Wokingham

Over 400 Wokingham schoolchildren will bring The Loddon Valley Leisure Centre to life with festive cheer at the annual Wokingham borough primary schools’ carol concert to be held on Sunday, December 9 from 7pm.

Wokingham Borough Council’s Mayor Cllr Annette Drake will host the evening and all proceeds from the sale of programmes will go to the mayor’s chosen charity, which this year is Building for the Future. This is an umbrella group of five charities that already work with disabled children and their families locally: Peapods, Friends of Ryeish Green Bungalow, Mencap, Wokingham Autism Spectrum Partnership and Friends of Bridges. The charity’s vision is to provide a state-of-the-art building to cater for children’s individual needs as well as for community groups.


Some 22 local Wokingham schools will form the choir and have spent many hours over the past few weeks rehearsing for the annual event. The schools involved are: Arborfield, Newland and Barkham CE Junior, Bearwood Primary, Crazies Hill CE Primary, Farley Hill Primary, Grazeley Parochial Primary, Hawthorns Primary, Keephatch Primary, Lambs Lane Primary, Loddon Primary, Nine Mile Ride Primary, Palmer CE Junior, Radstock Primary, Rivermead Primary, Robert Piggott Junior, Shinfield St.Mary’s CE Junior, St. Pauls CE Primary St Sebastian’s CE Primary, St Teresa’s RC Primary, Westende Junior, The White House, Winnersh Primary, Woodley CE Primary.

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

Wokingham Borough Council

Some of Wokingham Borough’s finest sportsmen and women gathered at Bluecoat School in Sonning on Friday November 23, to attend Wokingham District Sports Council and Wokingham Borough Council’s sports awards ceremony. The sports awards ceremony is an annual event that recognises and celebrates the achievement and contributions of sports people and clubs over the last year. There were 16 categories in which awards were presented by the Mayor Cllr Annette Drake, and local sponsors.

Among the Wokingham winners were young people from Pinewood Judo Club, Bulmershe Gym Club and Bracknell and Wokingham Swimming Club. The Leisure Connection Shields awarded to one senior school and one junior school were won by Nine Mile Ride School in Finchampstead, and the Piggott School in Woodley. The Shaw Cup for Coach of the Year was won by Ken Beedell of Bulmershe Gym Club, The Electronics Cup 2000 for Service to Sport for the Disabled was won by Isabel Mattick of the Red Diamonds Sports Club, and Earley Town Council’s Spirit of Sport Award was won by Our Lady of Peace (OLOP) table tennis player John Cunningham. Two awards for Excellence in Sport were won by trampolinist Liam Abrahams and swimmer Ellie Walton. Ellie is a world class under-14 biathlon and triathlon competitor.

Wokingham Mayor Cllr Annette Drake said: “I would like to congratulate the children, young people and sports men and women of our borough on their achievements. We are fortunate in Wokingham to have such a wide range of different sports available, and the array of awards being presented tonight demonstrates how much confidence, teamwork and skill sport is bringing to our community. These award winners are a credit to the clubs and schools that work so hard to keep standards high.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council Mayor Cllr Annette Drake recently made a special award to four local businesses.

For a number of years MTF Car Body Repairs in Hurst, Binfield Dog Rescue, Little Knocks in Wokingham and Forest MOT and Service Centre in Wokingham have supported Southfield School in Wokingham, by providing extended work experience for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

This has involved pupils joining the company one day a week in order for them to experience and develop a range of skills relating to the motor trade, animal welfare and motor body repair.

Key to the success of this initiative is the mentoring which Wokingham pupils receive from employers, helping them learn to respect others and themselves whilst also learning new skills. Feedback from pupils who have attended this type of work experience has highlighted that it has helped them cope with their school week.

Mayor Cllr Annette Drake said: “I am delighted to present four local companies with this award. Without the tremendous support and commitment of companies like MTF Car Body Repairs, Binfield Dog Rescue, Little Knocks and Forest MOT and Service Centre, this scheme would not be the success that it is. They are making a huge difference to young people’s lives.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Proposals to bring two schools in Wokingham together will be finalised this month (November 29) if Wokingham Borough Council’s decision-making executive agree proposals to amalgamate Whitelocke Infant and Nursery and Palmer Junior schools.

Consultation was carried out over the summer on the amalgamation proposals and in September the executive agreed to publish statutory proposals in October. A further six-week statutory consultation period followed allowing parents and local Wokingham people to comment further. The proposal and consultation were made jointly with the Oxford Diocese.

An all-through primary school would have a significant number of benefits for pupils, parents and staff. Developing a curriculum across the age range of three to 11 will help pupils to make a smooth transition from key stage 1 (infant) to key stage 2 (junior). It would also be easier for the school to develop a more coherent curriculum in a single school and, by using consistent forms of assessment, to better identify pupils’ needs and measure their progress.

Further opportunities for Wokingham staff would be created for career and professional development, leading to improved recruitment and retention of staff as well as the opportunity to develop their professional experience and share their expertise across the full primary age range.

There would be common policies on issues throughout the school and parents would only have to communicate with one school rather than two. Another benefit is that parents would no longer have to apply through the admissions process in order for their children to transfer from the infant to the junior school.

There would also be significant benefits for Wokingham children with special educational needs whose future support could be planned more easily. Both schools have units for pupils with physical difficulties and it is proposed that this provision would continue in the new school.

Wendy Woodcock, corporate head of Wokingham children’s services, said: “In making their decision, the executive will have to consider relevant statutory guidance and consider any views raised during the six-week consultation period. The amalgamation of the two schools will bring significant benefits and should secure high standards of achievements for the pupils. I hope the executive will support these proposals which would see pupils, teachers and support staff benefiting from their new school in September 2008.”

Leslie Stephen, director of education at the Oxford Diocese, said: "If it goes ahead, this project will offer an innovative way of two schools coming together to form a single school, which we believe is a good move for the children of both schools.”

