NWN-18062020

Est 1867

Y e

t h e

a

N e w s p a p e r o f

r

W e e k l y

U K

Thursday June 18, 2020, £1

q Follow us through the week

newburytoday q

@newburytoday

MP joins protesters to say Black Lives Matter

Pub owner: ‘Give us clarity on 2m social distancing’ THE owner of a Newbury pub is call- ing on the Government to provide greater clarity over future social distancing guidelines so plans can be made to reopen. Ed Turner of Buff & Bear Saloons, which has The Dolphin pub and boutique hotel in Bartholomew Street, says he cannot make any preparations until he knows how much space is available to them. Currently, the UK’s social distancing guidelines mean people from different households must stay two metres apart to stop the transmission of coronavirus. There have been calls from industry leaders and some backbench MPs to halve the distance to kick-start the econ- omy and help businesses – particularly those in the hospitality sector – to reopen. A number of other countries, includ- ing France, Denmark and Singapore, follow the one metre rule, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended as a “minimum” distance. Mr Turner said: “All I want is some sort of clarity so we can make a decision on when to reopen, when to order beer, how many tables we can have and when we can unfurlough staff. “At the moment we cannot take any bookings because we have no idea whether we can reopen and how. “On a business basis I would love it to be one metre, but only if it meant people were safe. “I wouldn’t want it to be at the expense of a second spike. “At two metres we could probably oper- ate with around 40 per cent of our tables. “If it was one metre it would be more like 75 per cent, which is a big differ- ence. “If they [the Government] can’t give us a notice period and a definitive date for opening, then don’t dangle a carrot. “I’d rather push the opening date back and have some certainty.” Mr Turner is no stranger to a crisis. In 2018, his company’s gastropub The Old Ale and Coffee House in central Salisbury saw a downturn in trade on the back of the Novichok poisoning. n Contionued on page 3

Laura Farris takes the knee at ‘well organis’eadnd‘respectf’ualnti-racism eventiicntoVria Park

Report by DAN COOPER email dan.cooper@newburynews.co.uk twitter @danc_nwn

NEWBURY’S Conservative MP Laura Farris joined hundreds of others at a Black Lives Matter protest in Victoria Park on Saturday to take a stand against racism and inequal- ity. Mrs Farris, who attended the event with her husband Henry, observed a two-minute silence and took part in the ‘kneel in solidarity’ following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The MP, who was elected in December 2019, said she felt it was important to be there and to hear the testimonies of people who had been discriminated against. Twenty-four hours earlier, more than 500 people had marched through the streets of Newbury for the first protest. Mrs Farris said of Saturday’s protest: “I really enjoyed it. “I thought it was a great event and very well organised. “There was appropriate social distancing in place and overall I think it had a very respectful tone. “I think it’s really important that public representatives are there with the community, showing their support.” Mrs Farris said she had spoken to the organisers of both protests to see what she, as an MP, could do in Parliament to help. She also revealed she had written to education secretary Gavin Williamson about the need to improve the teaching of black history in the curriculum. n For pictures and reaction from both protests, see pages 8 and 9.

NewbuyrMP Laura Farris and her husband Henr y at the Black Lives MatterstpirnoVtiectoriaParkonSaturday

Ref: 24-0920H

Evolution Tree Surgery And Ground Care Ltd

Friendly, Local Service You Can Trust Stump Grinding Garden Turfing Soft/Hard Landscaping

Tree Surgery Professional Fencing Shrub and Hedge Care

General Maintenance And more

Proud members of

www.evolutiontreesurgeryltd.co.uk

where reputation matters

Please call Ben to arrange your free quote: 07917195806 / 01635 770630

Average score 9.94

Thursday, June 18, 2020 2

NEWBURY NEWS

Newbury Weekly News

It’s safety first for town centre Council to implement measures for life after lockdown

The Newbury Weekly News is proud to be the independent newspaper at the heeasrt of W Berkshire and North Hampsheiarelw. Ways welcome your feedback on how we can improve our sevrice to the commu.nity

EDITOR Andy Murrill andy.murrill@newburynews.co.uk @andymurrill (01635) 564525

WEST Berkshire Council is looking to speed up applica- tions for outdoor diningin a socially-distanced district. The council has also said it has no plans to ban cycling in the town centre or suspend car parking charges again now that shops can reopen. All non-essentialshops were allowed to reopen on Monday, providing they follow safety measures. To prepare for the reopening of high streets across the district, the council has been awarded £124,000 from the Department for Transport to introduce temporarymeasures to help with social distancing in a safe environment for walk- ing and cycling. The allocation is part of the Government’s emergency active travel fund split into two phases. Phase one includes encour - aging travel measures that can be implemented quickly to provide additional road space for walking and cycling. Schemes need to be imple- mented within eightweeks to be eligible for funding. Newbury’ s Northbrook Street and Market Place were pedestrianised on June 1 to make it easier for people to follow social distancingguide- lines and the temporary measure could be in place until September. Report by JOHN HERRING email john.herring@newburynews.co.uk twitter johnh_nwn

Market Place could be a centre for outdoor dining

NEWSDESK (01635) 564532

from that. “It supports adult social care and our waste services and we need to balance that income against the delivery of those services.” And there are no proposals at this stage to ban cyclists in the pedestrianised area, Mr Winstanley said. “We are trying to encourage active travel... we felt banning cycling would be a disbenefit to those cyclists who would take notice of it and perhaps cyclists who tend to cycle anti- socially would just ignore the ban and carry on anyway. “Ultimately the enforce- ment authority is the police, but clearly their resources are stretched in this time as well.” Leaflets are also being posted out to businesses with advice on how to be coron- avirus secure. Businesses can receive Covid-19 safe certificates and must complete a risk assess- ment, develop cleaning, hand- washing and hygiene prac- tices, help people towork from home, maintain two metres social distancing where possi- ble, and where people can ’t be two metres apart, manage transmission risk. The council is also looking to bring in a town centre administrator, who will directly contact businesses as a single point of contact.

