Wokingham

The Jukebox – Saturday 27 June 2009 @ 7.00 p.m. – in aid of the Stroke Association Woodley Baptist church, Hurricane Way, Woodley, RG5 4UX

Tickets £ 12.00 (to include Ploughman’s centre)

The now famous Cloudglider team would like to invite you to celebrate their 5th Birthday with a Jukebox show featuring classic songs made famous by artists such as Buddy Holly, Tina Turner, The Temptations, Otis Redding, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Bon Jovi, Meatloaf , Guns ‘n’ Roses and Led Zepplin. This show will also be raising money for a worthwhile cause, the Stroke Association.

Sit down to a scrumptious ploughman’s supper whilst enjoying the talents of Cloudglider regulars teamed up with some of our newer singers to include: Charlotte Ashley, Jada Brevett, Sonia Cuconato, Michelle Darby, Tony Demetriou, Belen Esposito, Emily Mason, Becky Nicklin, Tim Robinson, Alexandria Stolland, Amy Sturgess, Francesca Watson and Freja Watson.

For further details please contact Elisa Ghoebriel on 0118 966 9242 or 07979 755123

Get involved in helping shape our communities of the future is the message to local residents from Wokingham Borough Council.

The Wokingham council unveiled its draft core strategy in August and as well as highlighting where potential infrastructure and businesses could be located, it also outlines four key housing areas where large-scale developments could take place in order to fulfil the Wokingham Borough’s house-building requirements, set out by government under the South East Plan.

The Wokingham borough’s residents have already been involved in helping the council to develop its draft core strategy and this blueprint for development for the next twenty years is at its final stage.

The next crucial stage is to start deciding what these Wokingham communities should look like and what facilities and infrastructure they should feature and local residents are being asked to come along to two workshops, which will provide residents with an opportunity to contribute to the planning of the sites through a series of ‘hands-on’ exercises. The results of the workshop will help shape the final plans being prepared by the council for each site.
The four main sites, known as strategic development locations (SDLs), are situated at:

• Arborfield Garrison – 3,500 dwellings
• South of the M4 in Shinfield / Spencers Wood / Three Mile Cross – 2,500 dwellings
• South of Wokingham – 2,500 dwellings
• North of Wokingham – 1,500 dwellings.

The workshops are taking place on Friday June 19 for the south and north Wokingham SDLs and Saturday June 20 for south of the M4 and Arborfield Garrison SDLs.

Places on the Wokingham workshops are limited and to register an interest residents need to complete an application form by calling Sandra Bayden on (0118) 974 6426 or emailing sandra.bayden@wokingham.gov.uk. Applications need to be returned by Friday June 5, 2009. Admission to the workshops will not be possible for residents unless they have registered and if the workshops are over subscribed, a draw will be held in order to select participants.

Mark Cupit, head of Wokingham development management, said: “These workshops are a great chance for local people to get involved in shaping our communities of the future. We want to ensure we have a proper balance of people reflecting the views of the local community. This exercise is only one part of the overall consultation process and the community will have further opportunities to take part as the plans emerge.
“The workshops will allow residents to help plan how the new communities will look and what facilities they will contain. Residents will have a say in what facilities their area needs to make it a good, safe community in which people will want to live. Places are limited, so don’t hesitate, book your place now!”

Wokingham Borough Council

The Wokingham green houses are full and the flowers are blooming – now all Growing Places needs is more customers.

Growing Places is the horticultural section of Wokingham Day Services and a charity that helps vulnerable adults gain confidence, self-esteem and independence through gardening and then selling the plants its members have carefully tended. And the charity’s latest crop is now ready and waiting for customers in the Acorn Community Centre’s greenhouses.

Margaret Larby, lead support worker at Wokingham Day Services, said: “The Growing Places gardeners, adults with learning disabilities, have both a garden at Turgis Court Farm and a mini-garden centre at Acorn Community Centre where the plants, hanging baskets and containers grown at Turgis Court Farm are also sold. At Growing Places, the gardeners learn lots of gardening skills and are keen to pass on their knowledge.”

The Wokingham charity has developed a good relationship with Addington Special School and pupils from the school regularly attend workshops at Growing Places that are run by the disabled gardeners. On Thursday June 4 a group of gardeners from Growing Places will be going to the school’s new premises in Woodlands Avenue, Woodley, to work to help pupils plant some colourful containers that will enhance their new school.

Anybody interested in seeing the plants for sale can visit the Acorn Community Centre in Woosehill from 10am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

Wokingham Borough Council

There will be an unusual sight at Cantley Park in Wokingham on June 23, when the borough’s older people will be taking part in T’ai Chi in the park!

Wokingham Borough Council’s sports development unit is organising an outdoor session in T’ai Chi - an ancient Chinese form of movement - and anyone aged over 60 is welcome to join the group event for free!

T’ai Chi is a soft and gentle form of exercise with slow continuous movements. It encourages relaxed breathing and integrates the mind, body and spirit. With continued practice, T’ai Chi can lead to a relaxed state of mind, greater energy levels, improved flexibility and improved health.

Andrea Ford, Wokingham physical activity co-ordinator, said: “Why not come along to T’ai Chi in the park? It’s free and what better way to try out this gentle form of exercise but in a wonderful outdoor setting like Cantley Park? As well as being great exercise, it is good for the mind and spirit.”

For more information and to enquire about transport, contact the sports development unit on (0118) 974 6265 or SHINE@wokingham.gov.uk. Anyone wanting to take part should meet at Wokingham Theatre, Cantley Park, Twyford Road in Wokingham at 2pm and the session runs until 3pm.

T’ai Chi is one of the many activities on offer under the Wokingham council’s SHINE (Some Health Improvements Need Exercise) physical activity programme.

So far 450 over-60s have joined in the activities. The Wokingham SHINE programme runs in 10 week blocks and there is so much on offer including pilates, golf, salsa dancing, Nordic walking, line dancing, ten pin bowling, tennis and archery to name just a few. And for those less-able residents, seated exercise to movement and standing movement to music sessions also run. The next set of 10 week blocks start the week beginning June 8.

Anyone wanting to join future SHINE sessions can contact the sports development unit on (0118) 974 6264 or email SHINE@wokingham.gov.uk . A copy of the brochure and booking form can be downloaded from: www.wokingham.gov.uk/shine A booking form needs to be completed to reserve a place on the class.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council’s decision-making executive will be looking at how Wokingham town-centre parking bays can be freed-up for visitors to make a quick stop to shops, banks and other businesses in a bid to bolster trade.

