considerably thanks to Waitrose and what better way for children to learn more about wildlife than with their very own garden and flowerbed.

“The council is delighted to be working in partnership with John Lewis on the better places to play project. It has allowed some of our schools to make improvements to their play areas and I am very grateful, as our schools are, to their commitment. Children play on average seven and a half hours a week in the playground so it is great to see projects like these getting off the ground and making a real difference.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Residents from different backgrounds and cultures living in the Wokingham Borough got together last week (July 11) at a special event aiming to explore new ways for locally diverse communities to integrate, build relations and celebrate individuality.

Under the theme “Action not words – making it work in Wokingham”, the conference aimed to identify ideas for helping to bring communities together and to tackle common barriers that might prevent interaction and good relations.

The event featured local facts and figures about Black Minority and Ethnic Communities in the borough, as well as entertainment from different countries and community presentations.

Keynote Wokingham speakers included Elise Clarke, director of cohesion and faiths from the Department of Communities and Local Government, who added that community cohesion cannot be forcibly imposed by external agencies but has to be achieved by community members working together for the benefit of all.

Other speakers were Vip Mair of the Thames Valley Police talking about community safety; Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera, formerly of the National Police Improvement Agency, and Josie Wragg, Wokingham Borough Council’s policy manager for social inclusion, highlighting initiatives and events held to celebrate individuality such as Black History Month and establishing new community groups.

Delegates had the opportunity to take part in workshops discussing key issues and put their ideas forward on topics such as affordable housing, employment and opportunities for young people.

Speaking at event, Cllr Frank Browne, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “In partnership with Thames Valley Police, we were delighted to host this event and to see so many people who all share a common goal of integration between different communities and backgrounds.

“Local people know their communities best and this was a great opportunity to hear views on how we all see ourselves successfully working together in the Wokingham Borough now and in the future.

“The day provoked some interesting debate about local communities integrating with one another towards common aspirations, goals and opportunities. The council is committed to helping local communities flourish and together with our partners here today, our joint aim is
to tackle challenges and to promote strong relations among people from different backgrounds in local neighbourhoods, schools and the workplace.”

The event took place at Shehnai, 75-77 London Street in Reading.

Wokingham Borough Council

A refurbished Wokingham residential flat, offering short breaks for vulnerable people with special needs in the Wokingham Borough, will be declared open for business at Wokingham Borough Council ‘s Cockayne Court extra care housing scheme in Finchampstead this week (Tuesday July 17).

Guests will be able to stay from as little as one night up to a maximum two weeks, also enabling family members or friends who provide their care to have a rest themselves.

Stays will be subject to an accommodation fee, but the service user will have the luxury and privacy of their own space as well as the support of the staff on site and the facilities available to all Cockayne Court residents.

The Wokingham flat will shortly be installed with various aids such as bath and sink flood detectors if taps are left running, infra red technology to alert carers in case the service user falls over and extreme temperature detectors, which can all be switched on or off depending on the needs of the service user.

During times when vacant, the flat will be used to showcase this assistive technology and how it can help people live independently at home.

Executive Member for Wokingham Social Care, Cllr David Lee, said: “Short breaks can be mutually beneficial for vulnerable people and their carers who look after them.

“We’re really pleased to be extending services provided at Cockayne Court, offering families the opportunity for respite at reasonable rates at a location within the Wokingham Borough.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham youngsters have another exciting Kaos night to look forward to this Friday (20/7).

The party, which is aimed at 13-17year-olds, will take place at the Chameleon nightclub in Wokingham town centre from 7pm – 10.30pm.

Kaos was first organised in September last year by the Winnersh Neighbourhood Policing team, the Winnersh Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and the club’s management as a way of giving youngsters a cool place to hang out in the evenings.

Wokingham PC Emma Johnson, said: “These Kaos nights are still proving to be a big success almost a year later. We continue to get positive feedback from both the youngsters who attend and their parents.

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

The strictly no alcohol night is backed by the local schools, Wokingham District Council and the area’s youth workers.

