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NEWBURY NEWS CORONAVI US NEWS

Thursday, April 16, 2020 9

Newbury Weekly News

Vote to lift curb on allotment time

“ In a bid to ensure these sessions can continue as quickly as possible, we need to keep our

Thatcham council relaxes Covid-19 one-hour advisor y restricti n

when there’s not really a sound logic behind it.” Lourdes Cottam (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) added that with the weather improv- ing, produce would need more water or it would go to waste. Richard Crumly (Con, Thatcham Central) said: “If they’re all working on separate allotments doesn’t that promote social distancing rather than the reverse?” Reiterating his point, Mr Foster said: “I’m not really in favour of the council stepping in telling people to do things that aren’t really necessary. “If social distancing rules aren’t being kept then that might be the time to step in.” Councillors voted to lift the advisory of only spending one hour on site, but to adhere to social distancing and that the allotments remain accessible dawn to dusk.

horses well cared fo,rin work and fit

RESTRICTIONS onThatcham’ s allotments are to be lifted after councillors questioned the move. Thatcham Town Council has closed its play parks, halls, public buildings and the public toilets in the Broadway in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The town’s Friday market remains open, but only to food and groceries stalls. Henleys Allotments are open, but restrictions had been put in place advising tenants to spend no more than an hour on site. However, some councillors raised concerns at a meeting held virtually on Monday, April 6. Explaining why the restriction had been put in place, town clerk Mel Taylor said it followed Government advice over social distancing. She said: “The Government directive is to only go out for specific reasons and for a limited amount of time. “You wouldn’t be able to spend four to five hours in a public open space, why should you be able to do that at the allotments?” Ms Taylor said that no complaints had been received from residents, but added “we know people are spending more than an hour up there, but we are not doing anything about it”. She said: “We have no way to enforce it, it’s just an advisory.” Tenants can access the allot- ments from dawn until dusk, but need a key to get in. Councillor Richard Foster (Lib Dem, Thatcham Colthrop and

Crookham) he was concerned about having the restriction in place. He said: “Is it appropriate to bring allotments in line with open spaces? “I’m not sure the same legisla- tion applies to the allotments. “None of us know how long this lockdown is going to be in place for, but it could be a very long time. “It might be months, it might be years to be honest, because until there’s a vaccine it’s diffi- cult to say how it could be lifted completely until we reach what’s called herd immunity. “If we put a restriction in place it becomes difficult to lift it. “I’m just cautious about putting restrictions in place Report by JOHN HERRING email john.herring@newburynews.co.uk twitter johnh_nwn said

Rider Isabella Lardne,rled by Lambourn RDA

director Jill Fitzpatrick and Sarah-Jane Lardner before the lockdown

Lambourn RDA pleads for donations A CHILTON Foliat-based char- ity that provides horseriding therapy to local disabled people is pleading for donations to help it survive the coronavirus crisis. fundraising, we haven’t got an income.” how much the time they spend with our horses helps. “In a bid to ensure these sessions can continue as quickly as possible, we need to keep our horses well cared for, in work and fit.

She added: “Our loyal horses will still need feed, hay, and to see a farrier – possibly even care from the vets, which all adds up. “With no clear idea of when we will be able to start activities again, it is difficult to know if we will have enough money to support our horses until riding resumes.” Lambourn RDA currently has six horses who support 41 riders. Ms Lochrane said: “The impact this will have on some of our riders, who gain so much from attending our sessions, is huge – both physically and mentally. “It has never been so clear just

Lambourn Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and its team of volunteers has had to suspend all activities until further notice. Lambourn RDA chairwoman Frances Lochrane said: “We support and work with many people who are more vulnerable to infection, so we have made the decision to close our doors until the situation with coronavirus improves. “This comes at a big price for us as, without riders and our

“At this difficult time, we plead with the local community to help support Lambourn RDA by donating what you can to help keep the charity running. “As little as £2.50 will feed a horse for the day; £5 willprovide bedding for one horse for a week and £55 pays for a horse’s farrier fees. “If you can support us, please make a donation to Lambourn RDA on the uk.virginmoneygiv- ing.com website.”

TheHenleysallotmentesarlierthisweek

Ref: 17-0620A

Please spare your fruit and veg for the exotic animals at The Living Rainforest ANYONE passing The

Signs outside The Living Rainforest at the weekend

The Rainfore’stGoeldi ’s monkey tucks in

all the animals and plants get the best possible care and remain healthy during this period of closure to the public, but they admit it is a challenge ensuring life goes on as normal for the animals and plants amid the pandemic. If you are local, but only if you are passing by for an essential reason, you could help by donating fresh fruit such as melon and fresh berries or vegetables such as root vegetables or cauliflower. For more details, visit https://livingrainforest.org/ get-involved/donate Or if you feel you could offer an animal or plant care gift, please visit the website page at www.livingrainforest. org/get- involved/amazon-wish-list

to achieve a sustainable future. However, the coronavirus crisis has forced it to temporarily close to visitors. And these days, animal curator Tina says it is “eerily quiet” without the usual steady flow of visitors and school groups and “many of our animals are taking time to adjust and wonder why nobody is walking around”. The Living Rainforest relies on income from its visitors to support its activities. However, while the Living Rainforest’s doors are shut because of Covid-19, its normal income streams have dried up. Naturally the keepers at the Living Rainforest are continu- ing to work hard to ensure that

For more information about the charity, check out www.youtube.com/watch? v=f1bLQcqGcEs (please note this is an old clip).

Living Rainforest in Hamp- stead Norreys at the week- end may have spotted an unusual request posted outside. The sign asks for donations of tinned and fresh fruit and vegetables. In normal times, The Living Rainforest offers visitors the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest. Its three glasshouses are home to more than 850 rainfor- est plants and animals – including rare and endan- gered species of global conser- vation value. It is run by the Trust for Sustainable Living, an educa- tional charity with the aim of inspiring the next generation

Supporting Apprentices & Young People

During these challenging times, we are here to help you understand your options for September. Contact us now to discuss starting an apprenticeship, traineeship or other training programme.

Get in touch for more information, contact Rachel@wbtc-uk.com or visit wbtc-uk.com

The notice outside the gates appealing for donations