The Wokingham executive will be asked to look at a proposal to introduce an ‘on-street’ parking charge for bays designed for quick stops around the town centre when it meets later this month, to stop these parking spots being abused by long-stay shoppers, town centre workers and commuters.

There are more than 180 bays in the Wokingham town centre area that are designed for shoppers and visitors to park in for up to an hour. These are purposely set out close to shops, takeaways, estate agents, community facilities, banks and cafés so there is somewhere easy and convenient for visitors running a quick errand to park. They are also designed to encourage people passing through the town centre to park and make use of shopping and business facilities.

The bays close to Wokingham residential areas have also been abused by people staying in them for long periods and people with resident permit holders’ have lodged concerns with the council that they are unable to find a parking space near to their homes because the spaces are being abused.

To free up these spaces for the benefit of Wokingham residents, shoppers and businesses the executive will be looking whether introducing a fee to park in the bays would encourage motorists to use the spaces responsibly. It will also be looking at ways of enforcing time limits, in partnership with the police, more effectively.

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for highways and transport, said: “For some time now motorists have been flouting the clear time-restrictions applicable to parking bays dotted around Wokingham town centre and so we are looking at ways of stopping this from happening in the future.

“It’s simply not fair that businesses could be missing out on trade because short-term parking bays are clogged up with the cars of commuters and town centre workers. Similarly, while resident permit holders are not automatically entitled to a space outside their home, it is frustrating that these spaces are being taken up by people who shouldn’t be parking there for hours on end. Therefore the executive will look at the possibility of on-street parking charges and ways of enforcing time-restrictions at its meeting on May 28.”

Should the executive agree to look further into the possibility of introducing on-street car parking charges in the future a full consultation with businesses and residents asking for their opinion would take place before any scheme was implemented.

Wokingham Borough Council

At its meeting on May 28, the Wokingham council’s decision-making executive is set to agree to accept £1.1million from the Department of Children, Schools and Families’ play builders’ fund.

If agreed by the ten-strong Wokingham executive, the money will be used to develop and enhance 22 existing playgrounds in the Wokingham Borough with the particular aim of creating play environments for children and young people aged between eight and 13 years old.

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “Whilst this additional funding is good news for the council, we are very mindful that the executive recently took the decision to grass over a small number of play-grounds in the borough as part of its rationalisation programme.

“However, the new programme to encourage children to get outside and play in environments that are both attractive to them and their whole families, recently introduced by the Department of Children’s Schools and Families, will allow us to review the council’s estate of play areas. By accepting this funding, it will allow us to enhance a number of existing play areas that are loved by their local communities.

“We are committed to having many play areas in the borough and this additional money will help improve facilities for children and young people aged between eight and 13 years old.”

At this stage it is too early to say which of the Wokingham borough’s play areas will be revamped and the council’s executive will consider its implementation strategy later this year.

Wokingham Borough Council

Children and young people across the Wokingham Borough will be springing into action during the May half term holiday thanks to Wokingham Borough Council’s sports development unit.

Many Wokingham children will be taking part in the play scheme at East Park Farm in Charvil from Tuesday May 26 to Friday May 29. A wide range of fun activities, including sports, cooking, creativity, arts and crafts, wii and wii fit and lots more will be on offer and it’s a great chance for youngsters to make new friends and learn new skills!

And this is just a taster! This summer sees a whole host of Wokingham sporting activities taking place and there promises something for all boys and girls. Goalkeeping camp for the borough’s budding goalkeepers, aged between seven and 11, will take place at Cantley Park in Wokingham, and youngsters will learn basic skills such as shot stopping, catching and saving, footwork and an introduction to diving. They will also learn positioning and how to deal with crosses.

During July and August, a play-scheme at East Park Farm in Charvil will be open for children aged six to 11, and will offer creative activities including cooking up a treat in the kitchen capers session. During these sessions children will be taught how to measure, mix and cook their own two course meal to take home for their family to eat!

There are also dedicated sessions for those children with additional needs at East Park Farm Pavilion in Charvil, where they will be able to try out a range of sporting activities including tennis, tri-golf, boccia and new age kurling to name just a few.

A football course is also running in the summer for children and young people aged five to 11 at Cantley Park in Wokingham and youngsters can learn new skills and also take part in competitions for prizes.

Up-and-coming young golfers aged between six and 11 years old can head to Hurst Golf course during July and August to learn about putting and chipping as well as balance, co-ordination and safety. And whilst youngsters are learning the art of the golfing game, parents can also enjoy nine holes.

This summer will also see netball camps for boys and girls aged five to 11 taking place as well as a tennis camps. Both these courses are being held at Cantley Park in Wokingham. During the week-long course, young tennis players will learn the rules of the game and fair play as well as how to develop their agility, balance and co-ordination.

Wokingham Youngsters can also learn all about cricket at the two day cricket camp this coming summer. Those aged between five and 11 years can head down to Cantley Park to practise their batting, bowling, fielding and learn cricket technique and tactic skills.

During July and August, children aged between eight and 11 can also try their hand out on the river. Sessions are taking place at the Waterside Centre and youngsters can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, raft building, and katakanus.

Beverley Thompson, Wokingham sports development and leisure co-ordinator, said: “Spring In2 Action Programme offers children across the borough the chance to try out new sports or improve their skills at sports they are familiar with. The courses are very popular, so the council recommends you book your child’s place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. It promises to be a summer to remember!”

All courses are run by criminal records bureau checked coaches and are aimed at children of all abilities. There are also dedicated sessions for teenagers as well.

For a copy of the full programme of activities for the summer holidays and dates they are taking place, please contact the sports development unit on (0118) 974 6264 / 6265 or by emailing sportsdevelopment@wokingham.gov.uk.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council tenants are being warned to be extra vigilant against potential distraction burglars who may use a stolen council-branded van to try to con their way into homes.

The Ford Transit pick-up truck (registration Y641 HPE), which has ‘Wokingham Borough Council Tenant Services’ printed on its side, was taken from Arborfield sometime overnight between Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17. It is not known whether the thieves intend to use it for any distraction crime, but tenants are being warned of the danger.

Wokingham Borough Council staff will not call on tenants’ without an appointment and will always carry identification. As well as checking identification of all callers, tenants and residents are advised to telephone the organisation they claim to represent to validate this.

