Parish Newsletter Summer 2020

A perennial issue for our parish is litter and fly- tipping. The annual Parish Clean-up Day had to be cancelled but it is good to see that a number of people have taken to doing a spot of litter-picking as part of their daily exercise routine. At least it gives one a reason for getting out and about. Other residents have been active improving our open spaces – planting seeds and flowers, tending to the community orchard, cleaning the area around the war memorial, doing ground clearance at The Marshes nature reserve. Chris Morrissey has generously offered to provide and plant a tree at the junction of the Odiham and Basingstoke Roads to replace the one demolished by an errant driver a few years ago and the parish council has secured the agreement of Chairman’s Report

WBC which owns the land in question. It is great to be able to enjoy the fine weather and Although the planned sunshine, and the opportunity to get outdoors more VE Day celebrations after such a long period of lockdown. Now the could not proceed, lockdown has been eased, the parish council has there were various been able to re-open its car parks. The tennis courts impromptu and and multipurpose games court are open for use suitably socially subject to government guidance and the tennis club distanced parties to is also following Lawn Tennis Association advice. mark the occasion. Members of the community have certainly not been Parish Council official idle and the community has pulled together in so business continues many different and innovative ways. As they say, but not as we know it! necessity is the mother of invention. The Clerk and The parish council is incredibly grateful to all those Finance Officer are who are volunteering and helping others: from working from home shopping, to collecting prescriptions and whatever and the usual phone numbers have been redirected else they can do to support those who need help. So – one of the advantages of the Internet-based phone many residents are involved but as a council we system the Council now uses is its flexibility. The should like to thank Jenny Burnett, Mark Binns and Caretaker and Warden are able to continue working their willing team of volunteers in particular. The whilst observing social distancing. The opportunity parish council helped by arranging a redirectable has been taken to catch up with a host of local contact phone number and by sponsoring the maintenance jobs and to have a bit of a clear out printing and delivery of the community group flyer to whilst the halls are closed. No doubt many of us have all households which gives details and contact been doing much the same thing at home! Meetings information. Local Facebook groups such as the are now being conducted as online ‘virtual’ meetings “Keep Riseley Beautiful”, “Swallowfield Community” as permitted by recent regulations and we will and “Swallowfield Community Help Group” have also continue to do so until further notice. been providing a valuable service and a channel to Featured Article in this Issue inform and exchange information. Swallowfield, Riseley and Farley Hill Covid19 Volunteers Page 2

1 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Chairman’s Report continued community, we are pro-green energy but the fields which comprise the proposed site are the gateway to Anyone wishing to ‘attend’ one of our public online the village and are very visible from Castle Hill. This meetings should contact the Clerk who will provide is not the right place for a large industrial plant and its details of how to join the meeting on a Windows PC, very obtrusive security fencing. Android, iOS devices or by telephone. There was no

Annual Parish Meeting this year but we have Transport - potholes included the usual Annual Report as the centrefold to Our roads have been quieter in these difficult times this newsletter. and has taken the parish back to feeling truly rural There was also no Annual Meeting of the Parish once again. have not been slow in Council either which is when the members elect their taking this opportunity to work on a few of our roads Chairman and other roles. The Council has decided with quick resurfacing projects on Church Road in that the current Chairman and other roles will Farley Hill and School Road in Riseley. Having said continue unchanged for the time being. that, potholes remain a challenge across the parish. Do report them to Wokingham – a quick Many forthcoming local events have had to be Google search on Wokingham and pothole will take cancelled including the Church Fete, Swallowfield you to the right place. Show and Farley Horse Trials. This is of course very Jonathan Wheelwright sad but keeping safe is in everyone’s best interests. On a positive note, we have been able to enjoy clearer skies, less aircraft noise and traffic. We have all had to re-evaluate how we go about our daily Swallowfield, Riseley and family and business lives. The Internet has provided Farley Hill Covid19 us with the means to do things differently, work more Volunteers effectively, help one another, keep in touch with At the start of the pandemic friends and family, do the shopping and reduce the informal groups of friends and neighbours were formed in by Laura Upshall, Riseley Julia Bailey, Riseley Common, Neil Marshall, Swallowfield centre, Harry Cannon, Farley Hill, and in the Parish Office Liz Halson was receiving many offers of help but could not coordinate it with everything else that was going on. As some one in the ‘vulnerable’ group who was already self-isolating, but wanted to help, I volunteered to coordinate whatever was going to emerge. At that time is was unclear what Wokingham or the national offers of support would look like. In that first week, with financial help from the Parish Council, we managed to get a phone line that could be transferred to different numbers, a second coordinator, flier designed, printed and delivered to need for travel. Hence there is no doubt that some all the houses in the Parish, a second coordinator, good things will come out of this eventually. Mark Binns, (a Parish Councillor), 50 volunteers and Stay safe and please remember to observe social our first few distancing. clients. We also John Anderson linked with Chairman Amanda Cracknell, the social prescriber Planning and Transport Report at Swallowfield Planning – Solar Farm Medical Practice, When it comes to unexpected applications, the so that patients proposal for another solar farm in the parish at the requiring bottom of Castle Hill in Farley Hill was another medication surprise. Once again there was a strong local collection were response to this application – not for what it was, so given our contact much as where it was. My sense is that, as a details.

2 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk we have managed to connect with Zoe, a local resident who works for the Grub Club, in Wokingham, and has provided fresh food parcels for clients. The Calico Trust (see Page 21) have also made a food voucher grant to a client in need. To date we have 118 volunteers, and 32 registered families, although the volunteers are supporting many more. This seems to be in line with the statistics nationally, and it is very gratifying that so many in our community are willing to help their neighbours. We envisage that the need will continue as long as the very vulnerable need to self-isolate, (presumably until a vaccine is produced), and are very grateful to all those volunteers prepared to continue their efforts. If you would like some support, in terms of shopping, medication collection, pet care or just a regular chat on the phone, please see contact details on the poster to the left. Jenny Burnett

Local Member Update Wokingham Borough Council

In those first few days of shortages of toilet rolls, eggs, bread and other necessities we decided to produce identity cards for volunteers to show when they were collecting medication or shopping for others, and these were designed by Phillippa Broadhurst, one of our volunteers, and distributed over the weekend during peoples’ exercise time. We had a few hiccups with our technology and Alistair Corrie gave us an online tutorial on managing the Businesses in Wokingham Borough benefit spreadsheets, and then we were really up and from multi-million support package running, well ahead of anything else locally. Businesses in Wokingham Borough have benefitted It quickly became apparent that almost all our from about £34 million of support to date during the volunteers were already looking out for their Covid-19 crisis, this is made up of business grants neighbours and shopping and collecting medication and rate relief. for them, and that we were then able to provide a back The £34million is made up of more than £16.5million up if they had to self-isolate or became ill and needed in grants provided directly to businesses and about support themselves. This was dramatically illustrated £17.5million in business rate relief. when Tony Fleming came off the volunteer list because he had Covid19 symptoms. Kellie Ward We are a Borough of business and a council that agreed to walk his dog, Gus, and shopped for him. supports our entrepreneurs, SMEs and larger Unfortunately, very suddenly Tony succumbed to companies and this is a time when they need us the Covid19, and Kellie nobly fostered Gus. Tony’s family most. The scale and speed of the financial help being asked if we knew of anyone who could offer Gus a provided is unprecedented because the challenges permanent home, and another of our volunteer facing many of our businesses are unprecedented. families, the Goolds, in Riseley, now have a new About £16.5 million has already been provided in family member. grants to eligible businesses who have applied and we are working swiftly through applications to ensure they Despite our best efforts to get us recognised by the are paid in good time. greater Wokingham effort, this has not happened, but