Tickets, which are available from the nightclub, cost £5 in advance. Entry on the door with a flier cost £6 and it is £7 without a flier.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

Jobseekers are invited to Wokingham Borough Council’s civic offices on Monday July 23, to learn more about the variety of opportunities on offer working for the local authority. Vacancies are offered in many services at the council, offering good career progression and excellent staff benefits including a flexible working policy, a final salary pension scheme, discounts at local shops and help with child care arrangements. Wokingham Borough Council is an age positive employer champion, and is committed to equal opportunities. The council also operates family-friendly working policies.

Recruitment and Careers Day is a chance for Wokingham council staff to promote careers in their individual services with displays and examples, and meet potential new recruits in a relaxed setting where people can browse the many different career options.

Executive member for corporate services Cllr Rob Stanton will be offering a prize to the service unit with the best display at 1pm.

Wokingham Borough Council

As the school term draws to a close and hopefully the weather will get warmer and drier, parents and teenagers in the Wokingham area are already starting to think of the long summer ahead and wonder what’s in store for them.

Well help is at hand thanks to Wokingham Borough Council’s youth service! Wokingham Youth Centre and the villages youth project are working together to prepare a wide range of exciting and challenging activities for young people aged between 13 and 19 living in Wokingham and the surrounding area. After last year’s successful residential and day trip activities Wokingham Youth Centre has decided to continue the theme of physical challenges and has yet another energetic and fun-packed summer planned!

In addition to the evening youth clubs, this year Wokingham young people will also be able to try out scuba diving, climbing, quad-biking, kayaking and many more activities. The project will also involve a residential trip to Wales for 13 to 19 year olds, where young people can indulge in outdoor activities such as climbing, water-sports, team building exercises, and camping to name just a few.

Wokingham Youth worker Mike Bennett said: “This year, the youth service visited schools and youth clubs throughout the borough to ask young people what they wanted to do throughout the summer holiday and picked the most popular activities. There is a lot of interest already and everybody is looking forward to the start of the summer.”

Cllr Malcolm Bryant, the Wokingham council’s champion for youth and leisure, said: “There is a plenty to do this summer thanks to the council’s youth service who have a very exciting programme of events for young people to enjoy. Activities range from scuba diving and quad-biking to climbing as well as the opportunity to take part in a residential trip to Wales. The youth service is offering fun and stimulating activities, just right for the long summer holiday.
“Places on all the courses are filling up fast, so I urge anyone interested to contact Wokingham Youth Centre as soon as possible to sign up for a summer of fun.”

For more information and to book a place on any of the activities contact Mike Bennett on (0118) 978 3610 or collect a form from Wokingham Youth Centre, 35 Reading Road, Wokingham.

Wokingham Borough Council

Residents in Finchampstead are a step closer to seeing a brand new, purpose-built community centre after getting the green light from Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday July 4.

Wokingham council is working alongside Finchampstead Baptist Church and Finchampstead Parish Council to develop the new community centre on council-owned land at Gorse Ride, Finchampstead (formerly occupied by the Rides Community Association). Proposals for the community-focused development include:

·A sports hall that would provide full facilities for a range of indoor sports and double as a large meeting/function room. On Sundays the hall would be used by the Baptist Church as their place of worship.
·A café
·A crèche
·Parish Council office
·Meeting room space
·A youth loft, offering space and facilities for work with the area’s young people

The proposal could also see improvements to the outside areas and football pitches. And Wokingham council is exploring the possibility of using the proposed new facility to host part of a multi-agency children’s centre, as well as a library – all subject to funding being available through grants from government Surestart, Sports England, Football Foundation and The Big Lottery.

Over the past 12 months, the project partners have been working closely with local groups to gauge the level of support for the proposed new centre. Finchampstead Parish Council supports the proposals, in addition to widespread support from the local community including the Neighbourhood Action Group, Gorse Ride Residents’ Association, local schools and a number of groups who use the existing community hall.

Executive member for Wokingham corporate services Cllr Rob Stanton said: “I look forward to working with both the Parish Council and the Baptist Church, as well as the Gorse Ride and wider Finchampstead community, to hopefully see this exciting project come to fruition.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Children looked on in wand-er on Saturday (July 7) as magic man Mike Tait gave them a taste of the tricks they could learn if they’re lucky enough to win a ticket for Wokingham Library’s Harry Potter Midnight Party.

Mike was out and about at the Earley Fun Day and in Wokingham and Woodley town centres showing children magic tricks and making balloon animals as well as handing out leaflets letting families know about the big Harry Potter Midnight Party.