Wokingham Borough Council tenant services manager Heather Richardson said: “We don’t want to create unnecessary fears but we feel it is worth warning people that this van has been stolen and could be used by distraction burglars.

“We would always advise tenants and residents to check identification before allowing anybody into their homes and so we are only really reiterating standard warnings – don’t be fooled by plausible looking people or – in this case – vehicles; always insist on proper identification.”

Anybody who sees the stolen van should contact tenant services on (0118) 974 6000 or Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.

Wokingham Borough Council

Cllr Barrie Patman has been elected Mayor of Wokingham Borough.

Cllr Patman received the chain of Wokingham office from outgoing mayor, Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, at the annual meeting of the council on Thursday May 14. Cllr Dianne King was elected deputy mayor at the meeting.

Cllr Patman has been involved in local government since 1979 and was elected to the then Wokingham District Council in 1994. He was Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for community safety from 2002 to 2008, when he was elected deputy mayor. Cllr Patman is also a senior member of the Thames Valley Police Authority.

Wokingham Cllr Patman’s career started in the air transport industry, before he moved into telecommunications and computing and was a founder member of the Operations Management Specialist Group and an active member of the British Computer Society. Within computing he has worked for the BOC group, Oracle Corporation and Cable and Wireless before becoming an independent consultant.

Outside of work and politics Cllr Patman has a keen interest in sports, including sailing and fencing, at which he captained Middlesex, the South East England and Southern England teams.

Cllr Patman said: “The Wokingham borough is a wonderful place to live and I am honoured to have been elected its mayor. As deputy mayor I have already seen many of the fine community projects and events that are taking place in the borough and I am looking forward to seeing even more in the year ahead.”

The Wokingham mayor is the ‘first citizen’ of the borough and has the civic role of representing the council and the people of the borough as well as presiding over borough council meetings.

It is traditional for mayors to choose a charity to raise money and awareness for during their year of office and Cllr Patman has chosen the Stroke Association to benefit from his efforts. The Stroke Association provides rehabilitation, information and support to people who have had a stroke as well as funding research into strokes and campaigning for better services and increased awareness.

Cllr Patman said: “The range of work carried out by the Stroke Association is phenomenal and I will be delighted if my year as mayor of Wokingham borough can help this important charity raise funds and increase awareness locally.”

Cllr King is a former Wokingham Town Council mayor and has been executive member for community development from 2002 to 2009 and also been chairman of the Wokingham Borough Strategic Partnership for the same period.

Cllr King said: “I am looking forward to supporting Barrie during his year of office and building up relationships with local people and partner organisations on behalf of the council.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Volunteers who give up their time to help at Wokingham borough’s libraries will be thanked for their efforts at an afternoon tea party next month.

Wokingham Volunteers help with many aspects of the library and learning services, such as:

• The Home Library Service, which selects and delivers library books to people who cannot get to libraries
• Children’s activities – helping with storytime sessions, get arty sessions and holiday events
• Bookstart stuffing parties – adding library leaflets to Bookstart packs, which are given free to babies and young children to encourage reading from an early age
• The Warhammer Club at Winnersh Library and Manga Club at Wokingham Library – young volunteers help run these two popular clubs
• Special library events such as author visits

Wokingham Borough Council volunteer service coordinator Kate Mitchell said: “Having these great volunteers allows us to offer services and events that really help residents enjoys our libraries. Many residents, from young babies getting their Bookstart packs to housebound people having their latest selection of books delivered, benefit from volunteers efforts and we are looking forward to thanking them at the afternoon tea.”

All Wokingham library volunteers have been invited to the afternoon tea, where they will receive certificates thanking them for their efforts and hear a talk by Annie Murray, author of historical sagas and have a chance to meet fellow volunteers and library staff.

The event, from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday June 3 at Wokingham Library, is being held as part of Volunteers’ Week, which is a national celebration of volunteering that marks it 25th anniversary this year.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough’s over 60s are a shining example of how to get fit and active following the launch of the borough council’s Some Health Improvements Need Exercise (SHINE) activity programme.

So far 450 over Wokingham 60s have joined in the activities. The SHINE programme runs in 10 week blocks and there is so much on offer for the over 60s including pilates, golf, salsa dancing, Nordic walking, line dancing, T’ai Chi, ten pin bowling, tennis and archery to name just a few. And for those less-able residents, seated exercise to movement and standing movement to music sessions also run. The next set of 10 week blocks start the week beginning June 8.

Wokingham Salsa dancing is a fun and energetic course which takes place at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. Budding Latino dancers will have the chance to learn the basic steps before soon dancing to the rhythm of the music. The session is a great way to make friends in a fun and relaxing environment. And for all those dance enthusiasts line dancing sessions take place at Wokingham Baptist Church and Margaret Gimblett Pavilion in Charvil.

Nordic walking sessions also take place at Cantley Park in Wokingham before the final part of the course takes place at Dinton Pastures Country Park. Nordic walking uses poles and this has a number of benefits to walking. First of all the use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs and secondly the poles propel the walker along, so therefore the walker works hard than unusual yet the support of the pole makes it feel easier!

Various T’ai Chi sessions catering for Wokingham beginners to intermediates takes place across the borough. T’ai Chi is a soft gentle form of exercise with slow continuous movements. It encourages relaxed breathing and integrates the mind, body and spirit. With continued practice, T’ai Chi can lead to a relaxed state of mind, greater energy levels, improved flexibility and improved health.

Another session of gentle exercise also takes place in Charvil in the form of pilates. Pilates is great exercise for both men and women and it can help reduce pain and stiffness as it helps build muscle strength, endurance and well-being. The stretching exercises increase flexibility without stressing the joints and is good for strengthening abdominal muscles. Pilates also helps to reduce stress levels, anxiety and sleeplessness.

The over 60s can enjoy ten pin bowling at the Big Apple in Wokingham, as well as playing nine holes of golf at Hurst Golf Course on certain days of the week for a reduced price. Tennis sessions also run at Cantley Park as well as archery sessions.

Seated exercise to music helps improves balance, posture and coordination and sessions take place in Wokingham and Shinfield. There is also a standing movement to music session at Cantley Park each week. In Charvil and Wokingham, a balance, co-ordination and relaxation session takes place. This is a chance to develop relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, which will help restore self-confidence and self-esteem.

