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COMMUNITY NEWS FOR BINFIELD, BRACKNELL TOWN CENTRE, CROWTHORNE, SANDHURST, WARFIELD, WINKFIELD BRACKNELL & WOKINGHAM LIBRARIES & DISTRIBUTION POINTS

NO.8 DECEMBER

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CELEBRATING THE BOROUGH OF BRACKNELL FOREST

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Warm holiday greetings from My Bracknell: A salute to our community and partners

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ith a festive cheer, the Mayor of Bracknell has activated the Christmas tree lights, ushering in the holiday spirit across the town. This moment serves as a perfect opportunity for us at My Bracknell, your dedicated community newspaper, to express our heartfelt thanks to our readers and clients during this holiday season. The shimmer of festive lights and the echo of holiday carols provide the backdrop as we at My Bracknell send out our warmest holiday greetings and best wishes for a joyful Christmas to each of you our cherished readers and clients. Your unwavering support is the cornerstone of our newspaper. It is your partnership that allows us to share the impactful stories that shape our community. We are sincerely thankful for your

Enchanting winter wonderland: The Kingfisher Chase Christmas lights display for charity in Bracknell P23

continued trust and cooperation, empowering us to pursue our goal of delivering top-notch journalism to the Borough of Bracknell Forest. In our coverage, we promise to showcase the resilience, generosity, and vibrant community spirit of Bracknell, highlighting why the Borough of Bracknell Forest is such an exception-

al place to call home. We hope this Christmas season brings an abundance of joy to your households, fills your hearts with love, and provides countless reasons for laughter. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a season filled with joyous holidays, from the entire My Bracknell team.

Yuletide joy in Bracknell: A festive tapestry of twinkling trees, delighted dogs, and cheerful children P19

of. “He got a jacket to be like them and then it just spiralled. Everyone in the area knows him though.” He added that the local police are amazing with him, inviting him to their annual open day. “He’s almost become a bit of a celebrity and is an honorary policeman,” said Darren. Scott is profoundly deaf and is unable to walk, requiring day-to-day care. Continues on pg 13

Local group champions community spirit with hampers for families in need P15

Police-mad Scott is looking forward to Christmas

BY JACKY HAYLER

cott Denton is a familiar sight around Wokingham – in his wheelchair wearing a policeman’s uniform. He cheers up everyone he meets, and he and his family are looking forward to Christmas. From a young age Scott was a fan of the police and when he got his first police jacket, his dad Darren thought it was just a phase he would grow out

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Get In touch To advertise Email: info@mywokingham.co.uk Phone: 0118 405 0228 Write to us: My Wokingham Media Group Ltd, Markham House, 20 Broad Street, Wokingham, Rg40 4ER. Publisher: My Wokingham Media Group Ltd Company Director: Nick Marr News Editor: Jacky Hayler Head Photographer: Paul King Multimedia Manager: Phil Gee Sports Journalist: Chris Cook

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All unused copies of My Wokingham are recycled by Woodside Recycling. My Wokingham is a member of the Love Paper global campaign promoting the sustainable and attractive attributes of print, paper and paper packaging. Our newspaper is printed on recycled paper which will be recycled again into new products. In fact 74% of paper and 83% of paper packaging is recycled into new products; one of the highest recycling rates of any material in Europe. Run by not-for-profit organisation, Two Sides, the campaign seeks to tell consumers across the world all the positive stories about paper, print and paper packaging from its environmental credentials to its ability to improve mental wellbeing, learning and enhance creativity. Even in today’s digital world, paper remains unique in its ability to touch our lives. Paper is renewable, recyclable and the natural support of new ideas and creativity.

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My Wokingham announced as media partner for the David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon

y Wokingham Media Group, known for publishing the only free newspaper in both Wokingham and Bracknell Forest Boroughs, is thrilled to be the official media partner for next year’s David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon taking place on Sunday 25th February 2024. As media partner ,My Wokingham will bring its extensive reach and community connection to the forefront, working hand in hand with the marathon organisers to publicise the event and support participants in raising awareness of the caused they support. Nick Marr, CEO of My Wokingham said: “We are looking forward to utilising our publications, My Wokingham and My Bracknell, to promote this key community event. It resonates perfectly with our ethos of community news and event coverage. Highlighting the runners’ personal stories, especially those running for charity, is particularly important to us.” Chris Summer race organiser, said: “We look forward to working with Nick and his team who will bring a fresh ap-

proach to publicising the event. The marathon is a popular fixture in the local sports calendar, and we’re confident that it will reach full capacity quickly with My Wokingham’s involvement. We encourage those interested to register early.” The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon is a UK Athletics-endorsed event that offers a closed-road course, welcoming both novices and experienced runners. It’s a race that fosters local community engagement, supporting many charitable causes and benefiting from

the invaluable assistance of volunteers. Since its inception in 1984, the marathon has been a showcase for extraordinary athletic achievements, including setting a world-best V65F record in 2023. With a fast and flat route that weaves through the scenic town centre and rural areas, the event starts and concludes at Cantley Park, symbolising the area›s community spirit. Conveniently located for runners from West London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire, the David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon is easily accessible via the M3, M4, M40, and M25 motorways, all converging towards the A329M and Wokingham Town Centre. With the 2024 race on the horizon and considering the early sell-out this year, prospective participants are advised to secure their entries promptly. For more information on how to become a part of this celebrated event or to offer your time as a volunteer, please reach out throughhttps://wokinghamhalfmarathon.com/

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websites and newspapers, extending your reach far beyond traditional means. “Effective marketing can make or break an event,” says Nick Marr, reflecting on the new service. “We’re offering our clients the freedom to post events on our platform at no cost or choose to amplify their reach through our paid promotion options across a network of digital and print media.” Whether you’re organising a local

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My Wokingham Media Group Ltd aims to have the highest editorial standards in print and online. If we have made a mistake, please let us know about it. My Wokingham is a member of press regulator IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation, which enforces the Editors Code of Practice. If you would like to make a compliant to us about a breach of the code please email nick@mywokingham.co.uk or write to: The Editor, My Wokingham, Markham House, 20 Broad Street, Wokingham, Rg40 4ER.

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Local leaders share their Christmas spirits: A holiday perspective from our local politicians

s the festive lights twinkle in Wokingham and Bracknell, we’ve contacted our community leaders to discover what the Yuletide season holds for them. Delving into the holiday hearts of our local politicians, we explore the personal significance of Christmas and unveil how they plan to embrace the joy and generosity of the holidays. Join us as we unwrap the festive thoughts and plans of our area’s civic figures during the most wonderful time of the year

MP Sir John Redwood

he Rt Hon John Redwood is the Conservative MP for Wokingham and has been an MP continuously since 11 June 1987. I love Christmas. I take a childlike delight in the lights, the decorations, the presents and the Christmas cake. I want Christmas to be a special time for every family and magical for every child. I will attend local carol concerts, write Christmas messages and be around in Wokingham town. I will thank all who look after us and work so hard over the Christmas period so others may relax or concentrate on family duties at home. I will send plenty of cards. Christmas is a time to visit the lonely, to send a message or gift to someone in need, to remember people from your past that would appreciate a shared memory and a kind word. It is a time to

remind us all that little acts of individual kindness can make so much difference to those around us. This Christmas we will spare a thought for those caught in the violence and bitterness of war. I will work with local services for people in need to ensure our response to homelessness, mental illness and addiction is as good as it can be. The Christmas message is Christian but also universal. The innocence of a new born baby reminds us of the importance of love and care in our world. The celebration of a new birth offers hope, and the opportunity to bring joy into children’s lives with Santa, presents and mince pies. I will decorate my house. I will light a tree laden with baubles that mean something to me collected over the years. I will put on the Christmas mu-

to say thank you to those who make a difference locally and it is a great privilege to be able to do so. For many years as a serviceman, I was often away at Christmas myself and missed most of my kids’ birthdays when they were younger. This is a price you pay as a member of HM Forces but it sadly comes with the territory. I vividly recall one Christmas back in 2008 when I was serving in Iraq on Operation TELIC. My wife Kelly was pregnant at home but I was deployed with my unit. After being woken early with some rum, we all had to dress as Santa Claus and go for a run around the airfield to blow away the cobwebs from Christmas Eve. The secret in those days was to pick a ditch, culvert or other cover in the event that a mortar attack happened, but we thankfully all made it back safely to camp before heading to the cookhouse for impromptu Christmas Prayers with the Padre.

Step into Christmas ‘Step into Christmas’ with the Reading A440 Choir, and their very special guests, КРИЛА (Kryla, or Wings), a Ukrainian ladies’ choir, currently based in this area at Christ Church, Woodley on Friday 15th December at 7.30pm. Enjoy pieces from their varied choral repertoire and then celebrate the joy of Christmas with seasonal choral music, including opportunities for audience participation. Doors open: 7:00pm

Family service

Join your neighbours on Chirstmas Eve from 4pm to 5pm at St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Shinfield for a fun-filled family service with your favourite carols and interactive nativity story.

Twixmas walk

sic. I will enjoy making the Christmas pudding, roasting the turkey and bringing my family together for a festive meal. I will also have fun at a Christmas show with them. May you and yours have a wonderful winter break.

MP James Sunderland r Sunderland is the Conservative MP for Bracknell Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst & Wokingham Without. He has been an MP continuously since 12 December 2019. Christmas is a time of joy for many but please spare a thought this year for those on their own. Loneliness can be a problem, notably for older people, so I am thankful to all of our local charities and churches who do so much for our community at Christmas. And let’s also acknowledge those who will be working, including our brilliant NHS, blue light services, care home staff, HM Forces, engineers and other key workers. I take my hat off to everyone who puts duty before other considerations and thank you for everything that you do in support of others. For me this year, I will be attending as many events and activities as I can in Bracknell and seeing my own family. Part of my job is

The officers were then called upon to help the chefs prepare for lunch. One of the usual customs is for the soldiers to be served their food whilst opening their crackers and wearing their Christmas hats, but the reality of course was that the officers were teased mercilessly for their culinary skills and not all of the food made it onto the table. Following the obligatory two cans of lager and Christmas carols, the party then continued throughout the day, with everyone compensating themselves as best they could for not being able to celebrate at home. With skits, songs, party games and a range of dodgy entertainment in full flow, our Iraqi Christmas was typical of what so many are like in HM Forces and a rare break from the serious business of what we were there to do. But it was still brilliant fun. So as we celebrate Christmas this year, please do spare a thought for those who cannot be with their families and those working hard to keep the rest of us safe. But above all, have a fantastic break!

Brush off the Christmas cobwebs! Join others for a three to four mile walk on Wednesday 27th December. Meet at 11am at the Bull at Arborfield followed by (for those who want it) a pub lunch. The group will be walking on footpaths and bridleways so wear walking boots.

Best-loved carols

Enjoy some of the best-loved carols with refreshments to follow at Alder Grove Church of England Primary School on Sunday 17th December. From 6.30pm to 7.45pm there is free entry with opportunity to donate to a charity.

Taster session Binfield Community Choir is a new, friendly and inclusive choir where everyone is welcome. They are holding a taster session on Monday 8th January from 8pm to 9.30pm at The Foxes, Den, Benefeld Road, Binfield. There’s no singing experience necessary, no audition and no need to read sheet music. They just have lots of fun singing together, and with a bit of luck also make a fantastic sound! The musical repertoire is expected to be wide-ranging - Gospel, Jazz, Pop, Show tunes and Rock, amongst others.