The Wokingham party will start at 10pm on Friday July 20 and will culminate with the unveiling of JK Rowling’s seventh and final Hogwarts adventure Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at one minute past midnight on Saturday July 21. Every child will have the chance to win, buy or borrow a copy of the book on the night.

Tickets for the midnight Wokingham party are free but must be won in one of a series of competitions being run at all the borough’s libraries. The first two competitions are now over but there is still a chance to win tickets in a Wizard Treasure Hunt at all the borough’s libraries from today (Monday July 9) to Sunday July 15.

The treasure hunt is open to all young Wokingham library members aged eight and over and two tickets per library, per competition are up for grabs. On the night guests will enjoy four fun-filled zones (named after the four Hogwarts’ houses Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin) in which they will be able to enjoy games, puzzles, crafts and magic (provided by Mike Tait) – all on a Harry Potter theme. On arrival the guests will be placed in front of the famous Hogwarts’ Sorting Hat, which will divide them into houses – but fear not, guests will move through all the school houses – nobody will be expected to stay in the dreaded Slytherin house all night.

Mike Tait said: “The children I spoke to on Saturday were really excited by the idea of a Harry Potter Midnight Party and I hope they all get along to their local libraries to take part in the treasure hunt. And it is not just the children who are looking forward to the night, I am thrilled that I will be there and cannot wait to teach a few magic tricks and see the new book unveiled.”

All guests and staff will be in fancy dress on the night of the party and the guest with the best costume will win a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. There will also be chances to win copies through the evening.

Wokingham Borough Council executive member for community development Cllr Dianne King said: “Anticipation about the last Harry Potter book is mounting everywhere and I am pleased the borough’s libraries are part of the excitement. There are still good chances for young people to win tickets in the Wizard Treasure Hunts, which will be fun to take part in as well. The borough’s libraries have great selections of children’s books – including, but not exclusively Harry Potter ones – and so a trip to one of them would be well worth the effort even without the chance to win a ticket for this wonderful party.”

The Harry Potter Midnight Party is being sponsored by The Wokingham Times and for the night Wokingham Library will be transformed into Hogwarts thanks to support from The Party Box in Earley and Wokingham Theatre. Chapter One Children’s Bookshop in Denmark Street is providing the books being offered for sale on the night. Throughout the evening there will be plenty of tasty treats and drinks for young and old guests, including a special cake provided by Tesco. The Berkshire Costume Service is providing costumes for the library staff on the night and will, of course, be offering costume hire to all invitees.

Harry Potter fans who want to ensure they have a copy of the new book as soon as possible can reserve one at all the borough’s libraries and online at www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries. But be quick, as the copies are being booked up already.

Wokingham Borough Council

Young Harry Potter fans have been flocking to the Wokingham borough’s libraries for a chance to win tickets to the ‘party of the year’.

The seventh and final Hogwarts adventure Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is being launched at one minute past midnight on July 21 and the place to be on the night will be Wokingham Library, where lucky guests will be enjoying a magical party that will culminate with the unveiling of the book.

Tickets for the Wokingham party are free but can only be won in a series of three competitions being run at all the Wokingham borough’s libraries. The first competition, to draw a Harry Potter character, is now over and entrants was judged onTuesday July 3 but the second competition – to write a magical poem will run until Sunday July 8. The final opportunity to win one of the sought-after tickets will be a Wizard Treasure Hunt at all the borough’s libraries from Monday July 9 to 15.

The competitions are open to all young library members aged eight and over and two tickets per library per competition are up for grabs. On the night guests and their parents will enjoy a witch’s cauldron of fun activities as they tour four zones of Hogwarts inspired fun. There will be games, puzzles, crafts and even a magician on hand to teach a few tricks. And, of course, everybody will have the chance to win, borrow or buy a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Wokingham Borough Council’s reader development officer for young people and families Elizabeth McDonald said: “The first competition may be over but there are still two more chances to win so anybody who didn’t enter the first drawing challenge, or wasn’t lucky enough to win a ticket in it, can still come to any of the borough libraries and have another go. The competitions are great fun to enter and entering can be combined with a fun trip to your local library.”