3 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk The grants available to businesses are: £8m investment in road improvements A £10,000 grant to businesses with a Rateable Value in 2020-21 of up to £15,000 and who are currently entitled to Wokingham Borough Council will invest £8million in Small Business Rate Relief in order to help meet their improving our road network in 2020-21, with almost ongoing business costs 100 roads earmarked for resurfacing or treatments to A £10,000 grant to businesses who pay no Rates as prolong life in the coming months. Work originally they currently receive mandatory Rural Rate Relief scheduled to start in May was brought forward to early April, with the programme accelerated due to the A £10,000 grant to retail, hospitality, and leisure Government’s COVID-19 guidance. The lockdown businesses operating from premises whose Rateable measures caused road usage in the Borough to drop Value is up to £15,000 by 50 per cent and roadworks by utilities companies to A £25,000 grant to retail, hospitality, and leisure drop by more than 33 per cent, providing an businesses operating from premises whose Rateable opportunity to complete work in potentially disruptive Value is between £15,000 and £51,000 locations. Any businesses that believe they are eligible can visit The council has already carried out improvement our business webpages to check and apply. works on some of the Borough’s key commuting routes, including Showcase roundabout in , Following on changes from Government of business the A4 Bath Road in , Road, rate relief (including allowing 100% relief for many Molly Millar’s Lane in Wokingham, Thames Street in childcare providers) a total of £17.5million worth of Sonning and A33 bypass southbound; during the discounts have been passed to businesses in the lockdown period. Borough. Work on site has followed Government and As well as administering the grants and relief as construction industry social distancing guidance and quickly as possible, Wokingham Borough Council has will continue to do so. been contacting potentially eligible businesses to encourage them to apply. This has involved Across the programme there will be a significant redeploying staff from other teams across the council increase in full resurfacing schemes, with more than to call and follow-up with them and all of potentially 50 roads earmarked for works, compared to less than eligible businesses have been contacted. 20 last year. This is where the top layer of road surface will be removed and replaced to provide a We are using business contacts, social media, and smooth road for vehicles. email and just hitting the phones to make sure businesses get the support. Our website has the latest Key routes information for those who think they might be eligible – Other key travel routes around the Borough are still to so please check on it and apply if you are eligible. be completed with improvements planned on parts of Due to the high number of contacts we are getting Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead/Wokingham from businesses about the Government grant Without, Butts Hill Road in Woodley, Eversley Road in schemes and rate relief, we are being supported by , Basingstoke Road in Swallowfield, the Growth Hub to help businesses and Betchworth Avenue in and Old Forest Road in business owners access the other forms of help they Wokingham. might need that are not administered by the local Roads have been selected by the council’s highways authority. This includes: team by identifying the roads most in need of Access to loans attention. Works will be taking place through the Business continuity summer. Other business support groups The breakdown in estimated spend this financial year Sector specific loans on road improvements is as follows: For further information visit the Berkshire Growth Hub - £6.1m on structural maintenance website. - £900,000 capital projects on roads and pavements - £1m fixing potholes We have also been given recently an additional grant to help businesses that did not meet the original As part of this year’s programme WBC will also criteria, details of which will be announced at the end complete 21 roads which had been planned for 2019- of May for applications to be considered from 1st July. 20 but were delayed due to winter weather. This year’s programme is planned for the summer months, reducing the chance of any delays.

4 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk It’s part of a series of highway investments in and, most importantly, to make sure all residents living Wokingham Borough including the council’s in the DEPZ know about it and have the information £124million major highways programme and new or they need to understand there’s been no change in improved park and ride car parks and services across the risk. But, given the way Covid-19 is overwhelming the area. The council is also beginning work to invest our lives at the moment, I want to make doubly sure £20million in tackling congestion over the next five our residents are aware of this important message. years. As I write this brief update, summer has definitely Working times : These vital works usually take place arrived with much sun and warmth I hope that you all off-peak during the day, from 9.30am to 4pm, but have an excellent summer. some schemes work is allowed between 8am and 6pm during the Covid-19 outbreak so more works can Stuart Munro be completed when the roads are less busy. Member for Swallowfield, Wokingham Borough Council Full details of this year’s programme, including which roads will be resurfaced or redressed and when, can be found by visiting our website. Details of road All Saints News closures will also be available on www.one.network Greetings to you from the Rectory Larger emergency planning zone for AWE I trust that you’re managing to navigate your way through the uncharted waters we find ourselves If you live in travelling through. Northern Swallowfield, You may have been successful in finding new , strategies for day to day living; discovering new and , refreshing wind beneath your sails; developing new and Grazeley you routines; new hobbies; really enjoying time to relax will have received and just to Be…... and more than happy for the a communication current situation to continue. from West For some of you things will have been a lot different, Berkshire Council about the emergency planning zone as you’ve found yourself adrift, alone, becalmed in around AWE Burghfield within unknown waters, not enjoying the experience at all, Council’s boundary. and becoming increasingly impatient for a return to Although there has been no change in activities at some kind of normality; frustrated that there is little AWE Burghfield, legislation has required a review of sign of rescue on the distant horizon. the emergency planning for this site and, as a result of Wherever you feel you are along the line between the review, the emergency plan for the facility must these two poles of experience, perhaps you’ve found now cover a larger area. This extended area - known yourself pondering the place of the spiritual in your as the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) - life, and responded to those feelings by simply saying now covers some homes and businesses in Northern a prayer, or even by beginning to explore once again, Swallowfield, Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and or for the very first time, the concept of faith. Grazeley not previously included. My prayer for you is that you find the answer to your West Berkshire is responsible for this emergency plan searching. (in collaboration with partners) and for notifying residents about it, including those living in the If you think I might be able to help please give me a Wokingham Borough. This is why West Berkshire call - 0118 988 3799 Council is sending an information booklet to all Although church buildings are locked shut, ‘the households and businesses. church’ is very much alive, quite simply because This is an odd situation because there’s been no ‘church’ is a community of people, and not an ancient change in the actual risk of an incident at AWE (or modern) building. The building is purely a place Burghfield – that remains incredibly low – nor has where ‘the church’, the people of faith, meet for there been any change in what AWE Burghfield does. worship. There now has to be an emergency plan in place for a bigger area meaning some of our residents are in this You may or may not know that we’ve been continuing DEPZ for the first time. with our church services since the beginning of lockdown. From Monday to Friday we meet on Zoom It’s West Berkshire’s responsibility to produce the plan for midday and night prayer (12 noon & 9pm), and