Tina Norman, executive headteacher of both the infant and junior school, said: “It has been a real privilege working as executive headteacher of both schools during the period of collaboration. The schools have been well supported by the parents and the collaboration has given us the opportunity to bring the staff and children together on many occasions. The amalgamation will build on this process and enable the governing bodies to strengthen their relationships with All Saints Church and the local community. We continue to be inclusive schools, meeting the needs and education of all the children that come through our doors. The new school has a bright future.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Nine sports people with physical and learning disabilities have proved they are fit and full of confidence, after attending a programme called ‘Flash’ at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.

The sporty group have been competing in activities with Wokingham Borough Council’s disability sports coach Simone Jacobs to collect points and work towards a Norwich Union Shine Award. They received their awards on Thursday November 22 from Wokingham borough Mayor Cllr Annette Drake, in a special ceremony at Wokingham Borough Council’s civic offices in Shute End.

FLASH is an initiative that has been set up in partnership with Wokingham MENCAP and the council’s sports development unit. The scheme enables adults with physical and learning disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, to take part in physical activity. The participants can come along and try circuit sessions, group games, walking, athletics, rounders, cricket, swimming and other sports.

“All the keen sports people in the Flash programme have gained confidence and skills as the sessions have gone on, so it was great to be able to recognise their achievements,” said Cllr Drake. “I wish them every success in their future and I hope that these awards inspire them to even more sporting challenges.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Shoppers are set to get an early Christmas car parking present from Wokingham Borough Council as it announces free parking in its car parks on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Council-owned town and village centre car parks will be offering free parking all day on Saturday December 8, 15 and 22.

For the last few years, Wokingham car parking on the three Saturdays before Christmas has been free to encourage people to make use of their local shopping areas. The move has proved very popular with both traders and the public.

The Station Road car park in Earley and the Winnersh Triangle station car park are included but the Carnival Pool car park in Wokingham is excluded from the incentive as it is not a shoppers’ car park.

Wokingham Car parks manager Dave Halley said: “The council is offering this incentive to encourage people to use the borough’s shopping centres. The inclusion of station car parks means that people wanting to travel to neighbouring towns within the borough can also take advantage.”

Wokingham town centre manager Brian Newman said: “I’m pleased that the council are supporting local businesses by offering this incentive. The shopping facilities in Wokingham are excellent, and with events such as the Winter Carnival and Italian Market planned in the lead-up to Christmas, visitors have even more choice. Free parking will be yet another good reason to come to Wokingham to buy their Christmas presents.”

Woodley town centre manager Liz Creighton said: “I am really pleased to hear that Wokingham Borough are once again giving the residents of Woodley the opportunity to park for free in the Woodley car parks on the three Saturdays before Christmas. This news combined with the new fresh produce and craft market which also takes place between 9am and 4pm each Saturday will encourage our residents and communities from further afield to come into the town centre. Thank you Wokingham Borough Council!”

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

Wokingham Borough Council

Little library members had a chance to personalise some pottery at Woodley Library last week.

Mums and dads took their babies and toddlers to a Pottery Pals event at the library, where they could decorate items such as plates and picture frames with their children’s hand and foot prints.

Pottery Pals events, which are part of the Wokingham borough’s range of adult and child activities through the winter, were held at Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley libraries last week and proved a winner with parents and children alike.

Wokingham Borough Council outreach officer Sue Beswick, said: “These are lovely family events and I think those who came along went home with a great gift for a relative a memento for themselves. Pottery Pals is just one example of the sort of fun activities we are organising at all the borough’s libraries this winter.”

For more on the range of activities at the Wokingham borough’s libraries this year visit www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries.
Pottery Pals is based at Holme Grange Craft Village.

Wokingham Borough Council

Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) have today (November 26) concluded that Wokingham Borough Council’s children’s services makes a good contribution to ensuring children and young people are healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and are achieving economic well-being.

In its annual performance assessment, the report highlights the Wokingham council ‘consistently delivers services above minimum requirements in most areas’. Inspectors noted that children and their families are well-supported in becoming and remaining healthy. They were impressed that 90 per cent of schools participate in the healthy schools programme, which is higher than similar local authorities and inspectors noted many schools were working hard to promote healthy eating to combat childhood obesity. Over the past year there has also been an increase in take-up of school meals.

The majority of childcare settings within the Wokingham Borough were judged as good in Ofsted inspections over the past year, this is a higher percentage than the national figure showing the Wokingham Borough provides a good start to young children’s learning. At all key stage levels of education, pupils in the Wokingham borough achieve higher than national averages.

Education continued to be praised by inspectors. They stated ‘the standards reached by children in primary and secondary schools are very good.’ They also praised the work that has been undertaken to reduce the numbers of fixed term and permanent exclusions. Inspectors praised the council’s emotional literacy project in school and said ‘it was having an impact in terms of reducing poor behaviour and keeping pupils in school.’

Inspectors were also impressed with the good service that is provided for Wokingham children with learning difficulties and or/disabilities and their families. Consultation is high on the council’s agenda and the involvement of young people was classed as good by the inspectors. There is also a high percentage of children who remain in education, employment or training after the age of 16.

The annual performance assessment noted that young people in the Borough generally have high aspirations and many go to university. Those not in education, employment or training have been reducing year-on-year and the average of 4.8 per cent is lower than the national figure.

Good partnership between schools was also noted by the inspectors. A post-16 education pilot for pupils to study courses at different schools has begun in Wokingham town schools along with two others. This has meant both students and teachers have moved around the borough to study or teach courses that would otherwise not be on offer at their school.

Wokingham Borough Council

A major new project to ensure Wokingham Borough Council can meet the changing care needs of its older population has been launched.

The Wokingham council plans to knock down its increasingly outdated Crescent House sheltered housing units in South Lake Crescent, Woodley, and replace it with state-of-the-art Extra Care Housing accommodation in order to better meet the demands of older people in the borough.