The Harry Potter Midnight Party is being sponsored by The Wokingham Times and for the night Wokingham Library will be transformed into a Potter paradise for young fans thanks to support from The Party Box in Earley and Wokingham Theatre. Chapter One Children’s Bookshop in Denmark Street is providing the books being offered for sale on the night. Throughout the evening, which will run from 10pm to 12.30am, there will be plenty of tasty treats and drinks for young and old guests, including a cake kindly provided by Tesco. The Berkshire Costume Service is providing costumes for the library staff on the night and will, of course, be offering costume hire to all invitees.

Harry Potter devotees who want to ensure they have a copy of the new book as soon as possible can reserve one at all the borough’s libraries on online at www.wokingham.gov.uk. But be quick, as the copies are being booked up already.

Wokingham Borough Council

Children will be going wild for books in the Wokingham borough during this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The annual Wokingham reading challenge aims to inspire children to read six books through the summer and this year’s challenge, The Big Wild Read, has an environmental theme to capture youngsters’ imaginations.

The Big Wild Read is free to join at all the Wokingham borough’s libraries and, on joining, children will receive a free Big Wild Read pack including tips on which books to read and advice on how to help protect the environment. Those taking part will also be given stickers for each book they read so they can track their progress through the reading challenge. If they read six books, participants will get a medal, a certificate and a prize.

This year there is even more incentive to take part in the Wokingham reading challenge as the Woodland Trust’s Trees for All campaign will plant a tree for every book read by children during The Big Wild Read. Children taking part will receive a tree token to represent the tree their reading has brought to life.

As well as the reading challenge Wokingham Borough Council’s libraries are arranging a series of fun children’s activities themed to fit in with the Big Wild Read. Among the events will be Bugs and Beasts craft and story sessions for five to nine year olds, Creepy Crawly storytimes for under fives and a visit by children’s author Holly Skeet, creator of the Stage School series of books. There will also be a chance for children to go on a Mini-Beast Adventure at Winnersh Library, take part in a Manga workshop at Wokingham Library and come face to face with wolves at Maiden Erlegh Library.

Adults can join in the fun of summer reading at the Wokingham borough’s libraries as well thanks to a Sizzling Summer Authors prize draw. From July 23, librarians across the borough will be giving out bookmarks listing suggestions for summer reading and offering the chance to win dinner for two. Library members need to make two visits to the library and borrow any six fiction books between July 23 and September 14. They get their bookmark stamped at each visit and completed bookmarks will be entered into a draw for a £50 voucher for a meal at a local restaurant. There are also three runner-up prizes of £10 book tokens to be won in the draw.

The Big Wild Read will run from Saturday July 14 until Sunday September 16 and is open to library members aged five to 12. The first 25 children to sign up at any library in the Wokingham borough will receive a free pack of wildflower seeds.

Wokingham Borough Council

Babies can get an early introduction into the fun available at the Wokingham borough’s libraries at the baby bounce and rhyme sessions.

Nursery rhymes, stories and songs will entertain babies aged 0 to 18 months at the sessions, being run at Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley libraries. Bounce and rhyme is free to attend but places must be booked in advance.

Wokingham Borough Council’s development officer for young people and families Elizabeth McDonald said: “Sessions such as bounce and rhyme are known to help babies speech and language development and are also great fun. We sing songs and nursery rhymes and there are plenty of actions for the babies to follow. If they are old enough the can join in or, if they are really little ones, they can just have a look around and enjoy the atmosphere. The sessions are also a great place for parents and babies to meet new friends.”

All the sessions run from 10.30am to 11am and they are at Wokingham Library on the first Tuesday of every month, Woodley Library on the second Tuesday of every month and Lower Earley Library on the third Tuesday of every month. To book places call the individual libraries: Wokingham on 0118 978 1368, Woodley on 0118 969 0304 and Lower Earley on 0118 931 2150.

All the Wokingham borough’s libraries have a wide selection of baby board and rhyme books to borrow.

Wokingham Borough Council

Buses are just the ticket for the smokefree message after Wokingham Borough Council unveiled new advertising to make people aware of the smokefree legislation.

Buses travelling through the Wokingham borough are now carrying the message that the Wokingham borough went smokefree from July 1. The council received £71,000 from the government to promote the new legislation that came into effect on Sunday (July 1).

And on Friday June 29, the council’s executive member for community safety Cllr Barrie Patman got a close-up on the message when one of the buses made a special stop at Shute End.