5 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk each Sunday we have a Zoom service at 11am. If may reschedule it for later in the summer, but that is you’d like to join us, you’ll find joining instructions for the future. So let’s look back at some of the and codes on the front page of our website - https:// highlights of past Fêtes. www.loddonreach.org.uk/ where you’ll also find links to the Loddon Reach Magazine, now in digital form. Until we meet again - An Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall softly upon your fields. Until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Rev Paul WillisTeam Rector, This year, above all others, we are appreciating Loddon Reach Benefice Rectory: 0118 988 3799, nature and are very aware of our good fortune as mobile: 07857 309018 we ‘exercise’ and now ‘relax’ in our still-green email: [email protected] haven. In the All Saints article in the new-look Benefice office: 0118 988 5923 virtual Loddon Reach magazine at https:// www.loddonreach.org.uk, I have described the glories of our churchyard, so do look there for IT’S FÊTE TIME ! photographs of the primroses, bluebells, cowslips, Star of Bethlehem and others. You have probably Normally in this issue, still time to catch the carpet of red campion as we I would be reminding reach the end of the spring flowers season. you that the annual church fête was The new development imminent, as it has is BEES. A member of been held on the the Wokingham Bee second Saturday in Keepers set up one June for many, many hive last summer and years. Sadly, its fate intends to add a has been that of most second one this year. other events at the While not fulfilling its moment and will not desired aim of enticing take place in June. If our own bees out of the church spire, a new colony conditions make it seem appropriate, we

was established. It is thriving this year and looks set to produce good honey. While obvious care needs to be taken if venturing too close, the hives are in a little frequented area and I hope you will agree that this contribution to environmental sustainability is a positive step. Barbara Stanley

6 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk SWALLOWFIELD PARISH EVENTS GROUP is creating during this period of isolation. (S.P.E.G) We look forward to the time when we can all gather Many of you have been great supporters of SPEG together again to watch a live performance from our events since we started to bring professional touring great British theatrical community, and as soon as we theatre productions (and the occasional musical are able, we will welcome you warmly back to event) to the Parish Hall in Swallowfield in 2012. We Swallowfield for a fantastic night out. have enjoyed a range of productions, from our first, ‘Spitfire Solo’, with Nicholas Collett, to our most With all best wishes – stay safe and well. recent, Farnham Maltings’ production of ‘Brilliance’. Some of you will also know that our planned nd The S.P.E.G. Team production, booked for May 2 , of Giles Shenton as ‘Old Herbaceous’, sadly had to be cancelled because of the Coronavirus outbreak, and the subsequent Swallowfield Art Group closing of the Parish Hall to all users. As the art group is currently unable to The shutdown of theatres, music venues and other meet, many of us are keeping in touch places where public entertainment takes place has via WhatsApp, exchanging jokes, news dealt a severe blow to the arts. At a stroke, performers and artistic efforts. Some of these are of all kinds lost their means of making a living. Very showcased here, with thanks to the few members of what are very precarious professions group members who have shared them with me. have insurance, substantial (or any) savings, or This beautiful wolf, by Sue Maginn, drawn with artists’ alternative ways of bringing in an income. They will be watercolour pencils on black paper is a lovely example the last to be able to return to work, whenever that of creating texture with light and dark tones and may eventually be possible, because of the difficulties painstaking attention to detail. of maintaining social distancing in a public place such Linda Bradley’s ‘painting in strips’ exercise, as a theatre or concert hall. Venues too are struggling to stay afloat – you may have seen on the news recently that two theatres in Southampton have gone into administration. We at SPEG hope that the village hall circuit, which is used by many of our small-scale touring theatre and music performers, might well be useful when performances can begin again, because the halls will still be there, and we very much hope that the appetite for live performance will be as strong as ever. As soon as we possibly can, and having regard to everyone’s safety, SPEG will be making plans to bring you live professional entertainment once again. reproduces, as closely as possible, the shapes and colours in strips cut from magazines. This is an In the meantime, there are things you can do to exercise in observation, as well as technique. support the arts. You might think of making a donation to one of the charities which support performers – a useful list can be found at www.spotlight.com together with advice for performers during the Covid-19 crisis. Or you can visit the webpage of your favourite theatre, venue or performers, and find out about productions being streamed, ways of giving support, and what performers are doing during lockdown. Nicholas Collett, our first ever SPEG performer, has created an audio version of an award-winning play by David Visick, ‘Waiting for Hamlet’. Recorded with fellow actor Tim Marriott in studios 30 miles apart, the play is available to listen to until the end of May (so you might just catch it). Follow the link at www.nicholascollett.com to listen, or to see what Nick

7 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Sunsets are always tricky to get right. This painting by Riseley Village Tea Room Jenny Boddington of Brighton Pier nails it. We can all dream of being at the seaside again someday! May 1st and I look back at last year’s diary busy: busy, busy. But I’m not going to dwell on that as we are in lock down and the tearoom is mothballed and our lives, God willing, go on. We’re looking on the bright side ,enjoying unseasonal weather, working hard in the garden and taking time to quite literally stop and smell the roses. We’re also counting our blessings as each telephone call to the tearoom ladies confirms all are well as they recount their isolation stories. We are missing our Grandchildren our families and friends we are also Alison Turley has used a loose, impressionistic style missing the joy of being part of the tearoom family. to create this vivid painting of flowers with marvellous Huge thanks to Paula our tearoom treasurer, who has variation in colour and tone. shopped for Ray and myself from day one, she is our very own personal shopper and it’s certainly not in her job description. This year the tearoom was hosting the Riseley VE Day celebrations on May 8th but as that has been postponed and as yet nothing can be planned, we will try to enjoy this unexpected quiet time and in the future when we are so busy we can’t even stop for a quick cuppa and would give anything for some peace and quiet and alone time, we will be very careful what we wish for. I’ve just had a thought. Perhaps I can tentatively start to plan our Christmas event, yay. Pam Wright

I painted the poppy for the cover of a birthday card for

my son’s girlfriend. I wanted something cheerful and personal as, sadly, we won’t be seeing her on her birthday Because of the coronavirus lockdown, like most Bowls (or probably any time soon). clubs in the UK, we cancelled all our matches until the end of June, with an expectation that none would be If you have extra time at the possible this season. Yesterday we learnt from Bowls moment, and have always that sufficient easement of the lockdown fancied having a go at rules may make it possible for singles and maybe painting or drawing, there are even doubles matches to be played, but between club many excellent tutorials on members only. We await clarification and further YouTube to get you guidance. If you are keen enough to want to try this started. Artist’s materials are sport this year, it may be possible to arrange this on a available from a wide variety one to one basis only. of online sources, Jacksonsart.com being one of the We are a small friendly club in a country village most comprehensive and reasonably priced. setting, with ample easy parking; at the Victory Hall

Church Road Farley Hill RG7 1TR. If you want any If you are interested in joining the group, please call further help or information, please contact Bill Jenny Boddington on 0118 988 5804 further details. In Dowling, Club Secretary, on 01344772130 or E-mail: normal times, we meet at Swallowfield Parish Hall on [email protected]. Mondays from 2pm to 4pm. or visit our website: www.farleyhillbowlsclub.org.uk Patricia Taylor

