The next Woodley and North Earley (WANE) Community Forum AGM will be held on:

Wednesday 10 April 2019 19.30-21.00

The Maxwell Room at the Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ

Chair: Mary Bather

AGENDA

1. Welcome, outline of structure of the meeting, introductions and apologies – 5 mins

2. Minutes of the previous meeting – 06.02.19 / matters arising not on the agenda – 10 mins

3. Chair’s Report – 5 mins

4. Vice-chair’s Report (finance) – 5 mins

5. Election of chair and vice-chair for 2019/20 – 10 mins
   • Elections
   • Volunteers for committee

6. Update from Neighbourhood Policing Team on recent reported criminal activity in the local area – 10 mins

7. Local policing priorities (30 mins) – Review of progress / agree actions with respect to:
   • Antisocial behaviour
   • Speeding

8. Future of the forum (20 mins)

9. Any Other Business (20 mins)

10. Date and venue of next meeting – 5 mins

(Provisionally – Wednesday, 17 July, 19.30 Maxwell Hall, Oakwood Centre)

As part of a borough-wide initiative, Woodley is taking part in the big tidy up campaign on Saturday 23rd March. Please come along and support the local community.

Centre Stage in Woodley Town Centre is now FREE to hire for 2019 to all bands, performers, community groups, charities and schools.

For more information contact: [email protected] / 0118 9690356

(Please note that this offer is not available to businesses or any commercial use. For commercial enquiries, please contact the Town Centre Manager: [email protected])

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr John Kaiser and headteacher Matt Hickey with pupils in one of the new classrooms

Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr John Kaiser, officially opened Wokingham Borough Council’s £3.25m expansion of Highwood Primary School in Woodley.

The improved facilities include a new entrance, increased capacity in the main hall, additional small group teaching spaces, a medical room, and a purpose built learning area for the children attending Highwood’s Developmental Language Delay Unit.

The work overall has increased the school’s capacity from one class to two classes in each year group, as well as doubling its nursery provision. The school is expected to be up to full pupil numbers by 2024.

The 18-month building project, which has transformed both the internal and external look of the school, was completed in phases allowing the school to remain open throughout.

“This is all about making sure local children have enough places at their local school, while also taking the opportunity to refurbish existing facilities to create modern and flexible learning and teaching environments,” said Cllr John Kaiser, Wokingham Borough Mayor, at the official opening.”

Matt Hickey, headteacher, said: “The school’s transformation during the expansion project has been amazing. The children, parents, staff and governors are all extremely proud of our new facilities.

“We look forward to the school filling up over the next few years, so that many more children can benefit from the opportunities we’re able to provide.”

Jacques Lherbier, Woodley Town Centre Manager

Jacques Lherbier has been Woodley Town Centre’s Manager for over 11 years and retires next month.

To read The Wokingham Paper’s article in recognition of his career in Woodley, please click HERE.

Did you know…?

One tonne of food waste generates enough electricity to power 0.092264017 homes. Wokingham Borough Council estimates if it collects 3,000 tonnes a year through its food waste collections, it would produce enough electricity to power 277 average sized homes.

Woodley Town Council has had a busy year investing in local charities, alongside hosting a memorable WWI Commemoration, starting refurbishments at Woodford Park lake and being awarded Green Flag status for its management and stewardship of Woodford Park and the Memorial Ground.

For the third year running, Woodley Town Council has not increased its precept (the annual charge that funds the services provided by the Council) and it remains at £106.71 for a Band D house.

To read more about the Council’s activities and budget summary, please click HERE.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to burglaries in the Woodley area

On Monday 4th of March, between 14.00-16.00, there were burglaries in Rushbrook Road, Bruce Road and Chequers Way in Woodley.

If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area or have CCTV, Dashcam or Ringcam footage, please contact the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number 101 or alternatively, you can report this online HERE.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Please consider a few simple prevention steps to your property:

1. Keep windows and doors shut, double lock front doors when away.

2. Property mark your valuables with a UV pen or forensic property marking kit, then register on  www.immobilise.com. Make a note of all model numbers and serial numbers of all electrical items.

3. Use timer switches to make your home look occupied in the evenings

4. Ensure car keys are safely stored away from the front door

5. Keep tools and ladders locked away and out of sight.

For more Crime Reduction tips and information please visit our website www.thamesvalley.police.uk and click on the ‘crime prevention’ tab.