The cost of the sessions vary starting at £1.50 for line dancing, and up to £15 for ten tickets to play tennis for one hour. For costings, venues and dates and times of the courses visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/shine .

Anyone wanting to join future SHINE sessions can contact the sports development unit on (0118) 974 6264 or email SHINE@wokingham.gov.uk . A copy of the brochure and booking form can be downloaded from: www.wokingham.gov.uk/shine A booking form needs to be completed to reserve a place on the class.

Andrea Ford, physical activity co-ordinator, said: “SHINE is a fun programme of sports and physical activities for the over-60s. The sessions are a great way for the over 60s to meet new people, get fit and active. The next set of 10 week blocks start week beginning June 8, so now’s your chance to put your name down and reserve a place. Many sessions cost as little as £1.50 a week. What’s stopping you – we’d love you to join us!”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council’s green credentials have been recognised nationally in two major energy efficiency awards.

The Wokingham borough council’s efforts to promote energy efficiency through loft and wall insulation schemes and the support it gave to companies involved in erecting and running the wind turbine at Green Park, have been commended in the British Gas Energy Efficiency Achievement of the Year Awards.

The council has also been accepted onto the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Management Programme for 2009 (phase 7) and will collect its award for reducing its in-house carbon footprint at a special presentation taking place in London later this month.

Wokingham Energy Officer Ian Gough said: “I’m absolutely delighted that all our hard work in promoting energy efficiency to local business and residents has been recognised. Many people have chosen loft and wall insulation as an economic and efficient way of saving energy – not only helping the planet but their wallets too.

“We are now going to redouble our efforts and focus on improving still further our own energy efficiency in council buildings across the borough. And this award will give us an extra boost to our efforts.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Off-licence staff from across the Wokingham borough came to a training day organised by Wokingham Borough Council and the police to help them deal with young people trying to buy alcohol.

The 23 staff who came to the Wokingham training morning heard from police and community safety officers about how they can help prevent under age drinkers getting hold of alcohol. There was a presentation on test purchasing operations that are carried out by the police and council to check if off-licences are selling to under age buyers and about the consequences of a failed test purchase.

But the Wokingham council and police are keen to work in partnership with off-licences on the issue and the training event included advice from the police on dealing with potential conflicts that could arise if staff refuse a sale or question a young person’s age. There was also a talk on the Challenge 25 initiative that is being used to help combat under age sales by encouraging staff to challenge anybody who looks under 25 to provide identification.

Among those attending was Jaishree Dhiri, from Winnersh Food and Wine, who said: “It was very useful and interesting. In particular I appreciated meeting my local community police officer, it was great to make that sort of contact and it is clear that this is a group effort to tackle the problem.”

Another who found the day useful was Sahil Kapoor, of Twyford Community Store, who said: “I have only been a licence holder in the Wokingham borough for one year and it was good to make contact with people who have been in the trade for a long time.”

There was also a presentation about the health effects of drinking too much alcohol.

Wokingham Borough Council community safety officer Stephanie Meyrick, who was one of the organisers, said: “We are working hard with the police to tackle under age drinking but we need to work with the off-licensees if we are to succeed and events such as this are great for building trust and developing partnerships.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council and the police have secured an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against Luke White, aged 25 of Old Wokingham Road, Wokingham, banning him from every Pubwatch pub or bar in the Wokingham borough and from harassing or intimidating any members of staff at any of the venues.

White has been on the Wokingham Pubwatch’s banned list since January 2005 after he was asked to leave Chameleon nightclub and dragged a Christmas tree from the club and kicked a door panel, causing criminal damage. Since then he has continually attempted to get into pubs and other venues and has often become violent and aggressive when bar staff have tried to refuse entry.

The ASBO will help Wokingham Pubwatch and the police enforce White’s ban as he will be liable for arrest if he breaches it and could face up to five years in prison.

Wokingham Borough Council community safety operations manager Jenny Bennett, who worked with the police to secure the ASBO, said: “White has regularly been intimidating and threatening pub and bar staff and customers, leaving some extremely fearful for their safety. He knows he is banned from these venues but the banning letter has failed to stop him visiting pubs, which is why we and the police are backing Pubwatch’s stance with this ASBO.

“We work closely with the police and licensed venues to ensure staff and customers are safe and this ASBO sends out a strong message that people who cause trouble in any of the borough’s pubs will be banned from all of them and that ban will be enforced.”

Wokingham Inspector Nigel Scarratt said: “This result again shows the close working relationship the police, council partners and Pubwatch has in making Wokingham a safer place for people to work in and for the community to attend licensed premises. This ASBO sends out a strong message that people who cause trouble in the Wokingham area will be banned from all of them and that ban will be enforced and if breached they will be arrested.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Children and young people aged between 10 and 18 will tread the boards in a bid to raise awareness of Autism this month. The performance forms part of a number of activities and events that are being organised by Wokingham Autism Partnership.

Children and young people from across the Wokingham borough will be taking part in a drama workshop starting on Monday May 18 and the sessions run until Thursday May 21. The week will culminate with a drama performance at Bulmershe School on Friday May 22 at 7.30pm.

Diversity Drama in Action is run by Ali Campbell, who has over 27 years experience in non-professional theatre. Drama can improve confidence, social skills and self-esteem amongst youngsters and it is also a tool to communicate with the wider community about thoughts, feelings and experiences.

The Wokingham performance is free to attend, but donations will be gratefully received for the Me2 Club. Seats at the performance can be booked by calling Pamela Breslin on (0118) 974 6882 or Lucy Skye on (0118) 974 3750.

Pamela Breslin, co-ordinator at Wokingham Autism Partnership at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “So many activities are planned during the week in our bid to raise awareness of autism within the Wokingham Borough. There is something for everyone, and I do hope that many people will join us to learn more about autism.

“The drama workshop is running all week and aims to get children and young people to think differently about autism and express themselves through the medium of drama. It is a great tool to communicate with the wider community about thoughts, feelings and experiences. And I very much hope through this drama performance, the audience will find themselves thinking about autism differently too.”

Autism is a lifelong disability affecting how someone sees the world, communicates and socialises. One percent of the UK population has a condition in the autistic spectrum. It can cause great difficulties every day in relationships and independent living and it affects people in many different ways.