Bill Dowling

8 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Due to the appeal of our local the vast majority have been respectful of the land, Lodge, an additional meeting there have been some instances of loose, aggressive of Swallowfield Pitt Bridge dogs, or gatherings of picnickers – that is not what the Lodge was held at the Mill Park was opened for, so we do please ask that you House Hotel on Monday 2nd just use it for lone or household walking. Although the March and the Lodge’s law on meeting others has been relaxed, there are still second Master initiated two many in our community with health issues who are local businessmen into extremely vulnerable, and we would like them to feel Freemasonry. completely safe to use the Park if they wish. We will unfortunately have to close some areas as we go However, like the rest of the Country, Freemasonry forwards, partly to prepare ground in case of running has been put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 the horse trials (see below!), and partly for hay-making pandemic. On 17th March the Grand Master, H.R.H. or livestock. If areas are open you may walk, but if the Duke of Kent, issued a directive that all Masonic people start breaching padlocks or climbing fences gatherings were to be suspended for a period of four into closed areas, we will have to beef up security and months with immediate effect. As a result the Lodge’s this is not what we want. meeting in May will not take place and the potential Initiate and two Joining Members will have to be Despite our rural way of life, some aspects of our patient before they are admitted as Members. business have been deeply affected by Coronavirus. Hopefully life will have returned to some semblance of The Equestrian Centre sees up to fifty clients/visitors normality when we are next scheduled to meet in some days including vets, farriers, physios, trainers, September? etc. We have had to impose strict limits on all to enable our staff to work in a safe environment. This The Lodge normally meets four times a year on the has meant disinfecting all equipment, light switches, first Mondays in February (Installation), September & brooms, wheelbarrows etc twice a day, changing our November and the second Monday in May. Additional working hours to reduce lone working, and the horses/ Members will be made most welcome. Any local clients have had to fit in around these measures. Mason that would like to become a Joining Member, or any man interested in being initiated into the Looking ahead, it is anyone’s guess whether leisure Fraternity should contact Tim Double (Mobile No: activities such as shooting can take place this year – 07703 254350, or email: [email protected]) for though it seems likely outdoor sports will do. The further information. horse trials scheduled for 20th-21st June has been Dr Roger H. Jago cancelled but there is a chance of holding a scaled- down, “behind closed doors” competition later in the season. Realistically we may be looking at a summer of cross country schooling and outdoor training The View from the Hill instead. Our shoot season has been reduced and pushed back to mid-October, by which time we expect It has been a tumultuous three months since our last to be in full swing. An outdoor sport like this with no View From the Hill. A sobering thought that when I spectators can easily be tweaked to protect those wrote that edition, I had no idea of what was to follow. taking part whether as employees or participants. We Since February we have had to make substantial know many shoots have had to completely cancel the changes to certain aspects of life at Farley, while whole season, so we feel lucky to be able to go ahead others have continued in blissful separation from the even with a half-sized season. When the time draws effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic. A farmer sitting near we may be able to take some last minute alone on a plough in the middle of 1700 acres of bookings for September partridges and early October, countryside is probably about as low risk of catching depending on bird numbers. the virus as you can get! With Brexit and now the A huge part of our business involves rental, whether Pandemic hitting us this year, it has become more cottages or commercial. A few of our tenants have important than ever for British farmers to keep been hit by the Pandemic and we have tried to producing, in case our external sources of food/fodder support those where we can – in particular focusing dry up. on those who won’t benefit from any government As you have hopefully seen, we have opened large schemes. It is a very difficult position for a landlord, parts of Swallowfield Park to walkers to allow for some as we like so many others, really cannot afford to have extra space to isolate safely and have mown some less than about 90% occupancy for our units/cottages, tracks in some fields to make walking easier. While and it is also a particularly difficult period to let an

9 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk empty unit as viewings and marketing has to be quite can assist from home in the weeks to come. We know limited. So we need to retain tenants but there is only how lucky we are to have a rural lifestyle where the so much rent we can waive before it starts to affect us virus seems so far away, but it still lingers in the significantly. It is easy to paint landlords as the bad background of everything we do – a morbid shadow guys, but the fact is most of our property is financed hanging over us that can affect any one of us, at any against its value so any vacant premises will start to time. fall behind in finance payments, and these can rack up In some ways, the hardest part of the Pandemic is yet very rapidly in such difficult times. to come, as we try to get back to normal amid some As I write, further relaxation of lockdown is taking very challenging new ways of working. We know we place in the days to come and we all hope and pray will all come through it, by supporting each other. If that we have done enough to stave off any future the vulnerable among us are protected, and those we waves of the virus. We have found the Farley love stay safe and well, everything else can be community to be as strong as ever, with grocery overcome. shopping, offers of help, and a feeling of solidarity As always, please contact The Estate Office or myself among our staff, family and clients. ([email protected]) if you live locally and We are very proud of Lady Bearsted for reinstating her Farley Farms can help you in any way at all. medical licence so she could be ready to support the NHS had it been overwhelmed as it was feared – Natalie Gaibani thank goodness this has not been needed and she Farley Farms has remained in strict isolation, but it may be that she

Swallowfield Pre-School

10 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Swallowfield Parish Council Annual Report 2019/2020

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Welcome to readers of the 2019/20 Annual Parish Report. Normally this report would have been published standalone and distributed at the Annual Parish Meeting. However, because of the lockdown we were unable to hold the meeting this year and so we decided to incorporate the report as the centrefold in this, the Summer Newsletter. The report provides a convenient reminder allowing us to reflect upon some of the more notable work undertaken by the Parish Council over the past year. Nonetheless, we should not lose sight of the more mundane activities that are routinely undertaken throughout the year. Significant projects this year have included the spillway across the Swallowfield Rec, the replacement boardwalk at The Marshes Local Nature Reserve, developing the design and specification for the drainage, surfacing and other car park improvements at the Parish Hall, a makeover of Fox’s Run and the commissioning of an architect to develop ideas for improving the layout and function of the Parish Hall. We also put the finishing touches to Fieldfare with the addition of an illuminated sign over the shop and wheel-stops in the front parking bays. Unfortunately the annual litter pick scheduled in March was a victim of the lockdown but hopefully, with appropriate social distancing, it can take place later this year. Although we are by some standards a small parish, the Parish Council owns substantial assets and has a budget to match; we work hard to ensure that these are all well managed. I am therefore pleased to report that the Parish Council has been able to maintain its precept at past low levels for the 2020/21 financial year. Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to all of our Councillors (including Sarah Lonorgan who is no longer a member) for their contributions and to our Clerk, Finance Officer, Caretaker and Parish Warden for their hard work and dedication over the past year on behalf of the community. John Anderson, March 2020

RESILIENCE Over the last four years the Flood Resilience Group (FRG) has worked to identify projects, which if implemented could reduce the possibility of flooding across the parish. Members of the FRG worked with consultants to analyse data and put forward project proposals. Many of the projects involve co-operation by landowners and other agencies and authorities, but the spillway was to be built on land owned by the Parish Council and so in its total control. The purpose of this grassed ‘swale’ is to allow floodwater to drain quickly from Swallowfield Street after a significant flood event, similar to the one experienced following torrential rainfall in July 2007. There is a low point on the road near the corner of the recreation ground where river and storm water flows can accumulate, putting numerous properties at risk. The spillway takes the form of a channel, with a one metre-wide base and shallow sloping sides. Four inlet pipes at the side of the road at the low point allow floodwater to pass through the bank and enter the spillway. The bottom surface of the channel has a gentle slope along its length, allowing storm water flows to discharge from the road into the low-lying area in the copse on the far side of the playing field, which forms part of the flood plain of the Blackwater River. Two culvert crossings allow people to cross the spillway so access to the recreation ground is preserved. The base of the swale is planted with a wetland meadow grass mixture, helping to maintain the quality of water flows into the flood plain. It will only carry water during storm conditions or following periods of very wet weather so will not affect use of the recreation ground. The football pitch will be moved towards the hall to ensure that players have a level area beyond the goal line. A Defra Natural Flood Management scheme grant has provided the funding for design and construction of the works. The Parish Council and FRG are also grateful for all the support provided by the Environment Agency, the University of Reading and the Loddon Catchment Partnership. Graham Stanley, March 2020