The Wokingham borough’s population is getting older - the number of people aged 75 and older is estimated to double between 2003 and 2028 and this population of older people expects better quality and greater choice in accommodation. It is to meet this new demand that Wokingham Borough Council is planning to develop Extra Care Housing to replace sheltered accommodation at Crescent House.

Extra Care Housing provides self-contained accommodation for elderly people and offers care as required for their changing needs. The Wokingham homes would be suitable for a range of older people – from those who are active and have few or no care needs, to those requiring 24-hour care and support. The care offered could be adapted as the occupier’s needs change – thus if an elderly resident moves into Extra Care Housing with no care needs but later develops them, it will be possible for additional care to be provided within their home. This will prevent the upheaval of elderly people having to move from homes into residential nursing or care homes as their needs increase.

Extra Care Housing will also offer larger and more comfortable homes than the existing sheltered housing scheme at Crescent House, which is nearly 40 years old and no longer meets the expectations of a more demanding older population. The Extra Care Homes also have the advantage over residential homes of being private, individual homes that allow residents to keep their independence.

The Wokingham council is currently carrying out a feasibility study into the development of the site for Extra Care Housing and the potential for partnership working and will consult all those who may be affected by the scheme before detailed decisions on the project are made.

Wokingham Borough Council’s Crescent House project manager Carol Dunbar said: “The demand for conventional sheltered housing is falling because more older people in the borough want a wider range of accommodation and leisure facilities. Many older people are used to living in larger homes and so do not want to move into what are actually very small units. Extra Care Housing could offer good sized high quality, self-contained accommodation that provides on-site communal and leisure facilities and has care available to meet their changing needs.

Wokingham Borough Council

A Wokingham training day to help off licence holders from Earley, Lower Earley and Woodley combat under-age drinking proved a success this week.

Some 19 shop owners and staff representing 11 premises attended the event at Chameleon Nightclub in Wokingham town centre on Tuesday November 20. They were given advice from police and council officers on how to deal with under-age drinkers trying to buy alcohol and how to deal with young people who become aggressive if refused a sale. The council will hold further training days for off licence holders from other parts of the borough.

All those attending the Wokingham training day were also give information packs on dealing with under-age drinkers. The packs included ‘refusal logs’, which are books in which shopkeepers are asked to keep a record of when under-age shoppers try to buy alcohol; these are used by the police and council to keep track of where under-age drinking could be taking place.

Wokingham Borough Council community safety officer Stephanie Nagiel said: “We had great feedback from those who came to the event. They especially appreciated the opportunity to meet their local police community support officers and community wardens. Many said they would now feel more confident refusing to sell alcohol to young people, especially after the police gave assertive training to them. They also commented that it was good to hear from other shopkeepers in a similar position to themselves.”

Inspector Lindsay James, who attended the event, said: “We welcome the partnership approach to tackling this problem. We have had some good results through recent test purchasing exercises and this training will complement that work"

Wokingham Borough Council

More than 20 bus stops in Woodley will be given a much-needed facelift thanks to £42,000 investment from Wokingham Borough Council.

The 22 stops, which are on the 63 and 65 circular routes around Woodley, will undergo a range of improvements to make them more attractive and comfortable for passengers and to improve accessibility on to buses.

The work will begin next week, Monday November 26, when new road markings to highlight the stops will be painted and specially designed kerbs - known as Kassel Kerbs - will be put in place at some of the stops. These kerbs are raised above the normal level to allow for easy access on to buses.

The work will continue in the new year when new shelters will be installed at five of the stops. These will be ‘punch back’ shelters, which have perforated metal backs that act as a deterrent against graffiti. They also provide shelter from the rain and seating for passengers. The shelter design was chosen after consultation with Woodley Town Council. There will also be new bus poles, with built-in timetable boxes, and flags will also be installed in the new year.

Wokingham Borough Council team leader for transport planning Richard Carpenter said: “These improvements will make a noticeable difference to the appearance and quality of the bus stops on these routes. The new stops will be comfortable, clearly and neatly marked and offer improved access to buses for all passengers, in particular older people and disabled people. They are part of a clear commitment to sustainable transport and to improved services for Woodley.”

The money for the improvements comes from Section 106 funds – money paid by developers for local infrastructure improvements when they receive planning permission.

The new bus stops are being installed as part of a Voluntary Quality Bus Partnership between Wokingham Borough Council and Reading Buses for the 63 and 65 routes. As part of this Reading Buses is launching new specially branded buses on the routes, which should be in use early in the new year.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham and Woodley libraries will be joining in the fun during their town’s winter festivals this year.

The Woodley Winter Extravaganza is on Sunday November 25 from 1pm to 4pm and the library is taking part in the celebration. There will be a festive family story and craft session at the library from 1.30pm to 2pm and from 2.30pm to 3.30pm there will be music from a string quartet of members of the Reading Symphony Orchestra.

In Wokingham the library will open especially for the Wokingham Winter Carnival between 11am and 2pm on Sunday December 2. There will be a festive story time and craft session from 11.30am to12 midday and music from the All Saints Handbell Ringers will provide the seasonal entertainment from 12 midday to 2pm.

There will also be a chance for children to turn old CDs and DVDs in recycled Christmas decorations at a craft sessions being run by the borough council’s environment services from 12 midday to 2pm.

All the Wokingham events and attractions are free and all the usual library services will be available while the libraries are open.

Wokingham Borough Council corporate head of knowledge development Chris Hamilton said: “It will be wonderful for these libraries to be part of the festive season celebrations in Wokingham and Woodley and I believe they will add to the occasions.”

Wokingham Borough Council

This week has seen many Wokingham Borough schools working on a number of initiatives to raise awareness of Anti-Bullying Week (November 19 to 23). And on Friday (November 23) some 60 pupils will come together from 16 schools in the Borough to take part in a special event being organised by Wokingham Borough Council.