town centre before taking the decision? “Since the closure of the Market Place we are currently facing 30 to 50 per cent lower sales. Adding more tables and chairs won’t help.” Mr Winstanley said: “Newbury does get very busy. “The decision was taken purely on safety grounds to allow shops toreopen safely in the coming weeks. “We do expect a consider- able increase in footfall going forward. “It will get busier and busier in the town centre.” The council’s economic development manager Gabrielle Mancini said: “We have been meeting with Newbury Town Council, the BID, who are essentially the voice of businesses in the town centre, managers of the Kennet centre and Parkway, as well as the police, to put plans in place for pedestrianisation. “There was consultation as widely as we possibly could do in the circumstances.” The council suspended parking charges at the start of the pandemic to assist key workers, but has since re- introduced them. Mr Winstanley said: “ Park- ing supports a number of key services and is a critical source of income for the coun- cil, there’ s no getting away

Dan Cooper dan.cooper@newburynews.co.uk @danc_nwn

SPORT

(01635) 886629 Liam Headd liam.headd@newburynews.co.uk

ADVERTISING DISPLAY (01635) 564572 RECRUITMENT (01635) 564546 recruitment@newburynews.co.uk CLASSIFIED (01635) 564572 advert@newburynews.co.uk

NorthbrooSktreetis currentlpyedestrianise2d4/7

Ref: 25-1520A

Outlining steps being taken for businesses to reopen in a webinar last week, head of transport and countryside Jon Winstanley said there had been an increased demand for outdoor dining, which had to be balancedagainst encourag- ing active travelling. Businesses need planning permission and a highways licence to place tables and chairs on a public highway. Mr Winstanley said the council was awaiting guid- ance over the relaxation of these rules, but the council would look at its own local policies to see if the process could be streamlined. He said the council would be giving “considerable focus” to the issue and that “road safety is the ultimate priority

and we have to avoid any unin- tended consequences of putting tables and chairs on the highway”. He said the council would be working with Newbury Busi- ness Improvement District (BID) to monitor queues and see whether additional measures might be needed to accommodate queues and allow for social distancing. The briefing alsoheard that businesses had not been directly consulted ahead of the pedestrianisation. One business owner asked: “Newbury is not as busy as Oxford Street in London. “What kind of scientific calculation has been done to take this position. “Have you consulted with any other businesses in the

LEAFLETS (01635) 564513 lesley.marriott@newburynews.co.uk CIRCULATION (01635) 564513

MANAGING DIRECTOR James Gurney james.gurney@newburynews.co.uk (01635) 564502 NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbyu,rRG14 2AD (01635) 524111

News, enetrtainment, aedrvtising News............................................................ 1-20 Letters...................................................... .14-17 Hungeofrd nwes.....................................1..20-2 Thatcham nwes.................................4...-.2..5.2 North Hants nwes...........................................26 Village nwes....................................................2 7 Announcements............................... .28-29 Local Hiosrty...........................................4........3 N2 atrs & enetrtainment stas.r...................35 Puzzles.............................................................38 Classief d statsr .............................................40 Propert.y....................................................43- 44 Business..........................................................45 Motors.......................................................... 45 Sport statrs..................................................... 47

COVID 19 ANNOUNCEMENT OPEN

Call us on 01635 201623 for our contactless collection, limited delivery service and limited Automower Installations. We’re here to help

Supporting Apprentices & Young People

TRACTORS I CHAINSAWS I CHIPPERS I HEDGE TRIMMERS I MOWERS I RIDE ON MOWERS I SHREDDERS I STUMP GRINDERS

n Daily news updates online at:

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.

KALEHURST AT HILLIER GARDEN CENTRE, HERMITAGE, Nr NEWBURY RG18 9TG T: 01635 201623 E: sales@kalehurstgardenmachinery.co.uk www.kalehurstgarden.co.uk

Newbury News and Media Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have an editorial complaint about a Newbury News and Media Ltd publication, you should, in the first instance, contact the publication concerned. If it is not resolved to your satisfac-

tion, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its web- site: www.ipso.co.uk.

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

Thursday, June 18, 2020 3

NEWBURY NEWS

Newbury Weekly News

Shopperos bsevresocialdistancinginParkway

Ref: 25-1620H

CampHopsonmenswarestaffwearingfacemask

Ref: 25-1420C

Optician ScottWaters

Ref: 25-1720B

Town recovery begins as shoppers return Non-essential shops start to re-open for business this week

distancing guidelines, but they have been absolutely fantastic. “A lot of customers come back in just to say hello and see how we were, which is really nice.” Mr Waters said his company had taken a number of steps to ensure customers were safe, including sterilising glasses after use, sterilising the card machine between each transaction, ‘defog- ging rooms’ and operating a one- way system in the shop. West Berkshire Council has posted leaflets to more than 300 local businesses looking to open in the weeks to come, depending on Government guidance, outlin- ing what steps they would need to take to remain safe and what support is available to them. The council’s economic devel- opment manager Gabrielle Mancini said: “We are here to help. We have a team and resources in place. If businesses need to get in touch they can do that and we will do all we can to get them back on their feet.” n Shops reopen in Hungerford and Thatcham, see pages 21 and 25

SOME of Newbury’s town centre shops reopened this week for the first time in almost three months – but with strict guidelines in place to ensure both staff and customers are kept safe. A number of businesses opened on Monday and Tuesday, with the remainder set to follow suit in the coming days and weeks as the economy slowly starts to pick up following the Covid-19 outbreak. One-way systems, limiting the number of customers allowed in at any one time, hand sanitiser stations, plastic screens at tills and staff wearing personal protec- tive equipment are just some of the measures being put in place by stores. Signs reminding people to stay two metres apart and follow social distancing rules have also been placed around the town. And while it is now an alto- gether different shopping experi- ence than the one we were used to, it seems it hasn’t put too many off, with a steady stream of people going in during the week.

Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News on Monday, Parkway Shopping centre manager Andrew Marmot said: “We are really pleased with the way day one has gone so far. “We are very grateful that people, on the whole, are respect- ing the social distancing measures and we look forward to welcoming more people back as more retailers start to reopen.” Scott Waters, who owns Scott Waters Opticians in Northbrook Street, said: “We’ve had a really good first day back. We were a bit worried about whether everyone would adhere to the social Report by DAN COOPER email dan.cooper@newburynews.co.uk twitter @danc_nwn

CampHopsonis openagain

Ref: 25-1520B

DistancingreminderisnCampHopson Ref: 25-1420E

“ We look fowrard to welcoming more

people back as more retailers start to reopen

Customers queueing outside H&M in Parkway earlier thisweek Ref: 25-1620F

Customers browse in the baby department in Camp Hopson Ref: 25-1420H

Pub owner:‘Give clarity on 2m social distancin’g n Continued from front page Two years on, with The Dolphin now added to its portfolio, it is dealing with the fallout of Covid-19. He said: “The Novichok crisis was nowhere near as harsh as Covid-19, which could impact our busi- ness by 50 to 60 per cent or more as a result of social distancing. “The same principles apply now as they did then, it is about looking after staff and managing customer expectations. “However, this time it is a generational crisis, we’re all in the same boat. You can’t feel sorry for yourself; you’ve got to have a positive outlook.” Mr Turner’s two pubs have benefited from differ- ent levels of support since lockdown. In the case of The Old Ale & Coffee House, it received a Government grant, but The Dolphin’s rateable value was fractionally over the £51,000 ceiling so it didn’t receive anything. Mr Turner is confident that customers will come back, saying: “I think people will be desperate for a pint and to have someone to cook and wash up for them. “Initially I think there will be a surge of people and then trade will settle down with a more balanced trading period through the week. “It’s really important to ensure that people feel safe if they’re to come back again and for them to do that staff have to feel safe too.” Mr Turner made the decision to close his pubs on March 18 and furlough all staff except himself, focusing on the health and wellbeing of employees and preparing for a post-lockdown business. In preparation for re-opening, he has ordered multiple sanitisers, PPE for staff if they want it and is undertaking a risk assessment to see what might work, including if a one-way system is possible. To improve the operation of the business, all transactions will be cash-free and an app intro- duced with a loyalty scheme to boost trade. Tables will have to be booked in advance to ensure there aren’t queues and pre-orders will be required for large family groups.

Unit 9 Wyevale Garden Centre, Bath Road, Thatcham, RG18 3AN Tel : 01635 897665 THATCHAM STORE REOPENING 22ND JUNE TOP NAME BRANDS FRIENDLY, SAFE AND CLEAN ENVIROMENT FOR CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES WITH FULL SOCIAL DISTANCING MESAURES IN PLACE

Start living the Retirement you deserve

GREAT PRODUCTS AT GREAT PRICES OLD MATTRESS AND BED DISPOSAL SERVICE AVAILABLE

A lifetime mortgage is not for everyone, however, there are many reasons why they are considered: • repay an existing mortgage • clear other debt to free up monthly income • take a well earned holiday • home improvements/landscape garden • moving home • help family members • increase disposable income If you would like to know more, why not take advantage of our free initial review to see if it would be appropriate for you. Please call Carol on Tel: 01635 550179 for a free, non obligation chat. E: carol@hopwoodash.co.uk www.yourequityreleaseoptions.co.uk “

Business As Usual Should you wish to arrange a meeting, this can be done in a virtual room. It’s business as usual here! Give us a call to set up on 01635 550179.

Appointments encouraged, please call 01635 897665 www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk FREE LOCAL DELIVERY FREE ONSITE PARKING OLD MATTRESS / FREE BED DISPOSAL WITH THIS ADVERT

“

a Life me Mortgage will be secured against your home

Thursday, June 18, 2020 4

NEWBURY NEWS

Newbury Weekly News

Drive-through test site opens at showground Hermitage Covid-19 testing facility provides greater local access

Test scam alert PEOPLE are being warned against possible scams in connection with the NHSrTack andrTace sevrice. ThamesaVlley Police has advised people to be aware and released details of a recent phone call where the recipient is noted as ‘X’. Caller:“Good morning. I am calling from the NHSraTck andrTace sevrice. “According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. “This means that you now need to self-isolate for seven days and take a Covid-19 test.” X: “OK. Can you tell me who that person wa”s? Caller:“I am not able to do that. That is confidential information. But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So, can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you”? X: “OK (gives address).” Caller:“ Thank you. I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to ”you. X:“Sorry, a payment card? I thought this was all fre”e? Caller: “No, I am afraid not. There is a one-off fee of £500 for the kit and the test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you are ready?” X:“No, tha’st not right. This is part of the NHS so there is no cha”rge. Caller:“I am afraid there is. Can you give me the card number please – this

Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said: “We are delighted that West Berk- shire has a Covid-19 regional test- ing site at Newbury Showground, which is a good location in regards to road access and size. “The site is already opera- tional and the opportunity to have this drive-through testing site means residents who need testing do not need to travel as far as Oxford, but can access some- thing locally. “The opportunity to have a permanent testing site, as well as mobile testing sites, in West Berkshire is a reassurance to help increase testing for all across the district. “I would encourage all resi- dents to continue to protect each other and our wider community by following the national guide- lines and to use the test centres if you have symptoms.” In addition to the regional test sites, 116 mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces travel around the UK to further increase access to coronavirus testing. They respond to need, travel- ling to test at sites including care homes, police stations and prisons. New units are being brought into operation each day. The Government has set up a home-testing service, supported by Amazon's logistics network and other commercial partners.