Swallowfield Parish Council Annual Report - Page 1 OUR ENVIRONMENT Fox’s Run * The Orchard * Swallowfield Meadow * Riseley Common and the Marshes * Riseley Green Van Demans * Swallowfield Recreation Ground * Riseley Recreation Ground Gardens around Riseley Memorial Hall, Sports Pavilion, Swallowfield Parish Hall, the War Memorial, Fieldfare and the Shop

During 2019/20 I invited residents to meet to discuss Our Environment. The aims were to promote an environment rich in plant life and create a plan of action for each open space. Our first meeting was in October 2019. Members of the group had different strengths and interests and initial discussions focused on Fox’s Run, the orchard and the planting of wildflowers across the Parish. We decided to split into smaller groups and work on single areas of the environment. Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has given us advice and ideas. It has an aspirational aim to have wildflowers on all verges but there is no budget to allow this to happen at present; however, it expects to be carbon neutral by 2030 and will introduce new wildflower areas each year and hopes residents will plant the wildflower seeds which were made available in their gardens. WBC has planted 45000 trees in the last few years and plans to repeat this number over the next 5 years, if budgets allow. My aim for next year will be to: monitor the planting, enrich the Orchard, plant bulbs on the Common, find finances for benches and involve as many residents as possible. Fox’s Run - The group surveyed the path and garden and put forward a plan for varied planting along the length of the path, however, there was no response to a request for volunteers to work on this area. Some trees have been felled professionally and shrubs and weeds taken away by a member of the scouts as part of a fundraising effort. In the absence of volunteers the Parish Council agreed to clear the path and strim the garden. With a new strimmer and edger Stephen, the Parish Warden, has cleared the whole area. He will continue this work on a regular basis. We will monitor the results and I plan to sow some wildflower seed in small patches as an experiment The Orchard - Tom Blomley and Chris Morrissey have been working on the 30 trees in the orchard for some time. Chris has removed those which have failed and revived them in his greenhouse. Tom has cut the grass between the trees and removed the cuttings and an action plan agreed to ensure the trees would thrive. Volunteers spent a day placing wire and posts around the trees to prevent deer from eating the bark and leaves. Tom and the late Phil Oram went on to place extra stakes on the trees as the wind was bending them. Our next action is to have a working day where wood chips and manure are placed around each tree. Riseley Common and The Marshes - This area has a very committed and hardworking residents group who have had many working days clearing and maintaining both the Common and The Marshes. The Parish Council has funded a bridge made from recycled plastic moulded to resemble wooden planks, it is very beautiful. We are planting wild flowers on the banks of the stream and plan to buy bulbs and shrubs. The Parish Council has also purchased two ‘Welcome’ signs for the entrances and two ‘Warning’ signs for the two ponds. These will be erected by volunteers.

Riseley Green - Residents would like to see wild flowers on verges and the Green. The Parish Council has agreed that seeds can be sown on the Green as an experiment. Smaller Gardens - We are very grateful to the residents who plant bulbs in front of the Post Office and Parish Hall and keep the gardens at Riseley Memorial Hall looking so lovely. Angela King, March 2020

Swallowfield Parish Council Annual Report - Page 2 HALLS Riseley Memorial Hall and Swallowfield Parish Hall continue to be the hubs of community life. The Tea Room continues its success, still master minded by Pam Wright, Paula Martin and their trusty supporters. The roof on the Sports Pavilion at Riseley has been repaired and we hope that’s the end of any leaks! Swallowfield Parish Hall, with its three separate spaces for booking and parish office, is busy and you are advised to book well in advance if you want to hire any of the rooms. A successful preschool (Thank you Helen! )and toddler group , The Russell Players with its legendary panto and two other annual productions, Scouts, sports ,craft and leisure groups, all make this a much used and loved amenity. Add to this, the extensive and well kept grounds, play equipment , football pitch and multi use games court and you can see why Swallowfield is such a sought after area . The parish council would like to thank the caretaker and the parish warden, Derek and Stephen, for keeping everywhere so spick and span. Lots of different groups, sharing these amenities, can cause difficulties, but we try to try to iron these out by meetings with hall users which the bookings clerk and the caretaker kindly attend. Regular cleaning and maintenance are the order of the day. New speakers have been installed to upgrade the failing sound system in the main hall and improved tracking and new stage curtains have been fitted. A state of the art intelligent heating system has replaced the old failing boiler and the parish council would like to thank Jake Lucas for sticking with what became a very complicated job. Despite appearances, parish council business is still being conducted and plans for the car park are underway. The council have engaged with a firm of consulting engineers, getting the necessary surveys, technical drawings and specifications, including disabled access, ready to go to tender. Our most exciting future project is the Swallowfield hall upgrade, a plan of works that will be phased over a number of years. An architect has been selected to lead the council through the proposed stages, which will improve disabled facilities as well as existing spaces. Informal small meetings have been held between him and the council working party and plans are being drawn up ready for wider consultation. Unfortunately the current state of affairs and therefore the lack of hall revenue has put this project on hold at present but the council remains excited and optimistic for the future. Margaret McDonald, March 2020

RECREATION The Parish Council undertakes regular safety checks on all its play equipment. At the beginning of the year the quarterly report highlighted that the crocodile bench in the children’s play area at Swallowfield was rotten. It has been replaced by a ‘rocker’. Bill Dance, March 2020

PLANNING As always, these have been interesting times in the world of planning across the parish with new strategic initiatives coming from Wokingham Borough Council. The first was the draft of the new Local Plan. This sets out the forward-looking strategy for development across the borough to 2036. It has a hugely ambitious scope with three vision areas: the first on developing cohesive and inclusive communities with plans for new local centres of employment and more green spaces; then sustainability, which includes public transport, electric vehicle charging points, cycling and walking, as well as protecting waterways; finally plans to enrich the areas where we live, work, learn or visit. It has a good and thoughtful set of ambitions so there’s much to appreciate here. Having said that, the underlying challenge to meet the huge government target for new housing development in our borough makes it tough reading. The good news is that the proposal for our parish is for very limited development. Instead, the strategy centres on building Grazeley Garden Town with 10 thousand new homes. We also enjoyed the draft of the minerals and waste plan (planning gets all the best reads.) Our parish has already seen an application for gravel extraction at Bridge Farm which was rejected by Wokingham, so it was a surprise to find another gravel extraction site proposed beside the Loddon between Swallowfield and Spencers Wood. The Residents Against Gravel Extraction ensured a fantastic local response against the application. …and there was more: the application for a doggy day centre in Riseley to house 130 dogs was not well received. We’re still waiting to hear the outcome of this application which will be decided by the Hart planning committee in July. Jonathan Wheelwright, March 2020

