BVRA £1, free to Members

Issue 105 Autumn 2013 Newsletterfrom the Barkham Village Residents Association http://www.barkham.org.uk

Next BVRA Social Event Family Ski7les Evening Saturday 5 October

More details on page 10

26th BVRA AGM – 14th November 2013 In accordance with the cons/tu/on, the BVRA Annual General Mee/ng will take place at 8pm on Thursday 14th November 2013. The mee/ng will take place at Barkham Village Hall and all residents of Barkham are welcome to aKend. Nomina/ons for any post should reach the Secretary by th 24 October.

We have a new Website! See page 2 for details

In this issue…

Website 2 Gardening 8 Music & concerts 13 Editorial 3 Quiz 9 Ramblers 14 Barkham Parish Council 4 Me2 Club 9 Energy Saving 16 Borough Councillor 4 Social 10 Useful numbers 19 Relief Road 6 Church 12 Diary 19 New BVRA Website

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new BVRA website. The site has a fresh new look and introduces a number of additional features that build on the previ- ous version of the site.

Our email subscription service has been extended. Now as well as being able to subscribe to de- velopment watch alerts to be kept informed of potential develop- ments in the local area you can also subscribe to receive alerts for our social events. All you need to do is click the links on the home page and provide us with your email address. To ensure email addresses are genuine you will then receive an email asking to confirm your address – if you tion. I’m not sure about Stewart refer back to check previous com- don’t receive this please remem- but I’m no David Bailey so if you munications. ber to check your spam folder have any photos we could use and also set your email system up on the site they will be gratefully There’s a lot more information to accept emails from barkham. received. Please send them to me on the site – details of the par- org.uk. If you are already a sub- at the email address below. ish council, a calendar of events scriber to the Development Watch and contact details of other local alerts your subscription has been We know you like our newsletters organisations... Well that’s about maintained but you will need to but if you are like our household enough from me, why not go subscribe to receive social emails it often gets thrown out with and check it out for yourself at the newspapers [no comment – http://barkham.org.uk. We have reintroduced the His- Ed!]. Well, the good news is the tory of Barkham section and have newsletters will be available on Finally, we want to keep devel- added a couple of new articles the website about a month after oping the site so I’d welcome which we hope you find interest- you receive your paper copy so any contributions or suggestions ing. To complement the informa- if you want to refer back to that for what you’d like to see on tion about Barkham, Stewart and article a few months ago it will the site. You can contact me at I have been out and about with be available online. This will [email protected] our brownie 127’s taking pictures include the Development Watch for the Images of Barkham sec- alerts so you’ll be able to easily Dave Clements 2 BVRA 2012/13 GENERAL We have the regular contribu- COMMITTEE MEMBERS tions from our WBC councillor and other local societies such as Chairman: vacant music, gardening and rambling. Stewart Richardson acting David Horrocks reports on the [email protected] Holiday Bible Club which has Secretary: Sarina Martin been running successfully for 19 Silver Birches many years and must be one of 977 4065 [email protected] the biggest logistical challenges Treasurer: Ian Overton in the area (almost all achieved 6, Waverley Way by volunteers)! 973 4806 The Quiz this time is on “Food”. [email protected] If you get all the questions right Social: Judith Collins you certainly have a catholic 31 Almond Close (sorry David) taste! 977 1579 Editorial [email protected] As always, I would welcome new Membership: Jim Butler Welcome to the autumn edition contributors, even just for a single 6 Sandy Lane of the Barkham Newsletter! 978 3572 issue to “have your say”. [email protected] You may recall that in the sum- Newsletter: Stewart Richardson Stewart Richardson 342 Barkham Road mer issue we advertised for a 979 1914 new webmaster. Well I pleased to [email protected] say that Dave Clements stepped Web Site: Dave Clements forward and took on the role. In 32 The Junipers fact in the interim he has rede- [email protected] signed the site and if you visit http://barkham.org.uk you Advertising and can see the results for yourself. Please see opposite page for more Newsletter Contributions details. Let us know what you think of the site and all construc- Newsletter articles / contribu- tive ideas as to how we should tions for the Winter edition develop it will be welcome. It should be in by 8 November. It is intended to complement the helps if these can be submitted At the June meeting, Gillian newsletter and as we only publish in electronic form by email to Franklin came to talk to us about quarterly it allows more “imme- [email protected]. “the History of Apples”. Mr Rees diate” information to be made They may also be hand writ- came in July to tell us how he available to residents. ten, and should be sent to the started to write books. We had Editor, Stewart Richardson, at 342 Barkham Road, , the annual BBQ in August and it In this issue of the newsletter Lau- RG41 4DE. was a treat to have a dry even- rence Heath discusses the issues ing. Everyone enjoyed the tasty relating to the options being put food. Several trips were made to forward by Wokingham Borough For trade adverts, contact Wokingham Theatre. Council for the Arborfield bypass Ian Overton by email to to relieve congestion caused by [email protected], or The meetings take place on the the planned development at the call 973 4806. We offer three sizes, first Wednesday of each month Garrison. This is of direct rel- 64mm x 54mm at £22, 124mm x at 7.30pm at Barkham Village evance to Barkham because, as 105mm at £52 and 190x130mm at Hall. For further details, contact Laurence says, a poorly designed £100, for 4 quarterly insertions. Pauline Vestey on 979 1714. route may mean much more traf- fic using Barkham as a route to Distribution of the next issue will Angela Hands the M4 and/or Reading. take place in early December.

3 do support them as they are for your benefit in order that the best possible development with infra structure can be achieved.

Planning Application: Land behind 336-350 Barkham Road

News from A Planning Application has been Your Parish Council submitted which proposes demo- lition of 346 Barkham Road and Development erection of 25 dwellings behind Borough Councillor’s 336-350 Barkham Road., with Report The route of the proposed Ar- new access from Barkham Road. I hope everybody has had a borfield by pass was launched Barkham Parish Council has ob- good summer break and even at a public meeting at Henry jected to this application on the for those who could not get away Street Garden Centre last month grounds that it is located outside the weather has helped with all to a packed room of residents. the settlement boundary. This the local fairs and events and The details can be found on the parcel of land is named as a re- hopefully this has recharged the Council’s web site and there will serve site in the MDD and should batteries. be exhibitions at Barkham Village not be built on until after 2026. Hall on the following dates:- The borough council will be back Application number is into full swing dealing with the Friday 4th Oct 1.30 – 5.30 p.m. F/2013/1483 can be viewed on major development applications Saturday 5th Oct 9.30 – 1.30 p.m. the Wokingham Borough Council in the borough and the regenera- website. tion of the town centre which has Do please take a few minutes to now started. have a look and if you have any The Sam Hosgood Sporting comments these should be passed We will also be burning the mid- Endeavour Fund back to Wokingham Borough night oil trying to find the savings Council forced on us by the reduction in The Parish Council are delighted the government grant we receive, The relevant documents can that three worthy young people even though we are the worst be viewed on the Wokingham will be presented with a cheque funded council in the UK as far Borough Council website on the from Sam Hosgood at the next as the government grants are following page: meeting of the Parish Council concerned. The saving year on on 10th September, they are Ka- year will need to be in the region tie Abrahams who is a talented http://www.wokingham.gov. of £8million, at the same time trampolinist and Jacob Payne and uk/transport/roads/arborfiel- we will be ensuring we preserve Sarah Wakefield both ice dancers. dreliefroad the services we provide in the We wish them every success for borough. the future. A consultation will be launched Some residents may have re- in September. Judith Neuhofer ceived letters, addressed purely Clerk to Barkham Parish Council to the household, or a telephone SDL Community Forum call stating that the company has ‘identified that their property is The date of the next Community likely to be in the incorrect council Forum will be 19th September at tax band’ and offering reductions 7.00 p.m. at Henry Street Garden of around £300 per year as well Centre, these are excellent meet- as a lump sum from when they ings where you can ask ques- moved into the property, or from tions and raise concerns, please 1993 when council tax banding was introduced. 4 Working together to create a Neighbourhood Plan

This note is aimed at businesses Garrison Strategic Development to complete this questionnaire in Barkham but is included in the Location (SDL) is developed. but also to consider joining the Newsletter so that all residents working group. Simply email can be aware of this aspect of the The Employment Working Group clerk@barkham-parishcouncil. Neighbourhood Plan. has decided to approach local org.uk to get more details of this businesses operating in the vi- group or any other. and cinity of the two parishes to find Barkham Parish Councils are out the problems and issues that This questionnaire has already jointly formulating a Neigh- concern them and ways that been delivered to all Barkham bourhood Plan that will take employment opportunities could businesses of which we are aware, advantage of the opportunities be encouraged. With the major but you can complete it online to provide facilities and oppor- redevelopment at Arborfield Gar- via the Survey link on www. tunities in the area through the rison there will be a reduction barkham-parishcouncil.org.uk Localism Act. Residents took in employment locally, and as a or or directly via www.survey- part in a survey last year and result potentially new provision, monkey.com/s/5HVGJX7. The as a result a number of working especially for starter businesses information will be used solely to groups have been set up to look at and the self-employed. provide non-attributable statistics issues ranging from transport and and will not be passed to third par- education to community facilities In order that we can carefully ties. Please respond by FRIDAY and employment, all of which assess your business require- SEPTEMBER 27th. will influence the way Arborfield ments, you are invited not only

However, these companies charge Arborfield Development strategy document which helps a fee of around 30% + VAT for with the control of development something that residents can Over 640 residents have submit- in the borough. This will hope- investigate themselves – for free. ted comments to the council on fully avoid unsuitable develop- the MOD planning application ment in the Borough and help us If you believe you are in the which the council is currently to defend our position at appeals wrong band, then all you need to evaluating. Traffic was one of the against any developer who put do is contact the Valuation Office biggest issues due to the adverse forward applications for unsus- Agency, who are responsible for impact additional traffic would tainable or unsuitable develop- setting and reviewing council tax have on the inadequate local ment in the borough. bands on all domestic properties, roads in and around Barkham explaining why you believe it is and surrounding areas. If I can be of help on any borough incorrect and it will be reviewed matter please do not hesitate to – for free. I will be following this with inter- contact me est as I believe there are a number Although the service these com- of errors in the planning applica- John Kaiser panies are offering is not illegal, tion which I know the planning Councillor for Barkham it is just as simple for residents to staffs are in the process of trying Wokingham Borough Council carry out the process themselves to resolve with the applicant. Email: john.kaiser@woking- by contacting the Valuation Office ham.gov.uk Agency (VOA) on 03000 503 600 While this is on-going the council Telephone: 0118 9762116 or by visiting the VOA website have proposed a route for the Mobile 0771 419 2352 where full details on how to Bypass at Arborfield and this challenge council tax bands are will also be subject to a separate available. consultation (see page 6). If any residents are concerned by One last point on planning by unsolicited letters or phone calls, the time you are reading this the they should contact Wokingham council should have approval for Direct on (0118) 974 6000 the final part of the documenta- tion which supports our core 5 parish. This will happen if ern extension round Lockey Farm routes out of the Arborfield linking to Mole Road. This will Garrison are circuitous. encourage even more traffic along this narrow and winding route The Borough revealed their and will increase congestion at the ‘technically’ preferred route at two roundabouts at a forum held at Henry Street and in Mill Lane – a bad thing for Garden Centre last month. This Barkham. As already noted, this route would start at the Langley is not popular with Arborfield Common Road roundabout, hug- residents given its juxtaposition ging the west side of Arborfield to the village. village and re-joining the A327 near Pudding Lane Nursery and Route B with an extension to the B3030 (Sindlesham Road/Mole Road). Arborfield Relief Road This route also begins at the Lang- ley Common roundabout and re- Not surprisingly it was poorly joins the A327 near Farley Farm, Wokingham Borough Coun- received by Arborfield residents cil will start a consultation on just south of the bridge across the as the route comes near to exist- Loddon. It would be well away Arborfield Relief Road options ing housing. in September. This follows an from Arborfield village, to the examination of four main route west of the Henry Street garden Unfortunately the Borough made options with various sub variants. centre. This route would then no attempt to indicate what provide a link to the proposed mitigation in terms of noise and relief road. This seems This is important for all of us in landscaping barriers might be to be the best route for providing Barkham, even if at first sight it possible, or any proposals to im- Arborfield Garrison with direct may seem remote. prove environment in the village routes towards Reading and the • A well thought out solution centre. It was explained simply M4 eastbound and westbound, will absorb traffic from the in terms of traffic management. while avoiding the use of residen- Arborfield Garrison develop- tial roads such as Langley Com- ment and minimise impact At the Wokingham Borough mon Road, Barkham Road and on Barkham Roads. Ideally Council Executive later in July, Bearwood Road. this would depend upon a it was decided to consult on all well-designed layout in the the routes included in the original Route C vicinity of the Langley Com- study. The four main routes are mon roundabout and Biggs outlined below. (It is confusing The westernmost route, this Lane, so as to encourage traffic that the consultants have used a would leave the A327 south of emerging from the Arborfield different numbering scheme com- Arborfield Garrison and would Garrison to use the relief pared with the initial proposals re-join it on the edge of Shinfield road rather than the existing that some of you may have seen.) near the Magpie and Parrott. At road network – in particular There may well be further vari- this point it would link directly Langley Common Road. ations or alterations in the final into the Shinfield Road. This • Potentially a well-designed consultation documents. route would be very ineffective in solution will also avoid the attracting traffic from the Arbor- need to “upgrade” Barkham Route A field Garrison as the start point is Road with traffic lights at the too far south. As a consequence Bull, Bearwood Road and This is the ‘technically’ preferred traffic from Arborfield Garrison Edneys Hill, as was proposed option as outlined above. It does would mainly use the existing by the Arborfield Garrison start at the Langley Common routes through Arborfield Vil- developers. roundabout, which is a good lage and along Langley Common • A poorly designed solution thing for Barkham. (A variant Road. could result in much more would start a bit further north, traffic travelling through the near the British Legion club.) Surprisingly it includes a north- 6 Route D from 9 Sept – 2 Nov and also at Garrison, e.g. by creating a di- Barkham Village Hall on 4 Oct rect road from Biggs Lane to the This is an eastern route, start- (1.30 -5.30) and 5 Oct (9.30 -1.30). roundabout, with traffic heading ing from the Langley Common east onto Langley Common Road roundabout, crossing School I encourage residents to look at either being forced to backtrack Road and then winding round the various proposals when the via the roundabout itself or alter- the east of Arborfield to meet the consultation begins and to take natively having lights at the Biggs A327 north of Lockey Farm. (A the trouble to send their com- Lane junction that prioritises traf- variant also begins near the Brit- ments to the Borough. In my fic turning out of the Arborfield ish Legion club.) Route D would opinion, Option B is the best for Garrison towards the relief road. be quite a problem for Barkham Barkham, provided that there as it is quite circuitous which is a satisfactory layout for the Laurence Heath would make routes via Langley northern exit from the Arborfield Vice Chairman Common Road and Bearwood Barkham Parish Council Road a relatively attractive option to reach the M4. Also, unless the A327 through Arborfield Village was restricted, traffic for Reading could still be tempted to take the shorter route through the Village. It would also run close to housing in the Langley Common Road and School Road areas – trans- ferring the problem from the west of Arborfield. The junction with School Road would have potential congestion and safety problems, particularly in rela- tion to The Coombes School. The alternative would be to truncate School Road, making it into two separate culs de sac.

While it is to be welcomed that that the Borough is prepared to invest in this new road, it is worry- ing that there does not seem to be a coherent plan to improve traffic circulation in the wider area. For example the willingness to pour yet more traffic into seems remarkable. It also seems to be a wasted opportunity to link the Shinfield relief road into the poorly designed Blackboy roundabout, rather than using an alternative junction with the Lower relief road to pro- vide alternative routes to reach the M4 via junctions 10 or 11.

There will be a static exhibition showing the various options at Henry Street Garden Centre For original see http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/transport/roads/arborfieldreliefroad/ 7 Arborfield Gardening Association Thurs 14th November -7.45pm

Question Time at Henry Some of our members enjoyed See photos of the summer out- Street Garden Centre the lovely summer weather in ing – enjoying the shade by a July with a trip to Somerset to vintage cider press and telling The AGA Committee is proud to visit one of our old members who the time with a sundial in the present the Highlight of our year! moved near to Ilminster, a beauti- garden. Some members then vis- On our panel: ful part of the world. We met for ited Tintinhull Gardens before the Colin Evans - BBC Radio a pub lunch after a morning visit return journey, and most made ’s Gardening Presenter to the National Trust property at time for the essential ‘cream tea’! Barrington Court, and during the Ray Norton - Landscape Expert from Pudding Lane Nursery afternoon members went various Please contact me Jan on 976 0243 ways, to a fruit farm to buy cher- if you are interested in joining Alan Goold - Champion Rose ries and the last of the season’s our club. We have some ‘garden Grower from ‘Streets’ asparagus, and to a Cider Mill hopping’ in September (12th at Entry by Ticket only £5pp - to see production, taste the mer- 7pm), and a talk in the Village available soon! chandise and purchase goods on Hall on 10th Oct 7.45 ‘A Head Bring along your garden sale, from Cider, to Apple Aperitif Gardener’s Year’. November is problems for the experts to to Cherry Brandy. our ‘Question Time’ session at solve, challenge them to identify Henry Street Garden Centre – a that mystery plant in your garden very exciting event. or just ask for guidance on a new planting scheme

Finchampstead Flower Club

Our next meetings are as follows:

October 28th ‘Light my Fire’ by Annette Urquart at California Rate Payer’s Hall 7.45

November 18th ‘Christmas is Coming’ by Tan Strong, Open Evening, on Monday 8pm at Finchampstead Memorial Hall.

Visitors and new members are always welcome at any meeting, any inquiries call Elaine Lums- den on 977 4951

Ann Tuffee

Wokingham Times

If you have local news or would like your event photographing for the paper, please let me know. My direct line is 918 3023.

Jon Nurse 8 The Quiz

For this edition, a topic close to my heart (or stomach!) and probably that of many Barkham residents – FOOD! Answers on page 19. 1. “Food, Glorious Food” is a song from which musical? 2. What is the primary ingredient of guacamole? Are you looking for ways to de- velop your work with children 3. We are generally accepted to have 5 different types of taste: and young people? Then sign up sweet, sour, salty, bitter and….what is the fifth one? for free training with Me2 Club! 4. Which meat is usually used in Lancashire Hot Pot? The Disability and Inclusion 5. What is the famous Welsh delicacy laverbread made from? Training Project offers informa- 6. What is biltong? tive and practical courses aimed 7. “If music be the food of love, play on” is a line from which at increasing the inclusion and Shakespeare play? support of children and young 8. Jalapeno is a type of what? people with additional needs within any mainstream, out of 9. What is Cullen Skink? school, leisure setting. 10. And finally, (and obscurely!)……...in a classic Red Dwarf episode, The Cat pretended to be “Bhindi Bhagi” in an attempt If you lead or help out at a (unsuccessfully) to fool an aggressive alien. Those curry lovers Wokingham Borough activity among you may have eaten Bhindi Bhagi many times, but which group and would like to increase vegetable is “Bhindi”? your knowledge, skills or con- fidence then this free training from the Big Lottery Fund Me2 receive a certificate and training is a great opportunity! Courses Club can help, at no charge to you! pack. include: “Me2 Club training has eased any www.me2club.org.uk/Inclusion.htm • Autism worries I had of how to involve [email protected] • Effective Communication children” Playworker 0118 969 6369 with Children/Young People “Brilliant – this will help me in the Facebook: Me2ClubCharity with Additional Needs rest of my career, keep up the good Twitter: @Me2club • Epilepsy work” Outdoors activity leader Me2 Club is a Wokingham Bor- • Inclusive Solutions in Main- If you would like to attend any ough charity that enables any stream Groups of these courses, or need advice child/young person aged 5-19 • Introducing Disability to a and guidance regarding a par- living in the borough, to take part Mainstream Group ticular child/group, download in a mainstream leisure activity of their choice. This is done by • Making Mainstream Activi- our training brochure and get matching children with trained ties Inclusive to All in touch. The training brochure contains details on each course volunteers who support them to • Safeguarding Children (Uni- take part, join in and have fun versal) - with a focus on and what will be covered as well as all course dates for September as well as providing additional safeguarding children with support and training to leaders. disabilities 2013 – July 2014. All participants • Supporting Behaviour Dif- ficulties Me2 also offers bespoke sessions which will be tailored to help you and your group to overcome any barriers to inclusion you are facing – struggling to develop strategies to manage behaviour difficulties? Not sure how to en- courage your other group mem- bers to be understanding and inclusive? Thanks to subsidising 9 at secondary school. This price Please ensure that when you are includes a ploughman’s supper. ordering tickets that you inform We also have a licensed bar and me of any dietary issues – I can hold a raffle. Please join us –I do things before the day but not hold the tickets so either ring me always at the last minute. on the number below or email me at the address on page 3, and In December we will be holding don’t leave it too late as this event another ‘Carols in the Park’ but is usually very popular and we the date has not been decided yet. Social Matters are restricted on numbers. From We should be able to advertise it past experience we have found in our next newsletter but in the that the children really enjoy What a year this has been – cold meantime have you looked at our this event especially when they and wet for what seemed at the new website? We will be placing manage to get a higher score than time eternity, followed by days information there as soon as we their parents! when we experienced very high have arranged functions. temperatures and nights when it was so difficult to sleep. Luckily On Saturday 16th November we On behalf of the social committee the school holidays were mainly are holding another quiz evening may I look forward to seeing you fine so that the children could in the village hall. Tables are for at the next function? enjoy playing outside and getting 6 please and in fairness to all any rid of their excess energy. more than that number in a team Judith Collins – 977 1579

Now that the autumn is upon will be penalised. If you cannot us it is time to think what to do make a complete team I might be to keep them, and us, occupied able to help as I often get couples and so on Saturday 5th October who wish to participate. The cost we are holding our next village of the tickets is £8.00 and again a event – a family skittles event at fish and chip supper is included. the village hall. Why don’t you I have also obtained the licence bring the family along – a group for the bar and will be holding a ticket for two adults and two pri- raffle. Please contact me for tickets mary school children costs £24.00. on the number below or via the Individual tickets are £8.00 for email address on page 3. adults and £5.00 for those not yet 10 BVRA Distributors’ Party

Every year the BVRA holds a par- ty to thank the team of newsletter distributors and other support- ers of the residents’ association, without whose help we couldn’t continue to function and serve the community. This year’s event was held at the Village Hall on 10 August and as the weather was set fair we had a barbecue. Thanks to Judith, Jim and the social com- mittee for organising what was a very enjoyable evening (as the photos demonstrate)!

11 Holiday Bible Club 2013 ‘When Dreams Come True’

It’s all over for another year. But what a year it was: six months of planning; five days of mainly sun (thankfully); approximately 400 children; 150 volunteer helpers of 14. Once again the numbers able to serve the local community (many of whom had taken time signed up took us by surprise. in this way. And it is such a thrill off work to be with us); lots of What is particularly exciting is to to see youngsters of all ages being sports, games, and fairground see more and more children com- given the opportunity to think stalls; more crafts than I can re- ing from the very local area (and through the message of Christi- member; inflatables and water particularly from the Coombes anity for themselves. I think my sports; and the opportunity to School). We had to pray hard for favourite quote of the week came learn some wonderful things more people from our churches from the child who told her par- from the Old Testament story of to join the team, in order to cope ents ‘My leader makes learning Joseph (he of the amazing tech- with so many who wanted to about God so much fun!’ nicolour dreamcoat)! come, and were very grateful for all those who answered the call, And now it’s just four months We were hugely grateful to the meaning that we didn’t have to until the planning begins all over Headmaster, Patrick Pritchett, turn too many children away. again… and others at the Coombes CE Primary School who once again Of course it was exhausting. But David Horrocks allowed us to run HBC on their once again it was a privilege to be field, and to borrow so much of their equip- ment for the week as well. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it’s very hard to imagine how we could ever do it without all the support we receive from the school, the Parish Council, and various others in the local community.

We run a morning programme for un- der-5s and their par- ents or carers, and a longer programme for children up to the age 12 CONCERT BAND

Trinity Concert Band Present – Around the World in 80 minutes Our Summer Concert in July was Prep School in Crowthorne when When: 19:30 on Sat 28th another good evening – high- we will be preparing for our Au- September lights of which for many of us tumn Concert on 23rd November Where: Trinity Church, Earley were the beautiful violin play- at the Old Gym, Wellington Col- Contact Name: Box office ing of the young soloist Molly lege at 8pm. The programme in- Contact Phone: 0118 9690925 Cockburn in the ‘Romance for cludes the arrangement by Elgar Contact Email: [email protected] Violin and Orchestra’ by Dvořák of Handel’s ‘Overture in D minor’ Further Details:CONCERT http://www.trinityband. BAND and the magnificent Symphony from his Chandos Anthem No.2. co.uk No.7 also by Dvořák. Over the The original work was scored past few years the challenging for a small orchestra but Elgar’s In this Concert, the Band will take nature of our programmes and transcription is for full symphony you on a World Tour, featuring the standard of playing have in- orchestra. We will also be play- “Global Variations” by Nigel Hess, creased immensely and our audi- ing Brahms’ Symphony No.4 and “Oregon” by De Haan, “Fiddler ences have also increased, which the wonderful Cello Concerto on the Roof”, and “An American is rewarding. If you haven’t been by Dvořák when our soloist will in Paris” by George Gershwin (see website for details)

Tickets are £10 up to 24 hours before the concert and £12 on the door. Children under 16 years are free when accompanied by a paying member of the audience. Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office or via our website.

The photo below shows the band performing in Wokingham in June this year.

Dave Robson

to one of our concerts recently, do be Joe Davies, a former pupil at give us a try. Chetham’s School of Music. Joe is currently in the third year of a Our annual open Orchestra music degree at Trinity College. Workshop will be held on Sunday 29th September 2013, at The Old We welcome anyone who would Gym, Wellington College. 10.15- like to join the orchestra, subject 5.00 when we will be working on to vacancies, and especially string Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet with players. If you are interested and Robert Roscoe. There may still are a competent player, even if be places for some instruments - you have taken a break from play- contact Faye for more info if you ing, please get in touch or come are interested in participating along to a rehearsal, if only to workshop@crowthorneorches- listen. Our website has lots more tra.com. information and contact details: www.crowthorneorchestra.com The orchestra resumes weekly re- hearsals on Monday 9th Septem- Chris Gadsby ber from 7.45-10pm at Our Lady’s 13 Everyone is welcome to join Loddon Valley Ramblers on any of these walks. Everyone Just turn is welcomeup at the to startjoin Loddon or phone Valley the Ramblers leader on for any of these walks. more details. Please wear appropriate clothing & Justfootwear. turn up at the start or phone the leader for more details. Please wear appropriate clothing & footwear. For more walks visit Loddon Valley Ramblers For Website: more walks w wvisitw Loddon.lvra Valley.org Ramblers.uk Website: www.lvra.org.uk

Thursday 26th September: Gently undulating farmland & lanes near Warfield, 5 miles. 10.00am from Weller’s Lane, Warfield after street parking, (RG42 6EN). Leader – WJSC is dedicated to offering Jane T. 0118 978 4319 FREE support and guidance to

Sunday 29th September: Views of Thames Valley, deer park & Thames Path from unemployed people living in the , 6 miles. 10.00am from Mill End Free Car Park, Hambleden, (RG9 Wokingham Borough. 6TL).Leader – David R. 01344 777890.

Thursday 10th October: Pleasant mixture of woodland & farmland northeast of WJSC prides itself on providing , 5 miles. 10.30am outside The Horns pub, , (RG10 8LY), after parking in the road nearby; if no places left, park around the corner at . friendly, professional support in Please respect the grass verge. Leader – Ray S. 07761 251217. an atmosphere where you can

Sunday 13th October: Climb to the top of Bowsey Hill, visible from miles around, 4 spend time in a motivational, ½ miles. 1.30pm from the ‘Seven Stars’ lay-by (pub now closed) on the A4 at Knowl Hill, open environment which can help (RG10 9UR). Leaders – Pat & Daphne P. 07785 331375. remove the feeling of isolation Sunday 3rd November: On the borders of the Chilterns: Caversham Park, Crowsley that job searching can sometimes Park & Chalkhouse Green, 5.6 miles. 10.30am in the free public Car Park adjacent to bring. You can also interact with the Clayfield Copse Recreation Ground off Caversham Park Road, Reading, (RG4 6RT). Leader – Cathy O’N. 07940 801261. staff who are on hand to answer your questions and give dedi- Thursday 7th November: Field & forest around Sherlock Row & Beenham’s Green, 5 ½ miles. 10.00am from Car Park of Sherlock Inn, Sherlock Row (permission obtained), cated support to you. So come (RG10 0PS); overflow parking on roadside.Leader – Roger A. 07774 230784. along and see how we can help.

Thursday 14th November: Gently undulating woodland to the north of Arborfield • 1 to 1 Advisor Support Cross, 5 miles. 10.00am from the small free Car Park at , about 200m down Road from The Bull – parking has been reserved through Arborfield • CV writing Parish, (RG2 9QD).Leaders – Ricardo & Silvia S. 07846 434861. • Interview techniques/skills/ Sunday 17th November: Easy walk via Landsend following River Loddon & through mock Alder Moor, 4 ½ miles. 10.30am from Free Car Park in Ashenbury Park, off Tippings Lane, Woodley, (RG5 4RY).Leader – Vlad P. 07778 852870. • Career Matching programme

Sunday 1st December: Circular walk including Jennetts Park, Easthampstead Court • Microsoft office / Internet ac- & Popeswood, 5 miles. 10.00am from the Free Car Park of the Hewlett Packard offices cess/free wifi at Cain Road, Bracknell (permission arranged, (RG12 1HN).Leader – Stewart M. 07901 514 832. • Printing/telephone

Thursday 5th December: Wellington College, Ambarrow Wood & the Ridges, 5 miles. • Newspapers 10.30am from Simon’s Wood NT Free Car Park, Wellingtonia Avenue, Crowthorne ,(RG45 6AF).Leader – Jo M. 07702 123793. Workshops have also become an integral part of the services that WJSC offer for CV Writing, Interview Skills and and Over 50’s. They are run every 3 – 4 weeks from 10:30 – 12:30pm at The Cornerstone. Contact us to book yourself a place.

The Cornerstone Norreys Avenue Wokingham RG40 1UE or call Nicola/Alison Tel: 01189 770517 for an ap- pointment. A group of Loddon Valley Ramblers cross the weir at Hambleden on the Wokingham Way Email: [email protected] photo by Pat Perridge. Website: www.wjsc.org.uk 14 on – and, when we have enough volunteers, some social trips. Drivers are called on an ad hoc basis or can volunteer for a regu- lar slot or client.

For more information, please Wokingham Choral Society contact the Wokingham Volun- teer Centre on 0118 977 0749, JS BACH email [email protected] , MASS IN B MINOR follow us on Facebook or Twit- ter, or check out our website www.volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk . Saturday 16 November 2013 The Wokingham Volunteer Cen- at 7.30pm tre will be hosting the annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair on The Great Hall, Saturday 12th October from University of Reading 10am-1pm at the Bradbury Cen- Barkham Village Hall (London Rd site) tre in Wokingham, next to Rose Street Methodist Church and Next to St James’ Church, beau- For details see our website: behind M & S. tiful rural setting for weddings, wokingham-choral-society.org.uk christenings and parties. Around 25 local charities have Come and sing with us - you will booked stands and you will be From as little as £22/hr for both be assured a warm welcome. We able to chat to people who help the halls. £25/hr after 6.00 p.m. on practice at Emmbrook Senior elderly, children, families, people Saturday. School, Wokingham, on Thurs- will disabilities, the environment, day evenings at 7.30pm emergency services and so on. Can accommodate 175 guests and Entry is free and there is no need now has a new fully equipped to book, just turn up! Alison Sears kitchen. Plus with the benefit of • Do you have a few hours to Lottery Funding a new ceiling spare each week? and lighting have been installed NCT Wokingham Nearly New Sale • Maybe you are recently retired which can be fully dimmable for and would like to give some evening celebrations. time to the local community? Sunday 29th September, 11.15am (11am for mem- • Perhaps your children are at If you are a group who needs bers with cards)-12.45pm school? somewhere to meet on a regular basis why not use your local vil- Venue: St Crispins School, Lon- • Maybe you are not in employ- lage hall, we have plenty of tables don Rd, Wokingham, RG40 1SS ment and would like to keep and chairs and spacious car park Admission: £1 donation (adults busy while you are looking and grounds for use during the only) for your next job? summer. We offer very competi- If the answer to any of these ques- tive rates for regular users. We’ll be selling good quality ma- tions is yes, then the Wokingham ternity wear, baby, toddler and Community Transport Scheme Further information can be ob- children’s clothes, books, toys, needs you! All you need is your tained from the parish council DVDs and equipment including own car - there is no cost to you as web site with photographs of the cots, high chairs and prams. So we reimburse all your expenses. hall plus a calendar with avail- it’s time to sort out those Autumn ability. Please contact Judith Neu- and Winter items for sale and to put the date in your diaries now! The Scheme provides low cost hofer on 9790296 or email clerk@ If you wish to become a seller or a transport for the elderly to barkham-parishcouncil.org.uk volunteer please go to: www.nct. hospital, local doctors, dentists, org.uk/branches/wokingham opticians, physiotherapy and so

15 The photo shows about half of the current staff and a few ex- 10 reasons to refurbish an older home staff who left years ago but keep in touch. The young lady on the Is it worth the hassle refurbishing right should be ready to volunteer an older home to make it much in about 15 years! more energy efficient? Here are 10 reasons why it may feel like Two of our staff left recently. One, Wokingham the healthy option: Nicole Perkins, left after 6 years 26-28 Market Place as an Adviser, Supervisor and (next to WH Smith), RG40 2AP 1. Other people’s fuel bills go up, Bureau Services Manager to go [email protected] yours go down. So you don’t and do a PhD in psychology. The www.wokingham-cab.org.uk dread those winter bills. other, Topsy Bradshaw, left after 2. Your house value is increased, 2 years as our Administration Hours: so you are financially better Manager. We used the occasion, Mon - Thu: 9.00am - 3.00pm off.1 prompted by the lovely weather Fri: 9.00am - 1.00pm to hold a Bureau Garden Party. Telephone assessments: 3. Your home is future-proofed 0844 499 4126 against increasingly scarce energy supply, so you get peace of mind. 4. Mould growth is reduced or eliminated, so you breathe better. 5. Draught stripping and double glazing insulate you against external noise, so your home is more peaceful. 6. Double glazing increases your security. 7. Draughts are reduced, so you feel warmer and more comfortable. 8. Your home stays warm 24/7, reducing chances of illness. And because all the rooms are warm, you can use all your home. Complete Pest Solutions 9. Your home produces less Call Now For A Fast Professional Service from a locally run business. environmentally damaging emissions, helping protect the  Wasps. planet and your kids.  Rats. 10. Your home is insulated against  Mice. summer sun, so it need no  Squirrels. longer overheat. Happy days!  Rabbits. 07990814143  Bird and Rodent proofing. To find out more about refur-  Rural pest management specialists. 01189761126 bishing an older home, visit  Member of the BASC. www.superhomes.org.uk  Control methods and the safe use of Rodenticides.

16 10 reasons to refurbish an older home

1. Effect of EPC ratings on house The Carer pricesImprove an old home in from EPC G to A/B Advisor Service rating and its value increases (End of Life) by an average 14% says a June 2013 DECC report . This is fantastic news for people who have retro- fitted their homes. However, an April 2013 EU report found no in- crease in house values in Oxford Supporting carers looking after an adult (p115) so expect regional differ- ences. The DECC report says that A pioneering service is being launched in houses with better EPC ratings on Wokingham, supporting carers looking after average have a higher sale price an adult who is in the last year of their life. per square metre, when other This free service will be dedicated to making sure that carers have support and information factors (including built form, during this difficult time. age and geographical region) are eliminated. However, the report cautions that this should not be seen as simply cause and effect, as homes that have higher EPCs are more likely, for example, to have had other home improve- ment, such as refitted kitchens, which increase the value. The Carer Advisor Service helps carers with: • advice and information about benefits and grants 2. The Big Picture • information and advice about local support services available from the voluntary sector, health and social services. This includes respite, The UK government set a target carers’ assessments and managing their caring of a 60% carbon reduction by 2050 role around work and other commitments in 2005 (this was subsequently • liaison with statutory health and social care services (where this is needed) increased to 80%). The UK’s 25 • help planning ahead this includes: million homes currently account – advice around lasting power of attorney, for 27% of UK carbon emissions. It advance care planning and short is estimated that as many as 80% term advocacy • advice about looking after themselves of all homes that will be standing in 2050 have already been built. This service is a partnership with Sue Ryder, Berkshire Carers Service and Wokingham This means that retrofitting exist- Borough Council and is based at Macmillan ing homes is a priority if the gov- House, Wokingham Hospital. ernment’s target is to be met. The For more information about the service and Government’s Green Deal, which referrals please contact the Carer Advisor will offer loans for energy effi- (End of Life) and leave a message if necessary. ciency improvements, launched call: 01189 495030 in January 2013. Repayments will visit www.suerydercare.org be on a ‘pay as you save’ basis, Hours of service are office hours Monday to Thursday. helping overcome any upfront financial obstacles to making the improvements.

Sue Ryder is a charity registered in England and Wales (1052076) and in Scotland (SC039578). Ref. No. 001732/0413/L/NP/H © Sue Ryder, June 2013. This document will be reviewed in June 2015

17 Village Hall Video & Film Transfers Secretary WantedVideo & Film Transfers Do you have video tapes of memories you’d like to keep Do you have video tapes of memories you’d like to keep but worried about tape degradation, broken video player, The Village Hallbut worriedCommittee about are tape degradation, broken video player, can’t find the camera? Let me put them onto DVD for you urgently in needcan’t of someonefind the camera?who Let me put them onto DVD for you could take the minutes at the bi for a price of £5 per video. Standard VHS, VHS-8, VHS-C, monthly committeefor a price meetings of £5 asper video. Standard VHS, VHS-8, VHS-C, S-VHS-C, DV tapes. Extra DVD’s of the same tape £1 per the current secretaryS-VHS will-C, DVbe retir tapes.- Extra DVD’s of the same tape £1 per DVD. Sorry, unable to transfer cine films. ing. It is notDVD. an onerous Sorry, job, unable all to transfer cine films. that is required is to attend the bi monthly meetings which are Transfer 35mm negatives Transfer 35mm negatives held on a Thursday at the Village onto DVD ? onto DVD ? Hall at 8.30 p.m. on the fourth 24 film exposure £2.50, 24 film exposure £2.50, Thursday of January, March, 36 film exposure £3.50 36 film exposure £3.50 May, September and November. Contact Louise on 07721 419436 If anyone feelsContact they couldLouise onspare 07721 419436 or on 01344 449728 an hour please couldor you on 01344 contact 449728 Chris Barrows (Chairman) 976 0626 or Judith Neuhofer 979 0296 and we would be delighted to CJM PLUMBING & DECORATING give you more information. Video & Film Transfers Video & Film Transfers Professional, reliable, friendly, local domestic The Village Hall is very well used plumber, tiler & decorator by residents for parties and many Do you have video tapes of memories you’d like to keep Do you have video tapes of memories you’d like to keep butNO worried JOB TOO about SMALL tape – FREE degradation, QUOTATIONS broken– NO CALL video OUT CHARGESplayer, social occasionsbut and worried we take about pride tape degradation, broken video player, can’t find the camera? Let me put them onto DVD for you in keeping itcan’t in good find condition. the camera? Let me put them onto DVD for you for a priceEverything of £5 fromper video.a dripping Standard tap to full VHS,bathroom VHS renewals-8, VHS -C, Many of youfor will a pricehave ofnoticed £5 per video. Standard VHS, VHS-8, VHS-C, Ceramic floor & wall tiling that the toilets have now been S-VHS-C, DV tapes. ExtraInterior DVD’s decorating of the same tape £1 per refurbished. SIn- VHSorder- forC, theDV Hall tapes. Extra DVD’s of the same tape £1 per DVD. Sorry, unable to transferGuttering cine films. DVD. Sorry, unable to transfer cine films. to remain in such good condition Fully insured it does require a Committee to Transfer 35mm negatives run the hall. Transfer 35mm negatives

ontoFor more DVD information ? please contact Chris or Kylie on: onto DVD ? 0118924 film 733815 exposure or £2.50,07827 914748 email: [email protected] This plea for 24help film was exposure in the last£2.50, 36 film exposure £3.50 newsletter but36 nobody film exposure has come £3.50 forward to offer their services; if Contact Louise on 07721 419436 residents still wantContact the Louise benefit on 07721of a 419436 or on 01344 449728 village hall for socialor functions on 01344 449728 it SunshineSunshine Gardening Gardening Services Services is vital that this position is filled.

“Making“Making gardens gardens more beautiful” more beautiful” Vicky's Bodyworks present

Body Control For all yourFor gardeningall your gardening and landscaping and landscaping needs needs PILATES Rely on anRely efficient on an efficientand friendly and servicefriendly service‘Pilates is the body conditioning class suitable for all abilities and ages’ By improving posture, reshape your body, relieve tension and create a general feeling of well-being. Please callPlease 0118 call 979 0118 2291 979 2291 PILATES is medically recommended to help relieve www.sunshinegardening.comwww.sunshinegardening.com back pain and stress. 22 Thorn22 Close, Thorn Barkham Close, Barkham Call Vicky on 0118 989 2572

18

Barkham Diary

Okra (Lady’s fingers) (Lady’s Okra 10.

and onions and

smoked haddock, potatoes potatoes haddock, smoked

A Scottish soup made from from made soup Scottish A 9.

Chili pepper Chili 8.

Twelfth Night Twelfth 7.

South African cured meat cured African South 6.

Seaweed 5.

Lamb 4.

Umami 3.

Avocado 2.

Oliver 1. The Quiz - answers - Quiz The

AM PM Plumbing and Maintenance

Local friendly plumber – All aspects of plumbing

No job too small

AVH is Arborfield Village Hall BVH is Barkham Village Hall CRH is California Ratepayers Hall FMH is Finchampstead Memorial Hall Mark OsbOrn WWW.AMPMPLUMBINGWOKINGHAM.CO.UK

Tel: 0118 9788562 - MOb: 07572 110 799

Useful Numbers ARBORFIELD TREE CARE Police Wokingham Police Station 0845 8 505 505 Hedge & Tree Care Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Sectional Cutting in Confi ned Spaces Council Wokingham Borough Council 974 6000 Fully Insured / Free Estimates & Advice Environmental health 974 6384 Social Services 978 9800 Trading Standards 974 6400 all Dangerous Work Undertaken 24hr out of hours 0800 212 111 Wokingham Town Council 978 3185 Citizen’s Advice 0844 499 4126 call Martin on: 0800 0741886 Wokingham Library 978 1368 Job Support Centre 977 0517 19 Rose Carpentry All types of carpentry undertaken including: %Kitchen fitting %Laminate /solid wood flooring %Custom made storage %Fitted wardrobes %Door & lock replacement %Skirting, door frame & architrave replacement %Partitions %Fencing Contact Liam on Bradbury City & Guilds Qualified Mobile: 07825 994 126 Fully insured Tel/Fax: 0118 976 1960 House & Garden Services References available Email: [email protected] O ering Quality Painting & Decorating Services Paper Hanging Internal & External Painting Tiling - Wall and Floor Small to medium plastering jobs Oakley Roofing Services Loft Boarding Hill View House, School Rd, Barkham. Garden Maintenance Grass cutting For all your roofing requirements and more… Pruning General Tidy Ups (all cuttings taken away) Driveway Cleaning •All flat roofing. All work considered. Competitive prices and full references • Tiling, repairs and new roofs. available on request. For a reliable, friendly and professional • Guttering and fascia. service call…Jon Bradbury • Chimney repairs and refurbishment. m. 07703 304125 | h. 01189 775 546 • Lead work. e. [email protected] • Insurance work undertaken. a. Tangley Cottage, Tangley Drive, Wokingham, RG41 2NY Oakley Roofing’s proprietor, Leslie Parker has been in the roofing business for over 30 years and is a member of The federation of master builders, “I believe in having pride in my work and I like to show prospective clients my letters from completed works, after all nothing beats recommendation”.

For estimates and advice 01189 761126 French Polishing 07958309583 Modern Finishes Repair and restoration of all furniture Removal damage & Insurance work Free estimates All work guaranteed 0118 973 4959 Mobile 0797 375 9091

PETER ROBINS GENERAL BUILDER

"Huntley" GENERAL BUILDING Doles Lane RENOVATIONS WOKINGHAM Berkshire EXTENSIONS RG41 4EB STONE WORK (0118) 978 2154

The views expressed in this newsletter, unless signed by a BVRA committee member, are not necessarily those of the Barkham Village Residents Association Copyright © 2013 Barkham Village Residents Association. Extracts may be reproduced if the source is acknowledged. 20