The theme of this year’s Wokingham Anti-Bullying Week is ‘safer together, safer wherever’ and is concentrating on all aspects of bullying both in school and in the wider community. In particular, the week is focusing on the relatively new form of bullying known as cyber-bullying. The Council is aware of issues around cyber bullying including text, MySpace and Bebo, and is keen to make sure young people are not harmed in this way or in the more traditional ways of bullying.

The borough council recognises bullying is a serious issue for many young people and tackling the problem of bullying is a key priority. Many schools already have excellent practices in place to address bullying and ensure schools are a safe and enjoyable place to be.

To tackle the issues further the Wokingham council has invited pupils to take part in a special event at Twyford Youth Centre. John Terry, head of safeguarding, said: “Pupils from both primary and secondary schools will be attending the event and it promises to be an exciting interactive day. All the young people will take part in six workshops which are being run by a variery of services within the council and also Thames Valley Police. They will, for example, be considering ways of staying safe in the community or looking at the place of street art in today’s society. This day is not just for the participants: it is expected that they will take their learning back to their schools and share it both there and in other schools in their neighbourhoods.”

Wokingham council’s community wardens, traveller liason service and youth officers will be on hand to answer any questions or worries young people may have in relation to bullying. They will be joined by representatives from Thames Valley Police and Millenniun Volunteers.

The Wokingham council has also launched a poster competition and pupils across the borough have been invited to submit entries. Final judging of these will take place at the event on Friday and winning entries will be produced as a poster and postcard to raise awareness of bullying. Consultation is being carried out with children and young people and they are being asked about their experiences of bullying, and what they would like the council and partner agencies to do about it.

Wokingham Borough Council

Providing Wokingham looked-after children with better care close to their family home is high on the agenda for Wokingham Borough Council.

And, at its meeting on November 29, the Wokingham council’s decision-making executive is set to discuss setting up two small group homes for looked-after children in the borough.

The executive will be asked to approve a supplementary estimate of £225,800 to open two small homes – each accommodating a maximum of four children. By providing these council-run homes locally within the borough it will provide a better standard of residential care for looked-after children and offer better opportunities, such as staying at the same school to maintain continuity of education and friendships.

If agreed by the Wokingham executive, the proposal will produce financial savings in the longer term as children will be cared for locally rather than placed in significantly more expensive residential accommodation elsewhere in the country. Under these proposals, the council aims to open the homes in 2008.

There are currently seven looked-after children who are in residential accommodation. Those already settled in placements elsewhere would be unlikely to be moved unless it is in their best interest.

Wendy Woodcock, corporate Wokingham head of children’s services, said: “The council has to look seriously at how it can improve the lives of its looked-after children and improve the stability of their care locally. We know that their lives can be significantly improved if they are able to be cared for closer to their family home as it means they can stay at the same school to maintain continuity of their education and friendships.

“We also continue to face increasing financial pressure by placing children in private residential homes many miles away from the borough. By setting up these small group homes within the borough, although it would cost the council money in the first instance, it would ultimately save tax-payers’ money in the longer term.

“If the executive approve these recommendations it will be a significant further step in ensuring that all children in care in the council are given the best possible chances in life.”

Wokingham Borough Council

This Thursday (November 22) will see four ‘super heroes’ from Wokingham Borough schools being presented with a certificate and prize for the contribution they make in our schools by borough council Mayor Cllr Annette Drake.

The Wokingham Council has launched a recognition award and invited schools to nominate members of their support staff who are their unsung heroes. Cllr Drake said: “We received many entries from schools across the borough. Many support staff who were nominated always go that little bit extra in their every day work, whether this involves directly supporting teaching and learning in the classroom or behind the scenes. Some have faced real challenges to reach a personal goal or in their professional development. There are so many unsung heroes in our schools.

“So many of our support staff are making a contribution well over and above what we expect. I believe that such effort, commitment and excellence should be celebrated and I am delighted to present them with their awards.”

Winners will be announced at the awards on Thursday in four categories:
• Office staff
• Premises and facilities staff
• Teaching and learning staff
• Technicians and specialist staff

Also at the ceremony a further 30 Wokingham support staff will also receive certificates in recognition of gaining an academic qualification such as a Foundation Degree, NVQ, First Aid, Special Education Needs, and Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status.

Wokingham Borough Council

Nine Wokingham sportspeople with learning difficulties have proved they are fit and full of confidence, after attending a programme called ‘Flash’ at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.

The sports-mad group have been completing activities with Wokingham Borough Council’s disability sports coach Simmone Jacobs to collect points and work towards a Norwich Union Shine Award.

FLASH is an initiative that has been set up in partnership with Wokingham MENCAP and the council’s sports development unit. The scheme enables adults with physical and learning disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, to take part in physical activity. The participants can come along and try circuit sessions, group games, walking, athletics, rounders, cricket, swimming and other sports. All the participants have gained confidence and skills as the sessions have gone on, and all have achieved Shine awards.

The Wokingham Mayor will present the certificates at a special ceremony which reporters and photographers are welcome to attend.

Wokingham Borough Council

Following discussions with the Cantley Park Forum over the past few months, Wokingham Borough Council has submitted its planning application to improve facilities at the sporting venue in Wokingham.

The Wokingham council has submitted plans for a small football stand accommodating 250 people, flood lighting, 70 extra parking spaces and improved walkways at Cantley Park and this will be considered by the planning committee in January 2008. Plans can be viewed at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning (planning application number is F/2007/2722).

Since May, the Cantley Park Forum, comprising local Wokingham residents’ associations, current sport users, schools, local councillors and other interested parties, has been meeting regularly to discuss the proposals. A number of issues have been discussed at the forum meetings including funding for the project, car parking and traffic, pedestrian access, noise levels from the PA system, potential light nuisance and adequate match-day marshalling. There have also been separate meetings with the residents of Glebe Park in Wokingham to discuss parking issues.