Swallowfield Parish Council Annual Report - Page 3 TRANSPORT

Wokingham have delivered a consultation in preparation for their new transport plan. We responded with our concerns about our parish being a cut-through for traffic between the A327 and the A33 – and the growth of traffic in general caused in part by the development of many new houses at Arborfield Green. We also highlighted the challenges of speeding traffic – and highlighted once again the lack of speed limits in Farley Hill and Swallowfield through to the George and Dragon. We also noted the lack of proper public transport which leads most of us to reach for our car keys on the most basic of trips. Alternatively, perhaps we could walk or cycle. Wokingham also consulted on Rights of Way Improvement Plan. As a parish, we’re lucky to have so many footpaths, bridleways and byways. However, we highlighted they don’t always join up particularly well and often end up with walkers making their way between them on busy roads. As a consequence, we requested short walkways beside the road in a couple of places that would make a huge difference – particularly on the Swallowfield Road near Tanner’s Dairy. We also reminded Wokingham of the Ramblers campaign to get a footpath along the length of the Loddon. We should hear more on this consultation . Jonathan Wheelwright, March 2020

YOUR COUNCILLORS 2020/2021

John Anderson Jonathan Wheelwright Mark Binns Gordon Collender Chairman Vice Chairman Lead Councillor Lead Councillor Lead Councillor Chairman: Planning Committee Resilience Communications, HR Finance, Property Lead Councillor Transport

Catherine Drew Angela King Bill Dance Margaret McDonald Lead Councillor Lead Councillor Lead Councillor Environment & Rural Affairs, Recreation Halls Health & Wellbeing

Flood Resilience Group Co Chairs : Graham Stanley, Cllr. Mark Binns

COUNCIL STAFF Clerk: Liz Halson Finance Officer: Sue Howorth Caretaker: Derek Norris Parish Warden: Stephen Haynes

Keeping in touch

Please visit our website (www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk) to view our Privacy Notice and complete the appropriate consent form if you would like to receive council communications. Follow up on Facebook.

If you have any questions please contact the Parish Clerk, Swallowfield Parish Council, Swallowfield Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street, Swallowfield, RG7 1RZ. Email: [email protected] Tel: 0118 9885 929.

Swallowfield Parish Council Annual Report - Page 4 Thank you to plot holders for some tasty recipe suggestions. Swallowfield Parish Allotment Association Asparagus with Hollandaise For those who have been able, Choose how to cook the asparagus: daily exercise in the form of - Blanche by dropping the spears in to boiling water digging and planting has taken for approx. 3-5 minutes; serve immediately or place at the allotment site; with the addition of social plunge in to cold water to halt the cooking process distancing and strict hygiene practices. - Roast by placing on a lined baking sheet, drizzling Unpredictable weather will continue to be an issue for with olive oil and cooking at 220°C, gas mark 7 for a little longer; late frosts and potentially cooler, wetter 10 minutes; season to taste with salt, pepper, chilli, conditions mean what is sown or planted out needs to garlic or lemon be planned carefully. The first harvests may be For the Hollandaise: gathered, including rhubarb, for which there are some 125g butter recipe suggestions below. 2 eggs yolks What to Sow & Harvest: ½ tsp white wine vinegar Succession sowing outside every 2 to 3 weeks helps Lemon juice avoid gluts of produce all at once. Cayenne pepper or equivalent

Sow outside - beetroot, Brussels, cabbages, 1) Melt 125g butter in a pan; spoon off any white fat carrots, chicory and Florence fennel, kale, peas, which surfaces; put to one side and keep warm. radishes, rocket, spinach, spring onions, 2) Put 2 egg yolks, ½ tsp white wine vinegar, a pinch swedes, Swiss chard and turnips. of salt and a splash of ice-cold water in a metal or glass bowl that will fit over a small pan. Sow inside - cabbages, cauliflowers, chicory, chillies and peppers, courgettes, endive, French beans, 3) Whisk the egg mixture for a few minutes until smooth. Place the bowl over a pan of gently kale, marrows, pumpkins, runner beans and simmering water and whisk continuously until pale sprouting broccoli. (Only plant these out after and thick; this may take around 4 minutes. hardening off & when risk of frost has passed.) 4) Remove the bowl from the heat and slowly whisk Sow outside once the frosts have passed - in the melted butter, little by little, until a creamy aubergines, Brussels, cabbages, cauliflowers, hollandaise is produced. If the sauce is too thick, a celeriac, chillies and peppers, courgettes and splash of water can be added until the required cucumbers, Florence fennel and globe consistency is achieved. artichokes, kohl rabi, leeks, lettuces, marrows, 5) Season to taste with lemon juice and a pinch of peas, pumpkins, rhubarb, sprouting broccoli, cayenne pepper. sweetcorn, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. 6) Keep the Hollandaise warm until needed; serve with freshly cooked asparagus. Harvest - asparagus (cut off the stems below the earth), baby globe artichokes, rhubarb stems, baby turnips and spinach leaves, plus the last of Halibut with Rhubarb the spring cabbages and sprouting broccoli. 8oz rhubarb cut into half inch pieces The usual jobs still need addressing during the coming 1 tbsp soft brown sugar months, including: 1 tbsp chopped mint 5 tbsp dry white wine Hardening off, planting out and watering 2 halibut steaks or any other white fish seedlings regularly Mint sprigs to garnish Regular weeding & mulching Salt and pepper Thinning out seedlings 1) Preheat oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Protecting plants from frosts Installing supports for peas and climbing 2) Place rhubarb, sugar and mint in an oven proof Beans dish. Pour over the wine. Earthing up potatoes 3) Place the fish on top and season. Netting strawberry plants, fruit bushes & seedlings 4) Cover and cook for 15 - 20 minutes until tender. Controlling raspberry canes, removing less vigorous shoots to allow light and air to circulate 5) Garnish with mint and serve with creamed Feeding and mulching globe artichokes potatoes.

11 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk German Rhubarb cake Baked Apricots with curd. pistachios and honey (Serves 6) For the pastry: 18 apricots, halved 250g plain flour Half a teaspoon baking powder 4 tbsp white wine 100g butter 2 tbsp caster sugar 75g caster sugar 100g curd cheese or soft, mild goat's cheese 1 egg 4 tbsp clear honey 1 pinch of salt 1 tbsp roughly chopped pistachios or other nuts For the cream filling: 1) Preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. Arrange the apricot halves, cut side up, in a small gratin 100ml single cream 1 egg dish or roasting tin and spoon a little wine over 100g caster sugar each one; then sprinkle over the sugar. 100g unsalted crushed nuts eg walnuts 2) Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the ripeness 750g rhubarb (or other fruit), chopped into small, of the apricots. They should be tender but not thin pieces falling apart. Allow to cool (they can be eaten warm Preheat oven to 175°C or at room temperature). 1) Make the pastry and place in the fridge to chill. 3) Divide the apricots between 6 plates and dot 2) Mix together the cream filling ingredients and put in nuggets of the curd among them. Drizzle the fridge to chill. apricots and curd with a little honey and scatter the nuts over the top. 3) Grease a spring form tin. Line the bottom and sides with the pastry. If you would like to know more about the allotments and renting a plot, please contact the SPAA secretary. 4) Pour the cream mixture into the pastry case and place the rhubarb pieces on top. Helen, Plot Holder 5) Bake in the oven for 1 hour. Can be eaten warm or Enquiries to SPAA Secretary, Claire Hamilton: cold. [email protected] www.swallowfieldpaa.org Leek and Broad Bean Ragout (serves 4 as main course or 6 as side dish)

50g (2oz) butter/margarine 750g (1.5 lbs potatoes cut into 1 cm (half inch) thick rounds