Wokingham Borough Council

This coming June, residents of the Wokingham Borough will be heading to the polls to vote in the European Parliamentary election. There are also by-elections for the Wokingham Borough Council seat in the Wokingham Without ward and the Woodley Town Council seat in the Loddon Airfield ward.

Wokingham Borough Council is reminding local residents that they must be on the electoral register by Tuesday May 19 otherwise they will not be able to have their say at the European Parliamentary election on Thursday June 4 and if applicable, the borough and parish by-elections being held on the same day.

Poll cards will be sent to all eligible electors, week beginning May 4 regardless of whether they are postal voters or those who vote at polling stations.

Wokingham Voters wishing to apply to vote by post at the European Parliamentary elections and local by-elections must apply to do so by Tuesday May 19. Postal votes can be sent out to addresses in the UK and abroad. Postal ballot papers will be sent direct to the resident in the post around May 22. Residents have to make sure they return their postal vote by election day, otherwise it won’t be counted.

Alison Wood, Wokingham electoral services manager, said: “Local residents need to remember that if they are not on the electoral register by May 19 they will be unable to vote at the European Parliamentary elections. Those residents who are eligible to vote in the borough and parish by-elections taking place in June also need to ensure they are on the electoral register.

“You need to register if you haven’t done so already to cast your vote and it is easy to do. All you have to do is complete an electoral registration form and return it to the council. It is important to remember that paying council tax will not automatically add you to the register. If you have moved home recently you will need to complete a new registration form.

“If you are going to be aboard on June 4 or unable to get to a polling station on this day, you can also apply for a postal vote, which you need to do by Tuesday May 19. Voting is your chance to have your say – don’t miss out on it!”

Registration forms are available from electoral services at the civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham or by calling (0118) 974 6522 and (0118) 974 6523. Forms can also be downloaded at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-meetings-democracy/elections or www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. Completed forms need to be printed off and signed and returned to the council no later than Tuesday May 19 if residents wish to vote in the European Parliamentary election or the borough and parish by-elections.

Wokingham Borough Council

The artwork of adult learners will feature in the latest exhibition in The Mall Gallery at Wokingham Borough Council’s Shute End offices, Wokingham.

The Wokingham Focus on Learning exhibition, which opened today (Monday May 11) and runs until Friday May 22, is being held as part of Adult Learners Week. It will showcase the work of students on the Focus on Learning Education Project, which is a partnership between Bracknell and Wokingham College, the Community Resource Service and Wokingham Borough Council.

The Wokingham project was set up in 1999 to encourage adults to use education as a way of increasing confidence and improving skills. Many of students have used the courses as stepping stones to other opportunities, including work preparation courses or into paid employment.

The exhibition is being held as part of Adult Learners Week, which is held to celebrate and acknowledge students’ achievements through the year and it is being supported by the Windsor Forest Unicorn Club (a branch of the Rotary Club) and the Cultural Partnership, Wokingham.

Wokingham Education development officer Margaret Kisielnicka, who leads the project for the council’s Community Resource Service, said: “The students have produced a wonderful body of work and this exhibition is a fitting celebration of their achievements. I would like to thank the Windsor Forest Unicorn Club (a branch of the Rotary Club) and the Cultural Partnership, Wokingham for their sponsorship of this event.”

The Cultural Partnership champions arts, sports, heritage and leisure for people of all ages in the borough and is supported by Wokingham Borough Council and local businesses.

Wokingham Borough Council

Real stories showing how new opportunities in Wokingham adult social care are changing people’s lives were highlighted at the launch of the Putting People First project.

Wokingham Putting People First is the name given to the total transformation taking place in adult social care that is giving all vulnerable adults the chance to take control of their lives by taking control of the money spent on their care.

The project was officially launched on Thursday May 7 but some vulnerable adults have already been taking advantage of the freedom it offers to control their care budgets.

Some of these are featured on a DVD that was produced for the launch and these include Sonya Lindsay, who has had some mental health issues, said: “Having this new system has given me freedom to control the way I do things. I have started dancing classes, which I had always wanted to do but had not been able to and will hopefully be taking a college course. It has really built up my self-esteem, which was low before, and taking control helps you feel confident and respected.”

Other local Wokingham case studies on the DVD showed how Putting People First has also helped people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities as well as older people. The launch also heard from Elaine Cotterill whose family have also benefitted from a personal budget to care for her husband who has multiple sclerosis.

Wokingham Borough Council project manager for Putting People First Matt Pope said: “This is a massive change and some of the work behind the scenes is complex, but at heart it is simple: adults eligible for social care money will be able to take control of how that money is spent. The ways this can be used are limited only by the imagination of the vulnerable adults themselves and by the basic requirement that the borough council keeps people safe and act within the law. Of course people will not be left to flounder alone, there will be a lot of support available, but people will be offered the chance to take their own decisions and supported to live their own lives. The stories on the DVD are inspirational because they are real local people whose lives have been improved by the chance to take control of their budgets.”

The Putting People First transformation is moving from the traditional system of care professionals allocating services and controlling budgets for service users to a system of self directed support in which people with all levels of need take control of their own care and support. The basic method for achieving this is the use of ‘personal budgets’, which are cash sums that match the individual’s assessed needs. People are free (within reason and subject to council monitoring) to plan how to use the money to meet their needs and they are supported by a care broker to plan how to spend there care budget to meet their needs.

Wokingham Borough Council

More support and funding for arts, sports, heritage and leisure is coming to the Wokingham Borough now the Cultural Partnership has become a registered charity.

The Wokingham Cultural Partnership gained charitable status on Thursday May 7, which will make it easier for it to champion culture and raise funds, as well as allow it to qualify for tax relief and other benefits.

Gwynneth Hewetson, chairman of the Wokingham Cultural Partnership said: “The Cultural Partnership has grown in recent years from strength to strength and its board and volunteers work together to ensure the borough stays one of the best places to live in the UK – with lots of activities to keep us physically active and creatively engaged at all stages of our lives. ‘Culture’ is the good stuff that makes stronger communities and keeps life fun.”

The Cultural Partnership champions arts, sports, heritage and leisure for people of all ages in the borough and is supported by Wokingham Borough Council and local businesses. It recently received funding from the Berkshire Community Foundation’s Grassroots Scheme to bring artist-led workshops to community events across the Wokingham Borough this summer.

The grant funding of £4,800 will enable the partnership to provide the workshops at fairs, fetes, fun days, festivals or other community events – and is inviting event organisers to consider the offer at their events.