Cllr Patman said: “A great deal of work has already been carried out with businesses in the borough to make sure they are aware of the new legislation, what it means for them and how they should prepare for it.

“With the legislation now in place, this new advertising, (entirely funded through government money), will make sure people in the Wokingham borough are aware. Backing the national campaign, I really hope that people will take notice of the advertising and help the transition to the new legislation go as smoothly as possible.”

The legislation came into effect on Sunday July 1 and virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces in England are now smokefree. This includes offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person.

The law also means that indoor workplace smoking rooms will disappear, so anyone wishing to smoke now has to go outside instead.

Essentially, the legislation allows for almost all workers, regardless of their place of work, to be protected against the risks to health caused by exposure to tobacco smoke and guaranteed the right to smoke-free air.

In the Wokingham borough, council officers have been working to make sure all affected premises know what the legislation means for them. A successful series of business seminars was held in March with neighbouring authorities Reading Borough and West Berkshire Councils, including issuing an information sheet to some 4,000 businesses. Detailed information is available on the council website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk and staff have been visiting premises to inform them of the legislation and explain what it means. Taxi drivers have also received information specific to them.

Wokingham Borough Council

Residents from different cultures and backgrounds are invited to get together next week at a free community event open to all, under the theme “Action not words – making it work in Wokingham”.

Organised by Wokingham Borough Council in partnership with Thames Valley Police, the event takes place at Shehnai, 75-77 London Street in Reading, from 4pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday July 11.

Opened by Cllr Frank Browne, leader of the council, it will feature food from different countries, entertainment, community presentations and local facts and figures about diverse communities across the Wokingham borough.

Celebrating what all Wokingham communities have in common, guests will have the chance to take part in workshops on arts, culture and leisure, food and schools.

Keynote speakers will be Elise Clarke, head of cohesion and faiths from the Department of Communities and Local Government, and Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera, formerly of the National Police Improvement Agency.

A buffet dinner will be provided from 7pm.

For more information and to reserve a place, telephone Ashwani Gupta on (0118) 974 6790 or Josie Wragg on (0118) 974 6002.

Wokingham Borough Council

To mark National Falls Awareness Day this week (June 26), older Wokingham people were visited by an advice and information roadshow highlighting how to minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Launched by Help the Aged, National Falls Awareness Day aims to raise understanding about falls and to highlight the good work that is going on in falls prevention locally.

Wokingham Borough Council and Berkshire West Primary Care Trust joined forces to highlight key messages on making falls less likely to happen.

This year’s theme, Getting Out And About, aimed to encourage vulnerable people to identify opportunities for taking part in physical activity and ways of improving strength and balance.

District nurses, dieticians and falls advisory officers hosted sessions in residential housing schemes at Cockayne Court, Finchampstead as well as Kennet Court, Woosehill to give tips about keeping mobile, healthy and independent.

Many of those taking part put their best foot forward for a seated exercise session demonstrated by Wokingham borough council’s sports development officer Glenn Goudie.

It is thought that falls represent the most frequent and serious type of accident in the over 65 age group.

“Falls pose a real risk to older people but the good news is that many accidents are preventable,” said Karen Arding from the council’s Falls Advisory Service. “We offer home visits to older Wokingham borough residents who own or rent their home, to discuss and advise on practical home safety. This can include help to install simple safety measures such as grab rails to ensure older people can go about their daily lives safely at home.”

To find out more about the homes advisory service or to request a home visit, telephone (0118) 974 6829 / 6835.

Wokingham Borough Council

Aren’t Birds Brilliant RSPB Walk

Sat 7 July

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

Meet: main car park, Dinton Pastures Country Park

Time: 9am

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

 

Puppet Shows in the Park

Sun 8 July

Environment- themed puppet shows: interactive fun for all the family.