2 cloves garlic, crushed 25g (1oz) plain flour 300ml (half pint) vegetable stock

1 tbsp chopped thyme 1 kg (2 lbs) fresh broad beans or 500g (1 lb) frozen Swallowfield Parish Community Survey 2 leeks sliced thinly How often do you feel lonely? Feeling isolated or 284ml (10 fl oz) soured cream lonely is a problem that most of us will face at different 2 tbsp chopped parsley times during our lives. Living in a thriving and Salt and pepper to taste supportive community is one of the best ways of 1) Melt the butter or margarine in a large heavy- reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation, which is based pan, add the potatoes and fry until lightly why Berkshire-based charity CCB is supporting coloured. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. people to examine the kinds of activities taking place 2) Add the flour and cook for one minute, stirring well. in our villages. We can help to reduce loneliness by Gradually add the stock and cook, stirring, until encouraging more people to get involved with existing thickened. Add the thyme, cover and cook for 10 activities and with setting new ones up. The threat minutes. posed by the Coronavirus puts us all in an 3) Add the beans, leeks, soured cream and unprecedented position and ensures that the issue of seasoning and stir well. Cover and cook for 15 - 20 social isolation is in the forefront of everyone’s minds. minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle Whilst in the short-term we may need to restrict with parsley just before serving. contact with friends and neighbours, particularly those more vulnerable to the virus, it is important to consider

how to ensure that we live in well-connected

12 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk communities in the longer-term. We have created a to individuals, groups and other organisations. We simple form to collect people’s views that will help us work as enablers; raising money locally and nationally with this project. The form asks how easy is it to find to deliver projects that have positive, long-lasting and access activities in Swallowfield parish, and seeks effects. your ideas on what you’d like to see taking place. You don’t have to give us any personal details, just your reflections and ideas. Calico Trust You can complete the form online here: https:// Do you need financial help? ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/swallowfield-parish- community-survey/ For people living in Swallowfield Parish (which includes Riseley, Swallowfield, Farley Hill, Stanford Please get in touch if you have any questions about End and Loddon Court Farm) the Calico Trust can the project or are interested in getting involved. provide financial help to anyone who may be struggling or in difficulty, especially during these Thank you. Tim Parry, CCB. uncertain times. You can either fill in the [email protected] 0773 888 7611 application form, pages 21/22 of this Newsletter or call one of us below. Please don’t suffer in CCB (Connecting Communities in Berkshire) is an silence! We are here to help. independent charity with over 46 years’ experience in Call Ros on 9882014 or Celia on 9884661 (or community development work. Our mission is to 07946654424) inspire communities in Berkshire to thrive. We do this by providing information, advice, support and training

13 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Local Information and Halls for Hire Contacts

Please note that Swallowfield Parish Hall is closed until Parish Office: 0118 988 5929 further notice. However, you may make a booking for a Parish Stores: 0118 988 5138 future date which can be confirmed nearer the time. All Saints’ Church, Swallowfield: · Team Rector, Rev’d Paul Willis: 0118 988 3799 email: [email protected] SWALLLOWFIELD PARISH HALL · Benefice secretary, Mrs Karen Eaves: 0118 988 5923 email: [email protected] For bookings call Sue Howorth on 0118 988 5444 · Nutbean Cemetery: all enquiries to the above or email [email protected] Swallowfield Medical Centre: 0118 988 3134 · Appointments: 0118 988 3473 Non- · Website: www.swallowfieldmedicalpractice.co.uk Parish Swallowfield Community Responders: 0118 988 4384 * Parish Residents Citizens Advice, appointments: 0118 988 3134 HALL FEE RATES FROM Residents & Royal Berkshire and Battle 0118 987 5111 commer- 1st SEPTEMBER 2019 Hospital Trust: or 0118 322 5111 cial users Wokingham Hospital: 0118 949 5000 £/per £/per hour Police general non-emergency: 101 hour Emergencies: 999 MAIN HALL — capacity 200 (130 seated) Thames Water emergency: 0800 714 614 Monday-Friday up to 6pm £14.50 £26.00 24hr Floodline Service: 0845 988 1188 Southern Electricity emergency: 0845 770 8090 Sat, Sun up to 6pm £19.50 £40.50 and Sun-Thurs after 6pm Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999 Farley Hill Primary School: 0118 973 2148 Fri and Saturday after 6pm £30.00 £49.50 Lambs Lane Primary School: 0118 988 3820 DAVIES ROOM — capacity 40 (20 seated) Spencers Wood Public Library: 0118 988 4771 Local Cinema, Winnersh Triangle: 0118 974 7711 Monday-Friday up to 6pm £8.50 £11.50

Sat, Sun up to 6pm £9.75 £14.00 and Sun-Thurs after 6pm Fri and Saturday after 6pm £13.00 £20.50 ROSE ROOM ** - capacity 14 boardroom Recycling (30 seated theatre style) Monday-Friday up to 6pm £18.50 £18.50 Batteries: Place your used batteries in the red box in the kitchen at Swallowfield Parish Hall. Sat, Sun up to 6pm £12.00 £19.00 Waste disposal: Weekly blue bag collections: WBC and Sun-Thurs after 6pm has a weekly collection for waste and recycling. This Fri and Saturday after 6pm £14.00 £21.50 includes the black food waste box. Residents who are £/per £/per elderly or infirm can apply for an assisted collection.

session session All waste types: Take to the household waste Half day all users** (9am-1pm or 1pm- recycling centres at Smallmead, Island Road, £65.00 £65.00 Reading, RG2 0RP or Longshot Lane, Bracknell, 5pm) RG12 1RL where up to 80% of waste can be reused Full day all users** (9am-5pm) £120.00 £120.00 or recycled Garden waste: This can be home composted or * Parish resident is anyone living in the Parish of residents can opt into the bi-weekly kerbside garden Swallowfield only (Swallowfield, Riseley, Farley waste collection scheme.Food waste: Weekly Hill and Stanford End). collection with your usual weekly blue bag and black recycling box. All other locations are non-parish users. If you are unsure, please give us a call. Bulky household items: You can order a collection online on the WBC website or by calling (0118) 979 ** Fees for the Rose Room are exclusive of VAT 8298.

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Contact details for Transport Information Clubs and Societies

Art Group: Jenny Boddington: 988 5804 Copies of Wokingham Borough Council’s Transport email: [email protected] Map and Guide are available from the parish office. Badminton: Mixed - Martin Griffin: 988 2671 Ladies - Val Payne: 988 3594 All Travel Enquiries: 0871 200 2233 Bell Ringing: Tower Captain/Secretary 9885312 Calls cost 10p per minute 7am -10pm 7 days a week Stephen Jenkins [email protected] Buses Calico Trust, Celia Adams: 9884661 Horseman Coaches 0118 975 3811 Ros Riddell: 988 2014 Farley Hill Bowls Club (Bill Dowling): 01344 772130 Reading Buses 0118 959 4000 email:[email protected] Stagecoach 0845 121 0190 Farley Hill Cricket Club 07594 110592 Enquiries 0871 200 2233 www.stagecoachbus.com/south www.farleyhill.play-cricket.com Farley Hill Village Society: web: www.fhvs.org.uk Park and Ride email: [email protected] Mereoak Lane/Reading Station Pilates, Victory Hall: [email protected] For further information 0118 959 4000 Sew Society, Victory Hall: [email protected] or www.reading-buses.co.uk Book Club, Victory Hall: [email protected] Madejski Stadium/Central Reading History Society (Maggie Uttley) 988 2954 Fares Information Line 0118 974 6807 email: [email protected] 0118 974 6813 Horticultural Society (Val Payne): 988 3594 Loddon Bridge/Central Reading Park & Ride: Riseley Village Tea Room (Pam Wright): 996 7375 For full details see their website: Russell Players www.russellplayers.co.uk wokingham.gov.uk/transport/parking/park-and-ride Secretary: Maggie Uttley [email protected] Trains Membership Secretary: Juliet Devon [email protected] National Rail Enquiries: 0345 748 4950 RSF Tennis Club www.nationalrail.co.uk https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/RiseleyTennisClub www.southwesttrains.co.uk Membership: [email protected] Train enquiries: 0845 748 4950 Bookings: Mike Renwick [email protected] Airports Swallowfield Church Choir (Judy Gillis) 988 2437 Heathrow Airport: 0844 335 1801 Swallowfield Parish Allotment Association (SPAA): Gatwick Airport: 01293 535 353 Secretary: [email protected]