Anybody organising a community event in the Wokingham Borough this summer can contact Gwynneth Hewetson on (0118) 979 7627 or Wokingham Borough Council cultural development manager Patricia Steinhardt on (0118) 974 6066 or email patricia.steinhardt@wokingham.gov.uk to find out more.

Wokingham Borough Council

Pupils at two Wokingham Borough Schools - Grazeley Parochial Primary School and Willowbank Infant School in Woodley - are at the forefront of using information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance their school work, and that’s official!

Following an extensive external assessment, both Wokingham schools have been awarded the prestigious ICT mark by Becta, the government-funded body responsible for promoting the use of ICT in schools and colleges. This is the second time these two Wokingham Borough schools have received this accolade.

This quality mark recognises schools who can demonstrate they use information technology to support all learners and all school activities. It looks at how schools use technology to improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency across all aspects of school life, including pupil assessment, teaching and learning, the development of staff and leadership and management.

Jean Bateman, headteacher at Grazeley Parochial Primary School, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the ICT Mark. It recognises our positive approach to ICT and the benefits it is bringing to our children. We believe that ICT can be used in every aspect of learning and that it is essential our children are equipped for the modern world.”

Andrea Stephens, headteacher at Willowbank Infant School, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the ICT Mark again. It recognises all the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of all the staff in providing learning opportunities using ICT, which lead to high achievement and enjoyment for the children.”

Heather Thwaites, interim general Wokingham manager children’s services, said: “The schools should be congratulated on this wonderful achievement. Both schools are determined that their pupils have the best opportunities to become computer literate in order to excel in the jobs market of the future. And, this is a fine example of some of the excellent ICT teaching which takes place in the borough’s schools.”

Neil McLean, executive director for institutional and workforce development at Becta, said: “Grazeley Parochial Primary School and Willowbank Infant School thoroughly deserve the accolade of an ICT mark. They clearly demonstrate how important it is to take a holistic approach to using ICT in schools. Their investment in new technology has contributed to substantial improvements in learning."

Wokingham Borough Council

This month, Wokingham Autism Partnership is hosting a number of events across the borough in its bid to raise awareness about autism.

Autism is a lifelong disability affecting how someone sees the world, communicates and socialises. One percent of the UK population has a condition in the autistic spectrum. It can cause great difficulties every day in relationships and independent living and it affects people in many different ways.

The Wokingham week of events kicks off on Monday May 18 with a workshop on writing social stories as a practical way for those with difficulties in managing social situations to express themselves. This session is open to parents and carers as well as practitioners. The workshop, being held at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley between 9.30am and 12.30pm, is free to parents or carers, but there is a charge of £10 if employed by a statutory agency.

Wokingham Children and young people aged between 10 and 18 years old will be tripping the light fantastic in a diversity drama workshop also starting on Monday May 18. The sessions run until Thursday May 21 and a production of their talents will be showcased at a special performance at the Bulmershe School on Friday May 22. Diversity Drama in Action is run by Ali Campbell, who has over 27 years experience in non-professional theatre. Drama can improve confidence, social skills and self-esteem amongst youngsters and it is also a tool to communicate with the wider community about thoughts, feelings and experiences. The production is free to attend, but donations will be gratefully received for the Me2 Club.

A Wokingham film night will also be held at the Bulmershe School on Monday May 18, when Snowcake, a drama focussing on the friendship between an autistic woman and a man who is traumatised after a fatal accident will be shown. The film stars Alan Rickman, Emily Hampshire and Sigourney Weaver. Film night is free to attend, however donations to Berkshire Autistic Society will be very welcome.

Tuesday May 19 will see a Wokingham speaker event taking place at Bearwood College for people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), parents and carers as well as practitioners. Dean Beadle will be talking about being an adolescent with autism, and Chief Executive of National Autistic Society Mark Lever will also be giving a presentation to the audience. This event is free to those with ASD, parents or carers, but there is a charge of £10 if employed by a statutory agency.

An autism awareness workshop is being held on Wednesday May 20 for parents, carers, practitioners and voluntary organisations. The workshop, being held at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley, is a chance for participants to gain a better understanding of autism. This event is free to parents or carers, but there is a charge of £10 if employed by a statutory agency.

Another film is being shown at the Bulmershe School on Wednesday May 20. The Black Balloon starring Rhys Wakefield and Toni Collette is a life affirming story about growing up with an autistic brother, fitting in, discovering love and accepting your family. It is free of charge to attend the film showing but donations to ASD Family Help will be gratefully received.

Also on Wednesday, Sibs UK for parents is holding a workshop. Sibs is an organisation for people who grow up with a brother or sister with a disability or chronic illness and they aim to enhance the lives of siblings by providing information and support. This free workshop runs from 9.30am until 12.30pm at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley. Sib UK will also be running a workshop aimed specifically at practitioners.

On Thursday May 21, Berkshire Autistic Society is organising a speaker event at the CResCent Centre in Lower Earley at 7pm. Helen Curtis will be speaking about adult housing options and support for people with ASD. There is a charge to attend this event. Members of the Berkshire Autistic Society will be charged: £5 for parents / carers and £10 for practitioners and non-members £10 for parents / carers and £15 for practitioners.

And finally, Wokingham Camp Mohawk will come alive on Saturday May 23. There will be a picnic and play session between 10am and 4pm where there will be lots of exciting activities, plus swimming, soft play and a sensory room to enjoy as well as animals. And for the over 16s there will be a disco and barbecue in the evening.

Pamela Breslin, co-ordinator at Wokingham Autism Partnership at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “So many activities are planned during the week in our bid to raise awareness of autism within the Wokingham Borough. There is something for everyone, and I do hope that many people will join us to learn more about autism.

“If you have autism, live with autism, or work with someone who has autism, you are probably aware of how this disability can affect you and those around you. You are probably aware of how complex autism can be, and how hard you need to work to understand the world around you – social situations, language, communication, knowing what is going to happen next, or when something is going to come to an end.

“However, as many people that are affected by autism know, there is still a long way to go to raise the profile of this disability. We want to promote greater understanding in the Wokingham Borough about autism which is why the Wokingham Autism Partnership is holding these varied events! Why not come along and join us? It promises to be informative and fun!”

The events are sponsored by Wokingham Borough Council and is, and supported by ASD Family Help, Berkshire Autistic Society, Berkshire West Primary Care Trust, National Autistic Society and Wokingham Mencap.