Meet: Dinton Pastures Country Park, signposted from main car park

Time: Sessions throughout the day

Cost: Free

 

Friends of Lavell’s Lake Bird Walk

Sun 8 July

Lavell’s Lake is rich in bird life, which is attracted to the reed bed, 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

           

Bat Walk and Talk with Dave Endacott from the Oxfordshire Bat Group

Fri 13 July

Illustrated slide show and chance to meet rescued bats, followed by a walk to the lake listening for wild bats with the help of a detector. Wear sturdy shoes and suitable clothing. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet: Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park

Time: 8.45pm-10.30pm

Cost: Free, but with donations to the Oxfordshire Bat Group

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

 

Glow Worms - Ranger-led Walk

Sat 14 July  

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

 

Ponds (BBOWT course)

Sat 14 July

Trainers: Rod D’ayala (Pond Conservation/ BBOWT)

Indoor theory session and outdoor practical session, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to create and manage your own pond.

Meet: Binfield Memorial Hall, Binfield, Bracknell, 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

 

Junior Rangers Wildlife Watch Group – Minibeast Meadow Hunt

Sat 21 July

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).

Meet: Emmbrook Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park

Time: 10am-12noon 

Cost: £1

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

 

Friends of Lavell’s Lake Work Party

Sun 22 July

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

 

Willow Sculpture Demonstration with David Gosling (environmental artist)

Wed 25 July

David Gosling will be creating a new sculpture for the café garden. Come along to watch him at work; you may even be able to lend a hand!

Meet: café garden, Dinton Pastures Country Park

Time: 11am- 4pm

Cost: Free

 

Theatre in the Park - The Merry Wives of Henry VIII

Fri 27 July Dinton Pastures Country Park

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.

Time: 8pm

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

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

 

Heathlake Work Party

Sun 29 July

Ranger-led practical task on this Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Meet: main car park off Nine Mile Ride, nr Crowthorne

Time: 10am-1pm

Cost: Free

 

 

Lynn Yardley

lynn.yardley@wokingham.co.uk
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

Sustainable development was top of the agenda at Wokingham Borough Council’s first-ever business forum specifically for developers. And feedback was so positive that follow-up events are already being planned.

More than 40 Wokingham developers attended the Millgate Homes-sponsored forum, kindly hosted by PRUPIM at GreenPark, last week (Wednesday June 20) to learn about the future direction of government planning legislation, as well as the council’s own planning policies in relation to sustainable developments.

Developers learnt about the potential for new Wokingham building to be energy efficient from Thames Valley Energy’s Ian Bacon. Ian also spoke about the possibilities of renewable energy sources such as solar panels, small-scale wind turbines, wood-chip heating systems and ground source heat pumps.

Richard Green of GDG Housing discussed best practice at the developments they have completed using sustainable methods in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Heather Thwaites, the council’s corporate head of planning, regulation and enforcement, spoke on the council’s current planning policy and its future direction as it takes into account the need for developments to be more energy conscious and sustainable in the way they are built and stressed the need for developers to engage with the council and help in the planning regulation setting process around sustainable development.

The Wokingham morning was rounded off with a visit to PRUPIM’s wind turbine visitor centre at GreenPark, guided by the council’s energy efficiency officer and PRUPIM’s turbine tour guide Ian Gough. The turbine delivers electricity to over 1,000 homes and prevents approximately 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide being produced each year.

Wokingham Borough Council

edal power brought National Bike Week to Wokingham this month from June 16 to June 24. And on Friday June 22, Wokingham Borough Council and highways consultants Mouchel Parkman were talking about all things two-wheeled, and offering free bike checks, at a special stand in Wokingham Market Place.

National Bike Week is the UK's unique celebration of cycling. The aim is to encourage more Wokingham people to cycle more often, and to demonstrate that cycling enables people to have fun, get fit and feel free.

“As part of our road safety agenda, we want to make sure people cycle safely,” said road safety advisor Katie Webb. “We held the stand to pass on information about cycling in the borough and as an opportunity for people to pick up road safety resources, such as fluorescent cycle straps and stickers. The community wardens offered free bike safety checks as well.”

Local Wokingham cyclist Robin Smith, who attended the stand and had his bike security marked, said: "This is a good thing. More people on bikes and fewer people in cars and lorries would make a more pleasurable experience for those who like spending quality social time eating and drinking in the town centre.”

Executive member for Wokingham highways and transport Cllr Keith Baker said: “The council is always keen to promote transport alternatives that help ease traffic and keep everybody fit and healthy. Cycling is great fun, and commuting by bike saves people money too. National Bike Week has been a great opportunity for Council staff to provide the advice and kit people need to ride safely.”

Wokingham Borough Council