The proposals would see football pitches at Cantley Park being upgraded with drainage being improved and the current astro-turf pitch replaced. The existing Ashridge Room will be converted for use as a small social club for Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club in the evenings and weekends and by the council and community during the day. Changing rooms and toilets will also be upgraded. There will also be an improved referees changing room and a medical room benefiting all users of the site.

The project proposal incorporates screening off a single premier-level pitch for use by Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club. There would also be training benches, pay boxes, floodlighting, PA system and a hard standing area, measuring one metre around the whole pitch.

Plans have been presented on two occasions at the Cantley Forum meetings, once with the initial project plan in June 2007 and again in September 2007 when the planning application was being prepared. Consideration has been given to requests and comments made by forum members in formulating the plans.

Susan Law, Wokingham chief executive, said: “This project is not just about providing a premier pitch for Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club, it is about improving facilities for all sports in the borough. As set out in the council’s sport and leisure strategy, we want to expand sporting programmes for all sports and to encourage our residents to become more physically active.

“We want to ensure that Cantley Park is enjoyed by local residents and all sporting clubs who use the facilities, making it a great sporting venue for everyone to enjoy.”

The Wokingham council has been preparing bids for Football Foundation funds to improve the current pitches, improve car parking and pedestrian access as well as bidding for a Football Stadia grant to construct the premier pitch and stand. Neither of these bids can be submitted to the Football Association until the scheme has planning approval.

Interested parties have until December 12, 2007 to submit their comments on the proposals before they are considered by the planning committee.

Wokingham Borough Council

Budding Wokingham musicians are being invited to take part in a Battle of the Bands contest which is being organised by the Winnersh Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG).

The event, which is open to youngsters throughout Wokingham Local Police Area, will take place on January 18 with auditions being held at the Wokingham Youth Centre, in Reading Road, on December 8.

Pat Rowell, chairman of Winnersh NAG, said: “The major priority for the Winnersh NAG still remains anti-social behaviour and we are constantly looking at different ways we can engage with our young residents and help them to participate in worthwhile activities which can help them to find constructive futures.

“If the event is successful we hope to be able to arrange a family summer event.”

PC Emma Johnson, who arranges the popular Kaos nightclub events for Wokingham youngsters, (which was an original Winnersh NAG idea) is involved in the organisation of the contest along with Richard Ferguson from Wokingham Youth Centre and Penny Bradshaw from Forest School.

She said: “We realise that the Kaos events may not appeal to everyone and we think that it is important to look at arranging activities for other teenagers.

“There are a lot of young people playing in bands and we think it would be really good to give them the opportunity to play in a proper venue in front of a crowd.”

The competition is being supported by the Rotary Club of Easthampstead who are paying for the sound system at the event.

Their President Robin Wood, said: “It is nice to feel we can be involved in the development of the young people in the area through such things as a battle of the bands competition.

“This is an exciting new venture that deserves to be supported.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the Wokingham Battle of the Bands competition should contact Penny Bradshaw from the Winnersh NAG on 07766222646.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

Cars can kill – that’s the message from Wokingham Borough Council along with councils across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. They joined together this month with highway consultants Mouchel, Thames Valley Police and other emergency services to support the Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign.

Every year an average of nine young people aged 16 to 18 are killed on the Thames Valley’s roads and some 1,000 are injured. The aim of the Wokingham Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign is to highlight the real facts about risks on the road for young people, enabling them to make safe and responsible decisions when they come to drive for the first time.

Approximately 450 sixth form pupils from The Piggott School, Maiden Erlegh School, Bulmershe School, the Forest School, Wokingham and Luckley Oakfield School attended special presentations at the Hexagon in Reading on Monday November 12, and the Sandhurst Military Academy on Tuesday November 13. The Hexagon event was introduced by chairman of Reading Football Club John Madjeski, and chief constable of Thames Valley Police Sara Thornton.

At each event a road safety officer from one of the participating councils (Reading Borough Council at the Hexagon and Wokingham Borough Council at Sandhurst) gave a presentation on road deaths. This called on 143 students to stand up to illustrate the number of people that died on the roads of the Thames Valley last year and also involved a specially prepared film, shot on local roads, which told the story of four young people on a night out that ended in disaster.

People from the film including police, firefighters, ambulance crews and a hospital consultant took to the stage to talk about their real life experiences. There were also moving testimonies from a parent who lost his daughter in a road traffic collision and a young man who is confined to a wheelchair following a motorbike accident.

Wokingham Road safety officer Katie Webb said: “The film and the personal accounts from those involved in road traffic accidents have proved a very effective way to highlight key safety messages. Our messages are about the dangers of driving at excess speed, the importance of wearing a seatbelt, the influence of peer pressure on young drivers and the danger of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This campaign has proved an excellent way for us to reach a large number of young people and really drive those messages home.”

Wokingham Borough Council

White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, will this year be marked by Wokingham Domestic Violence Forum (WDVF) with a conference and a collection.

The Wokingham WDVF conference will provide an informative discussion for multi-agency staff and invited guests, offering them an opportunity to learn more about local services for victims of domestic violence and for perpetrators. Guest speakers will include detective inspector for public protection Rebecca Mears from Thames Valley Police, and Wokingham service users and service providers from organisations such as Berkshire Women's Aid and the Witness Care Unit. John Roberts, who facilitates a perpetrators’ programme called ‘Changing Ways’, will also be speaking. Anyone who would like to attend the conference is advised to call domestic violence reduction co-ordinator Jo MacIntyre on 07795 224387 to book a place.

The following day volunteers, from Wokingham WDVF will be collecting money in exchange for white ribbons in Woodley shopping precinct.

Domestic violence is estimated to affect one in four women during their life time and every week two women in the UK will die at the hands of their partner or ex-partner. In addition, one in six men are estimated to be victims. Domestic violence exists in every community regardless of age, sex, race, faith, sexuality, ability or class. In the Wokingham Borough a range of support services are available and can be accessed through the Wokingham Borough Council website at www.wokingham.gov.uk/domestic-abuse

Wokingham Borough Counci

Local businesses are joining Wokingham Borough Council for a drink with a difference on Thursday November 29, at a forum organised by the council to focus on improving corporate sustainability. The event is supported by Millgate Homes and Boyer Planning.