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Parliamentary candidate Clive Jones Family carols

Santa visit This Christmas Bracknell Libraries have arranged with Santa himself some extra special visits! The dates and times are as displayed below. Please contact your chosen library to confirm ticket prices (which range from 50p to £2 depending on the other activities available) and availability. Spaces may be limited at some libraries. To book or enquire either call in or phone the libraries on: Whitegrove – December 13th 10am to 10.30am: 01344 424211 Binfield – December 14th 9.30am to 10am: 01344 306663 Bracknell – December 14th 10.30am to 11am: 01344 423149 Birch Hill – December 18th 2.30pm to 3pm: 01344 456526 Sandhurst – December 19th 3.45pm to 4.15pm: 01252 870161

Carol singsong

You are invited to Christmas carols at the Salvation Army Hall in Lower Earley on Sunday 17th December at 5pm. The singsong will be followed by hot drinks and mince pies – and don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumpers!

hat Christmas means to me. Christmas has always been a special time of the year with family and friends. From a very young age we spent time at church services, enjoyed Christmas food, played with new toys, watched lots of TV and played board games. With a career in the toy industry, Christmas was a huge part of my working life. Christmas at work began in January with trade shows around the world testing out products for the following Christmas and deciding what we thought would be on December’s lists to Santa. It was a joy to be involved in developing, manufacturing, selling, delivering toys to retailers and to be in a store in the run up to Christmas and hear children and parents excited about something you had been involved in making. These days, we take the opportunity of seeing different friends over Christmas and spending time with our family. It’s nice to relax and enjoy time together, remembering previous years and looking forward to the new year with enthusiasm and optimism. We think about the meaning of Christmas and the beginning of the Christian faith. From childhood we attended church services and carol concerts, and especially enjoyed them when our children were younger and taking

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part in nativity plays themselves. Christmas is also an inclusive time of the year with many friends who are not Christians but enjoy the season’s festivities. For nearly 30 years I have been very involved with 2 children’s charities through my involvement with the toy trade. One of these supports smaller charities financially throughout the year and at Christmas with donations of toys. This year we delivered about 450 large boxes of toys to children’s charities around the UK, quite a few of them in the Reading and Wokingham area. Helping to brighten children’s Christmases has been important to me for many years. As Christmas approaches, we put up our tree, write our cards, start to listen once again to our favourite Christmas music and try to find the time to think about the past year, what was good and not so good and to be optimistic about the coming year. Remembering that we will be having a nice Christmas whilst some, through no fault of their own, may not have the same opportunities. We should do what we can to help to make sure that as many people as possible have a happy Christmas where they can be warm, have good food and enjoy time with other people. Clive Jones Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Wokingham.

Bracknell Choral Society is holding a family carol concert at Newbold College in Binfield on Wednesday 20th December at 4pm. Bracknell Choral Society is a very friendly non-auditioning choir of approximately 120 members. They perform a wide variety of music and strive to deliver high quality concerts.

Coffee mornings

Throughout the festive season, Green Watch from Wokingham Fire Station will hold several tea and coffee mornings at the fire station. All are welcome to come along for a hot drink and a chat. There’s no need to register in advance or confirm attendance. Simply come to the fire station between 11am and 12pm on one of the designated mornings: Tuesday, 19th December Saturday, 23rd December

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New Year’s Eve Party ‘NO TIME TO DINE’ 31ST DECEMBER Welcome the new year in style and join us for our final party of the year as we play host to an evening inspired by the iconic British secret agent James Bond 007. Taking over the entire restaurant, expect an action-packed night with a line- up of live entertainment from dancers and musicians to Blackjack, Roulette and magicians. Dress to kill: Black tie glamour or your favourite Bond or Bond girl character or villain. Martini Cocktail On Arrival Canapés Four-course Menu Entertainment; Live Musician, Martini Dancer, Contortionist, Magician, Roulette and Blackjack Table Midnight Wraps There are two sitting options, at 5pm or 8.30pm Family Early Seating – Ticket at £49.95 per adult Face Painting, Magician, Caricaturists (Children’s Menu Available) Party Late Seating –Ticket at £129.95 per adult Dinner and Full Entertainment

STARTERS Caramelized Red Onion, Goats Cheese Quiche, Walnut and Fig Salad Seafood Cocktail, Gem Lettuce, Melba Toast Confit Duck Leg and Pistachio Terrine, Spiced Pears, Salt Baked Carrots, Brioche MAINS Pan-Seared Lamb Canon, Herb Dauphinoise, Baby Spinach, Baby Leeks, Aubergine Puree, Bordelaise Sauce Oven Baked Halibut, Herb Dauphinoise, Cauliflower Puree, Crayfish, Caviar and Dill Cream Grilled Polenta Cake, Baby Vegetables, Aubergine Puree, Tomato Fondue DESSERTS Dark Chocolate Marquise, Passion Fruit and Yoghurt Sherbet, Mango Nougat and White Chocolate Parfait, Orange Curd, Black Cherries Glazed Lemon Curd Tart, Raspberry Sorbet, Macerated Raspberries CHEESE COURSE Selection Of British and French Cheeses, Quince, Crackers To book a table at any one of our fabulous events please contact our team on 01189 798 805 or email enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com.

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Cllr Stephen Conway

hristmas is an important moment in the year, for people of all faiths and of none. For churchgoers, and those like me who are not regular attenders at church but believe in the Christian message, this is a time of hope and expectation for a better future. For most people in the borough, whatever their religious beliefs, Christmas is a time of merriment and celebration. They, like me, will be looking forward to spending a few days away from the pressures of work. The prospect of time off with family and friends is made all the more enticing by the short days and long evenings. Hunkering down at home in the warmth, surrounded by those you know and love is a very comforting experience. I’m looking forward to it very much after a challenging few months, with long and exhausting days, grappling with the council’s many problems. But I am also acutely aware of how lucky I am. I have a warm and welcoming home to go to; I have a loving family and good friends to spend time with over Christmas. For a growing number of people, the reality will be very different. Every year, for people on their own, Christmas is an occasion to be endured rather than enjoyed. There is no starker reminder that you’re on your alone than everyone else seeming to have family and friends with whom they can share the festive season. For others, Christmas will be hard to celebrate because their financial circumstances are desperate. Homelessness is a growing problem, much of it associated with private landlord no-fault evictions, but also family

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen

hristmas for me means family. Being together with those closest to you and remembering happy times with those who are no longer here. Taking time away from the busyness of everyday life, those constant distractions and demands on our attention. Eating turkey and playing games. Board games and Lego technic are particularly popular in our house. I’d love to be able to say everyone’s a winner, but we’re all too competitive for that. This Christmas will be a different one for us. We will be hosting two very fluffy and highly discerning VIP guests: our son’s cats while he and his partner are away. So, one of our important pre-Christmas preparations will be cat-proofing the tree and decorations. It’s the first Christmas that my husband and I will spend just the two of us since the pandemic. Before that, I can’t remember a Christmas we had on our own! Christmas is also a time for giving. It’s important to remember Christmas isn’t a happy time for every-

one, for lots of different reasons. If we can look out for our friends and neighbours, we can give in a seemingly small way that might have a big impact. Perhaps by asking how they are and stopping for a friendly chat, we can make a difference. I am reminded of Scrooge’s famous words at the end of A Christmas Carol, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Dickens was trying to impress on us the idea that the spirit of goodwill towards each other is for every day, not just for Christmas Day. Many of us will receive gifts. And if you’ve been a lucky recipient, the New Year might prompt you to clear out old things you no longer need. If you can, please consider donating items to local charities close to your heart, for example WADE, The Cowshed and First Days – check their websites to see what they need. I wish everyone, wherever you are and however you’re celebrating, a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I am hoping for snow!

breakdowns, all too often involving violence and abuse. Behind the stark statistics of homelessness lie individual and family tragedies. High rents and a shortage of available properties make it impossible for a growing num-

ber of people to afford a place to live. Shortage of money is also affecting many families and individuals who still have a roof over their heads. Headline inflation figures may be falling, but food inflation remains stubbornly high. And

even when the rate of inflation falls, all it means is that prices are rising less quickly, not that they are actually falling. The number of people in our borough forced to use foodbanks is a sign of the seriousness of the situation. Imagine the plight of parents struggling to buy their children the Christmas presents that others take for granted. The borough council is working with its voluntary and charitable sector partners in the Hardship Alliance to do what it can to help, and I know there are a lot of local initiatives, often the work of parish and town councils, which are making life easier for many in need and for those who are experiencing loneliness. But we can all do our bit – by giving money or goods to the charities that work so hard to help those who are struggling, by giving some time to help these organisations in the invaluable work they do, or by looking out for a neighbour who we know to be on their own. My personal ambition, then, is to have a good Christmas break but to remember those less fortunate than I am and do something practical to help.

Pictures of the Week... Photo by Kersten Reiss taken at Old Forest Road in Winnersh

Photo by Lynsey Queensborough taken at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst

Photo by Samantha Whelan of her beautiful new grandson Louis

Readers Photos Roe Deer in Rooks Nest Wood, Finchampstead by Nick Baldwin

My husband son and grandson at Elms Field having fun by Karen Breadmore

Taken a great photo in the Boroughs of Wokingham or Bracknell Forest? Share it with the thousands of readers who read our newspapers. Email a single photo to info@mywokingham.co.uk

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Local campaign advocates for defibrillators at sports venues after cardiac arrest incident

ollowing a critical incident on a Bracknell football field where Doug King suffered a cardiac arrest, his son Harri has initiated a campaign for mandatory defibrillators at all local sports facilities. The quick response from fellow players and spectators, who provided CPR and utilised a nearby defibrillator, was crucial in saving Doug’s life, a fact underscored by Harri. Teammate Jack Davies rallied the community, raising £2,500 to procure defibrillators for two additional local sports fields. The emergency occurred

during a Sunday league game, with Doug collapsing without a pulse. A united front by the players, referee, substitutes, and the crowd ensured

that emergency procedures were enacted promptly, with a defibrillator being brought to the scene from less than 300 meters away. The British Heart Foundation has reported that survival rates from cardiac arrests outside hospital settings are below 10%. Immediate CPR, followed by defibrillation within five minutes, can significantly increase the chances of survival, potentially up to 70%. Doug is now recovering at home and is making steady progress towards full health. He was initially taken to the hospital by air ambulance, following

his collapse. The collected funds are earmarked for the installation of defibrillators near the Ringmead and Wildridings sports fields. There is also potential for further expansion to support private football clubs if additional funding from Bracknell Forest Council is secured. Harri King’s campaign is focused not just on his father’s incident but on providing equal access to life-saving equipment for all who enjoy local sports, aiming to ensure that what happened to his father can be averted for others.

In the spirit of giving, The Lexicon has introduced an option for guests to donate a Glow Room performance to the Bracknell Foodbank. This charitable initiative ensures that the joy of the Glow Room extends to local families in

need, who may not have the opportunity to experience such festive cheer. Moreover, the event is inclusive, with SEND sessions available, ensuring that individuals with special educational needs and disabilities can fully enjoy the experience. For more information and to book your visit to The Lexicon’s Glow Room, please visit their event page: The Lexicon Bracknell’s Christmas 2023 Glow Room Event Page. Scan QR Code or visit link https://www.thelexiconbracknell.com/ events/christmas-2023-glow-room

The Lexicon Glow Room lights up Bracknell with 20,000 LEDs for a festive spectacle

his holiday season, The Lexicon is set to dazzle Bracknell with the launch of its ‘Glow Room’, an immersive light experience boasting 20,000 LEDs synchronised to beloved Christmas melodies. The attraction, which also features a winter forest room complete with interactive light projections, promises a magical setting for families and friends to gather and celebrate the festivities. Each session in the Glow Room offers a 20-minute journey through a winter wonderland, designed to instill that warm Christmas glow in every

visitor. The experience is available from Monday, 18th December 2023, through Tuesday, 2nd January 2024, with the exception of Christmas Day when the doors will be closed to allow for a festive break.

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Binfield Community Choir: The heart of the Binfield Christmas Market celebration WORDS BY NICK MARR PHOTOS BY PETAR STIPANOVIC

he Binfield Christmas Market, held at The Foxes Den, was a delightful event that brought the community together in a festive celebration. This one-day extravaganza featured an array of holiday delights, including mulled wine, Christmas clothing, jams, cakes, and an atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. The market transformed into a winter wonderland, capturing the essence of the season and providing a perfect setting for community gathering and celebration. Binfield Community Choir’s performance Amidst this festive backdrop, the Binfield Community Choir emerged as the highlight of the event. Their enchanting performance of traditional carols and heartwarming holiday tunes added a layer of magic to the market. The choir’s involvement in the Christmas Market went beyond entertainment; it created a sense of Christmas magic, resonating with everyone present and making the event truly memorable.

Origins and mission of the Binfield Community Choir Established in November 2021, the Binfield Community Choir was founded as a response to the isolation felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative by volunteers from the local community aimed to create a space for socializing, making friends, and enjoying the unifying power of music. The choir has since been a beacon of hope and togetherness, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for people to come together and sing.

ing from surrounding areas like Ascot, Windsor, Wokingham, and Bracknell. This diverse membership adds to the rich tapestry of voices and experiences within the choir, enhancing its communal spirit. Regular meetings and accessibility Meetings are held every Monday evening during the school term at 8 PM in Foxes’ Den. The choir emphasizes inclusivity, with no auditions or requirements for previous singing experience or reading sheet music. Their sessions, which include a break for tea, coffee, and cake, are about 1.5 hours long, and are booked in halfterm blocks at an affordable cost.

Membership and diversity The choir is primarily composed of Binfield locals, with members also join-

Community engagement Apart from singing, the choir actively contributes to the community, supporting local events, visiting care homes, and participating in charity events. These activities reflect their commitment to giving back and enriching the lives of those around them.

he community in Winnersh all came together for their annual light switching-on ceremony. The centre in Bearwood Road was filled to bursting with children, parents and locals for the official start of Christmas. Children from Winnersh, Bearwood and Wheatfield Primary Schools all performed Christmas carols while the Barbarettes represented the adults. There were stalls selling all manner of gift ideas including hand-knitted crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, lotions and potions, festive wreaths and much more. St Catherine’s Church were providing refreshments including hot chocolate and biscuits while the 1st Winnersh

beavers, cubs and scouts were doing a sterling job outside in the freezing cold running the barbecue. Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland was on hand to flick the switch to light up the area and there was also a fire dancer. John Southgate, chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee on Winnersh Parish Council was delighted with the turnout. “This is the first time we have done this on such a large scale. We were hoping for a good turnout, and we have not been disappointed. The main focus of the event is to bring the community together but we are also raising money for the Wokingham Foodbank.”

A symbol of community harmony The Binfield Community Choir’s participation in the Binfield Christmas Market is a testament to their role in the community, not just as a group of singers, but as bringers of joy and unity. Their contribution to the Christmas Market and other community events is a reflection of their ongoing commitment to enriching the community through music and fellowship. As they continue their journey, the choir remains a cherished part of Binfield, spreading joy and unity with every note they sing. Join them binfieldcommunitychoir@gmail.com

Mayor kicks off Christmas in Winnersh T

TRAVEL

december 2023

www.mybracknell.co.uk

Taking to the slopes – a holiday on the piste BY JACKY HAYLER

or me a skiing holiday was never really on my radar – I liked a week of sunbathing and plopping in a pool. So why would I want to get freezing cold while falling down some mountains? But as the kids grew up, we decided it would be nice to all have the opportunity. Slovenia was an up-and-coming destination, so we booked the learnto-ski package, bought some salopettes and we were off. After flying into the capital of Ljubljana, we got to the resort of Kranjska Gora, checked in to our hotel and headed off to be fitted for our skis. With snow two feet deep in some places it was hard enough to walk but once we had our skis, helmets and boots it was nigh on impossible. Carrying our own and the kids, we got back to our hotel, shoved everything in our lockers and that was it for the day. The next morning, we hit the slopes eager to learn. The children were booked into a ski school while we joined an adult group. Side-stepping up the slope got very boring very quickly so we were thrilled when we were upgraded to a moving conveyer belt that transported you up to the top. A quick snow plough down and we were back on the conveyer belt again. Although progress was slow, we hadn’t had any falls, so I took that as a win. Before returning to our hotel, we frequented the chalets on the slopes for a glass of mulled wine and hot chocolate for the kids – oh the joys of après ski. We also discovered a yellow drink called bombadino which quickly became our favourite tipple. And it was funny how much better our skiing was in the afternoons after a quick visit to the chalets at lunchtime!

Back at the hotel, we relaxed in the indoor swimming pool and soothed aching muscles in the jacuzzi. There was plenty to do besides skiing – you could go for a sedate horse-drawn carriage ride or rent snow mobiles for a more adrenalin-fuelled journey. There were fondue evenings on offer or you

could simply wander around the picturesque streets of the town. We ventured out one afternoon to the beautiful Lake Bled, frozen solid and stunningly beautiful where the tiny, tear-shaped island beckons from the shore, home to the Church of the Assumption and a small museum. Our week quickly followed a similar pattern as we progressed on to the drag lift and a little higher up the slope. Happy with our progress we bravely tackled a few different runs but never made it passed the green ones. The kids however were whizzing up and down with no fear at all – so for all of us it quickly became a favourite holiday option. With friends living in Canada our second ski destination was Banff and the resorts of Sunshine and Lake Louise. This was a different proposition altogether. Gondolas took you high into the mountains and the runs were much wider, much longer and much emptier than

anything we had experienced in Europe. Although a little rusty, once we had found our groove, and with the encouragement of our friends, we quickly progressed onto blue runs and even attempted a red. The gondola lifts gave aching muscles a little reprieve but as we approached the top and you knew you had to get off, there was always the fear you would crash or fall over, forcing the whole lift system to grind to a halt. In Canada, a beer and nachos were our lunch of choice, overlooked by a moose head in the rustic restaurant. We visited the Fairmont Chateau in Lake Louise and marvelled at an ice sculpture exhibition and explored the turquoise glacier-fed lake. After skiing, a walk round Banff was a joy, browsing in shops with the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Dinner was a giant steak listening to country music in jeans and checked flannel shirt – we were in cowboy country so when in Rome… We will probably never venture onto red runs again and certainly never attempt a black run – but for us, skiing is a great holiday to do with family and friends.

Creative contest: Design a climate poster for a chance to win!

okingham Borough Libraries calls for young residents to enter a climate footprint poster contest. The prize is a £20 book voucher. Entrants should submit their A4 posters, with their name, age, and a parent’s email on it, to their local library by December 22nd. Winners will be eagerly awaited and good luck is wished to all.

www.mybracknell.co.uk

BUSINESS

december 2023

Merry and bright at The Lexicon this Christmas

hristmas at The Lexicon is in full swing as shoppers and diners enjoy the festive ambience created by a town centre full of sparkling lights, musical entertainment and festive market stalls. Visitors will discover a spectacular giant Christmas bauble on The Avenue, creating the perfect backdrop for that all important festive image. There’s a Twinkle Trail for families to follow around the town centre, with twelve spectacular bauble designs to discover. For the fifth year running, the baubles for the trail, were created by local primary school children with more than 200 beautiful designs submitted. In addition to providing a fun and free activity for families, all correct and completed entry forms will be entered into a draw for the chance to win one of six fantastic prizes: three-month Gymfini-

ty kids membership (two children and two adults) at Cineworld, £50 gift card

for Zizzi and a stationery refresher pack from Smiggle.

And, on Sunday, December 17, there’s an extra treat for younger visitors, to meet big friendly dog, Hey Duggee, in Princess Square. There’s also likely to be some walkin spaces available for The Lexicon Glow Room, a light and sound experience for all the family and The Lexicon Light Pool, a huge ball pit with a sparkling difference. As in previous years, The Lexicon is also supporting Bracknell Food Bank via donations to visit The Lexicon Light Pool, The Lexicon Giving Box appeal which saw almost 200 advent calendars distributed to local families, as well as a number of retailers doing individual activities to raise money for this local charity. For more information about The Lexicon’s Christmas activities including timings for the extensive Christmas entertainment please visit www.thelexiconbracknell.com/

Snow artist creates perfect festive window for estate agents PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

f the eyes are the window to the soul, then a shop window is the gateway to a business. Tom Baker of Snow Windows took the area by storm back in 2007 when he created amazing window scenes using artificial snow – and he is still as popular today. His latest creation is for David Cliff Estate Agents in Peach Street

– and it has to be the best shop window in Wokingham. The estate agents had some input into the design because they wanted it to reflect their work with local charity The Link Visiting Scheme – and then Tom let the creative juices flow. Tom, who lives in Sandhurst, did his first window this year on October 20th and his last will be around about De-

cember 17th. He said: “Each window is unique and we encourage every client to be involved in the design process to make it personal to them or to include a particular service or product they wish to promote. But we are just as happy to design it all and I still enjoy it after all these years. It is quite intense as I

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have maxed out the hours I can work but you meet nice people and it’s lovely to get into the Christmas vibe and bring a little joy.” Over the last 5 years, Tom has worked with companies such as Harvey Nichols, Mars, Cisco, Gaggenau, Costa and Audi. He even travels as far afield as Madrid in Spain.

COMMUNITY

december 2023

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Bracknell's Winter Wonderland by Plus Three Nurseries Ltd: A festive triumph! B PHOTOS BY PETAR STIPANOVIC

racknell witnessed a festive celebration like no other! Plus Three Nurseries Ltd's 'Winter Wonderland' event, which took place on Sunday, 10th December 2023 at The Farley Wood Centre, was a resounding success. The family-friendly event, free for all attendees, brought the Christmas spirit to life with an afternoon filled with joy, shopping, and festive fun. The highlight for many was Santa's Grotto, where children met Santa Claus in a magical setting, creating memories to last a lifetime. The Christmas hot food van and coffee and cake van were a hit, offering seasonal delights and sweet treats that were enjoyed by all. The event also featured an array of stalls selling sweets, handcrafted Christmas decorations, and bespoke Christmas cards, making holiday shopping a breeze for the community. The event was more than just a festive gathering; it was a showcase of unique gifts and talents. Stalls featuring crochet knitwear and children's books were particularly popular among shoppers looking for special gifts. Adding to the festive atmosphere, handson activities like handprint crafts and face painting kept the little ones entertained throughout the day.

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CHARITY

december 2023

Ponies prove to be stars of the show at supermarket promotion PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

hoppers filling their trollies at Waitrose in Wokingham were surprised to see some ponies outside. The team from SAFE (Saving Abandoned Fly-grazing Equines) were on hand to help raise funds for the charity and also promote the work that they do. The stars of the show were ponies five-month-old Zucca and six-year-old Seguro as they donned reindeer antlers and got into the Christmas spirit. SAFE founder Alison Stratford thanked Waitrose for their continued support. “One of our volunteers is a Waitrose partner so we have a nice

Continues from pg 1 hen he was born, he had a large section of his bowel missing and needed a ninehour operation at the John Radcliff Hospital. His dad added: “It was one thing after another. His kneecaps came out of their sockets, so he had another operation at Reading but from the age of seven he needed a wheelchair.” Scott, who turns 25 this month, went to a mainstream infant and junior school before moving to Addington in Woodley. And he has just finished at Reading College where he has been learning life skills. He would love a job, but he needs to build his confidence. “He can sign and lip read and he can say a few words. He lacks confidence but he gets a bit better when he’s had a beer!” Although Scott’s mum Sharon and his dad are no longer together, they have an excellent relationship and work together to look after Scott. Darren lives in Binfield and has him on a Tuesday and at the weekends while his mum lives in Wargrave. They have support with Scott attending Optalis in Woodley and Lower Earley on a Wednesday, Thursday and Fri-

day. The only issue for them is where they live – in a flat above a chip shop which has access difficulties. Darren used to live in the Wokingham Borough but when he split from his partner during Covid, he was forced to take temporary accommodation in Binfield. He said: “When I went to the council to try and get put on the housing list, they said they couldn’t help as I was now in Bracknell. They did provide a stair climber but it wasn’t suitable for the property. I have to leave Scott’s wheelchair in the car and carry him across the car park to the flat. In January I took a fall with him and damaged my knee. A ground floor flat or bungalow would be a godsend for both of us.” Darren, who is a car painter, is even looking for an evening job just to be able to provide ground floor accommodation for his son. He added: “We love caring for Scott and wouldn’t have it any other way. He has a wide circle of friends – he literally makes friends wherever he goes.” This year he is spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning with his dad, before spending Christmas night with his mum and meeting up with his siblings, two brothers and a sister on Boxing Day.

relationship with the store. They very generously provide us with raffle prizes for our family fun day in the summer. But it is events like this which really get the message across about the work that we do.” She added that often shoppers are surprised and delighted to come across the ponies. “We got a really

good response on what was a very cold day. We had a stall just outside the entrance and also had a tombola.” The event raised just over £700 for the Wokingham-based charity. Zucca is one of their newest arrivals and Alison described him as ‘quite a poorly boy’ with back legs that lock up. He regularly had to be taken for a walk around Peach Place but she added that he was getting better all the time. SAFE is a small registered charity whose mission is to support local landowners to legally rescue and re-home abandoned and neglected horses in the Berkshire and Surrey areas. If you would like to volunteer, find them on Facebook or visit www.safe-horses. co.uk

COMMUNITY

december 2023

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The final curtain for Woodley Theatre group

mateur actors took to the Woodley Theatre stage for the very last time this month as the drama group has closed. Director Karen Bird said she and the remaining members were very sad that the historic group would be no more – but they were hoping their last production would be a sell-out. Karen said: “Unfortunately the last few years have been hard to get committee members. We have been running with no chairman for a while and the secretary is about to leave. The gentlemen who do the sets are of an age and it is just difficult to get new members. “We have nothing but praise for everyone who has helped and everyone has rallied together but it is just such a shame that it can’t carry on.” Karen added that they have been playing catch-up ever since Covid-19 hit and she believes people’s attitudes have changed since the pandemic. “No one knows what’s around the corner – people want to do other things and I understand that.” The group was formed in 1945 as the St. John’s Players, and after a few years became The Woodley Players, changing later to Woodley Theatre. From its roots as a church group in 1945 – to the theatre that its members built with their own hands in the 1960s – to its current base within The Oakwood Centre – this is a group that has consistently brought the community together to produce fantastic shows. With such a history in the area, Woodley Theatre had people who’ve been going to see their productions for 40 years. Karen said: “These days people

come and do a show then head off to another theatre group. We haven’t got the stalwarts who are willing to do front of house and all the other jobs necessary to put on a show.” The last show was Two by Jim Cartright. A bickering husband (Landlord) and wife (Landlady) and the dozen regulars who pass through the Northern pub are played by two actors. Each vignette skilfully combines pathos and humour. Jim Cartwright’s poignant play takes the audience into the world of a working-class pub over the course of one evening. Weaving together rich stories full of human emotion, this dark comedy

gives an intimate insight into a variety of characters and will make the audience laugh and cry in equal measure. Speaking before the last performance, she added that after the last dress rehearsal she returned home feeling very down. “I really struggled with the fact that it was our last show. It is an emotional play anyway but I am sure the entire team will feel emotional. I think the theatre will be sorely missed by the community.” As a community group, the plays they selected for performance were often tied to the local schools’ curriculum so that they could support their students.

Bracknell Forest Libraries W e have lots of events lined up across Bracknell libraries to keep the children occupied before the big day. We are also planning for a very special visitor at some of our story and singing sessions. Wednesday 13 December Whitegrove – 10-10.30 Father Christmas at Whitegrove during bounce and rhyme, suggested donation 50p. th

Thursday 14 December Binfield – 9.30 – 10 Father Christmas at Binfield during rhyme time, suggested donation 50p. th

Saturday 16th December Crowthorne – 10.30 Christmas story time (free) Sandhurst – 10-12 craft drop in – suggested donation

£1 ages 2 upwards.

Monday 18th December Harmans Water – 10-11 Christmas Tots Time – Christmas stories, songs, and craft £1.50 suggested donation Birch Hill – 2-3 Father Christmas at Birch Hill – festive songs, stories, and crafts and hopefully a visit from Santa – suggested donation £1.50

Tuesday 19th December Sandhurst - 3-4 Children’s party for ages 3-11. £2 per child includes story time, crafts, songs, and a gift from Santa who, fingers crossed, will visit. Booking is essential for the party, either in branch or by calling Sandhurst library. Bracknell – 10 – 2 Junk box engineering drop-in session suggested donation 50p.

Thursday 21st December Bracknell – 10 – 2 Junk box engineering drop-in session suggested donation 50p. Friday 22nd December Great Hollands – 9.30-10.30 Christmas bounce and rhyme – Christmas songs and stories, colouring and craft – 50p suggested donation. Bracknell – 10 – 2 Junk box engineering drop-in session suggested donation 50p. Saturday 23rd December Crowthorne – 10-12 craft drop in - suggested donation £1 ages 2 upwards. Sandhurst – 10.30 Christmas story time (free) Bracknell – 10 – 2 Junk box engineering drop-in session suggested donation 50p.

Before the decision to close, the group appealed for new blood. “While we have lots of regular audience members, we don’t see many younger people coming to watch shows. And there isn’t nearly as much interest in helping to grow and develop the theatre’s future by joining us on the committee – there are only a handful of us who keep it going now. If we weren’t doing it, the theatre company probably wouldn’t exist. “It’s a shame – there are so many opportunities for up-and-coming actors or theatre students to get some great experience here that would prepare them for drama school or offer them valuable volunteering experience for their CVs. Likewise, anyone who’s interested in a career in marketing or publicity could get some amazing experience by helping us raise our profile and attract younger theatre goers. Alternatively, we’d love to hear from people who’ve had experience in those industries and want to donate some of their time to the community.” Unfortunately, the requests went unheeded – and one of the oldest theatre groups in the area is no more.

Thursdays 10:30am to 11:30am Birch Hill Library is hosting a new ‘Draw and Chat’ activity with Cross Your Art. Just bring a sketch pad/notebook and a pencil case. Free. Everyone welcome. We’re looking for an additional volunteer to help run Bracknell Library’s Code Club The children at Bracknell Library’s Code Club have been having fun this term learning how to program computer games using Scratch and they will be completing more projects provided by Code Club over the next few months using either Scratch, HTML and CSS or Python. The club meets on Saturdays term time 10am to 11am for children aged 8-12. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer form or contact Bracknell Library for more information.

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CHRISTMAS

december 2023

Local group champions community spirit with hampers for families in need WORDS AND PHOTOS BY PETAR STIPANOVIC

infield, UK – In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, a local group known for organising popular social activities such as the Thursday Rackets Club and the Monday Choir (Binfield Community Choir), has taken an extraordinary step to support families in need during these challenging times. The group, comprising dedicated volunteers, has fully orchestrated an event to assemble and distribute hampers filled with necessities and goodwill. “We’ve coordinated everything independently,” said Marianne Lamberth, a member of the organising group. “Our only request to The Cowshed, a well-respected local charity, was for their approval of the hamper contents and to confirm the quanti-

ties. They expressed an overwhelming need, mentioning that thousands could be easily accepted.” Once the hampers are ready, they will be dropped off at The Cowshed’s storehouse. From there, the charity will distribute them to families they support or to those reaching out for aid. This

Loddon Primary School

oddon Primary School pupils have been rehearsing really hard and practicing their lines for their Christmas productions. The reception class presented The Enormous Christmas Tree with Santa, robins and reindeers while years one and two performed The Twinkly Nativity, a take on the traditional nativity story with donkeys, shepherds, angels, and Mary and Joseph.

initiative reflects the group's commitment to not just recreational activities but also to meaningful community engagement. The group, also known for its innovative 'Meals by Wheels' programme, is extending its community outreach. In the new year, they plan to introduce

a new activity designed specifically for young families. This will take place on Saturday mornings at the new Blue Mountain Community Centre, conveniently located above Binfield Surgery, next to Kings Academy. This initiative is a shining example of how local groups can make a significant impact in their communities. By combining their resources and passions, the members are not only creating enjoyable social gatherings but also providing essential support to those in need, truly embodying the spirit of community.

COMMUNITY

december 2023

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Street lights up for Christmas and charity PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

esidents from a road in Shinfield have joined forces to light up Christmas with thousands of twinkly lights. The entire road is lit up for Maybank’s light spectacular, the seventh year they have got together, and it gets bigger and better every year. Colm Hanlon said: “There is a small committee who start planning in July although really it is just an excuse to go to the pub!” They ask for a small contribution from each home to go towards the hiring of a cherry picker, necessary to string all the lights across the street, and they use their contacts to get the best prices possible. Colm added: “It takes us a solid three days to get all the lights up with a lot of cups of tea and coffee consumed. It really brings the community together and it has certainly helped us get to

know our neighbours.” More than 300 people gathered for the official switch-on this year and the lights are on from 4pm to 10pm and will remain until the new year. This year they are sponsoring the NSPCC and The Lily Foundation. The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. They help children who have been abused to rebuild their lives, protect those at risk, and find the best ways of preventing abuse

from ever happening. The Lily Foundation aims to give hope, answers and support to the many children and families that face the challenges of Mitochondrial Disease. Every 20 minutes a child is born who will develop Mitochondrial Disease by the age of 16! There is no cure for this disease which is for many, debilitating and life limiting. The street is kindly supported by sponsors including Neil & Dan of Avocado Property, Fullbrooks Window

Cleaning Service, Omnia and Dobbies Garden Centre who donates a Christmas tree. The lights have already raised more than £1,000 and the team are hoping to get well in excess of that before the end of the festive season.

Local charities team up to bring Christmas ‘presence’ to families in need L ocal food sharing charity, SHARE Wokingham has teamed up with Wokingham Foodbank and First Days Children’s Charity for the fourth time to launch its Christmas Presence project. This joint project aims to give families dignity and choice at what can be a difficult time for many. Founder Claire Revie commented: “The Christmas period should be a time of joy and ease, but this isn’t the case for many people due to a multitude of reasons which are often beyond their control. Our work seeks to empower those we invite to visit the shop with choice and dignity, and hopefully reduce some of the anxieties they may be experiencing.”

The Christmas Presence is a community project run by SHARE Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity and Wokingham Foodbank, taking place in the heart of Wokingham at the First Days Children’s Charity HQ. Running from 26th November until 22nd December, the collaboration will be host to a range of activities to engage and reach families in need from a Father Christmas visit on Saturdays to arts and crafts, to a beautifully designed and decorated Santa’s Grotto courtesy of Lapland UK. Families will be able to visit this Santa’s Grotto, complete with two shops allocated for parents to choose gifts for their children through a points system. This initiative aims to give families dig-

nity and choice during the festive period which can be a worrisome time for many families. “What started with just toy distribution during Covid-19 has grown into a Christmas hub where families in need can come and choose gifts. The Christmas Presence project has gradually evolved over the last few years, each year with bigger and more exciting initiatives around Christmas. Last year was the very first Santa’s Grotto - an incredible immersive winter wonderland complete with a cosy festive living room space and SHARE is delighted to be repeating it this year.” For more information, visit www. sharewokingham.co.uk or www.firstdays.net

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COMMUNITY

december 2023

Laser focus at Coombes

BY JACKY HAYLER

oombes School staged one of the highlights of the year when they held their Christmas fayre and laser light show. For the second year running, the school, in Arborfield, put on a light show as part of their winter festival. The Disney-themed show was put on by Pulzar Laser Show who put on a display at Wokingham Winter Carnival last year. Their production was suitable for all ages and was not too loud

for the little ones, with lots of music and colour. As well as the light show there were plenty of activities and stalls including one selling glow accessories for later in the evening. Children were running some stalls including hook-a-duck and lolly-pull while there were some stalls selling gifts including knitted creations, Christmas decorations and candles. There was a soft toy tombola and

Coombes pupil Paige Darby walked away with the biggest prize of them all. Emma Wood and Cassie Blackledge were there representing SAFE (Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines) with a stall promoting their work and helping to raise much-needed funds. And Emma Lawrence, one of the or-

ganisers and member of the PTA said: “So far so good – there were pupils and parents queuing at the entrance to get in and we have received good feedback. Everyone is looking forward to the light show – we have lots of space so it is good to make the most of it.”

Carols around the tree for Binfield switch-on

esidents came out in force for Binfield’s Christmas tree light switch-on. The evening kicked off with music by the Binfield Community Choir while the Chairman of Binfield Parish Council

and the parish clerk welcomed everyone. Rev. Luke Taylor led everyone in prayer before the switch-on followed by carols around the tree with Michael Hawkins of the Augmented Choir and

The Binfield Community Choir. Mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate were also available. During the evening they were also collecting additional donations for the local foodbank.

EVENTS

december 2023

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Town turns into winter wonderland for carnival PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

housands of people took to the streets of Wokingham for one of the town’s biggest celebrations of the year – the Winter Carnival which kicked off the festive celebrations. Wokingham Lions presented their 2nd Wokingham Winter Carnival at the end of last month. The Winter Carnival has been in existence since 1994, with the previous team handing over the event to Wokingham Lions Club in 2022. The event was introduced by President Lyn Baily and opened by Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Sally Gurney and Wokingham Mini-Mayor, Leah Vas. Lyn accompanied the Mayor and Mini-Mayor around the carnival, which took over three hours, due partly to how large it has become, expanding this year to the area outside the shops on Elms Field, but also how interested the Mayor was in the event, and meeting local residents. Although the weather was cold and at some points damp, the carnival was very busy and culminated with the switching on of the Christmas tree lights, music from St. Sebastian’s Wokingham Brass Band and the Wokingham Singers, carols for everyone to join in with and finally a spectacular laser light show. Lyn summed things up: “By the end of the day there were many tired, wet, and cold people, not just Wokingham Lions, but friends, volunteers

from other Lions Clubs and Service Clubs, local entertainers, police and police cadets and first aiders. Everyone worked hard to make the event the success it was. We also had some fantastic sponsors without whose backing it would be impossible to stage an event like this.” Winter Carnival Chairman, Tim Hanton concluded: “Finances are still being finalised, but profits will be more than last year. The major charity recipients this year are Home Start Wokingham District and Share Wokingham, with smaller amounts going to other local charities and good causes. In addition, we enabled charities to raise more than £25,000, whilst at the same time raising their profiles within our community.”

www.mybracknell.co.uk

december 2023

EVENTS

Yuletide joy in Bracknell: A festive tapestry of twinkling trees, delighted dogs, and cheerful children

LOCAL BUSINESS

december 2023

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Elms Walk celebrates Küchenhaus opening: A new chapter in Wokingham’s regeneration

BY NICK MARR

okingham’s town centre has been invigorated with the grand opening of Küchenhaus, a cutting-edge German kitchen showroom. Part of the borough council’s ambitious town regeneration project, this 994 square foot facility at Elms Walk was officially opened on Thursday, 16 November by Deputy Borough Mayor, Cllr Adrian Mather. Küchenhaus, having secured a lease with the council, offers an impressive range of German-engineered kitchen and living designs. The showroom, coowned by Marc and Tony Maritz, along with AC Milan and England footballer Ruben Loftus-Cheek and his brother Isaac, features six distinct spaces that display modern appliances from esteemed brands like AEG, NEFF, Caple, and ASKO. Residents seeking to modernise their kitchens will find a wealth of options at Küchenhaus Wokingham, from contemporary German designs to innovative storage solutions. Cllr Mather, at the opening, shared his excitement for the potential inspiration the showroom would provide to locals aspiring to create their dream kitchens. Marc Maritz, Küchenhaus Wokingham’s Director, highlighted the warm community feel of Elms Walk and their commitment to exceptional service. Cllr Clive Jones, responsible for Business and Economic Development, welcomed the addition of Küchenhaus, noting its contribution to the expanding appeal of the town. The launch event, attended by notable figures from the kitchen and retail industry, also featured exquisite canapés from Salty Olive, a local Spanish pinchos restaurant, enhancing the sense of community among Elms Walk businesses.

Situated at Unit 7B, Elms Walk, Wokingham, Küchenhaus offers a welcoming space for those planning kitchen

renovations or upgrades. More information is available on the Küchenhaus website.

Thinking of a new you in 2024?

he 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan has been helping clients lose weight safely and effectively since 1984 and celebrates its 40th birthday this year! The programme consists of meal replacements including bars, shakes, meals, and porridges, whilst being supported by a dedicated consultant. Sophie has been a consultant for over six years and helps clients locally and across the UK virtually. She loves to support clients in losing weight and feeling confident in their own skin. Having lost 4.5 stones in 2017, she understands how the programme works and how having your own

cheerleader really helps with keeping a positive mindset. Sophie uses the different steps in the programme to tailor-make a plan for your lifestyle and budget. Steps can consist of full meal replacement or include conventional food. You can contact her on 07730 785715, mentioning our newspaper.

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CHRISTMAS

december 2023

Quick Crossword Across Clues: 2. A container often used to carry items (3) 5. Foamy soap (6) 7. Rod with an eye-shaped hole (6) 9. Threatened (11) 10. Deep parts (6) 11. Using oars to move a boat (6) Down Clues: 1. Popular fashion doll (6) 2. Mechanical devices to slow down (6) 3. Italian-style ice cream (6) 4. Young unmarried woman (6) 6. Devastated emotionally (11) 8. Act of making something larger (11)

#034

13. A large, aquatic rodent (6) 16. Warnings (6) 18. Quality of being easy to like (11) 19. A creamy, spiced drink (6) 20. A diversion (6) 21. Distinct period in history (3)

10. Secluded (3) 12. State of matter (3) 14. The space left in a container (6) 15. A roundabout (6) 16. A list of things to be discussed (6) 17. A group of cells with a speciﬁc function (6)

2 6

3 7

4 8

20 21

Answers: Across: 2. Bag, 5. Lather, 7. Eyebar, 9. Blackmailed, 10. Depths, 11. Oaring, 13. Nutria, 16. Alerts, 18. Likableness, 19. Eggnog, 20. Detour, 21. Era. Down: 1. Barbie, 2. Brakes, 3. Gelato, 4. Maiden, 6. Heartbroken, 8. Enlargement, 10. Den, 12. Gas, 14. Ullage, 15. Ambage, 16. Agenda, 17. Tissue.

Spot the Difference!

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

CHARITY

december 2023

www.mybracknell.co.uk

Bikers unite to bring Christmas joy on annual toy run

BY JACKY HAYLER PHOTOS BY PAUL KING AND CHRIS COOK

he annual Reading Toy Run took place again this month and it was another huge hit more than 2,000 bikes and trikes taking part. Thousands of people lined the route from the former Shire Hall building where all the riders gathered before heading to High Close School in Wokingham. Many participants dressed up in Christmas costumes as well as decorating their bikes. Some had spent weeks preparing and there were Santas galore, snowmen, the Grinch, fairies and Christmas trees to name but a few. Many of those taking part come from across Berkshire and beyond and dozens of people were recruited as marshalls without whose help the event could not go ahead. The bikers rode to the Barnardo’s school in Wokingham where the toys and gifts were gathered. Staff then sort through them before distributing them to other Barnardo’s centres as well as other children’s charities. These included Building for the Future, Kidz, Achieving for Children, Family Fostering Partners, Promise Inclusion, First days and The Cowshed. The Reading Toy Run was founded by Ben Spiller over 38 years ago for Barnardo’s High Close School. Although Ben passed away in 2021, his friends and family said that they are dedicated to keeping his legacy alive. Gill McKernan, 66, worked at the school for 35 years as a work experience coordinator and learning support assistant. Now retired, she is regularly called upon for fundraising events and is still heavily involved helping at the Toy Run every year. She said: “It was a really fantastic day – a great turnout even though the weather wasn’t brilliant. People come loaded with gifts, toys and donations and we also had a fantastic group of volunteers in the hall helping to sort through all the toys.” She said that they distribute toys to the Barnardo’s centres but that the event has become too big just to limit it to those with other charities now also benefitting. “It really helps celebrate the start of Christmas for the school and those who take part. And we want to carry on the legacy that Ben Stiller started. His wife Jane worked at Barnado’s and they were our colleagues and friends. She’s carried on and that cannot be easy. We want to celebrate his life here at the school and let her know that he will never be forgotten.”

www.mybracknell.co.uk

COMMUNITY

december 2023

Panto round-up

leeping Beauty, South Hill Park Following South Hill Park’s most successful pantomime ever (Jack and the Beanstalk 2022), the magic and mayhem return to the Wilde Theatre with a brand new version of the timeless tale Sleeping Beauty, until December 31st. Visit www.southhillpark.org.uk

Aladdin, The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road, Wokingham RG40 3EU, 29th December and 30th December. A group of local residents bring Pantomime to Wokingham. Visit www.luckleyhouseschool.org Aladdin, Theatre Royal Windsor, Windsor, to 14th January 2024. Make all of your wishes come true and join Windsor’s favourite threesome on a magical (carpet) ride of adventure and fun! Returning for his 10th Windsor Pantomime, everyone’s favourite fox Basil Brush is back alongside Windsor favourites Steven Blakeley, Kevin Cruise and Anita Harris.Joining them this year is star of the Real Marigold Hotel Patti Boulaye, plus TV Trickster Paul Zenon.Tickets from £18.50. Visit www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Sleeping Beauty, Hexagon Theatre, Reading, to 7th January 2024. Tickets from £14. Sleeping Beauty will have everything you have come to ex-

pect from a pantomime at the Hexagon, memorable musical numbers, tons of fun and laughter and a happy ever after, starring CBeebies Megastar Justin Fletcher as Justy The Jester and Reading’s favourite Dame, Paul Morse as Nanny Bubbles. Visit www.whatsonreading.com Jack and the Beanstalk, Kenton Theatre, Henley on Thames, to 31st December 2023. Tickets from £22. Packed with comedy, music, audience participation, and all the trademark ingredients audiences have come to love and expect from an Immersion show, this hilarious and action-packed adventure promises to be our most joyous and festive experience yet, oh yes it does! Visit www.kentontheatre.co.uk Rapunzel, Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane, Shinfield, 12th-14th & 19th-21st January 2024. The famous story about a girl with beautiful long golden hair who was locked up in a tower by an evil witch. The tale goes on to tell us how she defeated the witch and lived a happy life with her prince. Visit www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk Cinderella, Camberley Theatre, 9th December 2023 – 31st December 2023. Tickets from £20. This unmissa-

ble show will delight the whole family featuring a jukebox of much-loved songs, beautiful costumes and a talented cast of actors and dancers. Visit www.camberleytheatre.co.uk Beauty and the Beast, Braywick Leisure Centre – Baylis Theatre, Maidenhead, to 24th December 2023. Tickets from £17. This high energy show is packed with belly laughing jokes, well known hit songs, slapstick comedy and plenty of audience participation! Visit www.maidenheadpanto.co.uk The Wizard of Oz, Watermill The-

atre, Newbury to 31st December. With bravery, brains, and heart, will Dot and her friends find Toto and make it back in time for Christmas with Auntie Em? Click your heels three times and book to find out! Visit www.watermill.org.uk The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – the Return of Captain Hook at The Anvil (Basingstoke) to December 31st 2023. Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, and Ethyl Mermaid on a brand-new swashbuckling adventure full of fun, laughter… and crocodiles! Visit www.anvilarts.org.uk

Enchanting winter wonderland: The Kingfisher Chase Christmas lights display for charity in Bracknell PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

he Kingfisher Chase Christmas lights display in Jennett’s Park, Bracknell, has become a must-see destination, attracting families by car and on foot. Its popularity is evident, as the area buzzes with visitors, drawn to this now-renowned Bracknell road. Spectacularly illuminated with white lights, it turns into a magical winter wonderland, mesmerising all who come to see. The local residents pour tremendous effort into this display, creating more than just a visual feast; they’re supporting a meaningful cause. This year, in 2023, their efforts are in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research. The community is united in their goal to raise funds for this vital charity, and they encourage contributions through their Just Giving page, aiming to reach a target of £2000.

COMMUNITY

december 2023

www.mybracknell.co.uk

California Country Park Run honours legacy of Ruby Lee with heartfelt tribute and charity drive

PHOTOS AND REPORT BY NICK MARR

he California Country Park Run community came together in a poignant tribute to Ruby Lee, a beloved Park Run marshal whose dedication to volunteering at the weekly event remains unmatched. A year after her untimely passing, runners gathered at the familiar grounds of the park on a crisp Saturday morning at 9 am to celebrate Ruby’s memory. Ruby, who was often described as the spirit of the California Park Run, was known for her vibrant encouragement and unwavering support, especially at a challenging corner of the run that is now affectionately known as ‘Ruby’s Corner’. Her infectious smile and enthusiasm had made her a prominent figure, inspiring runners as they navigated the tough stretch. Gill Manton, the event director and a friend of Ruby, shared with us their decision to dedicate the first run of December to Ruby’s memory. “It’s a gesture to honour the heart she put into

Ruby Lee

the park run,” Gill said. “We’ve dedicated this day to Ruby and encouraged our runners to bring food donations for the Wokingham Food Bank in her memory.” Before the starting signal, a mound of food donations was already growing, a testament to the community’s willingness to support a cause close to Ruby’s heart. The organisers delivered a heartfelt speech, urging participants to greet Ruby in spirit as they passed her corner, keeping her legacy alive in

the laps and laughter of the park run she so adored. California Country Park Run is more than just a run; it’s a free, inclusive community event held every Saturday, encouraging people to walk, jog, run, volunteer, or simply watch. It is the embodiment of community spirit, something that Ruby Lee personified and contributed to significantly during her time as a marshal. In honour of Ruby, the event continues to thrive on the goodwill of volunteers, with the community extending

an open invitation for more to join in organising the weekly runs. Ruby’s memory lives on not just in ‘Ruby’s Corner’, but in the very ethos of the California Country Park Run – where every step taken is a step towards togetherness, health, and communal support. For those who wish to participate or volunteer, California Country Park Run awaits every Saturday, offering an opportunity to be part of a legacy of enthusiasm and community spirit that Ruby Lee so dearly nurtured.

www.mybracknell.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

december 2023

Visitors WADE through crowds for annual festive fair BY JACKY HAYLER

rowds dropped by to the WADE day centre when they held their Christmas fair. The annual event is the start of the centre’s Christmas celebrations and as ever it was well supported. The event saw lots of stalls selling gift ideas including hampers, jewelley and handbags. Friends of WADE were front and centre with their stall selling their own crafts including chocolate oranges with knitted hats and Christmas decorations. There were tombolas for both grownups and children with lots of refreshments available. Secretary Elaine Anderson said: “It

was a really lovely start to the season. We get our visitors with their family and friends but also people just go past and pop in. People come to us every year and it really does just bring the community together. “We would like to say a great big thank you to everyone that came along to the Christmas fair. We had lots of wonderful stalls and it was a lovely start to the Christmas celebrations. Thank you to all Trustee’s staff and volunteers for all their help but most of all we thank everyone that came and supported us.” Every penny made at the event goes straight back into supporting the centre.

Charity in desperate need of volunteer drivers to offer ‘lifeline’ BY JACKY HAYLER

Wokingham charity has made a plea for volunteers as it is in desperate need of drivers. The Wokingham Volunteer Centre based in Denmark Street runs the Transport Scheme helping residents in Earley, Winnersh, Barkham, Finchampstead and Wokingham to get around if they are unable to use public transport or cannot drive themselves for whatever reason. The service takes clients to medical and dental appointments, as well as social events designed to reduce the terrible effects of loneliness – but they have not been able to take on any new clients since May because of the lack of drivers. With 650 clients already being offered

help and only 70 volunteer drivers, the service is facing a crisis. Volunteer service manager, Helena Badger, said the scheme offers a lifeline to its clients – but volunteers also have as much to gain. “Our drivers take people to appointments like the dentist and doctors but also social appointments like day centres which are vital to reduce isolation and loneliness.

“But it is more than just a taxi service. Our volunteers provide an arm to lean on if they struggle to walk, helping them to and from the car, they accompany them to appointments and wait for them afterwards. They love what they do as the clients have so many stories to tell.” While most of the appointments are during the week and in the daytime, drivers are free to volunteer for as many hours as they like. Helena said: “We can be very flexible with the volunteers choosing the journeys and locations they are prepared to help with. They can commit to as much or as little time as they have to offer. It may suit someone who is retired or works part-time or maybe a parent between doing the school run.”

And Helena said that their situation is not unique to them. “Most charities are struggling in the area. Transport is one of the major issues in Wokingham. During Covid we started picking up prescriptions and we had lots of volunteers because people had the time and wanted to get out. Maybe now their focus and priorities have changed.” Volunteer drivers decide when and how far they want to drive and expenses are reimbursed. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Helena Badger by emailing volunteer@wok-vol-org.uk

LIFESTYLE

Agony aunt advice column Are you grappling with an issue and in need of guidance? Our inhouse Agony Aunt, Jacquie, is at your service. Send your queries her way, and she’ll assist you in unravelling them with her insight and sound counsel. Whether it’s a personal dilemma that’s been troubling you or a question that’s of general concern, sharing it could not only provide you with relief but potentially aid others too. Jacquie addresses a spectrum of issues ranging from family disputes, loss, eating disorders, phobias, and lifestyle challenges, to intimate and relationship difficulties, workplace stress, and financial anxieties. Her life’s work is devoted to aiding individuals in liberating themselves from the shackles of undesired emotions, adverse memories, trauma, and interpersonal strife. She is a certified Master NLP Practitioner with specialisations in Relationship Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Mental Health, and more, ensuring that her advice is rooted in extensive training and a wealth of experience.

december 2023

www.mybracknell.co.uk

Solo at Christmas

hristmas is a time when being alone can feel particularly overwhelming and lonely, especially if you are single. The holiday season often conjures images of cosy couples sharing intimate moments by the fireplace or families gathered around a festive table. In this sea of romantic narratives, it’s easy to forget that the essence of Christmas extends beyond romantic connections. When you find yourself single during the holiday season, it’s a poignant reminder that connections come in various forms, and the warmth of friendship can be just as, if not more, comforting. Friendships are the unsung heroes of our lives, providing a support system. The joy of exchanging simple gifts, sharing laughter over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and simply being present for one another during the holiday hustle creates moments of memories. During good times, friends are there to share in your joy and celebrate your achievements. Their genuine happiness for your successes adds depth and meaning to the positive experiences in your life. In moments of triumph, friends become your cheerleaders and fanatics for emotional support. As life evolves and circumstances change, it’s common for the circle of friends to shift. While it’s natural to have fewer friends as you get older, it’s essential not to miss out on the opportunities to continue making meaningful connections. Check out local social clubs like ‘Bored in Berkshire’; they offer a selection of social meetups, walks, drinks, dinner parties, and more within Wokingham, Reading, and

Bracknell. If you would like to make new friendships, remember it is a gradual process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. You are not alone in wanting to expand your social circle. The key is to remain open, approachable, and willing to invest time and ef-

fort to get out there beyond your front door, after all, you never know whom you might meet in the process. ‘There is always room in your heart for one more friend.’ Merry Christmas, Jacquie

A festive rebirth: The Bull at Barkham opens under new ownership just in time for Christmas! BY NICK MARR PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

his holiday season, the community of Barkham is receiving a special present: the reopening of their cherished local pub, The Bull. The establishment, now radiating new life under the experienced guidance of Lilly Washington, is set to welcome patrons back just in time for Christmas festivities. Lilly, who is also at the helm of The Four Horseshoes in Sherfield on Loddon, brings her unique flair and seasoned expertise to The Bull at Barkham. In a recent conversation with My Wokingham, Lilly shared her motivation for taking over the pub: “I live in Barkham and couldn’t bear to see The Bull sitting empty. The community yearned for its return, and I knew I had what it takes to restore its glory and make it a beloved gathering spot again.” The Bull’s revival isn’t just about pouring pints. Lilly plans to introduce a full Thai menu alongside cherished British classics, catering to a wide

range of tastes and preferences. “Our goal is to create a culinary experience that’s both familiar and exciting,” she explains. Looking forward to 2024, Lilly envisions further transformations for The Bull. Drawing inspiration from her past experience running Safari Lodge in Kenya, she intends to infuse some Af-

rican aesthetics into the pub’s decor, making it not just a place to eat and drink, but a vibrant and inviting destination. Lilly’s vast experience in hospitality, including her successful tenure at Safari Lodge, has equipped her with the skills to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. “Our pub is open to everyone,” she asserts. “We’re crafting a space where every visitor feels at home.” The Bull’s reopening under Lilly’s ownership marks more than just a business venture; it signifies the rejuvenation of a community landmark. Lilly extends a warm invitation to all: “Come by and experience the new Bull at Barkham. A warm welcome and a memorable time await you.” The Bull stands ready to offer not just food and drinks, but a place where community spirit is celebrated and cherished memories are made.

www.mybracknell.co.uk

SCHOOLS

december 2023

The stars of tomorrow perform

or most parents of young people, seeing their children in the school Christmas production is one of the highlights of the run-up to Christmas. Who doesn’t like to see their little one dressed up as a sheep or wearing a tea towel on their head as one of the shepherds? My Wokingham was lucky enough

to be invited into some local schools to see their dress rehearsals. Hillside School in Lower Earley presented A Wriggly Nativity. The foundation stage children at Rivermead Primary in Woodley performed Snowman at Sunset. Their dress rehearsal was in front of the other year groups before parents came and saw it. With children in pyjamas and slip-

pers, Christmas jumpers and bobble hats and sporting sunshine hats, they all nailed the performance, finishing with a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. With grown-up children, our My Wokingham reporter thoroughly enjoyed seeing the little ones perform – and who knows, they could be the stars of stage and screen of tomorrow?

LOCAL EVENTS

Find and promote your events

Sunday 10/12 Featured

Thursday 14/12 Swim School

@ 7pm 3Sixty, Reading University, Road, Reading

England's Dreaming Gig at The Acre, Windsor

@ 9pm The Acre, Victoria St, Windsor

Editor's Featured BACK TO THE 80s LIVE BAND AND DJ FOUR COURSE DINNER BOTTLE PER PERSON & PARTY IN SEQUOIA SUITE

HALF

····································································································

The Serial Thrillers

@ 7pm / £89 Sunday 31st Dec The Coppid Beech, John Nike Way, Bracknell. info @coppidbeach.co.uk, +44 (0) 1344 303 333

@ 10pm O'Neill's Woking, Crown Square, Woking

···································································································· Great value for money @ 7pm ···································································································· 3Sixty, Reading University, Fiona Lee

Sunday 17/12

Legoland Windsor One Day Entry

Road, Reading

@ 10am Legoland

@ 9am Royal Holloway, Egham Hill, Egham

Legoland Windsor - One

Day Entry ···································································································· Friday 29/12 @ 10am

Friday 15/12 Mark Cox Trumpet

Featured

Chili Rage

Road, Windsor

@ 8pm

···································································································· The Acoustic Couch Commu‐

The JB Conspiracy

@ 7:30pm The Electric Theatre, Onslow St, Guildford

Face Bar, Ambrose Place, Reading

ford, Guildford

nity Centre CIC, The Ring, Bracknell

···································································································· ····································································· Saturday 30/12 @ 7:30pm ···································································································· @ 6pm The Lounge Bar, Amery St, Alton Monday 18/12 Legoland Windsor - One Audley Sunningdale Park, Sun‐ ···································································································· Day Entry ningdale Park, Sunningdale Kyrah Gray Breaking Bass @ 10am @ 6:30pm @ 9pm ···································································································· G Live, London Road, Guild‐ Windsor Dominic Chianese: How I Became A Soprano

Monday 11/12 Featured

The TR5's at GSMC Christmas Party @ The Couch

Road, Windsor

Guns 2

Featured

Roses Tribute

····································································· Roses - UK ···································································································· ···································································································· Christmas Sunday 31/12 Guns N

Saturday 16/12 Featured

@ 7:30pm G Live Guildford, London Road, Guildford

@ 7pm @ 10pm ···································································································· Boileroom, 13 Stoke Fields, The Acoustic Couch Com‐

Jen Brister

@ 7:30pm G Live Guildford, London Road, Guildford

Guildford

munity Centre CIC, The Ring, Bracknell

Dakka Skanks

Friday 22/12

@ 7pm

Suburbstheholroyd, Guildford ···································································································· The Duel Fern Brady ······································· @ 7pm @ 7:30pm

Barb Jungr: Two Turtle Doves @ 7:30pm South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ring‐ mead, Bracknell

Tuesday 12/12 Mark Cox Trumpet

@ 9am Royal Holloway, Egham Hill, Egham

Woking‐ ham Choral So‐ ciety Pre‐ sents: Fam‐ ily Christ‐ mas Carol Concert @ 6pm / Free-£10 16th Dec - 17th Dec Wokingham Choral Soci‐ ety Presents: Family Christ‐ mas Carol Concert Con‐ ductor: George De Voil Or‐ ganist: Rupert Gough All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road, Wokingham. tickets‐ @wokingham-choral-soci‐ ety.org.uk

G Live Guildford, London Road, Guildford

HOLROYD ARMS, HOLROYD ARMS, 36, Guildford

‘NO TIME TO DINE’ NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Joe Bitter @ 7pm

Suburbstheholroyd, Guildford ···································································································· ···································································································· Moscow Drug Club: MDC @ ······································· Tuesday 19/12 Progress Theatre

Legoland Windsor - One Day Entry

The Reading

@ 10am

@ 8pm Progress Theatre, Reading

Road, Windsor

Saturday 23/12

@ 5pm Welcome the new year in

JONNY FORD: Bracknell Jazz: Geoff Mason

@ 7:30pm South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell

···································································································· nal party of the year as ······································· we play host to an ···································································································· Blank Xpression: Rock evening inspired by Legoland Windsor - One Purdy:The Remix Jazz Orchestra Feat. Rebecca Poole at Marlow Jazz Club

@ 7:30pm The Royal British Legion, Station Approach, Marlow

Day Entry @ 10am

Road, Windsor

James Bond Chalk Restau‐ rant, 31 Broad Street, Wok‐ ingham. ENQUIRIES@ CHALKRESTAURANTS.COM, 01189 798805

Week 2024

@ 8pm The Acoustic Couch Commu‐ nity Centre CIC, The Ring, Bracknell

Wednesday 13/12 Featured

Bad Manners @ 7:30pm Sub 89, 1, Reading Rockin the Joint: Xmas Dance and supper

@ 8:30pm West End Social Club, 2 High St, West End

Wednesday 20/12

The Cave At The Holly Tree, 25 High St, Addlestone

@ 7:30pm Sub89, 110-117 Friar Street, Reading

Sham 69 ···································································································· @ 7pm Boileroom, 13 Stoke Fields, ····································································· R&R Xmas Dance Shadows of the King:The Guildford @ 8pm Grand Taj ······································· ···································································································· ···································································································· The Royal British Legion, Royal @ 8:30pm The Bluejays Cara Dillon: 'Upon A Just the Tonic Comedy The Grand Taj, 17-19 Broadway, @ 7:30pm Winter's Night' - Haymarket Club - Reading ···································································································· Knaphill Kenton Theatre, 19 New St, Hen‐ Theatre @ 7:30pm jbmaclive ley-on-Thames ····································································· @ 7:30pm Sub89, 110-117 Friar Street, @ 10pm Uncle Peanut Haymarket Theatre, Wote St, ···································································································· Reading Duke Of York, Surrey, Camberley @ 9pm Fleet Thursday 21/12 ······································· ···································································································· The Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 ···································································································· Sunday 24/12 Silver St, Reading Hotel Iris Tuesday 9/1 Editor's Pick @ 8pm jbmaclive ····································································· Christmas Comedy Special HOLROYD ARMS, HOLROYD Animals and Friends 23 Phuture

@ 6pm Goring Village Hall, Goring High Street, Goring

@ 6:30am HOLROYD ARMS, HOLROYD ARMS, 36, Guildford

- Reading

ARMS, 36, Guildford

Pond House, 53 Bath Rd, Maid‐ enhead

@ 9pm O'Neill's, Berkshire, Reading

@ 9pm The Rose Inn, 30 Market Pl, Wok‐ ingham

@ 11:30pm

@ 8pm

Boileroom, 13 Stoke Fields, Guildford

tion. This publication is not re‐ sponsible for the accuracy of the information contained in this cal‐ endar.

Crooked Billet Stoke Row, New‐ Guildford Institute, Ward St, ···································································································· lands Ln, Stoke Row Anna Pancaldi Guildford ···································································································· @ 8pm ······································· ····································································· Thursday 28/12 ···································································································· Friday 5/1 Calendar information is provided Tim Kay Band Duo @ The ton Legoland Windsor - One by event organisers. All events are Pond House Guns 2 Roses Day Entry ···································································································· subject to change or cancella‐ @ 8:30pm jbmaclive @ 10am @ 7pm @ 8pm Sub89, 110-117 Friar Street, Reading

Road, Windsor

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www.mybracknell.co.uk

SCHOOLS

december 2023

Christmas fayre and tree lighting kicks off festive season PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

ozens of residents gathered for the annual Hurst Christmas light switch-on. The event saw locals meet up at the recreation ground opposite the village pond for the official switch-on, officiated by the Rev. Graham Theobald. There were refreshments on hand including mulled wine and mince pies, as well as goodie bags donated by local business Chocoholics. Music was provided by the Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band. The event followed on from the vil-

lage’s Christmas fayre the day before which took place at St. Nicholas Church, with special guest Father

Christmas on hand to meet the youngest members of the community. Attractions including a raffle and si-

lent auction, gift stalls and games, as well as children’s craft activities and live entertainment.

Why not try something different in 2024... WORDS AND PHOTOS BY PHILL GEE

ortimer Alpacas is a family-run business set in the beautiful village of Mortimer, Berkshire. George, Zippy, Bungle, Cappuccino, Rupert, Finley, Henry, Hugo, Pip, and Truffle are their adorable young boys, who each have different personalities and bring something unique to the experience. Sam told us: “People can come to us to walk and picnic with them, or we do picnic-only sessions, which are fun for the whole family.” Time is spent with the alpacas by the

family and as a result, they have the right temperament for socialising with humans, and they are able to come for hand-feeding. This is a truly unique experience because you can spend time petting the alpacas in their natural environment, and you can really get to know these beauties, capturing those quirky selfies! Sam explained that they welcome

private groups, including children and adults with special needs. Not only that, but they also provide corporate visits; you can go to them, or they can come to you. Sam told us that they frequently visit nurseries and care homes and attend weddings in and around the Wokingham Borough. Chuckling, Sam recounted how the alpacas have in the

past been in residents’ bedrooms and even travelled between floors in lifts with the alpacas. There are opportunities for volunteers aged over 16 who have a genuine interest in animals. For more information on visiting the farm or to have them visit you, see their website: www.mortimer-alpacas. co.uk.

Sue Ryder ‘branches’ out into Christmas tree recycling

ue Ryder is branching out and encouraging local residents across the Thames Valley area to recycle their real trees through their Christmas Treecycling service. In return for a donation, they’ll collect your real Christmas trees for recycling, to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder. This green scheme will raise vital funds so Sue Ryder can continue of-

fering its compassionate palliative care and bereavement support, helping Sue Ryder teams be there when it matters. For a suggested donation, they will collect real Christmas trees direct from your front garden or driveway and recycle them. Real Christmas trees are 100 per cent recyclable and can be turned

into compost or wood chippings for local parks, gardens or landscaping projects, so residents who choose to ‘Treecycle’ will not only be supporting Sue Ryder, but will also be helping reduce landfill. Sue Ryder does not make any money from processing the trees, so your donations help us be there when it matters.

LIFESTYLE

december 2023

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Community unites in preparation for Christmas

he community in Shinfield came together to support the first Christmas fayre organised by Robyn Currie of Robyn’s Nest and entrepreneur Sophie Ames. Held at the School Green Centre, there were lots of stalls selling a diverse range of things including wax melts, woodturnings, jewellery, handbags and knitted toys. From cakes to Christmas decorations and baubles to beauty, there really was something for everyone. Robyn said: “We are really pleased

with the turnout. This is our first event like this, and we just wanted to support local business. We tried to get a good range of stalls and not double up on the same style of stall – it was important to us to have a good variety.” Although busy with the after-school crowd, Robyn said she was hoping mums and dads would come back out once the kids were in bed. They had the Christmas light switch-on during the evening, ably done by Chairman of Shinfield Parish Council, Andrew Grimes and parish clerk Bruce Winton.

There was also carol singing around the tree, supported by local group Sing for Your Self. Sing for Your Self are local, fun singing groups for enjoyment, laughter and friendship, as well as all the physical and mental health benefits of singing. Serving the Wokingham area, the groups gather together for the sheer joy of singing well known songs together, without the pressures of singing perfection or public performance. Members of the Repair Café were also on hand to help with any items

that might need a little TLC. They were expecting a rush on Christmas lights that weren’t working and any other festive gadgets. All proceeds from the evening were going to Reading Family Aid.

Double whammy as craft village gets festive

hristmas revved up a gear at Holme Grange Craft Village as they held their Christmas festive market and their festive fun day on consecutive weekends. Following the annual fun day, a spokesman for the tenants said: “We were very pleased with how the day went. Multiple stores had record days and it was great to see customers returning from previous events as well as people who had never visited before! “We had a range of activities and festive offerings including a Santa’s grotto, story time in the stable with local children’s author Steph Williams, Christingle making, mulled wine, Christmas classes and workshops and performances from a variety of local

bands and groups.” And with more than 25 additional stalls at the market over and above the unique, independent shops around the village, there was plenty to whet your appetite for Christmas shopping. With many of the stalls selling items lovingly handmade, it provided the perfect opportunity to source some unique gifts. And why shop on an empty stomach when you could enjoy a mouth-watering bratwurst topped with sauerkraut

and mustard from JL Butchers or something from The Grange Chocolate Café’s Christmas menu. There was free wine tasting available as well as mulled wine from The Tasting Barn made with their own secret recipe. And for the children Elsa and Olaf popped by, there was live singing with Boogie Magic Parties, bouncing in the paddock on bungee trampolines while toddlers could have a go on a little merry-go-round.

With live singing from performing arts group Platform YP and Christmas tunes from Ascot Ukuleles, it really did get everyone into the Christmas spirit. The village has a final mini market on December 17th with craft stalls and children’s entertainment including bungee trampolines and sand art.

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NEWS

december 2023

Heart-warming story sees resident reunited with sentimental ring

taff at re3 Recycling Centre have a truly heart-warming story to share with readers – just in time for the holiday season! The team at the re3 Recycling Centres managed to recover a sentimental gold ring from one of the bottle banks. A spokesman said: “The ring unfortunately slipped from the finger of a resident while recycling glass after a community event in Twyford. We are so pleased that the ring is now reunited with its owner! “This wonderful story certainly gives us all a big smile and is also the perfect opportunity to remind you that the festive season is a peak recycling time for the glass bottles. Residents of Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Boroughs can recycle their glass bottles and jars at the bottle banks located near parks, community centres or supermarkets. To find the nearest banks, please check the re3 bottle bank map https:// bit.ly/re3banks

Vigil to end violence against women WORDS BY JACKY HAYLER PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

n Saturday, Bracknell Forest Council, in partnership with local charities Berkshire Women’s Aid and Kaleidoscopic UK, held a vigil to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign and the 16 days of activism to challenge violence against women and girls. The vigil was an opportunity to reflect and remember those who have been lost due to gender-based violence, with a chance to write messages of hope. There were several speakers throughout the evening, including the Mayor of Bracknell Forest and the leader of the council. In Bracknell Forest, there were 2,655 domestic abuse related incidents recorded by the police in 2022/23, this is an average of seven reports a day. Cllr Naheed Ejaz, the Mayor of Bracknell Forest, has chosen Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA) as the charity she will support for her mayoral year. BWA will receive any charity money donated between May 2023 and May 2024. Cllr Ejaz said: “Berkshire Women’s Aid plays an imperative role in supporting women and children who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Each year it needs to raise over £1 million to continue to deliver its services. This is a huge task, but one I know the borough of Bracknell Forest can support them with. “I hope that by raising money and awareness, it will help victims to know there is non-judgemental support out there for them, and they can contact BWA when they feel ready to talk.” Alix Simpson, chief executive at Berkshire Women’s Aid, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as Cllr

Naheed Ejaz’s mayoral charity, and we are extremely grateful for the continued support. In recent years, the need for domestic abuse services has increased. Our mission is to end the cycle of domestic abuse and provide survivors with practical and emotional support.” The White Ribbon flag was raised above Wokingham Borough Council offices in Shute End, Wokingham, to mark White Ribbon Day and the beginning of 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). The council was delighted to be awarded White Ribbon Accreditation earlier in the month by White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women. This launches an organisational commitment to end violence against women and girls. The white ribbon is a symbol for ending men’s violence against women and girls and White Ribbon Day is an internationally recognised day where men show their commitment and support to ending violence against women and girls. The council’s three male directors,

Matt Pope Executive Director for Children, Adults and Health, Graham Ebers Director of Resources and Assets and Deputy Chief Executive, and Giorgio Framalicco Director of Place and Growth, have all made the white ribbon promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. The three directors will all be spearheading the creation of a three-year action plan to effect change under the four key areas of strategic leadership, engaging men and boys, culture change and raising awareness. During the 16 days of activism, a vigil was held in Wokingham marketplace when people were invited to join the borough and town mayors to light up the town square with electric candles or torches in memory and support of those affected by VAWG. Councillor Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “Violence against women and girls is a fundamental human rights violation which harms the lives of millions. We all have our own stories, but the common theme running through all

of them is that men are the perpetrators and women are de-humanised, treated as objects. And this stops women and girls living the lives they would choose for themselves. “It is not all men. In fact it is not most men. But all men have a moral duty to be part of the solution. No more should we be requiring women to change their behaviours in order to avoid abuse and violence. We need men to actively call out misogynistic behaviours and toxic masculinity that are prevalent in society. “White Ribbon is specifically about raising awareness of the role men play in eliminating violence against women and girls and is part of the wider VAWG agenda.” White Ribbon Day (WRD) marked the start of the 16 days of activism for ending gender-based violence and ended on Sunday, 10th December.

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Public Notices Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence GLOBAL RAIL CONSTRUCTION LTD Your trading name (if any) untit 20, The IO Centre Hearle Way Hatfield AL10 9EW is applying to change an existing licence as follows To keep an extra ___ goods vehicles and ___ trailers at the operating centre at

To add an operating centre to keep ___ goods vehicles and ___ trailers at Network Rail P-Way Yard, Station Industrial Estate, Oxford Road, Wokingham, RG41 2YQ To change existing conditions or undertakings applying at the operating centre at

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Public Notices

Born on Christmas day…

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL Report potholes and road/footway damage Urgent issues only If you’re reporting an urgent issue that requires immediate attention, call: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 0118 974 6000 and select the ‘highways’ option 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 0800 212 111 weekends and public holidays An urgent issue is defined as something that is very likely to present an imminent threat to life or serious injury or serious damage to property. We aim to respond to urgent issues within 2 hours. Report potholes, road and kerb damage To report potholes, road and kerb damage go to h t t p s : / / w w w. w o k i n g h a m . g o v. u k / r o a d works-and-outdoor-maintenance/report-problem-roads-and-streets

Former Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox was born on Christmas Day in 1954. The Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Walking on Broken Glass and Here Comes the Rain Again singer is also an activist for female empowerment. Actress and Texas native Sissy Spacek was born on Christmas Day in 1949. The Carrie star has received six Academy Award nominations, earning her first Oscar in 1981 for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner›s Daughter. Of all the birthdays in the world, Humphrey Bogart had to be born on December 25th, 1899. One of Hollywood’s great leading men, Bogie was known for iconic roles in such films as Casablanca and The African Queen for which he won a best actor Oscar. Model Helena Christensen was born on Christmas Day in 1968 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The popular ‹90s supermodel appeared in fashion campaigns for Chanel, Versace and Valentino. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was born on Christmas Day in 1971. Trudeau, has been in office since 2015.

BRACKNELL FOREST BOROUGH COUNCIL Planned Road Closure Woodside Road, Winkfield in both directions outside of Deer house. Date: closed on Monday 18 December until Wednesday 20 December. Reason: public and worker safety while Affinity water install a stop tap boundary box. Diversion route: A332 Windsor Road, B3034 Lovel Lane and this route reversed. View works on one.network.

Died on Christmas day… To

To remove the following conditions or undertakings which reads

and which applies at the operating centre at

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Lands End Equestrian Centre death The equestrian world and Woodley community were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Linda Ian from Lands End Equestrian Centre. A statement read: “We are all devastated to inform you that Linda sadly and unexpectedly passed away on Monday afternoon. Our family is heartbroken and still in shock as we can imagine a lot of you will be too. “Linda was a huge part of the yard and gave her whole life to it. She was her happiest down there driving her quad bike or caddy around with her little companion Clio. She will be dearly missed by all of us and has left massive boots that will never be filled!” They will be holding a memorial for anyone that wants to pay their respects with a date likely to be early next year. Linda’s Funeral will take place on Thursday 14th December 10am at Easthampstead Crematorium, South Road, Bracknell, Wokingham RG40 3DW. The funeral is open to anyone who would like to pay their respects, and the dress code is casual as Linda would have wanted. Those wishing to can meet at the Heron on the Ford after the ceremony for a drink to catch up and celebrate Linda’s life.

Aged 53, George Michael’s death was confirmed by a statement from his publicist that read: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.” Michael, one of the best-selling musicians of all time, died in the early hours of Christmas Day 2016. Charlie Chaplin, one of the greatest stars of the silver screen and the silent film world, died on Christmas Day 1977 in Switzerland. He had been in ill health and died from a stroke in his sleep. Chaplin was 88 years old. Swing singer, actor, and TV Host Dean Martin died on Christmas Day 1995 from acute respiratory failure. He was 87 years old at the time of his death. Soul and funk icon James Brown died aged 73 of congestive heart failure on Christmas Day in 2006. His career spanned more than 50 years and he was one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York on January 23, 1986.

SPORT

december 2023

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Wokingham Half Marathon now The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon R acesolutions Limited owner/organiser of the Wokingham Half Marathon announced a new partnership with David Cliff Estate Agents. David Cliff have extended their existing sponsorship of the Wokingham Half Marathon and as a result of their ongoing and future commitment to the race it will be renamed ‘The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon’. The date for next year’s event is February 25th, 2024. Chris Sumner, race director said: “We are delighted to unveil a significant development for the Wokingham Half Marathon: the renaming to ‘The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon’. “Our collaboration goes beyond the name. It’s a testament to our shared commitment to organising an event that not only excites and challenges participants but also significantly contributes to the local community. The David Cliff Wokingham Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s a platform to showcase the best of Wokingham and support local charities and good causes.” And David Cliff, Managing Director at David Cliff Estate Agents said: “As someone who’s spent my entire life in Wokingham, from my schooling at Emmbrook andForest to now running a local business, I am incredibly proud to have to have Wokingham’s cherished half-marathon renamed The Da-

vid Cliff Half Marathon. This event is more than just arace; it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit, resilience, and dedication to supporting each other.” Wokingham Half Marathon was founded in 1984 and is regarded as one of the fastest half marathons in the country. The course records are held by Phil Wicks who ran in 1:03:14 in 2012 and Liz Yelling who ran in 1:11:09 in 2008. In 2023 a world best was set in the V65 Female category by Christine Kennedy (USA) who ran 1:32:43. Racesolutions Limited acquired Wokingham Half Marathon in 2019. In common with many running events the race was facing increasing costs and logistical challenges as well as

falling numbers due to an increasingly commercial and aggressive mass participation event market Racesolutions worked with the original committee to ensure charity donations were Maintained while at the same time increasing participation and using our experience to overcome the logistical issues they were facing. The race now sells out each year attracting a capacity 3,500 runners. Founded in 2013 by Chris Sumner, Racesolutions Limited is a running event consultancy company responsible for building some of the largest and most successful road races in the country including Reading Half Marathon, Nottingham Marathon, Oxford Half Marathon and the Great Eastern Run in Peterborough.

Racesolutions Limited offer running event consultancy, planning services and logistics support to event organisers, local authorities and charities. For more information, visit www. wokinghamhalfmarathon.com or www. racesolutions.uk Founded in 2009 by David Cliff, David Cliff Estate Agents offers specialised services in buying, selling, letting, and renting properties across Wokingham, Binfield, Mortimer,and Bracknell. Known for personalised service and integrity, they’re exclusive Berkshire members of The Guild of Property Professionals and offer a unique Noir service for distinctive properties. David Cliff is wellknown for being a leader in its generous and unwavering support of community and charity events, the business is considered an established part of the communities that it operates in and is set to stay that way for many years to come. For more information, visit www.davidcliff.com

Beth Lucey’s 24-Hour Fitness Challenge for Parkinson’s UK

n an incredible display of endurance, Beth Lucey recently completed a 24-hour workout at Energie Fitness in Wokingham to support Parkinson’s UK. This challenging endeavor, which extended to 25 hours due to the daylight saving time change, was aimed at raising funds for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Known as a ‘fitness warrior’, Beth undertook this rigorous challenge with minimal breaks, only pausing for essential bathroom breaks. Her remarkable effort was supported by the presence of family and friends who joined her intermittently, providing moral support and helping her maintain her stamina throughout the event. Beth’s perseverance was not only inspiring but also impactful. She successfully raised over £1000 for Parkinson’s UK, demonstrating the power of individual efforts in contributing to a greater cause. Her achievement is a testament to the idea that with determination and a noble cause, one can make a significant difference.

Her 24-hour workout marathon at Energie Fitness Wokingham is a powerful example of how human spirit and resilience can bring about change and positively impact the lives of others. Beth Lucey’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with sheer grit and determination, we can overcome challenges and support those in need.

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SPORT

december 2023

It was cold outside T WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS COOK his month’s hockey fixtures were hit by a weekend of exceptionally cold weather, yet it remained another action-packed month full of ups and downs. The Men's 1st Team has had a disappointing run of form, losing all three of their matches this month and dropping to second from bottom in their division. The Second Team secured a convincing win over Milton Keynes with a scoreline of 5-1, and with draws against Henley and Amersham, they have ascended the table to 7th position. The Men's Third Team saw two fixtures cancelled due to icy conditions but still claimed victories over Oxford and a significant 5-1 win over Banbury, propelling them to 4th in their league. The Fourth Team emerged as the Men's Team of the Month, netting 19 goals and conceding only 5, with wins over Oxford, Reading, and Leighton Buzzard, elevating them to third place in the league. The Men's Fifth Team faced a challenging month, securing just one point from their three games—a draw with Wycombe. However, defeats at Stoke Green and against league leaders Marlow see them positioned at 7th in their division. The Men's Sixth Team was the only one to play all their fixtures this month, with wins over Wycombe, Yateley, and Amersham. A loss in the freezing conditions at Slough places them in 2nd in

the league. The Ladies' First Team enjoyed a profitable month with away wins at Marlow and Havant and a draw at home against Alton, leaving them in a solid 4th position in the division. The Ladies' Second Team's fortunes improved significantly this month with two away wins at Phoenix Reading and Marlow, an exhilarating 3-3 home draw with Sonning, and a penalty shootout victory in the cup over Eastcote. They currently lie in 7th place in the league. The Ladies' Third Team had a less favourable month, with only a 1-1 draw at Reading and defeats to Newbury and Wallingford, dropping them to 11th in the league. However, they ended

the month on a high note with a 2-1 cup win over Havant. The Ladies' Fourth Team were somewhat more successful, securing draws against Amersham and Reading and, despite an away defeat at Staines with a close 3-2, they remain top of their division. The Ladies' Fifth Team enjoyed a

December fitness

About Aldine

Aldine is a coach, mother of three and pro bikini competitor with over 10 years’ experience in the industry. She trains women to feel confident on the inside and out, getting strong in mind and body in the process. Having been several sizes larger and struggled with self-image and health, Aldine advocates building a lifestyle that supports your goal. “I coach my clients to get results by building confidence in the gym and learning about the foods that matter. Feeling good on all levels and having excellent health and mobility are essential to feeling your best."

ecember, the time to miraculously fall off the wagon as you party, feast and drink many a night away? Can you really focus on improving your health and fitness in this chaotic busy period or should you just surrender to the brandy and mince pies and deal with the consequences come January? I’ve got one thing for you to consider helping you long term and that’s what achievable habits you take forward into 2024. Now isn’t the time to completely overhaul your nutrition and training .... but then neither is January in my opinion. Healthy and fit people live by the old adage that consistency is key so

my question to you is, what can you do on a daily and weekly basis to feel a little better day by day? Some things you can incorporate now are upping your steps by squeezing in a daily walk, identifying and perfecting a couple of staple healthy lunches, exercising enough discipline to have a good night out that involves one glass of wine instead of the whole bottle or finding a friendly gym or exercise class you know you can attend at least twice a week. It’s all about being realistic and setting yourself up for success. Make this December work for you by relishing the challenge of making 2024 your best year yet. You’ve got this!

You can find Aldine at Energie Fitness Wokingham or by contacting her via email aldinepreisner@gmail.com or via Instagram @trainwithaldine

strong month with resounding victories over Wycombe 6-0 and Slough 6-1, and a goalless draw against Wycombe's other team in the division. The ladies maintain the top spot by a 5-point lead halfway through the season. The season now pauses until the action resumes on the 13th of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS FOR BINFIELD, BRACKNELL TOWN CENTRE, CROWTHORNE, SANDHURST, WARFIELD, WINKFIELD NO.8 DECEMBER

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SPORTS CELEBRATING THE BOROUGH OF BRACKNELL FOREST

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Bracknell Santa Dash

PHOTOS BY PETER STIPANOVIC

antas were in a hurry at the weekend when they took part in the Santa Dash at Swinley Forest in Bracknell. Participants could walk, run or prance through the enchanted Swinley Forest to start their Christmas season, choosing the 2k, 5k or 10k course - the only requirement was that they were dressed as the big man himself. Santa suits, hats and reindeer antlers were

available to collect on the day. Dogs were also allowed to take part and furry friends could be dressed up too. After the challenge they could enjoy some festive fun and refreshments. All dashers received a Santa Dash Medal. The event was helping to raise funds to ensure that Thames Hospice can provide compassionate care to those who need it now and in the future.

south berkshire hockey club Est. 2016 Cantley park, workingham

6 Mens Teams 5 Ladies Teams Juniors U8-U16 Masters Hockey

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My Bracknell Local Newspaper December 2023