Places need to be booked for the activities and can be done so by calling Pamela Breslin on (0118) 974 6882 or Lucy Skye on (0118) 974 3750.

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Area Access Group (WAAG) will be receiving official thanks from the borough council Mayor Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons for championing disabled access across the borough.

After each main council meeting, the Wokingham Mayor usually presents flowers, or an alternative gift, to a person, group or organisation that has given good service to the community. To mark the council meeting this month (May), a gift will be presented to chairman of WAAG David Gaskin on behalf of the voluntary organisation at a presentation on Thursday (May 7). David will be joined by a number of representatives from WAAG.

WAAG is made up of a small group of individuals who, because of their own needs or circumstances, have a common interest in the improvement of accessibility for the population of Wokingham Borough. They run a successful award scheme which they award to any business, shop or service in the borough who provide good accessibility to the disabled or families with young children.

Mayor Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “Wokingham Area Access Group is a champion of the borough for improving access for the disabled and families with young children in the local area. Its award scheme is a fine example of the work it carries out and I am delighted to honour its work with this special award.”

Wokingham Borough Council

A campaign to encourage more local people to consider a career in fostering is being launched by Wokingham Borough Council this month (May).

Statistics show a shortage of 10,000 foster carers across the UK, and although Wokingham Borough Council has been very successful recruiting more foster carers in the last year it still needs more. And as a result, Wokingham Borough Council is calling on local people during Foster Care Fortnight (May 11 to 24), co-ordinated by the UK-wide charity the Fostering Network, to come forward if they think they have got what it takes to be a foster carer.

The council needs local families to care for children and young people who, for one reason or another, can’t live with their own families. Foster carers must be flexible, have the time and commitment to care for and support a child and provide them with a safe home.

Wokingham Foster carers come from all walks of life, they can be single or married, working or unemployed and can live in council accommodation, have their own home or live in a rental property.

During the fortnight, Wokingham Borough Council will have an information stand at the civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham in order for local people to find out more about fostering. There will also be an information stand at Wokingham Library, Denmark Street in Wokingham. Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer, can pick up leaflets and further information from either of these stands.

The Wokingham council offers generous allowances of up to £546 per week, per child, including allowances for food and clothing as well 24-hour support and ongoing training and social events. Foster carers also get income tax relief, meaning most carers receive all allowances tax-free.

Judy Wheeler, recruitment and fostering support worker, said: “Over the next few weeks there will be a lot of attention both nationally and locally in newspapers, on television and radio about becoming a foster carer. Look out for the council’s new pink posters and A5 leaflets which are being circulated throughout Wokingham Borough.

“Foster carers play a vital role in giving children in care the best possible start in life. The children and young people can benefit enormously from the chance to experience a positive family life and their future can be significantly improved if they are able to be cared for closer to their family home. They are able to stay at the same school and maintaining the continuity of their education and friendships is crucial if we are to do the best for our children and young people in foster care.”

“If you are over 21, and think you fit the criteria, why not contact us to find out more?”

Celebrity Colleen Rooney is also backing Foster Care Fortnight. She said: “Fostering is a vital service that often goes unnoticed. As my own parents have been foster parents since I was very young, I know what a fantastic job foster carers do.

“Every child and young person deserves the love, support and encouragement to succeed in life and look forward to a brighter future. I hope Foster Care Fortnight will encourage more people to come forward and help fill the desperate shortage of foster carers in the UK. It can be a challenging job but one which can enrich whole families and make a real and lasting difference to children's lives.”

Anyone intersted in becoming a foster carer can contact Wokingham council on (0118) 974 6204 or by email: fostering@wokingham.gov.uk. More details on fostering in the Wokingham Borough can also be found at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/fostering (All foster carers are subject to checks including health and criminal record bureau checks.)

Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Library will be transported back to the 1870s to lift the veil on the romance and reality of Victorian weddings this month.

Wedding Belles is a costume presentation by the Wokingham History Wardrobe that will take the audience through the preparations of two very different Victorian brides – one wealthy and the other poor. Through performance, presentations and the clothes themselves, the build up to these two women’s big days will be brought to life.

The History Wardrobe provides costumed talks on historical clothing to school, libraries and community groups that aim to be both informative and entertaining. It has previously brought presentations on a Jane Austen style Christmas and others to Wokingham Library.

Wokingham Borough Council reader development officer for adults Heather Dyson said: “The History Wardrobe’s presentations are always brilliantly researched and very funny, so we are delighted they are coming back for another evening. Weddings provide a great social insight into the society and the evening will also, of course, be full of wonderful clothes.”

Wedding Belles will be on at Wokingham Library from 7.45pm to 9.30pm on Thursday May 21. Places cost £5 and must be booked in advance from the library on (0118) 978 1368.

Wokingham Borough Council

Piles upon piles of rubbish were collected by hard-working volunteers who took part in the Wokingham Borough’s biggest ever litter blitz last weekend.

All the Wokingham rubbish has now been collected and the final count has confirmed that more than 11 tonnes of rubbish dumped in parks, beauty spots, community areas and village centres was picked up. The rubbish ranged from the usual sweet packets and drinks cans to more unusual items like a child’s buggy, wheelbarrow, slide, goal post and even six tea cups complete with tea bags!

Nine hundred people from across the Wokingham borough including residents, neighbourhood action groups, community groups, Guides, Brownies, Junior Wardens, schoolchildren and staff, the youth offending team, police community support officers and environmental groups took part in the first ever Love Your Borough Clean-Up Day – which was so successful it will be turned in to an annual event.

Litter picks took place in Arborfield, Barkham, Dinton Pastures, Earley, Finchampstead, Hurst, Sonning, Wargrave Winnersh, Wokingham and Woodley. The majority of these litter picks took place on Sunday April 26.

Peter Baveystock, Wokingham waste and recycling manager, said: “It was a fantastic event and I’m so pleased that more than 900 people came along and showed their support for this mass clean-up. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part because without their help we wouldn’t have been able to pick up more than 11 tonnes of rubbish in just a few days.”

The event was organised by the Wokingham borough council in conjunction with neighbourhood action groups and town and parish councils and aimed to make the borough brighter as well as give the community a sense of civic pride. Each area held its own individual litter picks and the rubbish was rounded up by the borough council and its street cleansing contractor OCS.