Dr Chris Stokes, one of the UK’s leading experts on climate change, will join speakers from PRUPIM, Thames Valley Energy and other organisations with practical experience of improving corporate sustainability, in exploring the actions businesses can take to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their overall impact on the environment. Delegates can also share their own ideas and views on how green issues affect business locally.

And for a small donation delegates can enjoy orange juice freshly squeezed in an extraordinary sustainable way – by an innovative pedal-powered juicer! All funds raised by the super-fresh orange juice will be passed to Bearwood Primary School and added to their fund for a renewable energy source.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council Mayor Cllr Annette Drake will make a special award to four local businesses, who for a number of years have supported Southfield School in Wokingham.

MTF Car Body Repairs, Binfield Dog Rescue, Little Knocks and Forest MOT and Service Centre have supported Southfield pupils by providing extended work experience for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

This has involved pupils joining the company one day a week in order for them to experience and develop a range of skills relating to the motor trade, animal welfare and motor body repair.

Key to the success of this Wokingham initiative is the mentoring which pupils receive from employers, helping them learn to respect others and themselves whilst also learning new skills.

Feedback from pupils who have attended this type of work experience has highlighted that it has helped them cope with their school week.

Cllr Annette Drake, Wokingham Mayor, said: “I am delighted to present four local companies with this award. Without the tremendous support and commitment of companies like MTF Car Body Repairs, Binfield Dog Rescue, Little Knocks and Forest MOT and Service Centre, this scheme would not be the success that it is. They are making a huge difference to a young person’s life.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Lower Earley Library is 20 years old this month and the landmark is being celebrated with an author visit, coffee morning, quiz and children’s activities.

The fun will start with a baby bounce and rhyme session on Tuesday November 20 from 10.30am to 11am at which young children and parents or guardians can enjoy nursery rhymes and songs. From 4pm to 6pm on the same day there will be a family story and craft session for older children and their families, where a face painter will be among the attractions. Places must be booked for the bounce and rhyme but visitors can just turn up for the story and craft session.

The celebration will continue on Thursday November 22 with a Pottery Pals craft workshop, which will offer families with young children and babies the chance to decorate plates or pictures with their little ones’ hand and foot prints. The session will be on from 10.30am to 11.30am and is £3 per person plus £5 to £9 per item. Places must be booked in advance.

Prolific writer Catrin Collier will join the birthday party on Thursday November 22 when she visits Lower Earley Library to talk about her career. Ms Collier has published more than 30 novels and had three plays produced professionally - some under the names Katherine John, Katherine Hardy and Caro French. One of her early novels, Hearts of Gold, was adapted into a mini-series and attracted 6.8 million viewers on the BBC and her books range from historical novels set in Wales from the 1930s to 1950s to modern crime thrillers. Tickets to the author visit are free but must be booked in advance.

The celebrations will culminate on Friday November 23 with a charity coffee morning from 10am to 12 midday. All library members will be welcome to join staff for coffee and cake and to raise money for the Helen and Douglas House Hospice in Oxfordshire. Later in the day there will be a card making craft workshop for adults, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Places must be booked from the library and cost £5 per person.

All week there will also be a local quiz with a £30 book token prize running at the library.

Wokingham Borough Council corporate head of knowledge development Chris Hamilton said: “Lower Earley library and its staff have given countless hours of pleasure to readers. Hopefully many of those residents who have enjoyed the library in the past – even those who are not members at the moment – will come back and help us celebrate this birthday.”

None of the current staff at Lower Earley Library were there when it opened, but some of the members were and it is hoped they will join in some of the celebrations.

Wokingham Library supervisor Sue Hawkins said: “Lower Earley Library is part of the community and we hope that our borrowers appreciate the fun atmosphere here as well as the great range of books available. We are really looking forward to the birthday celebrations and hope to see a lot of members – old and new – during the week.”

To book a place at the baby bounce and rhyme, Pottery Pals, Catrin Collier’s author visit or the card making workshop call Lower Earley Library on 0118 931 2150.

Wokingham Borough Council

From January 2008 the number of private hire vehicles that have to be licensed by the local authorities in which they operate is to increase.

Under the Road Safety Act 2006, being introduce in the new year, limousines, chauffeur services, executive hire, courtesy cars and novelty vehicles - which are vehicles that have been converted into private hire vehicles, such as out-of-service old buses and fire engines - operating in the Wokingham borough will have to be licensed by the borough council. This will allow the council to check these vehicles and their drivers are safe and suitable.

It will be the responsibility of the drivers and operators of these vehicles to contact Wokingham borough council to apply for the appropriate licences. To have a licence by January 2008 it will be necessary to apply before the end of November. Operators and drivers who do not have the correct licence could face prosecution and may be fined.

Wokingham Borough Council principal environmental health officer Julia O’Brien said: “It is essential that people who use private hire transport are as safe as possible and that the driver can be relied upon. If anybody is unsure about any aspect of this relating to their own vehicle, they must contact the council as soon as possible.”

For more information or application packs please contact the borough council’s taxi licensing team on 0118 974 6766.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wildlife in Wokingham has a well-funded future, thanks to Wokingham Borough Council’s countryside service and its passion to protect the borough’s most fragile heritage. Over the past five years the council has secured external funding of more than £164,000 for biodiversity projects in the borough’s countryside. The Wokingham council has also used its own countryside grants budget of just over £5,000 per year as ‘seed’ money to support and encourage local groups, councils and landowners to carry out a wide range of valuable biodiversity enhancements. And the good work is set to continue this financial year with over £30,000 in external funding secured for three separate projects already.