A DRIVE-through coronavirus testing facility has opened at Newbury Showground. The Hermitage site forms part of the existing network of testing sites being set up around the UK. Testing at the showground started on Sunday. Newbury and District Agricul- tural Society board of trustees chairman Alison Brown said: “Everyone connected with the Newbury and District Agricul- tural Society is pleased and proud to have our showground used in such an important way. “Testing is so important for the community and nation.” Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough, a high temper- ature or a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of smell or taste, should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 to find out if they currently have coronavirus. The testing site at the show- ground follows capacity of the NHS/PHE laboratory network increasing, the setting up of 64 regional test centres and 116 mobile testing units, and intro- duced home testing kits. Public Health for Berkshire strategic director Tessa Lindfield welcomed the news of a new regional testing site located in Newbury. She said: “Being able to get a test quickly is critical to the success of the National Test and

Trace Service. Not only will the new test site provide greater access to the residents of West Berkshire, but will also serve our neighbouring authorities in Berkshire.” Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to iden- tify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmis- sion. The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Mitie and will offer assisted and self-administered tests. Those tested will receive their results within a few days. West Berkshire Council leader Report by JOHN HERRING email john.herring@newburynews.co.uk twitter johnh_nwn “ ...this drive-through testing site means residents who need testing do not need to travel as far as Oxford, but can access something locally

The testing centre up and running at the Newbur y Showground site yesterday(Wednesday)

Ref: 25-3120A

Home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house. UK Coronavirus Testing Strat- egy national coordinator Profes- sor John Newton said: “This is another opportunity to make testing easily available to anyone who needs it. “Sites like this allow people who develop symptoms to quickly get a test and find out

whether they need to stay at home with their household or can safely return to work or more normal life. “This whole programme has been a great example of collabo- ration between industries and businesses with the public sector to build the capability needed to protect the population from coronavirus.” n Latest Covid-19 death toll, page 6

is very important and there are penalties for not complying.” X puts the phone down.

Police advice is to make sure that f riends and neighbours are aware of the scam. Dial 1471 to get the caller ’s number and pass the details to the police on 101.

LEGIONELLA Inspection, Testing & Cleaning Now that we are returning to our places of work through the Covid-19 outbreak, water systems and water storage have been stagnant, this means a build up of bacteria possibly leading to Legionella within the system.

Bluecore Plumbing & Heating Ltd

Risk Assessment

Professional Service

Water Temperature Checks

Descaling Heads & Taps

The race is on, but behind closed doors for now

Picture by Alan Crowhurst

Racing returns, but not as we know it THIS was the eerie sight at an empty Newbury Racecourse as horse racing returned for the first time in three-and-a-half months last week. It is believed to be the joint longest-priced winner in British flat racing history. The racecourse had not hosted a meeting sinceFebruary 28 due to the coronavirus outbreak. for a three-day fixture, having lost eight fixtures since the start of the pandemic.

Water Testing

Tank Service & Clean

Repair Works

Inspections

ASSESSMENTS AVAILABLE NOW

“The team worked tirelessly to get the course ready with all the protective measures in place, including temperature checks on arrival and one-way systems around the course and it all ran smoothly. “The on-course experience of r those few of us who were there was quite strange, with the one missing element being our loyal customers. “Hopefully it won ’t be too long before we can start to welcome people back to the racecourse, but in the meantime to have racing back behind closed doors is a posi-

As this picture shows, the three- day meeting– on Thursday, Friday and Saturday – was held behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed on site. There were also strict controls on everyone who entered the course, including temperature checks, two-metre distancing for jockeys and face masks for handlers. And it turned out to be an historic meeting too – as the 200-1 outsider Intercessor edged out the even-money favourite Naswaary by a head in the 4.10 novice race on Saturday.

Full range of plumbing services available. Please visit our website for further information and to arrange a quote.

However, when lockdown rules were eased, the British Horserac- ing Authority gave the go-ahead for racing to resume from June 1. The clerk of the course at Newbury, Keith Ottesen, said the racecoursewas taking the contin- uing threat of coronavirus extremely seriously, with a number of measures in place to keep the trainers, jockeys and staff as safe as possible. Newbury Racecourse chief executive Julian Thick said: “It was very positive to see racing return to Newbury last weekend

2m

We are able to work in empty properties and also abide by social distancing rules.

All in line with the EU Disinfection Test standard (1995) for Legionella Serogroup 1(NTCC 11192)

www.bluecoreplumbing.co.uk

tive step for us all.” n See sport for more

01635 38588 | 07855301945 | bluecoreplumbing@gmail.com

Thursday, June 18, 2020 5

NEWBURY NEWS Private prayer only as churches open again Places of worship welcome back visitors –with strict social distancing rules Newbury Weekly News

reopening gradually – with private prayer available from 10am to noon every Wednesday. Hand sanitiser is available, while visitors are also asked to take a Dettol wipe to wipe down the area where they want to sit and clean the area again when they leave. Signs are also in place to remind visitors to maintain social distanc- ing. The church’s vicar, the Rev Dr Marion Wood, said it hadn ’t yet had the demand from the commu- nity to reopen five days a week, but that it was good to be able to open for private prayer again. She said: “I think it’s a really good sign that we’re able to reopen. It should create hope that things can get back to normal again. “It’s for people who have missed the building or have a special need – maybe something happened in their life and now they can come for private prayer. “There will always be a minister or a member of our pastor team present, so if there are any reasons that somebody would like some- body to pray for them, they can share that and keep them in their thoughts and prayers. “It’s our first step towards face- to-face pastoral support.”

Report by JONATHAN ASHBY email jonathan.ashby@newbuynrews. co. uk twitter @jonathana_nwn

CHURCHES acrossWest Berk- shire are opening their doors again after the Government relaxed lockdown rules. Places of worship have been shut since March 23 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, however since Monday they have been allowed to open for private prayer with appropriate social distancing. Weddings and full services remain prohibited asthe Govern- ment continues to limit gather- ings. In Newbury, St Nicolas Church is reopening Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm for private prayer. A one-way system has been introduced inside the church to maintain social distancing, as well as spreading pews out so people can sit two metres apart. The Rev Will Hunter Smart of St Nicolas Church said: “We opened on Monday morning at 10am, having been shut for three long months, which was very painful. “It’s wonderful to reopen and we’ve had a steady stream of

The Rev Dr MarioonoWd, left, and members of the congregation at St Mary’s Chucrh,Shaw Ref: 25-2920A

