Plan to make local elections safe

WOKINGHAMBorough Council says that it will work to Government guidelines to ensure that May’s electionswill be safe.

The votewas delayed 12 months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and includes polls for the borough council, parish and town councils and the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner.

As in previous years, electors can vote by post, in person, or absently with proxy voting,

The government says that voting is a permitted, lawful reason to leave your house during lockdown or similar restrictions, while premises and business can open for voting, counting of votes or associated activities.

Anyonewho has tested positive for coronavirus, or is displaying symptoms, should self-isolate. Voters should be able to use newproxy voting rules.

Formore details, log on to www.wokingham.gov.uk, go to Council and Meetings, Elections and Voting and finally Vote By Post Or Proxy.

VOLUNTEERS for a children’s charity are celebrating 25 years with a themed art competition.

Home-StartWokingham is calling on all primary schoolaged children to take part in a one-of-a-kind contest.

With the help of Cllr Malcolm Richards, Wokingham borough mayor, it has launched a challenge to draw, colour or paint a picture based on the theme My Family.

Home-StartWokingham is a local community network of trained volunteers, supporting familieswith young children who are struggling.

“Wokingham borough is home to many young creative people,” said Cllr Richards.

“Joining in the competition is a fantasticway to keep busy this lockdown, while also honouring all the years of Home-Start’s hardwork, helping families to overcome life-changing situations, challenges and pressures.

“I’m thrilled to see all the imaginativework that’s surely to come.”

Prizes up for grabs include hampers of arts and crafts materials, sponsored by Jojo

Art Club and Artists’ Harvest.

All artwork must be on plain paper and no bigger than A3 in size. Entrieswill be split between two age categories – infants and juniors – with one luckywinner from each group.

The closing date for submissions is Sunday, February 28, andwinners will be announced on Sunday, April 4.

To enter, a photograph of the artwork must be submitted to mayor@wokingham.gov.uk, titled My FamilyArt Competition.

The email must include the child’s age and name, and a short explanation of the piece.

Entry is free of charge.