Earlier this year a project was initiated to support Wokingham borough’s population of great crested newts, which are a fragile protected species that is thriving in the area. This secured £9,200 from Natural England towards creating six new ponds (three at The Moors in Waverley Way, Finchampstead, two at the Millennium Arboretum in Winnersh and one in Bluebell Meadows in Winnersh) and restoring two existing ponds at Dinton Pastures Country Park.

In an ongoing partnership project between landowners and the Wokingham countryside service, grants worth £13,655 (including £11,402 from Awards for All) have been collected towards the restoration of Ashdale Park Woods, a woodland in Finchampstead owned by a residents’ association. The area has been recently designated as a county wildlife site (known in Berkshire as a Wildlife Heritage Site). This project aims to restore an area of wet bog woodland by removing non-native invasive species. Rhododendron and pine ‘invaders’ are to be removed from the site, and ditchside alders and willows will be coppiced to encourage more diverse plant species in the ditches. A bridge at the site is also to be restored to give visitors better access.

The Wokingham Veteran Tree Association also recently secured an Awards for All grant of £9,000 in order to continue running the Wokingham Veteran Tree Project in partnership with the council and Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council recently came 12th in a national assessment of best-performing councils at the Local Government Human Resources (HR) Summit 2007. The assessment, completed by professional services firm VaLUENTiS, places Wokingham in the top 20 of 149 unitary, shire county and metropolitan district councils, based on assessment in 2006 and 2007.

A variety of information was used to produce the ranking, including Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs), Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPAs) and financial statements. This year was the first time that councils had the opportunity to contribute people management information for the overall evaluation, which provides an assessment of the extent to which a workforce is well-managed, engaged, developed and supported to deliver.

Wokingham Organisational development manager Geoff Munday said: “To come 12th out of 149 is a great accolade. It is a tribute to the efficiency and dedication of staff and managers across the Council over the past year, as well as the proactive work of our human resources team.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council Mayor Cllr Annette Drake will be attending Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Veterans’ Badge ceremony on Wednesday (November 7) taking place at Austen House Care Home in Lower Earley.

Wokingham Cllr Drake will join the Lord Lieutenant for Berkshire Mr Philip Wroughton and Mayor of Reading Borough Council Cllr Chris Maskell at this special ceremony. Mr Philip Wroughton will present Armed Forces Veterans’ Badges to residents of Austen House, who served in Her Majesty’s armed forces before and/or during World War II. Eligibility for Her Majesty's Armed Forces Veterans’ Badge has been extended to include all men and women who served at any time up to December 31, 1994.

Wokingham Cllr Drake said: “It is a real honour to be invited to attend this ceremony. Across the Wokingham Borough there are a number of veterans who have served in the armed forces and there is nothing we can ever say to thank them enough for all that they have done for us. I am delighted to join them on their special day.”

Wokingham Borough Council

The nights may be drawing in and the weather turning chilly, but there will be plenty to warm the spirits of young and old at Wokingham borough’s libraries this winter.

Adults will be entertained in November with festive flower arranging sessions and card making workshops. Wokingham Flower Corner in Broad Street and Woodley Flower Club will provide the expertise to teach library visitors how to make a winter table decoration at Wokingham Library on Thursday, November 15 from 6pm to 8pm and Woodley Library on Thursday, November 29 from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The Wokingham card making workshops will teach how to make Christmas cards and other greeting cards through a variety of techniques. These will be at: Lower Earley Library on Friday, November 23 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, Maiden Erlegh on Friday, November 16 Library from 3pm to 5pm, Spencers Wood Library on Thursday, November 8 from 3pm to 5pm, Twyford Library on Tuesday, November 27 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and Winnersh Library on Tuesday, November 13 from 6pm to 8pm. Sessions cost £5 per person and can be booked directly from libraries. There will also be a free Christmas floral art demonstration by members of the Twyford and Ruscombe Floral Art Club at Wargrave Library on Monday, December 3 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Throughout December there will be winter themed under fives storytime sessions at Wokingham borough’s libraries with winter stories. Children will be able to create snowflakes and winter pictures to decorate the library and take home. These will be at: Lower Earley Library on Thursday, December 20 from 2.30pm to 3.15pm, Maiden Erlegh Library on Tuesday, December 11 from 2.15pm to 3pm, Spencers Wood Library on Monday, December 10 from 4pm to 4.45pm, Twyford Library on Monday, December 17 from 2.15pm to 3pm, Wargrave Library on Monday, December 3 from 1.45pm to 2.30pm, Wokingham Library on December 4 from 2.15pm to 3pm and Woodley Library on Thursday December 13 from 2.15pm to 3pm. All these sessions are free and there is no need to book places.

For even younger Wokingham library users, there will be baby bounce and rhyme sessions in December with winter rhymes and songs. These will be at: Wokingham Library on Tuesday, December 4 from 10.30am to 11am, Woodley Library on Tuesday, December 11 at 10.30 to 11am and Lower Earley Library on Tuesday, December 18 from 10.30am to 11am. Places at these are free but must be booked from individual libraries.

There will be a winter theme to Wokingham borough libraries’ Get Arty! arts and crafts sessions. These are at Wokingham Library on Saturday, December 1 and Saturday December 22 from 10.30am to 11.30am, Woodley Library on Saturday, December 8 and Saturday December 29 from 11am to 12 midday and Lower Earley Library on Saturday, December 8 and Saturday December 29 from 11am to 12 midday. Places are free and there is no need to book.

Wokingham Borough Council

Here is the latest update for Wokingham town centre from Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Mark Powell:

During the summer months the allotments in Latimer Road saw an increase in the number of sheds that were broken into and tools that were stolen. This clearly had an affect on the Wokingham allotment holders who had to repair their sheds and replace the tools.

I am happy to report that as a result of positive action by police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) working together with our partners at Wokingham Borough Council and the allotment holders, a number of youths were detained and dealt with.

A collection of the stolen tools were subsequently recovered and thanks to the sterling efforts of PSCO Jenny Skilton some of the items have been return to the owners.