The RevWillHuntgeSrmartatStNicolasChucrh,Newbuyr

Ref: 25-3020B

months and learning all sorts of new tricks, and it’s been wonderful with some goodness coming out of it. “We do look forward to the day we can gather for a corporate worship together, but I think that’s still some way off.” In Shaw, St Mary’s Church is

people right through the day. “We’re trying to both keep it safe and ensure it ’s welcoming. “We’re only allowed to be open for individual prayer, so we’ve got no communal worship happen- ing. “All of that is still online, which we’ve been doing for three

PrivateprayerinStNicolasChucrh

Ref: 25-3020I

Thursday, June 18, 2020 6

NEWBURY NEWS

Newbury Weekly News

Covid-19 death toll rises by one to 130 Latest figures show number of confirmed cases in district is 384

ANOTHER person from West Berkshire has died with coron- avirus recorded on their death certificate, latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The death occurred in a hospital and takes the current number of recorded coronavirus deaths in the district to 130. The death occurred in the week ending June 5, and includes those registered up to June 13. The ONS data shows that 64 people from West Berkshire have died with coronavirus in care homes, 58 in hospitals, six at home, one death recorded as elsewhere and one in a hospice. The data records the number of deaths involving coronavirus, based on any mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate. The first coronavirus death in the district occurred in hospital and was reported in the week ending March 20, three days before Mayor Elizabeth O’Keeffe went to Mrs Saunders’ Shaw home on Thursday, as she was celebrating with her family. She was accompanied by her nephew, Yuri O’Keeffe, who played Happy Birthday on his violin. Ms O’Keeffe said: “I didn’t want to let something like that pass without recognition, even in these times. “It was an awful wet day. We were going to do a video, but my brother really had to keep the umbrella over the violin. “A lot of her family were there, she came over to the door, we sang Happy Birthday . “She’s an incredible lady – she’s very articulate, and with-it. “The only thing she was cross about was that there was no WHEN I stood for Parliament, it did not cross my mind that six months later I would be supporting my constituents in West Berkshire through the worst pandemic in a century. Twelve weeks since entering lockdown, the urgency of the health situation has given way to a stark economic reality. There is almost no sector of West Berkshire’s economy which has not been directly affected – from hospitality to leisure to tech- nology. Figures published this week showed that 12,700 people are currently supported by the Job Retention Scheme in our area, and 3,800 under the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme. While that is an unprecedented package of financial support, it is regrettably true that not all of those jobs will survive. My background as an employ- ment lawyer has enabled me to offer guidance to some constituents. British Airways –

homes, three in hospices, two at home and one in ‘another commu- nal establishment ’. Speaking on the number of cases and the establishing of NHS Test and Trace, head of public healthat West Berkshire Council Matt Pearce said: “We are getting some data through, but the figures are quite low. The numbers are coming through Test and Trace. There have been 15 since it started and contacts are being traced but the numbers are too low and a bit unreliable. “We just need the communityto make sure they act if they do get symptoms.” Mr Pearce said the ambition was to have an outbreak management plan finalised by the end of the month. It will look at how the coun- cil and partners manage local Covid-19 outbreaks for the forsee- able future and what mitigating measures can be put in place to support these areas.

the lockdown began. As the Newbury Weekly News went to press on Wednesday, the number of confirmed cases in the district stood at 384 . The number of cases in the district has stayed steady, with no increase on the 382 cases recorded between June 6 and June 13. The figure rose to 383 on Sunday, then 384 on Monday. The number of people from neighbouring Basingstoke and Deane who have died with coron- avirus recorded on their death certificate has risen to 111. This is an increase of five regis- tered deaths involving Covid-19 in one week, all five in care homes. The latest information from the Office for National Statistics shows that a total of 75 people from the borough have died with coron- avirus in hospitals, 30 in care Report by JOHN HERRING email john.herring@newburynews.co.uk twitter johnh_nwn

Singing in the rain on Ruth’s birthday THE mayor of Newbury made a personal visit to Ruth Saunders on her 104th birthday last week.

GOT SYMPTOMS? GET TESTED NOW NHS TEST & TRACE

Yuri O’Keeffe and mayor of NeywEbliuzrabeth’KOeeffe congratulate Ruth Saunders on her 104th birthday

Mayor’s Drive this year.” Mrs Saunders was born in 1916. She has lived in the Newbury area for much of her life, and has three sons and many grandchil- dren. Mrs Saunders has relations across Britain, Wales, Spain, France and Canada,among others

– and all made an effort to contact her on her birthday. Mrs Saunders said of the mayor’s visit: “It poured with rain at 1pm, when we didn ’t want it. “Then it got better as the day went on. “I can’t say it was a party, but a very good day – a wonderful day.”

We are facing a stark economic reality By LAURAAFRRIS NEWBURY MP the wider reopening of schools in September.

To stop the spread, do not leave home except to get a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119

who employ hundreds of people in West Berkshire – have been branded a ‘national disgrace’ by Parliament’s cross-party trans- port select committee in relation to their redundancy exercise. No one doubts the enormous pressure on aviation, but it does not create a licence for companies to use taxpayers’ money (via the furlough scheme) to undertake a long-planned corporate restruc- ture and halve staff pay. It has been powerful to see the cross-party willingness to speak out against sharp practices in the House. There are also emerging issues facing women in the workforce. A report published by the Insti- tute of Fiscal Studies last month found that women were 47 per cent more likely to have permanently lost their job since the start of the crisis and 15 per cent more likely to have been furloughed. With workplaces reopening at a time when most children remain off school, and have access to childcare severely compromised, I think it is imperative that the Government places significant effort in setting up holiday camps and catch-up support for kids over the summer months in advance of

This would help parents manage a partial return to the workplace as the furlough scheme winds down. I would like the Government to build on the success of remote and flexible working established during lockdown and include a provision in the forthcoming Employment Bill to make all jobs flexible by default unless there is a very good reason why not. And it is not all bad news. Last week, the Chancellor announced a “green industrial revolution” focussed on green energy, insulation upgrade and carbon capture that will create in excess of the target two million green jobs set out in our mani- festo. There are also plans for significant investment in technol- ogy. These both play to West Berk- shire’s skills base and economic strengths, and I will fight to ensure that we are leading benefi- ciaries of any such investment. I said in my maiden speech that my work in Parliament would be guided by the livelihoods and aspi- rations of my constituents and that has never been truer.

Thursday, June 18, 2020 7

NEWBURY NEWS

Newbury Weekly News

Above, the rabbit and ducklings being hand-reared before being returned to thewild Pictures: FalklandetVs

The injured calf the walkers discovered near the Nature Discover y Centre Picture: Aimee Donaldson

Injured deer calf saved by walkers FalklandeVts nursing week-old muntjac back to health

The young deer is feeding off lamb’s milk and when she is ready she will go to a wildlife reserve until she can be returned to her natural habitat. Just to add to the baby fun last night, the vets are also hand-rear- ing and weaning a baby wild rabbit that was found abandoned at the bottom of someone’s garden and some ducklings that were found by the canal after their mother was frightened off by a dog. Mrs Snelling said: “Again some- one will look after the rabbit until they feel it is ready to go back to its natural habitat – although if it becomes domesticated, it may stay as a family pet.” n Guidance from the British Deer Society is if you find a fawn, kid or calf – that is not obviously injured as this one was – move away immediately. Don’t be tempted to touch the deer or pick it up – your scent may stop the mother returning to feed her baby. Weekend damage at flood works site POLICE are appealing for witnesses to criminal damage and an attempted theft in Thatcham. Machinery at the flood alleviation site at Dunston Park was damaged during the incident, but the items have not been reported stolen. The damage occurred sometime between 3pm on Saturday and 7am on Monday. Anyone with information should contact the Police Enquiry Centre on 101 with crime reference number 43200177936.

THE kindness of strangers saved a one-week-old baby muntjac’s life when she was found injured on a footpath off Lower Way, Thatcham, near the Nature Discovery Centre. Andy Donaldson and his wife Aimee were taking a stroll with their dog at about 7pm on Monday when they spotted the injured animal. Mr Donaldson said: “We could see that it had a head injury and it just lay there, not responding to anything. “We had a dog bowl with us, so we put some water in that, but it didn’t move. “My wife took our dog home – as it was getting a bit over- excited – and phoned the RSPCA, but they were unable to help.” Mr Donaldson stayed with the deer for about an hour, when another passer-by suggested they get the injured calf to Falk-

land Vets, which was still open and happy to take her in. “On the way to the vets, the muntjac took a sip of water from the bowl and was bit more responsive,” said Mr Donaldson. “But I was very grateful that lady came along and helped. “I wouldn’t have known what to do otherwise.” Falkland Vets practice manager Nicola Snelling said: “We occasionally get deer brought into us, but this is possi- bly the youngest at only a week old. “She is doing OK, but has a head injury inflicted by another animal, so not surprisingly she is a little traumatised by her ordeal.” The practice will keep the muntjac safe until they are satis- fied that the injury is healing. Report by GERALDINE GARDNER email geraldine.gardner@newburynews.co.uk twitter @geraldineg_nwn

SELF-ISOLATE WHEN ALERTED If you’re told you have been exposed to an infected person you must self-isolate for 14 days to protect your friends and family. NHS TEST & TRACE

40-year-old Ramsbury man charged with raping child

charged with false imprison- ment, three counts of rape of a girl under 13, assault by pene- tration of a girl under 13, making threats to kill and two counts of assaulting an emer- gency worker. “He was arrested following an incident in Ramsbury on Satur- day morning. “No pleas were entered during today’s appearance and Watts has been remanded in custody to next appear at Bristol Crown Court on July 13.”

A MAN has been charged with three counts of raping a child and numerous other serious offences following an incident in Ramsbury on Saturday. Police were called to a distur- bance on Saturday morning, where 40-year-old David Watts was arrested. A Wiltshire Police spokesper- son said: “David Alan Watts, 40, of Ramsbury, appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on Monday

Week of daytime road closures affecting A4 ANOTHER week of daytime closures will affect the A4 next week. but not for eastbound traffic and access to the community hospital will be maintained for emer- gency vehicles.

Lower Way will be open. Access to Southdown Road, Newbury Manor Hotel and the road leading to Ham Mill will be open for westbound traffic. Access to Dorneywood Way will be via Gaywood Drive. Night closures from 7pm to 5am will come in from June 25.

The road closure eastbound between the B&Q roundabout and Tull Way roundabout contin- ues between 9.30am and 11.30pm, excluding the weekend. Hambridge Road will be open,

Lower Way will be closed from the A4 hospital side, with access via Pound Lane or from the A4 westbound. Exiting on to the A4 from

Thursday, June 18, 2020 8

NEWBURY NEWS It’s a matter of justice Protesters unite in Newy btourdemand an end to inequality for black people Newbury Weekly News

out coming together”. She said that she grew up in a rough part of East London in the 1970s and “being called a paki growing up wasa regular experi- ence for me and my family” . She added: “My dad’s car tyres got slashed, we got chased down the street on the way home from junior school by skinheads. “I actually thought those days were behind us, but I was wrong. “The last couple of weeks on social media show how casual racism exists.” Ms Soomro encouraged people to “keep the conversation going” and “not let another generation suffer the injustices and igno- rance of generations gone by”. After the event, Ms Soomro added: “What resonates with me are the real-life stories from the speakers who spoke from the heart. “It takes courage to face your community and say something is broken and we need to fix it together. “After the weeks of so much anger and negativity across mass media, the events of Friday and Saturday have restored mine and many others’ faith in our great local community. “We will build on this appetite for listening, learning and chal- lenging, by facilitating more community engagement initia- tives, as well as developing prac- tical resources for local authori- ties and institutions to support change.” Co-organiser Sinead Hall said: “The feeling of love and compas- sion on the day was overwhelm- ing. “Seeing people from all our communities, all ages and back- grounds coming together was beautiful, moving and powerful. “We came together united in our grief over what happened to George Floyd and the many others in the US, the UK and beyond who have lost their lives, or had their potential and dignity oppressed due to racism; we left united in our commitment to each other, to being actively anti- racist and inclusive in the our community. “The feedback has been over- whelmingly positive. “This show of solidarity has meant so much to everyone who attended and participated, this gives us great hope for driving change locally and regionally.”

