8
www.getwokingham.co.uk
Times, Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Play time just got a
lot more exciting
l New children’s facility planned for Winnersh
By Victoria Smith
A NEW soft play centre is being
proposed for the IQ Winnersh
business park to fill a perceived
gap in the market for children’s
facilities.
Agents
Roni
and
Barry
Zigner, owners of Kids’n’Action
Ltd, want to create play zones
including a ‘city-scape’ where
children can role-play in themed
corners including a construction
site, restaurant, supermarket,
fire station, baby’s nursery, sports
arena, stables and a home and
garden.
The city corners would include
children’s size toys, costumes
and accessories to “enhance the
experience and make it as close to
a real life experience”.
Slides, a sports area and
crawling tunnels could also be
included.
If it goes ahead, the new indoor
play centre would create nearly
30 jobs.
A planning application has been
submitted to Wokingham Borough
Council by Segro, the owner of IQ
Winnersh, asking for a change of
use to Unit 680 in Eskdale Road
from a business/production unit
to leisure.
Mrs Zigner, a mother of
three daughters who lives in
Wokingham, said the idea for the
centre had come from the family’s
search for good play facilities to
entertain the children.
She said: “When we had an
opportunity to invest in a new
venture, we decided we want to
invest in our local community.
“So we looked for a business
that will combine our interest in
activities that involve interaction
with and between people and our
experience in organising events
and parties and create a facility
that will enable families just like
ours to have a safe place to spend
time together while the kids
spend energy and exercise under
the guise of play.
“The play centre will be an
ideal place for single parents and
parents of younger children to
meet other parents make new
Marlene Howes with Honeymistybluesuperstar, who won two certificates at the 12th
Championship Cat Show in Twyford, while another entrant, right, chills out.
Paws for thought at show
An image showing how part of the new play centre at IQ Winnersh business park could look.
friends and enjoy a relaxing time
away from everyday stress.
“Our plans and concept for the
centre involve much more variety
of play than you would typically
find in indoor play centre.
“On top of a premier large
play frame (with capacity of 300
children) with exciting slides
and attractions we will be bringing themed play rooms equipped
with costumes and speciality toys
built into a City-Scape environment where kids can role play and
enjoy
educational
activities
through play.
“For the older kids there will
be Xbox Kinect consoles with
large flat screens and the latest
physical activity games.
“We will have eight uniquely
themed party rooms for a really
special experience for children up
to early teen age.
“We have seen this type of
facilities abroad and decided to
bring it to this country as well.
“All this will be in an attractive
environment that will be pleasant
for the parents who will be able to
relax with a nice cup of coffee or a
full meal at our restaurant.
“As part of our plan we will be
Raising cash with
coffee and cards
HOME-made cards and preserves will be on
sale at a coffee morning to raise for disabled
people and their carers.
Refreshments will be served between 10am
and midday at Wokingham Methodist Church
in Rose Street on April 5.
All money raised will go towards the
WEBCAS (West Berkshire Citizen Advocacy
Service).
offering apprenticeship opportunities to help younger people
from the local area to be trained
and enter gainful employment.”
In a report on the plans, the
applicant says: “As well as
filling the gap caused by the very
limited choice of entertainment
venues suitable for children
of different age ranges within
and around the local area, the
proposed facility would provide
a premier quality venue with a
range of facilities in a safe environment where children are free
from potential bullying, intimidation, petty crime and drugs.
“The educational benefits of
using the equipment in the centre
need to be taken into account.
“Not only does its use
enhance physical and mental
development, but also, through the
medium of play, children arrive at
an understanding of danger, which
provides the basis for them
assessing safety in a variety of
situations.
“Although there are businesses in the Wokingham area that
are offering indoor soft play, the
applicant has identified a clear
gap in the market.
“The incumbents provide only
the play frame without any other
play areas.
“This limits the age range of
their potential clientele and
reduces their attractiveness for
first and repeat visits.”
A questionnaire carried out
by the applicant found of 197
surveyed, 150 people felt there
was not enough choice for indoor
leisure activities for children
under 12.
It also revealed that 186 people
asked would use an indoor play
centre.
The agents have been searching
for other premises in the borough
over the last 18 months, but say
they have found the IQ Winnersh
site to be the best choice.
Alternative premises included
Ashville Way in Wokingham,
Molly Millar’s Lane and the
council’s industrial units at Weller
Drive in Finchampstead.
All were found to either not
have enough parking or to be too
small for the facilities planned.
The deadline for comments on
the plan is March 28.
The application number is
F/2012/0306.
Crimestoppers launches mobile site
AN INDEPENDENT crimefighting charity is launching a
mobile version of its website.
Crimestoppers hopes to
make it easier for people to
give information about crime
through the new site.
More than 40 per cent of all
information being passed to
Crimestoppers comes via the
anonymous online form on the
website. In the two weeks
following the soft launch of
the mini mobile site on
February 23, the charity
passed on over 2,000 pieces of
online information to the
police, with 12 per cent
coming from the mobile site.
Crimestoppers
can
be
contacted anonymously via
the mobile site, through the
website www.crimestoppersuk.org or on 0800 555 111.
Here’s something to smile about..
Dental Implants
by Specialist Oral Surgeon
SAT 17 MAR
THRIPLOW DAFFODIL
WEEKEND
Thriplow is a quiet village situated 8 miles South of Cambridge.
Each year it celebrates ‘Daffodil Weekend’ which is a
traditional village fete come flower festival with open gardens,
craft and home produce stalls, music and rural entertainment
and much more.
ADULT/SENIOR/CHILD £25
SUN 18 MAR
LONGLEAT SAFARI
PARK, HOUSE AND
GARDENS
Set in the Wiltshire countryside, our visit to the Marquis of
Bath’s Estate includes the magnificent mansion, a drive
through the famous safari park, the worlds longest hedge
maze, railway and safari boats and much more. Our price
includes entrance to 11 amazing attractions.
ADULT £39.50/SENIOR £36/CHILD (3-14) £34
INCLUDES ADMISSION
MON 19 MAR
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
A visit to the historic city of Cambridge with its colleges and
museums, together with attractive parks, riverside walks and
punting trips. During our visit we include one and a half hour
guided walking tour covering the most important aspects
of the city, university and colleges including entrance to the
magnificent Kings College and Chapel. Includes guided
walking tour.
ADULT £36/SENIOR £34/CHILD (UNDER 12) £30
COACH ONLY £23
TUE 20 MAR
SLIMBRIDGE
WETLANDS CENTRE
An all-year round attraction on the banks of the River Severn
with thousands of ducks, geese, swans, flamingos and many
other birds from all over the world, complete with hides, indoor
exhibits, art and shops.
ADULT £29/SENIOR £27/CHILD £25
INCLUDES ADMISSION
WED 21 MAR
KENT COASTAL TOUR
Enjoy an early springtime drive to the coastal resorts of
Whitstable, Ramsgate and Deal. Stops will be made in
Whitstable and Deal.
ADULT £22/SENIOR £21
SUN 25 MAR
IDEAL HOME SHOW
2012
Held at London’s Earls Court, this years show features
inspirational ideas for the home and garden, together with all
those gadgets you cannot live without.
ADULT/SENIOR £31 / CHILD £21 INCLUDES ADMISSION
WED 28 MAR
ADINKERKE VIA
EUROTUNNEL
A shopping special to the Belgian village of Adinkerke for the
purchase of cigarettes and tobacco at discounted prices.
Passport Required.
ADULT/SENIOR £35
ROUTE 08.30 Reading Primark, West St, 09.00 Wokingham
Post Office, 09.20 Bracknell Bus Station
FRI 30 MAR
CHARTWELL
& CHURCHILL
Chartwell the family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1925
to the end of his life. The rooms and gardens remain much
as they were when he lived there, the garden studio contains
many of Churchill’s paintings.
ADULT /SENIOR £31 NT MEMBERS £23
INCLUDES ADMISSION
JOINING POINTS
Calcot, Tilehurst (Triangle), Norcot, Southcote, West
Street, Whitley, Shinfield, Earley, Woodley (Beechcroft
Road), Winnersh, Wokingham, (Post Office), Bracknell.
NB Depending on destination joining points operate
in reverse order
To Book or for our Brochure
Tel:
0844 209 4788
(Local call rate applies)
9.00 - 5.00 Mon - Fri 09.00 - 1.00 Sat
from just
THEY came, they pawed and
they definitely conquered the
cat world in Twyford.
Some of the country’s finest
felines purred and preened
for the Longhair Cream and
Blue-Cream Cat Association’s
12th Championship Cat Show
on Saturday, March 3.
A stunning 70 cats, brought
by devoted owners from as
far afield as Manchester and
South Wales, lined up for
the judges in the 1st Twyford
Scout headquarters in
Loddon Hall Road.
There were Persians,
exotics – the short-haired
versions – and an adorable
array of household pets.
Kim Board-Allam,
chairwoman of the
association, said: “It was a
super day. There were lots
of lovely cats and some super
visitors from Twyford and
around, who came to have a
look at the wonderful cats.”
THREE generations of
the same family have
been honoured for their
commitment to disabled
sports.
The Denton family from
Winnersh were praised at
the annual awards dinner
for SportsAble, previously
known as WAMDSAD.
Janet Denton won the
runner-up trophy for ablebodied players in a boccia
league and her son Darren
won the Jane and Bryan
Hedley Trophy for coordinating and managing a
team of disabled athletes
who perform a six-month
circuit of field and track
wheelchair athletics.
Mother and son, together
with Mr Denton’s 13-year-old
son Scott, his cousin Kieran
Sadler and Mrs Denton’s
niece Emma Howle, won the
Walker Family Trophy.
Melissa Paulden,
SportsAble marketing
manager, said: “They were
the family who have helped
the club the most in 2011
by doing so many things –
£995
SPECIAL OFFER ON VENEERS
Two or more £225
each
Big plans for miniature
train
& Bleaching only £250
01189 798223
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Spring Breaks
JERSEY
Price Includes
• Coach transfers to Poole, return from Weymouth
• Afternoon fast ferry Condor Sailings
• Return transfers Harbour to Hotel
• Four nights half board (full English breakfast), four
course dinner, tea and coffee in twin/double en
suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities, TV,
direct dial phone.
• Full day Island tour
Tia Ruel hit the bull’s eye by
winning a Sportsable award
organising boccia sessions,
supporting disabled athletes
in away competitions, for
helping 20 under 16-yearolds at our Sunday Funday
sessions and for fundraising
in the marathon Wheelchair
Push.”
Ollie Beauchamp, of
Lower Earley, whose sport
is archery, was awarded the
Brian Galloway Cup which
is given to the club member
for “notable performance or
general endeavour”.
And Tia Ruel, from
Finchampstead, won the
Bouron Junior Boccia
Trophy for the most notable
performance in boccia, a
target sport which is played
sitting down.
Tia, aged 14, was runner-up
5 Days
30th April – 4th May
£319 per person
(No Single Supplement)
5 Days
7th – 11th May
£259 per person
(No Single Supplement)
Join us for this great value Spring break. The Isle of
Wight has more visitor attractions packed into one place
than any other UK destination and hopefully with the
usual spring sunshine, the perfect choice for this break.
Situated centrally on Sandown’s seafront The Trouville
Hotel is in the ideal location, opposite the golden beach
with panoramic views over the sweep of Sandown and
Shanklin Bay.
The hotel has a proud reputation for delivering high
standards in food, service and hospitality, with bedrooms
enjoying a sea view. Lift, bar, restaurant, ballroom, short
mat bowls, entertainment and en-suite bedrooms with
TV and hospitality tray. Please note single rooms do not
have a sea view.
Price Includes
• Return coach and ferry crossings
• Four nights bed, breakfast and evening meal,
accommodation in en-suite rooms
• Entertainment
• Excursions
busy organising the event,
which was run in conjunction
with the White Persian Cat
Club, she missed the entry
deadline.
The Denton family from Winnersh receive their award from
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead mayor Cllr
Asghar Majeed.
ISLE OF WIGHT
WARNER’S ADULTS
SANDOWN
ONLY, CRICKET
SEA FRONT HOTEL
ST THOMAS
5 Days, 21st - 25th April
£295 per person
(Single supplement £60)
With its unspoiled landscape and unique blend of British
and French influences, Jersey really is a place where you
can get away from it all, lose yourself in the island’s
winding lanes or in its breathtaking coast. Our holiday
price includes a full day tour of this scenic island.
Mayfair Hotel
The 3* Mayfair Hotel with its light open foyer exudes a
warmth and a friendliness cultivated over many years.
The hotel is located just five minutes stroll from St
Helier’s shopping district and just minutes from the
beautiful gardens of Howard Davis Park.
The Mayfair Hotel is the perfect place to stay. If you
would like a splash in the pool or have a workout, the
heated indoor swimming pool, steam room, Jacuzzi and
extensive gym, should meet all your needs. Afterwards,
enjoy a drink on our sun terrace which is the perfect spot
to sit and relax! The restaurant is bright and spacious
and offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary
dishes. There is a lift to all floors.
Sadly, her own cats –
Monster, Cinders, Jaz and
Trixie – did not carry off any
silverware this year.
Mrs Board-Allam was so
Let’s hear it for the Dentons!
including Consultation, X-rays, Implant Placement & Crown.
THE club behind a miniature railway in
At present, the shed has two lanes to
Wokingham is hoping to expand its opera- store six carriages, but the club wants to
tion to include three more carriages for add a further lane to store an additional
its mini-train.
carriages.
BOOKthree
YOUR
FREE CONSULTATION NOW!!!
Pinewood Miniature Railway, which is
Pinewood Miniature Railway has been
based at Pinewood Centre in Old Woking- running trains for 25 years. Visitors can
ham Road, has applied for planning per- enjoy call:
a ride on a miniature train for nearmission from Wokingham Borough Coun- ly half a mile through a woodland setting.
cil to extend the carriage storage shed.
A decision
is expected
month. RG40 1XJ
11-15 Peach
Street,next
Wokingham.
Fur he’s a jolly good fellow! One of the entrants in the cat
show. bk20121552.
Pictures by Mark Senn.
A Somerset gem surrounded by rolling countryside.
Cricket St. Thomas – used as the setting for ‘To The
Manor Born’ – has always been an idyllic spot for a
getaway. But it’s now even better thanks to an extensive
refurbishment returning the 160 acres of lakes, cascades
& gardens to their former glory.
Price Includes
• Return coach travel
• Four nights dinner, bed and breakfast, all
accommodation in upgraded twin or double
signature rooms.
• Entertainment
• Excursions
We can arrange travel insurance on holidays
at £22 per person
JOINING POINTS
Calcot, Tilehurst (Triangle), Norcot, Southcote, West
Street, Whitley, Shinfield, Earley, Woodley (Beechcroft
Road), Winnersh, Wokingham, (Post Office), Bracknell.
NB Depending on destination joining points operate
in reverse order
To book any of these holidays
Tel:
0844 209 4788
(Local call rate applies)
9.00 - 5.00 Mon - Fri 09.00 - 1.00 Sat
in the Target Pentathalon, a
day-long event of five target
sports.
Among the guests at the
dinner on February 18 were
Paralympic dressage rider
Sophie Christiansen, of
Sunningdale, and Paralympic
archer Kathy CritchlowSmith and members of
the Thames Valley HOGS
(Harley Owners’ Group), who
won the Jenkins Trophy for
fundraising excellence.
SportsAble is a multisports club for the disabled
with a large purposebuilt clubhouse on the
Braywick Sports Ground in
Maidenhead.
The club has more than
600 members from entry to
Paralympic level.
Boost for parks
TWO Earley parks are to benefit from new
equipment thanks to external funding.
Outdoor gym equipment will be installed at
Meadow Park in Meadow Road after Earley
Town Council secured £3,000 from the Fields
in Trust fund towards the facilities.
The town council is also working with
Wokingham Borough Council on installing
a Parkour facility at Sol Joel Park in Church
Road worth nearly £100,000.
The Wokingham Times reported last week
how the Parkour, or free running, craze is
sweeping through Wokingham’s schools and
young people will soon be able to practice the
sport in Earley.
The installation of the Parkour facility is
expected to take three to four months.
A spokesman for Earley Town Council said:
“These two projects are part of the town
council’s contribution to providing fitness and
recreation facilities in Earley.
“Recent
projects
have
included
a
considerable enhancement to the skate park
at Sol Joel Park, which is ongoing, and the
highly successful BMX track in Lower Earley.
“The other major project that the town
council is considering is a major rebuilding
programme for the sports pavilion at Sol Joel.”
Good cleaning fun
EMMBROOK and Woosehill Neighbourhood
Action Group (NAG) is inviting volunteers to
help clean up the parishes.
The group is holding a litter pick on
Saturday, March 24, from 10am starting at the
bottle bank outside Morrisons.
Call (0118) 978 7897 for more information.
Got a story? Call newsdesk on
(0118) 918 3030