However, we have been unable to reunite some of the tools with their owners at the allotments and therefore we are very keen to appeal to them to contact us on 0845 8 505 505.

Crime on the allotment has dried up and long may it continue, but may I take this opportunity to stress the importance of reporting these incidents to the police so that we can build up a picture of what is happening in our communities so that we can focus our resources to make a difference.

Many of the shopkeepers and publicans of Wokingham town centre have just taken delivery of their shiny new radios which allow a direct link between themselves, the police, community wardens and the CCTV monitoring suite. The aim of the radios is to improve communication between all of the parties to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour with the assistance of Wokingham’s CCTV cameras.

An example of the radios in action would be a Wokingham shopkeeper circulating the description of someone seen acting suspiciously in their store and then leaving. Other stores would then be aware of this person and their actions monitored by CCTV cameras.

There are around 50 radios in circulation which clearly shows that the system is effective and I would urge any other business wishing to join up to contact me and share in its success.

On another positive note I would like to congratulate John Bingham and John Hibbert who recently received a police commendation for their dedicated effort and professionalism in running the highly successful Wokingham Pubwatch which aims to make a Wokingham a safer night time economy. Both gents thoroughly deserved this award and were typically humble in receiving it.

We will be running another Wokingham surgery in the town before Christmas so watch out for details to follow soon. The surgery provides an excellent opportunity to come and speak to either myself or my team, PCSOs Jenny Skilton and Roy Sully. In the meanwhile feel free to stop us in the street and have a chat about any issues in the town.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham

November Events from the Wokingham Countryside Service

           

Sun 11 Friends of Lavell’s Lake Bird Walk

Morning stroll around Lavell’s, meet Sandford Lane car park at 9am. £1

           

Sun 12 Highwood Work Party

Practical conservation morning, meet Kingfisher Drive, Woodley. 10am - 1pm

 

Sat 17 Junior Rangers Wildlife Watch Group - Natural Dyes

Using natural materials as dyes to create colourful masterpieces at Dinton

Junior Rangers Wildlife Watch

This is a monthly club for children who are interested in the environment. Activities are fun and enable children to discover more about their local wildlife and countryside. The group is run by a combination of parent leaders and rangers, and is affiliated to the Wildlife WATCH (the junior branch of the Wildlife Trust). Children should be 8 or over, though some sessions are suitable for younger children if accompanied by an adult.

Time: 10am – 12noon

Meet: (for most sessions) Emmbrook Room, Dinton Pastures Country Park

Cost: £1 per session

Contact: For further information or to book a place please contact 0118 934 2016 or email: countryside@ wokingham.gov. uk.

 

Sat 17 Keephatch Work Party

Practical conservation, meet pond Willowherb Close, Keephatch, 10am-1pm

 

Sun 25 Friends of Lavell’s Lake Work Party

Practical conservation, meet Sandford Lane car park at 10am

 

For more information please contact:

Countryside Service 0118 934 2016

countryside@wokingham.gov.uk

 

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

Local Wokingham people who are members of various partnership boards and service user groups will be thanked at a special reception organised to acknowledge their work and commitment.

More than 70 Wokingham people who use services, their carers, and other local residents involved have been invited to the reception on Monday November 12 which will celebrate their valuable input into the planning, delivery and monitoring of services provided by Wokingham Borough Council.

Following an opening speech by corporate head of community care Pat Brecknock, guests will enjoy a buffet lunch.

There are four partnership boards which all aim to raise the profile of Wokingham community services in line with the needs of local people. They include the Older People’s Forum, the Mental Health Partnership Board, the Learning Disability Partnership Board and the Wokingham Ability Partnership as well as other service users and carers groups such as Head First aimed at mental health service users.

Pat Brecknock said: “The reception has been organised to thank everyone who is a member of these groups for the sterling work they do in partnership with the council, such as organising events, being involved in staff training, taking part in staff interviews and in consultations to give their views as service users and residents.

“Many of those involved with the partnership boards have a unique perspective of the services we provide and are experts by experience in disability and sensory issues for example. We are enormously grateful for the involvement of service users and carers which helps us to shape our services and ensure we are meeting the needs of the local population.”

People who would like to find out more about joining a partnership board should contact Community Care’s Marlena O’Donnell on (0118) 974 6773.

Wokingham Borough Council

Westmead Day Centre in Rances Lane, Wokingham is holding its annual Autumn Fayre on Wednesday November 7 from 11am onwards. Everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy the fun and games!

There will be stalls selling gifts for Christmas such as paintings, pottery, soft crafts and many other unusual things – some of them made by Westmead members, and some from other Wokingham stallholders including the Body Shop, a wood turner, a candle maker and a jewellery maker. There will also teas and coffees with a mouth-watering selection of homemade cakes, an internet cafe, a tombola and a fortune teller as well – just in case you can’t wait to find out what you’re getting for Christmas!

Entrance and parking are free, and all proceeds of the day will be used to buy materials for soft craft and the art room at the Wokingham day centre.

Wokingham Borough Council

The very first school in Berkshire to install solar panels is bursting with energy this week! And on Thursday November 1, proud pupils and staff at The Hawthorns Primary School in Woosehill will be showing Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment Cllr Simon Weeks the solar panels they have worked hard to earn.

The Hawthorns Primary School, Wokingham has become a model of energy efficiency since an energy audit from Wokingham Borough Council 18 months ago, managing to save 10% of the normal yearly amount they spend on gas, electricity, water and oil.

After putting the money they have saved into a special fund for buying a renewable energy source for their building, the Wokingham school received a letter earlier this year from the Energy Saving Trust, offering a grant of £5,298 towards a 1.82kWp solar panel array.

Now that the solar panels and associated monitoring equipment and educational displays inside the building have been successfully installed, the school is looking forward to even greater savings on their fuel bills in the future – as well as having a real-life example of renewable energy provision for pupils to see in action.

Wokingham Borough Council