“I’VE come to this protest to fight for all the people who have been murdered for abso- lutely no reason, to fight for all of the peoplewho are being killed because of their race. “So I am going to keep fighting, keep protesting until we get justice, until black people have freedom.” That was the powerful message from 10-year-old Thatcham schoolgirl Nubia Mhlanga in Newbury’s Victoria Park on Saturday for the second day of protests against racism and inequality. Just under 24 hours earlier, Nubia – along with more than 500 other people – had marched through the town as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. The Spurcroft Primary School pupil told the 100-plus crowd on Saturday that she had no idea that people were being killed because of the colour of their skin. She said: “I was on my phone and I saw this thing about George Floyd. I didn’t know what was going on. “I decided to look into it and I saw something very sad. I see people dying because of the colour of their skin and that’s not right. It makes me sad and it really hurts me. “On the news I saw people protesting and I was really proud to see black people protesting. I’m proud to be black. ” She added: “When I was younger I always used to see my Report by DAN COOPER email dan.cooper@newburynews.co.uk twitter @danc_nwn

Campaignemrsaintainsocialdistancindguringtheprotest

Ref: 24-1120D

Protesterms aketheirpointpeacefullfyorBlackLivesMatter Ref: 24-1020Q

white and Asian friends with long, straight hair. “I thought my hair was rubbish. I didn’t like being black. I wanted to have straight hair and French plaits like all my friends. “Now I’m older I realise that being black is a blessing. I am really proud of who I am.” Michael Harrage, a black veteran who served in the army, also spoke about his experiences of racism. He said: “ I would like to draw attention to military jacket I’m wearing. “The reason I’m wearing it today is because I’ m a black veteran and I have been racially discriminated against. “I’ve served my country and I’ve suffered. “If you look at the pattern on this jacket it is camouflage.

“Many different shapes and many different sizes, but most importantly, many different colours all brought together as one – and that ’s what makes it work. “And that ’s a reflection of our society today. Black lives matter. All lives should matter.” He added: “When I was 17, shortly after the 7/7 bombings, I joined the army the same year. Two years later. I was on a plane to Afghanistan. “But outside of my uniform, when I dressed like this, police racially profiled me and that really hurt.” Kylie Barker opened the speeches by reading one of Maya Angelou’s most famous poems, Still I Rise, which features the line: “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air I rise.” Vannessa Vijoen-Kadziya and Ravaldo Boisson, Sinead Hall and Henry Leaman – who had all given passionate speeches 24 hours before – once again addressed the crowds. Colline Rue Watts, who runs Colline’s Kitchen in Newbury, also spoke and expressed the importance of educating people about racism. The event, where most people wore face coverings and social distancing was adhered to throughout, was organised by Waheeda Soomro, Claire Burdett, Sinead Hall and Helen Franklin. Ms Soomro thanked people for turning up and told them that “we can’t tackle any of this with-

PeopletookthekneeinmemoyrofGeorgeFloyd

Ref: 24-1220O

Campaignelristentothespeeches

Ref: 24-0920T

Allagesturnedouttosupportherally

Ref: 24-1020U

NewbuyrMPLauraFarrisandhusbandHenyr showtheirsupport

Ref: 24-0920A

#Time2TalkCare `°ĸƺ ŝäńŝīä °Ųä ŷƙŲŝŲěŷäÙ Ƴėäĸ Ɗėäƺ ûěĸÙ ńƙƊ Ɗė°Ɗ ŷńÎě°ī ΰŲä ěŷ ĸńƊ ûŲää °Ɗ Ɗėä ŝńěĸƊ ńû ƙŷä īěĨä Ɗėä bBƒŢ ~ä°Ù ĸäƹƊ ƳääĨŰŷ bäƳÅƙŲƺ ›ääĨīƺ bäƳŷ Ɗń ûěĸÙ ńƙƊ ĴńŲä °ÅńƙƊ ėńƳ ŷńÎě°ī ΰŲä ěŷ ûƙĸÙäÙŢ `°ĸƺ ŝäńŝīä °Ųä ŷƙŲŝŲěŷäÙ Ƴėäĸ Ɗėäƺ ûěĸÙ ńƙƊ Ɗė°Ɗ ŷńÎě°ī ΰŲä ěŷ ĸńƊ ûŲää °Ɗ Ɗėä ŝńěĸƊ ńû ƙŷä īěĨä Ɗėä bBƒŢ ~ °Ù ĸäƹƊ Ƴä ĨŰŷ bäƳÅƙŲƺ ›ääĨīƺ bäƳŷ Ɗń ûěĸÙ ńƙƊ ĴńŲä °ÅńƙƊ ėńƳ ŷńÎě°ī ΰŲä ěŷ ûƙĸÙäÙŢ

CollineRueWatts

Ref: 24-1220C

Takinginthespeeches

Ref: 24-1120R

īƙäÅěŲÙ °Ųä ěŷ ° ėńĴä °ĸÙ īěƲäĚěĸ ΰŲä ŝŲńƲěÙäŲ Å°ŷäÙ ěĸ bäƳÅƙŲƺ× | Ų°ƊäÙ °ŷ ŮjƙƊŷƊ°ĸÙěĸČŰ ûńŲ Ɗėä ›äīīĚXä٠ΰŲä ŷƊ°ĸÙ°ŲÙŢ 8ńŲ ĴńŲä ěĸûńŲĴ°Ɗěńĸ ńĸ ΰŲä °Ɗ ėńĴä× ÎńĸƊ°ÎƊ ńƙŲ ûŲěäĸÙīƺ ŝŲńûäŷŷěńĸ°ī Ɗä°ĴÖ ˆÖ džōƄƏā ƏƄľāƏ īƙäÅěŲÙ °Ųä ěŷ ° ėńĴä °ĸÙ īěƲäĚěĸ ΰŲä ŝŲńƲěÙäŲ Å°ŷäÙ ěĸ bäƳÅƙŲƺ× | Ų°ƊäÙ °ŷ ŮjƙƊŷƊ°ĸÙěĸČŰ ûńŲ Ɗ ä ›äīīĚXä٠ΰŲä ŷƊ°ĸÙ°ŲÙŢ 8ńŲ ĴńŲä ěĸûńŲĴ°Ɗěńĸ ńĸ ΰŲä °Ɗ ėńĴä× ÎńĸƊ°ÎƊ ńƙŲ ûŲěäĸÙīƺ ŝŲńûäŷŷěńĸ°ī Ɗä°ĴÖ ˆÖ džōƄƏā ƏƄľāƏ ›Ö ÅīƙäÅěŲÙΰŲäŢÎńŢƙĨwbäƳÅƙŲƺ )Ö bäƳ ƙŲƺÃÅīƙäÅěŲÙΰŲäŢÎńŢƙĨ ›Ö ÅīƙäÅěŲÙΰŲäŢÎńŢƙĨwbäƳÅƙŲƺ )Ö bäƳÅƙŲƺÃÅīƙäÅěŲÙΰŲäŢÎńŢƙĨ

KylieBarker

Ref: 24-0920N

NubiaMhlanga,ged10

Ref: 24-1020F

Thursday, June 18, 2020 9

NEWBURY NEWS

Newbury Weekly News

OrganiseLrsiviaPopplewealnl dSamMorton Ref: 24-0520F

Campaignelristentooneofthespeeches Ref: 24-0520H

VanessaViljoenKadziyagivesa speech

Ref:24-0420B Hundredosfprotestertsurnedout

Ref: 24-0420Y

Campaigners make their voices heard on racism Hundreds brave rain to mar ch through town in support of Black Lives Matter

ourselves. “It is not enough to not be racist, you have to be anti- racist.” Speaking to the protesters, he said: “You are an inspira- tion. You are a beacon of hope in a very dark history of racism.” One of the youngest protesters, 10-year-old Nubia Mhlangha, who attends Spur- croft Primary School in Thatcham, said: “I just wanted to show my support because I don’t think it is very kind to treat people differently because of the colour of their skin. “We should treat everyone the same.” Speaker Isaac Andrade said: “Let me ask you all a question– why are we here protesting today? Why are we risking our health and safety? “It is to get justice for those who have been wronged.” Sinead Hall said that “racism was a disease that had to be eradicated as much as Covid-19”. She added: “We want Newbury and West Berkshire to be a place where people feel included. “There is no room for racism in this town, in our country or in our hearts.” Sarah Viljoen received a huge round of applause for taking a different approach and singing one of her own songs to express her pain instead of giving a speech. Co-organiser Sam Morton said: “It was amazing to see so many people. Thank you so much to everyone who came along in the rain to support this movement.” Fellow organiser Livia Popplewell added: “We never expected so many to turn up. It was incredible.” Organisers encouraged people to maintain social distancing throughout and asked those attending to wear face masks or coverings where possible.

Report by DAN COOPER email dan.cooper@newburynews.co.uk twitter @danc_nwn

Marchersmaketheirwaythroughthetowncentre

Ref: 24-0320O

MORE than 500 protesters marched through Newbury on Friday to take a stand against racism and inequal- ity following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapo- lis. People of all ages, many holding banners and placards, turned up in the pouring rain to support the Black Lives Matter movement, which has gained momentum across the world in recent weeks. The passionate protest was organised by 16-year-olds Sam Morton from Newbury and Livia Popplewell from Inkpen. Protesters chanted “Black Lives Matter” as they marched down Northbrook Street before making their way to the Market Place. There, a number of people gave speeches – with some outlining their own first-hand experiences of racism. After the speeches, the Market Place fell silent as the protesters knelt down in the rain in memory of George Floyd, who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The first to speak was Henry Leaman, who said: “As you can see, quite clearly, I’m white. “I was born white and I will die white and I will never know the privilege I have to not worry about how my skin colour could change the way people treat me. “I don’t pretend to speak on behalf of my black brothers and sisters or anyone, but I will always stand with them in the face of injustice. “I feel sorry for those so ignorant that they believe the colour of someone’s skin is enough to treat them differ- ently.” Concluding, he added: “Racism is a disease that shouldn’t exist. We shouldn’t have to be here protesting this.

Campaignetrasketheknee

Ref: 24-0520N

ProtestergsatherinMarkePt lace

Ref: 24-0620O

“But we are and we will be here until this disease of racism is eradicated. “Everyone can do something and if you do nothing you are part of the problem. Now is the time to act. This stops here.” In her speech entitled ‘Get comfortable with the uncom- fortable’, Vanessa Viljoen Kadziya, who lives in Hermitage and previously attended Kennet School, said: “Racism is something that has been very close to home for me. “Just growing up in this environment, being in the minority, has been very hard. “My sister was hospitalised due to racial bullying in this very county, yet we still hear that people don’t recognise it as an issue. “Whilst I have been angry and upset about it, we also need to realise that to move forward we need to be respon- sive. “It is important to fight against injustice in the right way.” Ravaldo Boisson, who also attended Kennet School, gave a speech entitled ‘I’m tired’. He said: “We are tired of

being oppressed, we are tired of being racially profiled, we are tired of being arrested, and killed and murdered and we are here to take a stand against that. “We are a movement that is going to change the world and change the course of history.” Another speaker, Ali Connorton, said: “I am half- Indian, half-British. I was not born in this country. “When I was in primary school I used to cry to my grandma wishing I was all white, wanting to scrape the brown off my skin because I was called an immigrant and told that I smelt like curry. “‘Go back to your country’ was a phrase I heard all the time. “As I grew up I started to learn that my culture and heritage is beautiful and it is a part of me.” Steve Masters, a Green Party councillor on both West Berkshire Council and Newbury Town Council, said: “As a white male I stand in soli- darity with my black brothers and sisters. “We need to educate

“

I feel soryrfor those so ignorant that they believe the colour of

www.healthwatchwestberks.org.uk/

someone’s skin is enough to treat them differently

Protesterisnmasks

Asmallcountepr rotest

Ref: 24-0520I

Ref: 24-0620M