The results of the litter blitz are:
• Arborfield – 18 villagers collected eight bags of rubbish. Some of the strangest items collected included a steel rod, a set of rusty keys and a sofa.

Around 300 family members of the Army’s serving personnel along with MOD police collected 50 bags of rubbish from in and around Arborfield Garrison.
• Barkham – 24 volunteers collected 64 bags of rubbish and large items with the strangest items including a wheelbarrow, child’s slide, a pair of shoes, a goal post and six tea cups complete with tea bags.
• Dinton Pastures – nine volunteers from the Friends of Lavell’s Lake collected 12 bags of rubbish including a car tyre.
• Earley – more than 105 volunteers from Earley Environmental Group collected more than 100 bags of rubbish, including a supermarket basket and a tree lopper over two separate litter picks this spring. Paddick Drive residents also collected 11 bags of rubbish on Sunday.
• Finchampstead – more than 150 volunteers picked up 100 bags of rubbish from nine different locations. Strange items collected included a garden swing and estate agent boards.
• Hurst – more than 30 people collected 45 bags of rubbish.
• Sonning – more than 30 volunteers litter picked on both Saturday and Sunday and collected 50 bags of rubbish including a children’s double buggy.
• Wargrave – 31 people collected 19 bags of rubbish including an old carpet and some chain-link fencing.
• Winnersh - 50 volunteers and community wardens, junior wardens and Brownies collected 60 bags of rubbish.
• Wokingham – 11 volunteers collected 13 bags of rubbish including a broken bike.
• Woodley – 65 volunteers including community and junior wardens, Bulmershe College pupils and staff, and the youth offending team collected 97 bags of rubbish.
More than 80 Guides from Earley held a litter pick on Tuesday (April 28) to tie in with the borough-wide blitz and collected 20 bags of rubbish.

Out of all the Wokingham rubbish collected around 25 per cent of it was made from recyclable material like cardboard, cans and paper and will be dropped off for recycling at Smallmead Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

Beverlie Warman, Wokingham street care officer who was one of the main organisers, added: “We were extremely pleased that the first event was so successful and well supported. While one objective of the day was to clear litter, the main purpose was to raise awareness that litter is unacceptable. A new litter webpage is being set up, which will give information about litter, local clean-up events throughout the year and details of next year’s borough wide clean up. A big thank you again to everyone who took part.”

Wokingham Borough Council

Hundreds of Wokingham children will be taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle as part of Walk to School Week later this month.

Youngsters from more than 30 of the Wokingham borough’s schools will be pulling on their walking boots from Monday May 18 to Friday May 22 as part of national Walk to School Week, which aims to encourage children to get to class via healthier and more environmentally friendly forms of travel.

Children from Wokingham nursery, infant, junior and primary schools will be pounding the pavements as part of the initiative. To encourage schoolchildren to walk to school they are presented with ‘Walk ‘n’ Talk’ stickers in recognition of them taking the healthier way to class, with the theme highlighting the social aspect. Schools are also provided with wall charts and stickers to monitor how far classmates have walked over the week and work towards a collective target.

Julie Pillai, Wokingham road safety officer, said: “Participating in Walk to School Week can contribute towards a school’s travel plan – which aims to reduce the reliance of car-based home to school travel. Car journeys to school are not only detrimental to the environment, they also discourage children from using healthy forms of travel like walking and cycling that can also be fun and socially beneficial.

“Many children have taken part in previous Walk to School Weeks and have since adopted a healthier attitude towards getting to class in general. Research also shows that children who walk to school are more awake in lessons and therefore absorb more information at school – so if you do usually drive your children to school, why not have a go at walking for a change?”

Wokingham Borough Council

On Wednesday (May 6), 10 volunteers, who between them have dedicated 68 and a half years of their lives to Wokingham Borough Council’s short break scheme, will be thanked for their hard work and commitment by the Mayor Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons.

Wokingham Borough Council runs a short break carers scheme and needs carers to look after disabled children and young people for regular day visits, overnight stays or even a few days a month.

Wokingham Mayor Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “These short break carers have made a real difference to the lives of so many families of disabled children over the years. Not only do they give parents a break from caring, they give disabled children the chance to take part in activities that most non-disabled children take for granted. I am delighted to host this breakfast event in their honour.”

The Wokingham borough council currently has 13 short break carers. However, it still needs more volunteers to come forward as there is a real need for them to support families of disabled children in the borough. Applications are welcome from people of all backgrounds. Applicants could be working, retired or unemployed, with or without children, single or with a partner. Once application forms are completed a number of checks are carried out including police, health and probation. All carers are assessed and approved by the council before they are matched with a child.

They will receive training, support from the borough’s short break carers’ scheme and an allowance to cover costs.

Anyone interested in becoming a short break carer, should contact the council by calling (0118) 974 6999 or (0118) 974 6218 or email short.breaks@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham Borough Council

Police in Wokingham made seven arrests last week of people suspected of being involved in burglaries and robberies in Wokingham.

An 18-year-old man from Wokingham was arrested on 22 April on suspicion of carrying out burglaries in the local area. He has been released on bail to attend Loddon Valley police station on 20 May.

A 37-year-old Reading man was arrested on 25 April in connection with recent burglaries in Lower Earley and Shinfield. He has been released on bail to return to Loddon Valley police station on 14 June.

A 33-year-old man from Winnersh was arrested on 23 April after police noticed a vehicle that had parked on the hard should of the A329M. The vehicle contained bolt-cutters. He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and has been released on bail to return to Loddon Valley on 24 May.

A 21-year-old man from Tilehurst and an 18-year-old man of no fixed abode were arrested on 21 April after police stopped a car in Reading Road, Winnersh. They were both arrested on suspicion of going equipped to commit burglary and have been released on bail to return to Loddon Valley police station on 20 May.

Two 16-year-old boys were arrested on 22 April on suspicion of robbery following an incident in Reading Road, Winnersh. They have been released on bail to return to Loddon Valley police station on 18 May.

Ch Insp Denise Blackburn, Commander of the Wokingham Local Police Area, said: “These arrests represent part of the good police work taking place every week to disrupt and catch those responsible for committing these types of crime in our area.

“We will continue to drive policing activity at those we suspect are committing such crimes in the community of Wokingham.

“I would urge anyone who has information about people who are committing crime in this area to pass it on to police. They can do this either by contacting Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505, or, if you wish to remain anonymous, by contacting the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham