29/4/2020

At present Wokingham Borough Council has taken the difficult decision to temporarily close all of its libraries.

A large number of online library services are still available, including ebooks, enewspapers and audiobooks. While the libraries are closed we have suspended the fines so there is no need to renew or return your books. Please look after the books, until such time as the libraries reopen, then you will be able to return them

New Digital Services

• Sign up for free library membership by visiting the Spydus website to join our libraries online.
• Freegal Music – Access 15 million songs from thousands of artists. You can download 3 songs per week, and listen to streamed content for up to 3 hours per day. Login to Freegal Music with your barcode and PIN, or download the Freegal Music app from the App Store or Google Play Store, then select your library and log in with your barcode and PIN. Please note: Some of the titles may contain content of a more adult nature. As with all library usage we recommend parents and carers give their child support in choosing appropriate items to match their needs.
• Ancestry Online website – is a family history website with access to census records, births, marriages and deaths records, and much more. Available at Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley libraries. Access to this resource has been temporarily expanded to library cardholders working remotely, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry. To log in from home, visit the Spydus website

VE Day Celebrations

Join us for our virtual Library VE Day celebrations to mark this important anniversary. Check out our libraries blog at https://wokinghamboroughlibraries.wordpress.com/ for VE Day activities which will include:

• A look at how Wokingham celebrated VE Day with an article put together by our local history volunteer Jim Bell
• Recommended books from our  digital library about WW2 and how it ended
• A play list of contemporaneous music available on our free music streaming service Freegal
• A “Bake along” with wartime recipes. One of our members of staff will be baking the cakes and posting pictures of the results on our blog
• Amazing Animal Adventures with book ideas and activities about animal heroes during the wars.
• Links to virtual activities taking place nationally

We will also be running the following on our Facebook page and keep checking as we start more activities over the coming weeks – https://www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughlibraries/ 

• Online Origami Club
• Online storytime every Tuesday on our Facebook Page
• Rhymetime – a rhyme a week will be coming out on Friday on our Facebook page –
• Online Writing Club
• Lego Club weekly challenge

Reading Well and Mental Health 

Check out the NHS Every Mind Matters website. It has some useful tips for mental wellbeing while staying at home. There’s a host of advice, support and tools to use. Just visit: http://ow.ly/4dBb30qsCNl

Reading Well Schemes – https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/reading-schemes-for-children-and-adults/reading-well-schemes-to-improve-health/Some of the titles are available on eBooks for you to listen to but check out https://reading-well.org.uk/resources/mental-health for more resources.

E-Services – Did you know you can borrow a range of e-books, e-audio, e-comics newspapers and magazines completely free of charge if you are a library member? Just go to https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/library-services/e-books/ or download the RB Digital app and use your library card number to create a free account with a username and password.

E-books 

• Read books on your home computer, smartphone or tablet
• Borrow 6 books at a time for up to 21 days
• Choose from over 2000 books, with new titles added every month

E-audio

• Listen to audio books on your phone, MP3 player, iPod or computer
• Choose from over 1000 books, with new titles added every month
• No limit on the number of titles you can borrow

E-Comics

• Read graphic novels on your home computer, smartphone or tablet
• Choose from over 1000 titles, including Marvel Comic titles, which can be borrowed for 30 days

Press Reader –E-newspapers and magazines are available via the Press Reader App, please visit: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/library-services/e-magazines/ for more information.

The service allows you to:

• Read and download newspapers and magazines on your computer, smartphone or tablet
• Read the current copy of most daily and Sunday newspapers, many local newspapers and a wide selection of magazines
• Access a selection of newspapers and magazines from all over the world

Why not search our online catalogue from the comfort of your own home to see what’s on offer:  http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries   

You can find more about events in libraries via our email newsletter. You can sign up for this at: http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/contact-us/sign-up-manage-text-and-email-alerts/. Or alternatively download this publication at:  http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/find-and-join-a-library/

28/4/2020

National Thank a Teacher Day is looking to celebrate your teachers

Teachers are celebrated across the UK every year on National Thank A Teacher Day, which is on 20 May this year.

The Teaching Awards Trust, who run the event, also use this day to announce and celebrate the Silver Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards. This year the team are waiting for schools to reopen to all children before it officially announce the winners. In the meantime, however, it is asking everyone across the country to join together to say a HUGE thank you to their teachers for their amazing work not only in these challenging times but all year round.

How can you thank your teacher?

Do you have a STAR teacher? Do you miss seeing them every day? This Thank A Teacher Day let’s take the opportunity to say thank you to all our amazing teachers and support staff, who are doing a star job each and every day.

Share your message of thanks with the Thank a Teacher team before the 20th May, ideally in a video clip, or in an expression of your choosing. The theme this year is a star. How creative can you be? Maybe you and your school will feature as a #StarOfTheDay on social media.

The aim is to get as many messages of thanks and some great stories about the teachers who are being thanked so these can be shared with the whole country on National Thank a Teacher Day on May 20th.

More information can be found HERE. You can also email: info@teachingawards.com.

If you upload videos or messages on your own social media pages, please use the hashtags #ThankaTeacherDay #ClassroomHeroes and for Woodley residents please tag us @WoodleyCouncil so we can see the wonderful messages for Woodley teachers.

Scheduled roadworks in Woodley for May

Please be aware that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority has made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 

🚫 Colemansmoor Road, Woodley between its junctions with Loddon Bridge Road and Miles Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Miles Way, Spitfire Way, Headley Road East and Loddon Bridge Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 18th May 2020.

🚫 Tippings Lane, Woodley between its junctions with the Duffield Road, and Headley Road East. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Church Road, Glendevon Road, Butts Hill Road and Headley Road East or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th May and 19th May 2020.

🚫 Butts Hill Road, Sonning between its junctions with Pound Lane and Ravensbourne Drive. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Glendevon Road, Church Road, Duffield Road and Pound Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 19th May 2020.

🚫 Pound Lane, Sonning between its junctions with Butts Hill Road and Duffield Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Butts Hill Road, Glendevon Road, Church Road and Duffield Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 19th May 2020.

🚫 A4 Bath Road, Sonning between its junctions with A3032 Old Bath Road and Pound Lane. The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 London Road, A4 Crown Street, A327 Southampton Street, A329 Queens Road, A329 Watlington Street, A329 Forbury Road, A329 Vastern Road, A4155 Caversham Road, A4155 Church Street, A4155 Prospect Street, A4155 Henley Road, A4155 Hampstead Hill, A4155 Reading Road, A4130 Hart Street, A4130 White Hill, A321 Wargrave Hill and A321 High Street. The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 High Street, A321 Wargrave Hill, A4130 White Hill, A4130 Hart Street, Thameside, Station Road, A4155 Reading Road, A4155 Hampstead Hill, A4155 Henley Road, A4155 Prospect Street, A4155 Church Street, A4155 Caversham Road, A329 Vastern Road, A329 Forbury Road, A329 Kings Road, A4 London Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 16th May 2020.

🚫 Pound Lane, Sonning between its junctions with Duffield Road and A4 Bath Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 Bath Road, A4 London Road, Reading Road and Western Avenue or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 19th May 2020.

🚫 A4 Bath Road, Hare Hatch between its junctions with Wokingham Borough Boundary and Scarletts Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Henley Road, A4130 Henley Road, A4130 Remenham Hill, A4130 White Hill, A321 Wargrave Road, A321 High Street, A321 Wargrave Road and A4 New Bath Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 16th May 2020.

🚫 Little Glebe, Sonning between its junctions with Pound Lane and Garde Lane, The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Garde Road, Glebe Lane and Pound Lane, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12^th May and 13^th May 2020. 

🚫 Walton Close, Woodley from its junction with Grays Crescent for its entirety. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 13^th May 2020. 

🚫 Bruce Road, Woodley between its junctions with Wheble Drive. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bruce Road and Wheble Drive, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13^th May and 14^th May 2020. 

🚫 Wallace Close, Woodley from its junctions with Fairwater Drive. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15^th May and 16^th May 2020 

🚫 Rosewood, Woodley from its junction with Linden Road Works requiring this restriction will take place on 16^th May 2020. 

🚫 Linden Road, Woodley from its junction with Nightingale Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 16^th May and 17^th May 2020. 

🚫 Austin Road, Woodley between its junctions with Vauxhall Drive and Colemansmoor Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Vauxhall Drive and Colemansmoor Road, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 17^th May and 18^th May 2020. 

🚫 Redwood Avenue, Woodley between its junctions with Oak Drive and Holly Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Oak Drive, Spruce Road and Holly Road, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 18^th May 2020. 

VE Day 75 celebrations cancelled but there are ways to celebrate at home

As you will know from the announcement made by HM Government on 16th April 2020, the Coronavirus lockdown has been extended by at least a further three weeks. This means that the community event organised by Woodley Town Council and Woodley Town Centre to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8th May can no longer go ahead as originally planned. 

However, the organisers of VE75 hope that some aspects of this important anniversary could still take place on 8th May in ways that allow people to celebrate the VE Day anniversary, while following the essential social distancing advice that ensures everyone remains safe.

Woodley Town Council and Woodley Town Centre would like to encourage its residents to participate in a ‘Stay at Home Party’ while adhering to the social distancing rules. Why not host a picnic in your garden or lounge and decorate your home red, white and blue? Here are some suggestions from the official organisers – don’t forget to join in with the National Toast at 3pm and make this an unforgettable celebration from the safety of your home. 

Free BBC Radio Berkshire bunting templates HERE.

Please do share your images with us on our social media pages (@WoodleyCouncil for Facebook and Twitter and @WoodleyTCMI on Twitter) or by emailing: communications@woodley.gov.uk.

Please also share your BBC Radio Berkshire bunting on social media using the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting and #VEDay75 – don’t forget to tag @WoodleyCouncil and @WoodleyTCMI too!

Friday 8th May

2.55pm: The playing of the Last Post

Buglers, trumpeters and cornet players might like to consider playing the Last Post from the safety of their front or back garden, outside their front door or from their balcony or window. We would ask you not to play in an area that could attract a group of people however.

3pm: The piping of Battle’s O’er and VE 75 Years

As with playing the Last Post, individual pipers could play these two stirring marches from their front or back garden, at their front door or from their balcony or window. It is extremely important to adhere to the Government’s restrictions so bands will not be able to play together and individual pipers should not perform in areas that might attract people.

3pm: The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW II

We would very much like to encourage you all to still take part in the Nation’s Toast from the safety of your homes to pay tribute to the many millions in the United Kingdom and overseas who sacrificed so much to secure the freedom we have today. We would invite you stand at 3pm and raise a glass or cup of refreshment of your choice and undertake the following toast: “For those that gave so much, we thank you.” 

6.55pm: The Cry for Peace Around the World

Town criers and others who wish to take part can perform the Cry for Peace from their front or back garden, at their front door or from their balcony or window. The words can be found on the Download page of the VE Day 75 website – www.veday75.org. Please don’t perform it from a place that might encourage people to gather.

28/4/2020

Due to Covid 19, Woodley Carnival has been cancelled this year

The Woodley Carnival Committee, following the most recent Covid 19 advice and guidance from the UK Government, has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Community Carnival on 13 June 2020 and all associated events. 

The committee is disappointed they will be unable to share the 60^th anniversary with Woodley residents, however, they look forward to sharing next year’s carnival on 12^th June 2021. 

Despite losses incurred from cancelling the event, all purchased stalls will be refunded, as well as all advertising and sponsorship packages. Refunds will be processed in due course back to the original payment method. 

For further information, please email info@woodleycarnival.org.uk

UK charities are inviting you, your family and friends to take part in The 2.6 Challenge from Sunday 26 April to help raise much needed funds and help save some charities from closing. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on charities, with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in fundraising income. In response, the organisers of the biggest mass-participation sports events across the country have come together to create a new campaign to raise vital funds to help to save the UK’s charities. The 2.6 Challenge will launch on Sunday 26^th April – what should have been the date of the 40^th London Marathon, the world’s biggest one-day annual fundraising event. 

Charities are asking you to take part in an activity of your choice based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate via designated fundraising pages.

People of all ages are taking on The 2.6 Challenge with a host of activities – from walking, running or cycling 2.6 miles, juggling for 2.6 minutes, to holding online workouts with 26 friends. The ideas and options are endless. The only requirement is that you must follow Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing. Most people are taking part from Sunday 26^th April but you can do your activity whenever is most convenient for you. There are just five simple steps to take:

• Dream up your 2.6 challenge – if you need help there are lots of ideas at: https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/inspiration
• Head to twopointsixchallenge.co.uk to donate £26 – or whatever you can afford – to Berkshire Youth or to set up a fundraising page
• Ask all your friends and family to sponsor you and challenge them to do their own 2.6 Challenge
• Complete your challenge
• Share a photo or video of your challenge on social media with #TwoPointSixChallenge 

For further information on The 2.6 Challenge, including a list of partners and supporters, and for more ideas about what your activity could be, visit twopointsixchallenge.co.uk.

31/3/2020

Message from Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Kay Gilder

Dear Woodley residents,

While we are indeed living in very strange circumstances during this Covid-19 pandemic, I would like to commend our ever-present community spirit as we all do our bit to help curb the spread of coronavirus by following the Government recommended guidelines for staying at home. 

The guidelines outline four reasons for leaving our homes that we must all adhere to:

1. shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
2. one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.
3. any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
4. travelling to and from work, but only where you cannot work from home.

Play areas are now closed, however, please continue to use our beautiful green spaces to exercise, being mindful not to drive to these areas and to stay 2 metres away from people not in your household and to wash your hands as soon as you get home.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus please follow the self-isolating rules of seven days and 14 days for your household members. If you have underlying health conditions please also follow the advice to keep yourself self-isolated to reduce your chances of contracting coronavirus. Advice can be found at: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

If you are feeling vulnerable or need help and support I urge you to contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (Please call 0300 330 1189 and enter 0118 978 7258 when prompted) who can provide advice and put you in touch with local charities, including the Wokingham Borough Community Hub, which is distributing food, toiletries and essential items to the vulnerable.

Many neighbours are also happy to help and we are lucky to have such a great community in Woodley, which I urge you to either ask for or offer help. If you are in a position to offer help, then please consider signing up as a volunteer at: www.wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk. If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult, please call Adult Social Services on 0118 9746000, or 01344 786543 out of hours and for concerns regarding children please call 0118 9088002. 

The Woodley Town Council website (www.woodley.gov.uk/coronavirus-update) is updated regularly with Covid-19 related news and advice, so please access this if you can or check its posts on Facebook and Twitter. 

I would also like to praise those working in key worker positions for all their help and support, particularly those who may have to leave their families to protect them and us. I’m sure you will join me in also thanking our community for joining in with the national Clap for the NHS last Thursday evening. It was a very moving moment to feel everyone united in their thanks and support. 

I wish you all the best of health and look forward to seeing you all back in our community in the very near future. 

Cllr Kay Gilder, Woodley Town Mayor

8/4/2020

Virtual library events brought to you by Wokingham Borough Libraries

For more information please click HERE.

Reminder: primary and junior school places revealed on Thursday 16/4/2020