Swallowfield Scout Group: Beavers (Paul Cobbold) 988 3369 ReadiBus: 0118 931 0000 Cubs (Paul Harrington) 976 0506 Dial-a-ride bus service offering transport for people Scouts (Paul Cobbold) 988 3369 with restricted mobility in and around Reading. Waiting list (Tanja Maskell) 988 6582 Keep Mobile 0345 544 0850 Swallowfield Baby and Toddler Group: Keep Mobile offers to provide transport for all your Alex Roe [email protected] needs that is accessible for people who find ordinary buses or trains difficult. Swallowfield Pitt Bridge Lodge No. 9970 Tim Double 07703 254350 The service offers: [email protected] • Dial a ride up to 15 miles from home fixed fares Swallowfield Pre-School • Day Excursions Helen Coulter: 0777 118 4982 • Shopping Trips [email protected] • Community Group Hire, disabled access Table Tennis (Lorraine Fraser) 988 5208 Leaflets available at the Parish Office Zen Kyo Shin Taijutsu (Jim Hey) 01494 525403

15 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk

Contacting the Parish Council Councillors can be contacted through Liz Halson, the Parish Clerk.

Telephone 0118 988 5929,

Email [email protected] Website: www. swallowfieldpc.gov.uk

NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2020 Newsletter Contributions for the Autumn 2020 newsletter should be sent to [email protected] or to the Parish Council Clerk, Parish Office, Swallowfield Street, tel: 0118 988 5929 no later than August 24th 2020.

Disclaimer: articles that have been signed and submitted to Swallowfield Parish Council for inclusion in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Parish Council. Any parishioner wishing to comment on such articles should contact the author directly.

16 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk The Swallowfield Calico Trust is an historic Charity that is for residents of Swallowfield Parish only (comprising Riseley, Swallowfield, Farley Hill and Stanford End) Registered Charity number: 236154

Who can we help – any individual or group in the Parish who is in need, hardship or distress How can we help – either by making a grant of money or by providing or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to reduce the need, hardship or distress of such individuals or groups. This includes making donations or subscriptions to institutions or organisations which provide, or undertake in return to provide, such items, services or facilities for such people. Maximum grant - £500 (larger grants may be considered in exceptional circumstances) How to apply – fill out the form below and return it to the Trustees (details at the end of the form)

Application Form Applications should be made using this form and attaching the supporting information requested. Please ask if you require assistance with completing the form or if you need it in larger type. For all grant applications The Calico Trust will:- • acknowledge/respond to all grant enquiries/applications • consider requests for grant aid twice a year (usually April & October) but if you have an urgent need then your application will be considered immediately • keep all information provided strictly confidential

Name : ______

Group’s Name (where applicable):______

Address: ______

______

______Post Code ______

Telephone Number: Day: ______Evening: ______

Email address: ______Mobile tel: ______

Amount of grant or donation sought: £______AND/OR Item, service or facility required: ______

17 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk SUPPORTING INFORMATION Please provide as much supporting information as possible and include this with your Application form.

Please specify how the grant will be used and provide details of how the help you are seeking from The Calico Trust will contribute towards reducing your need, hardship or distress. You may include any other information you feel will be helpful to your application. (Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary)

Conditions of Grant

All people applying to the Calico Trust for a grant must complete the Declaration below. All information provided in connection with this grant must be true and correct. All people receiving a grant will be required to acknowledge receipt of the grant and, within 3-6 months, must confirm that the funds have been used for the purpose(s) stated in this application. For grants covering regular subscriptions (i.e. to a club etc) a new grant form will be required every 6 or 12 months depending on the particular activity. The Calico Trust reserves the right to monitor the way in which grants have been/are being spent and to recover the grant if it is not used for the purpose(s) specified in the application.

DECLARATION

I, (name please print) …………………………………………………………………………….. declare that I have noted the conditions under which grants are made and confirm that, if my application is successful, I will abide by them.

Signed: ______

Date: ______

Please return the completed application form, together with your supporting information to:- The Swallowfield Calico Trust, c/o Celia Adams, The Old School, School Road, Riseley, Berks RG7 1XN Email: [email protected] Tel: 0118 9884661

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Parish Council Members and Areas of Responsibility

John Anderson - Chairman Parish Council Jonathan Wheelwright - Vice Chairman Mark Binns, Gordon Collender, Bill Dance, Catherine Drew, Angela King, Margaret McDonald

Planning Jonathan Wheelwright – Chairman Applications, borough planning, core strategy, design statements All members of the PC are on this committee

Working Groups and Areas of Responsibilities

Area Members Communications Gordon Collender – Lead Newsletter, Website, Annual Report Media communication – press, television, radio Jonathan Wheelwright How do we communicate face-to-face

Environment & Rural Affairs Angela King - Lead The Marshes, Van Demans, Swallowfield Meadow, Mark Binns Community Orchard Bill Dance Links with WBC, Biodiversity Plan, Footpaths, Waste, NAG, RCAG Finance John Anderson – Lead Budgets, Investments, Sinking Fund, Grants Gordon Collender Asset Management, H/S Bill Dance, Catherine Drew Risk Assessment, Insurance Jonathan Wheelwright Halls Margaret McDonald - Lead General maintenance Marketing Group, Involvement with Users

Health and Well-Being Angela King - Lead Local health and well-being issues Margaret McDonald Medical practice WBC – Health and Social Care, SCAS, Responders, Heartstart, Clinical Commissioning Group, CAB, Calico Trust, Relate Human Resources Gordon Collender - Lead Members of staff Margaret McDonald Appraisal, recruitment, staff training John Anderson Property John Anderson – Lead Fieldfayre, Hall Buildings, Land Catherine Drew, Jonathan Wheelwright Recreation Bill Dance – Lead Play areas; Swallowfield, Riseley, Farley Hill, skateboard Angela King park; Recreation grounds; Swallowfield, Riseley Football pitches Resilience Mark Binns - Lead Flooding issues, ditches, rivers, sewerage Bill Dance, Angela King Wider involvement with issues relating to public safety. Margaret McDonald

Sub Group: Flood Resilience Group Mark Binns, Graham Stanley (co-chair) Transport Jonathan Wheelwright – Lead Road issues, speeding traffic, public and private transport

19 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk 20 www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk