My Wokingham Community Newspaper Featuring My Bracknell

featuring

www.mywokingham.co.uk

Local heroes honoured with prestigious award

Two local residents were awarded one of the highest honours recently for their exemplary work within their community.

Vickie Robertson, founder of domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK and Clive Waterman, a teacher in the borough for 50 years, were awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) at a ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The Reserves Forces & Cadets Association came together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these local heroes as they were presented with their medals by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Mr. James Puxley.

Vickie’s inspiring journey that led to this achievement included her own encounters with childhood and adult domestic abuse, which ignited her passion for helping others facing similar challenges. Having personally identified gaps in the existing support system for domestic abuse survivors, combined with a widespread lack of awareness and training, Vickie was inspired to take action.

Under her visionary leadership, Kaleidoscopic has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals within the Wokingham community. By bridging the gaps in support and understanding, Vickie has empowered survivors to seek the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. Her unwavering commitment to this cause has made a profound impact, changing

BY PAUL KING

lives and creating a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.

Clive Waterman was the second recipient of the British Empire Medal for his dedication to education and his passion for music which has left an indelible mark on the community.

Clive’s musical journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His impact on both children and adults within the community has been profound. The award recognised Clive’s ‘long-term outstanding contribution to children’s music’ for his work running the council’s Music for All project, a testament to his tireless efforts to nurture young talent.

And as the musical director of the Reading Male Voice Choir, Clive has also helped the choir reach new heights.

It was Lord-Lieutenant Mr. James Puxley CVO’s last engagement before stepping down from the role and

handing over to Mr Andrew Try DL on October 23rd.

The Lord-Lieutenant is appointed by the King to be his personal representative in Berkshire. He is assisted by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and by Deputy Lieutenants – currently 29 in Berkshire.

As The King’s representative in the County, it is the Lord-Lieutenant’s first and foremost duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown. In addition to his specific tasks, he follows the example of the Royal Family in promoting a good atmosphere and a spirit of co-operation through the encouragement he gives to voluntary service and charitable organisations, and by the interest he takes in the business, industrial and social life of the County. For full interviews with the recipients, see page 3.

The principal of a local theatre school has won a prestigious business award.

Shelley Otway, owner of ‘Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow’ scooped the Best Businesswoman Award in the children and families category.

Professional singer, dancer and actress Shelley, was delighted to step out of the spotlight and focus on the stars of tomorrow when she launched her theatre school.

The school grew from humble beginnings and now through hard work, determination and a lot of networking, they now have 300+ members.

Shelley also joined My Wokingham earlier this summer as one of the judges in the inaugural Wokingham’s Got Talent showcase in Peach Place.

To find out more about her award, see page 4.

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

Recycled Paper

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.

Code of Practice

My Wokingham 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.

“My Wokingham” - Your Gateway to Local News and Community Updates!

Are you a proud resident of either Wokingham or Bracknell Forest Boroughs? Do you love staying in the know about local news, events, and community happenings? Then “My Wokingham” is your must-have companion!

What makes “My Wokingham” special?

FREE for All: “My Wokingham” is available at major supermarkets across Wokingham and Bracknell, including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Co-op. That’s right, it’s absolutely FREE for you! No subscription fees, no hidden charges - just pure local news goodness.

Your Monthly Digest: Our newspaper is eagerly picked up by thousands of people every month. Whether you’re interested in the latest developments in your neighbourhood, upcoming events, or even special offers from local businesses, “My Wokingham” has it all covered.

Community-Centric: We’re not just

a newspaper; we’re your community’s voice. “My Wokingham” is filled with stories of local heroes, community initiatives, and events that matter to you. It’s a platform for YOU to shine.

Business Spotlight: Local businesses, this is your chance to shine! “My Wokingham” offers advertising opportunities to help you reach thousands of potential customers in the area. Let your business thrive alongside our engaging content.

Unparalleled Distribution: Thanks to our self-serve and voluntary opt-in system, our distribution is second to none in Wokingham Borough and Bracknell Borough. We’re where you are, ready to be picked up whenever you need us.

Join the “My Wokingham” Community: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this vibrant local community. Here’s how you can get involved: Spread the Word: Share the news about “My Wokingham” with your friends, family, and neighbours. Let’s

build a stronger, more connected community together.

Submit Your Stories: Have an interesting local story to tell? Whether it’s a heartwarming tale or an event announcement, we want to hear from you! Send us your stories for a chance to be featured.

Support Local Businesses: When you support our advertisers, you’re supporting your community. Check out the exclusive deals and offers from local businesses inside “My Wokingham.”

Stay Informed: Grab your FREE copy of “My Wokingham” at your nearest supermarket and stay informed about everything happening in your area.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of Wokingham and Bracknell! “My Wokingham” is more than just a newspaper; it’s a community builder. Let’s connect, share, and thrive together.

Get your FREE copy today and be a part of something great! “My Wokingham” - Where Community Comes First.

Pick up your copy.

Pick up YOUR COPY

Wokingham Borough Libraries

All Wokingham Borough Libraries

Supermarkets

Arborfield

27 Bramshill Close, Arborfield, Reading

Bracknell

Morrisons The Peel Centre, Skimped Hill Ln, Bracknell Sainsbury’s, Ringmead, Bracknell

Crowthorne

Co-op Market Town, High Street,Crowthorne

Earley ASDA Chalfont Way, Lower Earley

Finchampstead

Co-Op Convenience 420 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham

Warfield

Tesco Superstore 7 County Ln, Warfield, Bracknell

Wokingham

Co-Op Convenience 10 Market Pl Wokingham

Waitrose Rectory Rd, Wokingham

Tesco Superstore,78 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham

Co-op Convenience107 London Road, Wokingham

Woodley Waitrose 108 Crockhamwell Rd, Woodley

Winnersh

Sainsbury King St Ln, Winnersh, Wokingham

Woosehill Morrisons Woosehill Shopping Centre, Wokingham

Vickie dedicates award to all the survivors

It was timely that Vickie Robertson picked up her award just before the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. She very kindly spoke to My Wokingham on one of her busiest days of the year when her charity held its annual conference.

Vickie said the presentation evening was spectacular and very special, something she will never forget. “It was full of wonderful people doing incredible things and I was honoured to hear all their stories. The best part of the night for me was hearing from these incredible people whilst also having some of the most incredible support network of mine who have been paramount to my personal and professional journey.”

She added it was also a privilege to meet the Lord lieutenant and his amazing wife who have also both achieved such incredible things locally and further afield for others.

Speaking about her fellow recipient

Clive Waterman, she said her friends were thrilled to meet up with their former teacher. “What an incredible person he is, Clive is hands down the kindest and most deserving of a medal. It was an honour to meet him, and we shared lots of funny moments in between the ceremony.”

Remembering the day she discovered she was to receive the honour she said she honestly didn’t believe it. “My daughter phoned to say a letter had arrived from the King. I assumed it was a franking mark due to the Coronation - but she was indeed correct, and I was absolutely blown away. I had to read it multiple times to be sure it was actually real. It is such an incredible honour and something I never expected in my lifetime.”

Family and friends have also been so excited. “Their love and response has meant the world to me as they are also a part of why I do what I do, without them none of this would have been

possible.”

Vickie hopes the impact of her award will raise more awareness of all areas of abuse, normalise the conversations and those of refugees, acknowledging the plight of all those faced with trauma. “I hope to show anyone subjected to abuse or trauma that with the right support they can truly achieve anything they want to.”

Her nomination was partly based on the work she does with refugees. She was inspired after the body of twoyear-old Alan kurdi was washed up on a beach. “I had wanted to do something to help prior, but I didn’t know how to. My youngest was a similar age to Alan and I had to act. I tried to find ways and met Rachel who was starting to take donations. We joined forces with many in our local community to collect, clean, pack and send all sort of aid to Greece, Macedonia, France and Syria to help relieve a little pressure for those fleeing.

“This led on to Wokingham Borough Council asking me to be part of the government resettlement programme with the role of turning the houses into homes. With the help of our Facebook group ‘Gossip Girls in

Music teacher ‘stunned’ to receive award after 50 years of dedicated service

My Wokingham spoke to Clive while he was indulging in one of his hobbies, fishing near the New Forest.

He said: “The presentation night was a fantastic evening. I got to meet some friends again that I had not seen for a while. My fellow recipient was there with some friends of her own and it turned out I had taught them.”

After teaching for 50 years and working with more than 1,000 children every year since the mid-80s, that happens a lot to Clive. “People I’ve taught are literally everywhere. When I had my Covid jab I had taught the nurse’s children. My mortgage was arranged by someone I had taught.”

He has also worked with many wellknown people including Dave Arch of Strictly Come Dancing fame although admits that he has yet to get to the recording studios to watch an episode.

He took early retirement in 2002 due

to some health issues but after having some treatment, he showed no signs of slowing down. “It seemed like the right moment to call it a day. My school South Lake Juniors and Infants was being amalgamated to become a primary but as I started to feel better, I produced some large-scale concerts called Music for All for Local Education Authorities in Wokingham, Reading, Maidenhead and Ascot. It was a very interesting time.”

Clive, whose passion is percussion and piano, is heavily involved in the Reading Male Voice Choir and has been for 52 years. “They are a fantastic bunch of people with a vast age range from 40 to 94. The fact that the 94-year-old travels by train from Oxford to be part of the group is testament to how important it is to its members.”

When he heard about the award he admits to being stunned. “I had no

idea – it took me very much by surprise. I was privileged and humbled that someone would take the time and effort to nominate me.” And he admits to having a sneaky suspicion about who did nominate him.

David’s two children have gone in various directions – his son runs a computer firm and his daughter worked at Buckingham Palace before a career in Parliament for 11 years and now works for the National Trust. His two grandchildren, who attend Waingels Copse School have been part of his concerts with the eldest, Jessica, performing solos.

“I didn’t do Music for All this year and it was strange watching someone else at the helm after so many years.”

After meeting up with Vickie at the presentation, the Reading Male Voice Choir is hoping to stage a concert in support of her charity, Kaleidoscopic UK in the near future. And he says he

Action’ and ‘Wokingham for Refugees’ we gathered everything needed to do this. Volunteers helped me strip wallpaper, paint, donated furniture, clothes and toys per house to welcome a family into our community. It was a huge added bonus to then be able to greet some of the families at the airport and help with their resettlement as well as organising events for them such as Eid and Christmas or trips to the beach in summer. They are all such incredible people, and it is a true honour to be a small part of their journeys.”

Vickie added: “So many people have been a part of helping me personally and professionally.

Without those who give their love, time or donations and get involved my work would not be possible -they truly are incredible. The support has been amazing in all areas, and I can’t thank them enough!

“I would like to dedicate the award to all survivors of abuse and trauma and highlight that abuse/trauma may change us but it doesn’t have to define us. With the right support we can go from surviving to thriving.”

Vickie spoke to My Wokingham’s Jacky Hayler

will treasure the medal and its accompanying paperwork, which he has taken copies of to share with family and friends.

But it is the lady in his life who he says he owes the most to. Having celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary last year, David says his wife Anita has been a fantastic support to him over the years. “I am very lucky to have her,” he said.

The couple, who met at college, say the secret of their success is keeping a detailed diary as there is still so much they are involved in. And with no plans to slow down any time soon, David concluded: “I am just stunned by the whole thing really.”

Theatre school principal scoops businesswoman award

Owner of Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow has won a Best Businesswoman Award.

The Best Businesswomen Awards have announced their winners for 2023, all fantastic examples of exemplary female entrepreneurs and Shelley Otway won in the children and families category.

The business climate has continued to test the resilience of entrepreneurs, and these determined women have continued to drive their businesses forwards.

The judging panel was impressed by the creativity, tenacity and excellent business acumen demonstrated in the selected finalists. The Best Businesswomen Awards are designed to recognise the achievement of female entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries, all of who are excelling in their chosen field.

Local businesswoman Shelley Otway was up against nine other businesses!

The judges said “Shelley has built a well-established business inspiring children at all levels. She provides great opportunities for children who

love to dance and perform as a career. An outstanding business!”

Debbie Gilbert, the organiser of The Best Businesswomen Awards, said:

“This is the nineth year of these prestigious awards, and despite extremely difficult trading conditions businesses have faced over the past few years these businesswomen have powered

forwards.

“Our judging panel, all business experts, were impressed by the quality of the entrants. All our finalists and winners are all shining examples of being successful entrepreneurs who have proved their success to our judges.”

Shelley said: “The evening was so special and to win was honestly the

icing on the cake afterhaving the true VIP treatment at a gorgeous hotel. I was so proud that all of my little stars oftomorrow can also benefit from this with special treats from me next week!”

The theatre school was launched in 2015 for children aged three-and-ahalf to 17 to help develop and encourage a love of performing arts, build confidence, build friendships and improve social skills.

With the support of an amazing team of talented teachers and highly experienced principal Shelley, they have weekly classes in Wokingham and Woodley.

Lessons can be taken in jazz, tap, singing, musical theatre, ballet, private singing, commercial and street dance. They have a specialist troupe and have lots of performing opportunities including a bi-annual show in a professional theatre and a trip to perform at Disneyland Paris every three years.

The gala final was held at the Hilton Wembley on 22nd September where the Gold Winners of each category were announced, Shelley being one of just 10 gold winners.

At Kutchenhaus, you can find the best and most affordable high quality German kitchens with a wide range of modern handleless, contemporary or classic designs

MyWokingham

Horsepower Unleashed

“Horsepower Unleashed: Sam and George Surprise Pubgoers with Special Appearance at Wheelwright’s Arms”

Pub patrons were in for a delightful surprise when Sam and George, the hardworking shire horses from Wadworth’s Brewery, made a special tour stop outside the Wheelwright’s Arms pub in Hurst on a sunny Saturday.

Sam and George are no strangers to work, as they haul beer barrels to various Wadworth pubs five days a week. However, on this particular Saturday, the duo enjoyed a well-deserved day off and decided to pay a visit to the Wheelwright’s Arms pub in Davis Way giving folks a chance to admire these magnificent equine companions up close.

RBFRS Encourages Smoke Alarm Testing this October

Working smoke alarms save lives – get them, install them, test them

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) monthly Fire Kills campaign, is urging people to test their smoke alarms to keep their homes, themselves, and their families safe.

“Testing smoke alarms only takes a few seconds, yet those few seconds could save your life” says Paul Scott, Central Hub Prevention Manager for RBFRS. “Once fitted, smoke alarms are often forgotten about and people do not realise that they are faulty or have stopped working completely.

Follow these simple steps to prioritise your safety:

Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Fit your smoke alarms in the right place – preferably on the ceiling in a hallway or landing. Avoid placing them in kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can accidentally set them off.

Test your smoke alarms by pressing the button. This should be done regularly, ideally once a week.

Change the batteries once a year. Never remove them temporarily.

l Twice a year, gently vacuum the alarm to remove dust.

l Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years, even if you think they still work.

l Consider checking on vulnerable relatives or neighbours who may need assistance with installing and testing their smoke alarms.

For further information and advice, visit RBFRS’s. https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/safety-at-home/

to waste with A1

A1is a family business and it shows. Waste management and recycling are what they do, and they’re always looking for ways to improve their services and impress their customers old and new.

What is the ethos of A1?

It’s our mission to take the headaches out of waste management. Customers all over the country trust us to look after their waste. We’ve got the expertise, the technology, and the capacity to offer affordable, expert services with outstanding customer care. We’re a leading name in loo hire within event hire and construction - we are the number one in the number two business as they say!

Is it important that you are part of the Wokingham community?

It is very important to us. We started in Wokingham and have expanded our reach across the UK. However, it is very important to keep all our customers and potential customers happy, especially where we began.

How did the business start?

A1’s story starts back in 1964, when the Pike Family — Mick, Jean and Russell — moved to Highland Avenue which was a working pig farm. Mick

brought in extra money for the family working as a rag-and-bone man. When he wasn’t off on the horse and cart in search of things to buy and sell, he and Russell boosted the fami-

ly’s income by giving pony rides to children. A few years later, Silver Birches came on the market and the Pike Family’s hard work paid off. They bought the site, which is where their main

Coffee Mornings at...

scrap yard sits today.

The A1 Group has been established since 1971 and has recently seen significant growth in all areas of the business. This growth has led to the A1 Group achieving an unrivalled level of commitment and resource to meet client demands in the fields of wet waste disposal, metal recycling, car spares and loo hire.

What is the key to your success?

I’d say the key to our success is our team efforts across all divisions, being a family run business and expanding in the way that we have. We have kept that family-run business feeling rooted within everything that we do. All staff are treated like family, with high levels of respect for one another, which leads to our staff pulling together on a daily basis and working incredibly well as a team to ensure our client’s needs are met.

With their integrated services, busy fleet of specialist vehicles and outstanding customer service, they’re ready to help you manage your waste better. No matter what industry you’re in, they’ll get your waste sorted. Efficient, reliable and professional — that’s a promise.

For more information, visit www. A1groupuk.com

–

Thursday November 30th 10.30 – 11.30am

Thursday December 28th 10.30 – 11.30am

Any questions please call 0118 973 3670 and ask for Activities or email activities@wildacrescarehome.co.uk

Finding the right solution to keep you safe and warm this winter

Safeheat are a team of gas safe and HETAS installation and service engineers who specialise in service and installation of wood burning stoves, gas fires and gas stoves, fireplaces, flue liners, and flue systems across the Thames Valley.

Their ethos is to provide customers with great service to either keep them warm with a new gas fire or wood burner or make sure their existing heating appliance is serviced and safe to use.

A spokesman for the company said: “We put ourselves in the position of the customer so we can completely understand their requirements, and this allows us to guide them through the process of having a new heating appliance installed if required.”

Safeheat are based in Warfield, so they are neighbours with Wokingham and all

the team consider themselves ‘locals’.

Speaking about the area they said: “There is a lot of older housing stock with inefficient gas fires installed in Wokingham so as experts in our field, we are in the best place to advise on the best, most efficient heating solutions in these days when we are all mindful of rising energy costs. And many of the new houses have been left with no focal point or chimney so we can install lovely electric fires into media walls.

“We are Gas Safe and HETAS registered and as such we are qualified to supply and install both solid fuel and gas heating appliances. There are two parts to our business - servicing and installations. Both gas fires/stoves and woodburning stoves require servicing

and as such we offer a comprehensive offering as we have access to gas fire spares and stove spares. We have over 40 years’ experience in the gas industry and over 30 years’ experience in the solid fuel industry.

They also undertake the removal of existing fireplaces, open out the chimney, lay hearths, install liners and stoves, or install new fireplaces with gas fires or gas stoves. None of their work is ‘subbed out’, it’s all in-house so the customer always knows who they are dealing with.

Lead times from September start to stretch away for both servicing and installations but usually they can install or service in time for Christmas.

The firm had a large fireplace, and stove showroom for 13 years at Moss

End Garden Village until April 2022. After Covid they decided to close the showroom and change the structure of the business. However, they have kept accounts with the major manufacturers, so are able to provide the most up-to-date gas fires and stoves.

“Safeheat service literally means what we provide. Whether it’s gas servicing or stove installation, we leave the customer confident that they can enjoy their gas fire or stove safe in the knowledge it has been installed or serviced correctly. We don’t tie customers into contract, we keep our prices competitive, we have years of experience, and we strive to meet the customer’s needs.”

Feel free to call us with your ideas or requirements and we will do our best to find you the best solution. For more information, visit www.safeheat.uk

MyWokingham

Owners Chalk success up to simple philosophy’ - food that’s full of flavour

Independently owned restaurant Chalk has consistently brought the best of British dining to the people of Wokingham.

Based in the former schoolhouse on Broad Street, when they renovated the building, owners Ben Bond, David Brunner and Craig van der Meer wanted to respect its heritage and maintain some of its grandeur.

Their vision on opening was to focus on seasonal, fresh British food, not too fussy but full of flavour.

The owners each have a background in the hospitality industry, with Ben and David previously working together in the Fego chain, and Craig joining from his role as executive chef at The Rosate in Reading.

Ben, general manager, said: “We wanted it to feel like a home away from home — somewhere you can come at any time of the day - a brunch with friends, a working lunch, a family celebration.”

And they have very quickly become a part of the fabric of Wokingham, becoming a regular haunt for locals and the go-to place hosting special events. They have held whisky evenings, gin

Champagne Four-Course Menu Fire Performance

tasting and afternoon teas as well as special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day dinners, Easter and Valentine’s Day.

And they have a Halloween House Party coming up on Saturday 28th October, a wicked night of devilish entertainment. Themed inside and out

with ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night, there will be a live performance and music, something to capture the interest of everyone.

The guest DJ will keep the horrifying party going until early hours, and they ask that guests dress to impress. The

ticket price of £49.95 for family seating includes face-painting, caricaturist and magician while the late dining option at £84.95 includes a fire performance, caricaturist, burlesque, a magician and DJ.

They are also planning a ‘Best Regions’ Wine Dinner on Thursday 23rd November.

The elegant evening will feature a nine-course tasting menu beautifully paired with some cracking wines as well as a guest speaker. All wines from the evening can be bought at a retail price. To book, call 0118 9798 805. For more information, visit: www. chalkrestaurants.com

SATURDAY

28TH OCTOBER

Hall ween H use Party

Celebrate Halloween at Chalk, a wicked night of devilish entertainment. Themed inside and out with ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. With live performance and music, there is something to capture the interest of everyone.

There are two sitting options, at 5.30pm or 8.30pm.

Family Early Seating - Ticket at £49.95 per adult Face Painting, Magician, Caricaturist (Kids menu available)

Party Late Seating –Ticket at £84.95 per adult Dinner and Full Entertainment

To book any one of our events please call us direct on 01189 798805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

MyWokingham

It all adds up for Edgbarrow after £500 donation to Maths department

Financial literacy has been given a boost at Edgbarrow School thanks to a donation from a firm of financial planners who have opened a new office in Crowthorne.

Concept Financial Planning, which has opened in the High Street, has donated £500 to the school’s maths department to help it upgrade its online textbook resource.

Paul Richardson, Chartered financial planner and the firm’s managing director, is a former Edgbarrow pupil and, along with the Concept team, is passionate about improving financial

literacy among young people.

He said: “We often have conversations with clients’ children who are heading off to university and provide them with a Student Information Pack that covers bank accounts, credit cards, credit reports, budgeting, and cash flow management.

Carl Wilkinson, Chartered financial planner and Concept Director, visited the school to hand over the cheque to Denise Holloway (Head of Maths Department) and Stuart Matthews (Headteacher).

“I have children and so do my col-

Craft village hosts classic car rally

Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham hosted a Blues and BBQ event recently.

As well as live music and great food and drink, there was a classic and sports car rally which was fully booked with more than 30 cars from the 1920s onwards parading around the paddock.

The music was supplied by popular up-tempo Blues/Rock band from Surrey, Ride North. The barbeque was supplied by JL Butchers, based in Squires Wokingham and Oaktree Bracknell and the bar was courtesy of The Tasting Barn situated in the village in Heathlands Road.

A spokesman for organisers JL Events said: “We had a mix of cars including a number from the Barkham and District Classic Car Club. Feedback was fabulous, everyone really enjoyed the day. Car owners were really happy with the organisation and the event was really well attended.

“We will definitely be looking at putting on another car show next year.”

The next event is the pumpkin carnival on Sunday 29th October from 11am to 4pm. Tickets are £12 for children and £2 for adults. Included in the price is bungee trampolines and bouncy castle, Scotty’s Circus workshops, the Pumpkin Witch stilt walker and her giant bubbles, an aerial performance by Aerial Sabine, a trick or treat trail with small chocolate treat and costume parade with prizes.

There will also be pumpkins for

sale, craft and game stalls, a barbecue and face-painting. To book tickets, visit https://ticketscandy.com/e/pumpkin-carnival-2750

Holme Grange Craft Village is a hidden gem in the heart of the countryside, offering a unique shopping experience. With independent traders and artisan crafters working in a collection of converted barns, visitors can browse in a relaxed environment. Offering a wide range of products, as well as numerous workshops and classes, there is also a fabulous coffee house in a historic barn opening onto a beautiful, enclosed courtyard where you can sit and relax while you enjoy your refreshment. With activities to keep the kids entertained and special events running throughout the year, Holme

leagues and we want them to grow up in a world in which people are educated about money from a young age.”

Concept Financial Planning, which focuses on building personalised financial plans for clients to enable them to do more of the things they want to, also has an office in Reigate.

The firm puts the focus on understanding who their clients are as people and what their life ambitions are and offers a fixed fee structure.

For more information about Concept Financial Planning visit conceptfinancialplanning.co.uk

For more information, visit www.holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk

Grange really is a ‘destination’ waiting to be discovered.

WORDS BY JACKY HAYLER PICTURES BY PAUL KING

MyWokingham

Visitors enjoy a brush with art at local exhibiton

WORDS AND PICTURES BY JACKY HAYLER

An art exhibition was held over two days recently at the Oakwood Centre in Wokingham where members of the public could view and purchase the works on display.

Woodley and Earley Arts Group hold two exhibitions every year. Chairman Martin Rolfe said: “We have had

some tremendous artworks on display which have been much appreciated by members of the public with some new exhibitors. They are all original artworks with a Chairman’s Challenge award given as well as being critiqued by professional judge Linda Saul and awarded Best in Show with two commendations.

Lesley Redmond has been painting since 1997 and specialises in landscapes and coastal scenes in acrylics and watercolours. And Lynda Tolworthy has been a life-long painter working with mainly watercolours. As the group’s membership secretary, she was pleased to report that there had been a lot of interest in people joining during the exhibition.

As well as paintings, there was also Marion Barter’s needlefelting on display. Marion, who has been making the creations for around five years, could also be seen working on her latest work of art at the show.

Brenda Hooper was awarded the Brian King Award for Best Newcomer for her painting of The Bull at Sonning while the Best in Show judge’s choice went to Lynda Tolworthy for her Sailing America’s Cup.

The group expected to receive more than 300 visitors over the two-day exhibition.

Woodley and Earley Arts Group is a friendly group of around 50 members. They welcome artists of all abilities, from pure beginners through to professionals, so if you have been thinking of exploring art why not drop in to one of their meetings? They meet on the last

Thursday of every month at 7pm at the Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley.

They invite professional artists from all over the country to come and demonstrate their painting skills while members watch and learn. The artists also bring along examples of their work and the materials they use. They aim to cover all media - oils, watercolours, acrylics and pastels.

They also ask some professional artist to come back and hold oneday workshops for members, where they can paint along with the artist to learn their particular techniques more thoroughly, but still in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Workshops are held once a month on Saturdays from September to April, usually at Pearson Hall in Sonning.

They also hold two exhibitions a year in the Oakwood Centre, where members can display and sell their work. Visitors are welcome to come along to the monthly meetings for £6 per evening. If you think you would like to become a member, the subscription is £30 for the year.

For more information, visit www. weag.art or email woodleyandearleyartsgroup@gmail.com

MyWokingham

Bereavement charity awarded essential Tesco funding

People experiencing the distressing and isolating impact of grief will benefit from a £1,500 grant aimed at promoting much-needed support.

Thames Valley Berkshire Cruse Bereavement Support received the funds from Tesco Wokingham community champion Louise Jedras to help anyone struggling with the devastating effects of grief.

The money came from Tesco’s Community Grants scheme, which awards funds to community organisations that make a positive difference to their communities, with £500, £1,000 and £1,500 available. Thames Valley Berkshire Cruse Bereavement Support received the maximum grant.

Hannah Yeomanson, Community Fundraising Officer at Thames Valley Berkshire Cruse Bereavement Support, said: “We’re very grateful to Tesco for this funding. We help people through one of the most painful times in life by providing specialist bereavement support to anyone living in the local area who is struggling with the devastating impact of grief. Anyone wishing to access our support can self-refer.

“Grief can be distressing, frightening, and isolating, leading to a number of difficulties for bereaved children and young people, including poor concentration, disturbed sleep, anxiety, depression and more risk-taking behaviours.

“The impact of grief can be wideranging, affecting mental and physi-

cal health, relationships, family life and education.

“Through this project we will train Bereavement Volunteers to provide specialist bereavement support to bereaved children and young people, living locally, helping them to manage and navigate their grief and adjust to life, without the person who has died.

“Tesco Community Grant Scheme has provided such valuable funding for our local services, at a time when we are seeing a huge increase in demand for support.

“The scheme has also provided a valuable opportunity for us to raise awareness of the work we do, and we are incredibly grateful for this amazing

support.”

The Tesco Community Grants scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support many community projects and good causes.

It is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, with all eligible organisations able to apply for funds now.

Louise Jedras, Community Champion at the Finchampstead Road store, said: “The work of Thames Valley Berkshire Cruse Bereavement Support is incredible. So many people have relied on its services at a very difficult time in their lives.

“Without those essential services, a lot of people would struggle to

cope, so I’m really pleased that we were able to make a donation that helps towards keeping the services going.

“The Tesco Community Grants scheme has already given out a number of donations to other Wokingham organisations, and I’d urge any others that feel they could benefit to apply now.” To find more information about Tesco Community Grants, visit https:// tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/

Thames Valley Berkshire Cruse Bereavement Support has a network of Bereavement Volunteers who give their own time to support others grieving in their community. Further information is available at https://www. cruse.org.uk.

Making memories the old-fashioned way

As a family we have been going to Park Dean Holiday Village in Croyde since our girls were little. A friend had a leaflet through the door and while I usually just bin my unsolicited mail, I am so glad she didn’t.

We went with them the first time. We had met at our antenatal group and hit it off straight away. She had two girls the same age as mine and a younger little boy – my youngest was three – she is now 26 and there’s not many years we have missed apart from the Covid years.

But we only ever go in the winter –November is our month. We’ve heard horror stories of roads gridlocked with cars and caravans in the summer while in November we can pretty much have the beach to ourselves – and what a beach. The expansive sandy cove has rock pools at each end to explore with hills rising up behind you, sand dunes to run down and is a surfers’ paradise.

The village of Croyde is as picture-box as they come – thatched cottages nestle in quaint streets, a number of excellent pubs, a bakery and a tearoom.

We always go for a long weekend, stopping for lunch in nearby South Molton to break up the journey and arrive just at checking-in time. And the apartments at Park Dean are amazing – right on the beach, you really couldn’t be any closer with balconies

overlooking the sea.

There’s also an indoor swimming pool and hot tub for exclusive use by the apartment guests. In the early years we would be in the pool morning, noon and night with our girls diving for coins and barely coming up for breath.

Over the years we have visited with numerous friends and family, as well as celebrating my father-in-law’s 60th birthday there.

Our weekends always following the same pattern. On Saturday morning we get up for a swim before walking into the village for pasties for lunch. A walk on the beach builds an appetite for said pasties followed by another swim. The afternoon is a trip down the road to Braunton, a town of a bygone era that reminds me of Wokingham in the 70s. En-route is Saunton Sands,

another wide expanse of British coastline at its best – as the name suggests boasting a very sandy beach.

Usually there’s lardy cake to buy (you can tell by now this is not a weekend to be on a diet) and we return to the apartment for another swim and a quick evening stroll on the beach with a run down the sand dunes. Dinner is a quick trip back to Braunton for a takeaway while the evening entertainment is a few games of cards and usually by then an hour of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here before bed.

We have been known to travel to the nearby Clovelly, a village steeped in history (and steep in nature too) with a walk down to the harbour and the promise of a beer in the pub for hubby to get him back up the hill.

Sunday is more of the same with lunch

in a pub in Croyde. Over the years we have taken ponies out from the nearby stable for a hack in the countryside and we have often considered a surfing lesson but just haven’t got round to it yet!

In recent years our trips have changed slightly. First our eldest got a boyfriend and he came too, then our youngest followed suit and we were a family of six. Pre-Covid we all ventured down for the weekend, together with my mum and dad and mother-inlaw. With such numbers we rented out Lundy House, a beautiful cottage just set back from the beach with a lovely kitchen complete with huge dining table and cosy living room with real fire.

Post-Covid and another member of the family meant plans changed again. Sooty the dog had to come too and since Park Dean has a ‘no dogs’ policy, we opted for a townhouse in nearby Ilfracombe. The location was perfect for the shops, the harbour and for walks along the cliff while the house was beautifully decorated with a shabby chic, seaside vibe.

Over the years we have made many memories in Croyde and this year will be no exception – we will have our 18-month-old granddaughter with us for the first time. This trip will be wellies at the ready for paddling in the rock pools, running into the waves and making more memories.

First for horticultural show as public encouraged to submit entries

BY JACKY HAYLER

For the first time ever, the Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association welcomed entries from non-members in their Autumn Show.

Established since the 1950s, the 290 entries this year represents double the number of entries in last year’s competition.

Association chairman Myrddin Jones said: “Maybe it is because it’s been a good growing year or perhaps it’s enthusiasm after the Covid years.

“Initially the show was set up as a way of getting the members together but we decided to open it up and expand it to become a village show to embrace the whole community.”

Children are also welcome to submit entries with schools including Colleton, Polehampton and The Piggott encouraged to get involved. They were given seeds to get the children to grow and enter, following on from the success of the spring show where children were given bulbs to grow.

Myrddin said: “Hopefully these will be our members of the future.”

There was also an activity corner at the show where children could make plant watering bottles and plant cuttings to take home.

During the day there was two categories of entries, one judged by professional judges approved by the Royal Horticultural Society as independent judges, the other by local people with the public given voting cards.

Myrddin added: “Families come in and see each other and their entries, get talking and it encourages greater interaction. This is something that has emerged since Covid. Because the show could not be held in its physical form, we went online where entrants uploaded pictures and people voted online.”

Local firm commissioned to make commemorative Coronation bench

The villagers of Hurst recently got a new place for them to sit and contemplate, thanks to a local company. A new commemorative Coronation bench was fitted in the village made from local cedar and with powder-coated legs. The bench was made by local company Winson Woodcraft, based at Hinton Hatch Cottages in Waltham Road in the village.

Clive Winson said: “The local parish council asked me to make it as I make the benches at Dinton Pastures Country Park. It’s always nice to use local timber

for community projects such as this.”

Winson Woodcraft have been turning wood using a traditional pole-lathe for over 20 years and amassed a wealth of experience and skill in creating individual character creations from locally sourced, renewable sources.

“We are an independent family-run tree surgery and traditional crafts business based in Hurst. We strive to recycle as much of the by-products of our tree work by creating hand-crafted rustic products using both traditional and modern craft and construction methods.”

MyWokingham

Royal visit to Bracknell’s Ukrainian community hub

Ukrainian community hub Vsi Razom welcomed Royalty this month to showcase how it is making a difference to the lives of local Ukrainian families displaced by conflict.

The Princess of Wales visited the Ukrainian centre in Bracknell, speaking to staff and volunteers as well as families who have been using it for advice, support, and friendship.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness helped to pack goodwill boxes for local families, which provide essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, nappies and wipes.

The Vsi Razom Community Hub is the brainchild of two local women, Ashleigh Toomey and Natalia Vil, who teamed up at the start of the war in

Bracknell Town Mayor takes virtual marathon challenge to support power of parenting charity

Bracknell Town’s Mayor for the year 2023-24, Councillor Simon Carter, is embarking on an inspiring fundraising endeavour in support of the Power of Parenting charity. On the 21st of April 2024, Simon will be participating in the Virtual London Marathon, where he will complete two laps of the Bracknell Half Marathon route, passing through The Lexicon three times.

Simon’s dedication to the Power of Parenting charity is deeply personal, stemming from his past experience as a foster parent. This organisation tirelessly strives to enhance the lives of young individuals in foster care by offering various activities and educational opportunities, empowering them to reach their full potential.

In these challenging times, every contribution, no matter how small, can

make a significant difference in the lives of children and young people in need. Simon’s aspiration is to raise £500 in donations by the 21st of April 2024.

Your support matters greatly. Join Simon in his fundraising journey to benefit the Power of Parenting charity, as every little bit counts. To make a donation, please visit his dedicated Just Giving Page.

Ukraine to transport donated items to Ukraine.

As Ukrainians began to come to the borough, they wanted a way to continue their support but also to help the local community as a whole.

Her Royal Highness also spent time talking to psychologist, Tatiana Sverdlova, who is helping families, specifically children and young people, process their experiences and the impact it has had on their mental health.

The visit coincided with the first anniversary of the hub’s opening. Over the past 12 months it has helped more than 200 people – mostly people from Ukraine who have made Bracknell Forest their home - but also people who have been displaced by other international conflicts.

New outdoor exercise equipment for residents

New outdoor exercise equipment is now freely available for residents to use at The Parks open space in Bracknell.

The new calisthenics park is centrally located and can be accessed off a main path. There are 10 different workout stations residents can use and features such as parallel bars and rings. These are designed for body weight exercises known as calisthenics.

Calisthenics helps to increase body strength, power and endurance. It is an increasingly popular form of exercise and up until now, there have been few non-commercial facilities locally available.

The new equipment accommodates people of different heights and abilities and instructions are provided for its use.

Bracknell Forest Council has provided the calisthenics park for the use and enjoyment of the local community. Cllr Kandy Jefferies, executive member for culture, delivery and public protection, said:“The idea to install this new equipment initially came from a resident of The Parks,

who was inspired on her fitness journey by similar equipment in London parks.

“Upon looking into this further, and after consulting residents, it became apparent there was a local need for this type of outdoor exercise facility. Calisthenics equipment is well-suited for use in an outdoor environment, as it has minimal moving parts and it is of robust construction.”

Kim Kerr, a resident who lives near The Parks, said: “I contacted the council in 2020 with the suggestion of bringing a calisthenics park to Bracknell. “Calisthenics has helped us with our body and mind fitness following personal loss.

The calisthenics park will provide the opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to get fit and healthy. It will provide a facility for the next generation, which includes my four children,.

“We are thankful to the council for providing this new facility in this special park. Our thanks to Cllr Kandy Jefferies for helping to officially open it. We look forward to working with him again in the future.”

Site confirmed for new autism school after successful funding bid

Following the successful bid for funding to build a new autism school, a site has been confirmed in Crowthorne.

Having considered a number of sites throughout Bracknell Forest Borough, the council’s executive agreed this week that Buckler’s Park is where the new autism school will be built.

The new school will accommodate 100 pupils from reception to year 13, with the site providing indoor and outdoor teaching spaces.

Work will now start on the design and planning of the school with it due to open its doors to pupils from September 2026.

Cllr Roy Bailey, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: “Improving services and opportunities for children and young people with SEND is a big priority and this new school will provide much needed provision.

“While the original plan for this land had been a primary school, the pu-

pil numbers locally do not justify the need for this. We are lucky to have excellent primary schools within easy reach of Buckler’s Park and therefore the site is better used for a SEND school.

“Working with CALA homes, we will be able to start construction once the design and planning stages have been completed. It is anticipated that the school will be ready to welcome pupils in September 2026.

“The new school will accommodate 100 pupils, far lower than that of the originally proposed primary school which will result is less traffic to the site. Transport will be made available for children travelling from around the borough.”

The site at Buckler’s Park was chosen as it allows for the quickest construction and is the most cost-effective option.

The school’s roll of 100 pupils takes into consideration the size of the site and the class sizes appropriate for the best possible learning

environment for pupils’ educational needs. It will accommodate children from across the borough.

The council is also working with local schools to create additional SEN places through specialist provisions and units. Places will include additional capacity for children and young people with autism.

The Buckler’s Park site had been allocated for education as part of the original planning for the development, with the expectation of a two-form entry primary school being required.

Since work started on the development, primary pupil numbers in mainstream education in the borough have reduced, while the number of children of all ages with SEND requirements has increased over time and is due to continue to rise.

The current special school provision in the borough is at capacity and local mainstream schools have sufficient places to accommodate children from the development.

MyWokingham

Oktoberfest heads to Bracknell

The Lexicon will be holding its first ever gaming event, GAME ON!, during October half term. This free event will see 13 gaming stations set up in Princess Square, where people can play their favourite games or try something new when booking a two-hour slot. The two-hour slot allows for a “playing time” of about 1h45m.

Designed to be a family event for all ages, there will be a range of consoles from NES to PS5, retro games such as Pac Man to the very latest releases such as FC24, and everything in between.

In addition, on Saturday 28th October, Cineworld will host a free gaming day, so families can play video games on a cinema screen, with plenty of seats for friends and family to observe the action. When attending your prebooked slot at GAME ON! you can collect a Cineworld access pass, these will be available from Friday 20 October on a first come first served basis, places will be limited.

Everyone who books a slot will be in with the chance of winning some fabulous prizes sponsored by CEX, Cineworld, Game (situated within Sports Direct) and Joypad.

A new games area for little ones will also be launched in Princess Square, featuring simple to enjoy games such as snakes & ladders, hop-scotch and ‘the floor is lava’.

GAME ON! will be managed by Joypad, an experienced gaming specialist which has been running gaming events, large and small for more than a decade.

The world famous ‘Oktoberfest’ heads to Bracknell on Saturday 21st October. Join the team at The Admiral Cunningham for an unmissable evening of Bavarian activities from 5pm to 11pm!

There will be a full German beer marquee fully decorated in Bavarian theming with a live Oompah Band and DJ’s.

There will be a Lederhosen Bar

and table staff with authentic beers served in Steins Wines, spirits, soft drinks with also be available and there will also be food to purchase.

The Admiral Cunningham Hotel is at Priestwood Ct Rd, Binfield, Bracknell RG42 1TU. Tickets are priced £10 plus £1 booking fee for admission only or £20 with £2 booking fee for admission and the beer package.

Musical that will be Truly Scrumptious

EBOS bring you a fantasmagorical adventure with everyone’s favourite car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Chitty’s eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, and his children, Jeremy and Jemima, join confectionery heiress Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the evil Baron and Baroness Bomburst along with the Child Catcher

It’s GAME ON at The Lexicon this half term Bracknell's Ukrainian community marks one-tear milestone at Princess Square

Bracknell, UK - In a heartwarming celebration of unity and resilience, the Bracknell Ukrainian community commemorated their first anniversary at their dedicated space in Princess Square shopping center this past Saturday. The event saw a prominent presence from dignitaries and council members, including Deputy Mayor Jenny Penfold, who graced the occasion by cutting the celebratory cake.

The festivities were further enriched by the participation of the Bracknell Ukraine People, who joined hands with the community to make this milestone even more special. The Princess Square shopping center, known for its vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for the jubilant gathering.

Center Manager Naalia Vil of VSI Razom stepped forward to address the attendees, expressing profound

gratitude on behalf of the Ukrainian community. She extended heartfelt thanks to the local Council and the broader Bracknell community for their unwavering support and kindness, particularly during the challenging times that the local Ukrainian population has faced within Bracknell Borough.

The event served as a poignant

Car park has just weeks to go before closure

racknell’s High Street car park has just weeks left before it closes on 31st October following independent surveyor reports that show the structure is corroding and cannot be fixed.

The car park, which was built in the 1970s, has already had its middle parking bays suspended to spread weight load. This has provided a temporary solution to keep it safe and open.

However, surveyors have said that this cannot continue as the structure is corroding. They recommended

Bclosing the car park before the end of the year, as the level of corrosion within the concrete reinforcement cannot be remedied.

It will remain open safely until 31th October, work will then begin to safely hoard off the car park in November. The site will be added to the overall town centre masterplan for regeneration – it is too soon to say what may be placed on the site in the future.

High Street car park is mainly used by council staff working in the nearby Time Square office and a handful of monthly season ticket holders. It is not the car park of choice for shop-

pers or those visiting The Lexicon. Bracknell town centre has lots of alternative car parks available. Braccan Walk, Princess Square, Albert Road and Weather Way are all within walking distance of the town centre. Structural engineers have advised that the businesses under High Street car park could remain in place safely until 2025, subject to regular inspections.

Discussions are ongoing between the council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and Shopmobility to find an alternative parking and drop-off point for people that use Shopmobility.

in this non-stop adventure for all ages.

See Chitty FLY live on-stage, in an out of this world, live-action production.

The show comes to the Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park from October 31st to November 4th. Tickets are priced from £19.50. For more information, visit www. southhillpark.co.uk

reminder of the power of community, solidarity, and the positive impact that collective support can have on individuals navigating adversity. As the Bracknell Ukrainian community marks this significant milestone, their presence in Princess Square continues to symbolize the strength and resilience that bind diverse communities together in times of need.

PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

Earth Fayre shares green initiatives with the community

BY JACKY HAYLER

Residents who are concerned about the world around them dropped in on the first Earth Fayre hosted by All Saints Church in Wokingham.

The free event was to encourage the community to discover local groups and charities that are working hard for our planet and its care. From exploring how to use less plastic, to how you can better insulate your home, there were a number of stalls as well as engaging speakers.

Local resident Elizabeth Corse was on hand to promote Climate Fresk, a hands-on, interactive game that deals with the causes and consequences of climate change, encouraging participants to brainstorm and come up with solutions.

Elizabeth takes the model into businesses to kick-start employees and employers to work more sustainably and is hoping to bring the experience to more members of the Wokingham community.

Freely Fruity, which has an orchard in Barkham, was there with their mission to create a more edible planet by planting fruit trees and bushes for people to enjoy in local communities, reducing the carbon footprint as they do it.

Carolyn Davies said: “Our aim is to create a positive change by developing community spirit, educate people on local eating, inspiring younger generations and easing global food wastage.”

So far they have grown and donated hundreds of kilograms of organic produce to local foodbanks in Berkshire.

Another gardening-based group was present - Growing Places is all about enabling adults with learning difficulties, in partnership with Optalis.

And proving it is never too early to start thinking about the world around you,

Floreat Montague School had a stall.

The school, in William Heelas Way in Wokingham, aims to develop a sustainable culture; one where a sustainable approach is evident in all they do. At present they are working on food waste, tree-planting, active travel plan to reduce reliance on cars, offering a vegan menu, green energy and recycling.

They recently worked alongside the University of Reading and FutureLearn, to act as a case study school for their ‘Teaching Climate and Sustainability in Primary Schools: An Outdoor Learning Approach’ course. The staff and children shared the approach that they are developing at Floreat Montague Park towards climate and sustainability education through outdoor learning.

It was a family event and included activities for children as well as story-telling.

Some of the subjects covered by the speakers included ‘Sustainability in technology’ and ‘What we consume and its impact’ by Tom Blomley. Extinction Rebellion (XR) were present and spoke about ‘A little less conversation, a little

more action’ followed by a singing interlude with the ‘Occasions Singers’. Rob Thompson from the University of Reading spoke about ‘Climate change in Berkshire: What the future has in store’ while Growing Places Berkshire discussed ‘The Importance of Nature for wellbeing’.

Keira Salata from Wellington College highlighted ‘Youth Climate Action and Empowerment’ and the Occasion Singers rounded off the afternoon.

Protests for SEND Education Reform Gain Momentum

BY NICK MARR

In a sweeping call for change within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education system, the Oxford & Surrounding Areas team of SEND Reform England is making waves. Comprising parents, caregivers, and professional educators, this dedicated group is tirelessly advocating for a radical overhaul of the SEND education framework and the processing of Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs).

The core objectives of their campaign are as follows:

Comprehensive EHCP Review: An urgent demand for a complete review of the EHCP process, with a particular focus on addressing the unlawful decisions made by local authorities.

Expanded Specialised Education: Advocating for an increase in the number of specialist schools and available specialist school placements.

Sufficient Funding for Mainstream Schools: Insisting on adequate funding for mainstream schools to effec-

tively implement EHCPs for children who can be integrated into mainstream education.

Enhanced Teacher and TA Training: Emphasising the need for better teacher and Teaching Assistant (TA) training in the field of SEND.

Reduced Diagnostics Waiting Times: Calling for a review of the lengthy waiting times for diagnostic assessments.

Their efforts have already gained significant traction, with a well-organised peaceful protest outside the Parliament on June 21, 2023, that drew approximately 1,000 attendees. Furthermore, a petition titled “Reform the SEND Education” on change.org has garnered an impressive 82,000 signatures.

The next phase of the campaign includes a series of 13 planned peaceful protests scheduled to take place across England this autumn. The Oxford protest is set for Friday, October 13th, 2023, at Bonn Square, running from 11 am to 2 pm.

MyWokingham

Festive funtime

Santa’s grottos

South Hill Park, Bracknell. Santa will be greeting children at South Hill Park this December and is sure to kick-start the Christmas excitement! Children will be able to write Santa a letter and post it at the Elves Post Office and make all sorts of festive crafts with a little help from the elves before they get to meet Santa. For more information, visit www.southhillpark.co.uk

Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road, Wokingham, festive fun day. 25th November Santa’s grotto, live performances, BBQ, mulled wine, face-painting and more. www.holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk

Theme parks

Chobham Adventure Farm. This year the animal barn will be magically transformed into The Reindeer Lodge, where all of Santa’s real reindeer will be staying while they get ready for the big day! You can meet the big man himself too. For more information, visit www.chobhamadventurefarm.co.uk

Experience the Magic of Christmas at Legoland, Windsor. This festive event transforms the Park into a winter wonderland. From 25th November 2023. For more information, visit www. legoland.co.uk

Trains

Santa Specials with Pinewood Miniature Railway Society, Bracknell. Come and join us for a train ride to Santa’s Grotto! Every child under 10 receives a gift from Santa and every adult a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Trains depart every 15 minutes from 11am - 1pm & 1.45pm - 3.30pm. For more information, visit www.pinewoodrailway.co.uk

Winter festivals

Santa at Reading Winter Wonderland, Hills Meadow, Reading. 12th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024. Santa and his Elf make it the most magical experience for the children. Every child receives a top-quality gift to take home. You can even take your own pictures of your experience with Santa. For more information, visit www.readingwinerwonderland.co.uk

Santa at the Wokingham Winter Carnival. 26th November 2023. Wokingham Winter Carnival is a fun day out for the whole family. There’s a whole host of street entertainers, music, singing, dancing and the fun of the fair with loads of different rides, whether you’re young or old and Santa will be in his grotto. For more information, visit www.wintercarnival.co.uk

Garden centres

Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Hare Hatch. Join us for this festive event with breakfast for the whole family plus fun activities and a special visit from Santa! For more information, visit www.dobbies.com

Santa’s Quiet Grotto, Dobbies. Friday 8th December. 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Tickets £11.99. We’re pleased to be able to offer visits to Santa for children with additional needs. Embrace the festive season with a must-have visit to our Santa’s grotto this Christmas. For more information, visit www.dobbies.com

Hotels/restaurants

Santa Afternoon Tea, Cantley House Hotel, Wokingham. December 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st. Enjoy our mouth-watering Festive Afternoon Tea followed by a visit to see the big man himself in his grotto (price includes a gift for each child). £28 per adult and £15 per child.

Breakfast with Santa Paws at The Oakingham Belle, Wokingham. Santa didn’t forget about our furry babies this year! Looking for a morning out with dogs? From a group walk to homemade Christmas dinner for dogs and breakfast for owners, with some surprises for the pups along the way… book now to secure your place! For more information, visit www.oakinghambellepubwokingham.co.uk

Artist bringing the local community together

Artist Richard Young is passionate about engaging with the community and providing everyone with the opportunity to express their creative side.

And now the owner of R Young Gallery in Wokingham is reaching out to the local community for his next project.

In a sheltered alleyway near his gallery off Denmark Street, he has created a series of nostalgic prints of the road in days of old. And now he would like to put similar installations throughout the town, detailing the Wokingham of a bygone era.

He has the prints all ready to go but needs the spaces on which to mount the lockable frames. With Vail Williams sponsoring the cabinets and permission from Wokingham Borough Council, he just needs to find locations in Peach Street, Broad Street, Market Square and Rose Street.

The next series is due to go up later this month in Peach Place. Richard said: “We want people to find little places off the beaten track that they can explore and rediscover Wokingham. The aim is to create a trail for people to follow with a map to guide them.”

Celebrating the second anniversary of the gallery on Saturday, Richard in-

vited members of the local community to the unveiling of his latest artwork.

And he has big plans for next year, having submitted a proposal to the council to hold Art in the Park at Elms Field. His vision is to have a series of artists throughout the day filmed onto a giant screen so people can sit at their easels and follow a giant art class.

Having lived in Wokingham for just five years, it is clear the town has already got under his skin. He was instrumental in getting three giant panels of artwork in place at Erfstadt Court and was also heavily involved in the Wokingham in Bloom art competition, sponsoring the prizes and sitting on the judging panel. As part of the bid,

he also created a floral mosaic called Marilyn Monrose, incorporating 2,000 silk roses.

Painting from a corner of his living room (his partner says he is the tidiest artist she has ever met) it is clear that the gallery owner is not only passionate about art but also about the town in which he lives.

If you have any space where an art installation may be able to go in town, or would like to sponsor either a lockable frame or get involved in Art in the Park, please contact Richard Young by emailing info@ryoung-art.com or call 0118 979 8558.

GREENFINGERS… the Alan Titchmarsh Column

Ah, the gentle burble of a garden fountain! It has a certain timeless charm, doesn’t it? It’s not just the preserve of stately homes or grand public gardens. With a dash of patience, a sprinkle of know-how, and an eye for design, you too can bring that touch of serenity to your own plot.

Many a time, whilst wandering the meandering pathways of my Hampshire home, I’ve paused by my own water feature, momentarily transfixed by its aquatic ballet. Yet, I remember the days when I would regard these structures with some scepticism, thinking, ‘All that plumbing! All that fuss!’

It’s true that the construction of a wa-

ter feature can be somewhat involved, but the rewards – both aesthetically and in terms of wildlife attraction – are undoubtedly worth it.

However, before plunging headlong into the world of water features, it’s wise to consider a few practicalities.

First and foremost, you have to think about the plumbing. Pipes need to be buried, but not too deeply; you don’t want to run into trouble come winter when the ground freezes. The supply is another matter and while it might be tempting to tie it directly to your home’s mains, this can prove costly. Instead, consider a recirculating system which will save on both water and

your pocket.

In terms of style, it’s essential to find a design that complements the surroundings. There’s little sense in plonking a sleek, modern sculpture in the midst of a cottage garden or conversely, placing a rustic barrel in a space that is edgy and contemporary.

When I was planning mine, I took inspiration from the age of the house, the types of plants around and the overall ‘feel’ of the garden. Your water feature should enhance, not clash with, its environment.

And let us not forget maintenance. Algae blooms and the occasional mischievous leaf can plague water

features. A little routine cleaning and perhaps a strategic water plant or two, can keep these issues in check. Remember, this is a living feature and like all living things, it requires a touch of tender loving care.

Reflecting on my own water feature journey, it’s clear to me now that these constructions are more than mere decorative pieces.

They’re transformative, turning a simple garden into a haven of peace, an attractor of wildlife, and a focal point of design.

So, if you’ve been toying with the idea of introducing a water feature to your patch, I say dive in!

MyWokingham

Glamorous spin on tattoo studio

Anew tattoo studio has opened in the former McEvoy and Rowley premises in the precinct in Woodley. Established in Reading for three years, Mystic Lounge Tattoo is bringing their excellent reputation and creativity to the good people of Woodley. My Wokingham caught up with them to find out just what attracted them to this location and what the locals can expect.

What is the ethos of Mystic Lounge Tattoo?

Mystic Lounge Tattoo is an inclusive, glamorous spin on your average tattoo studio. We’re tired of the stigmas surrounding parlours and tattoo culture and our mission is to show how polished, beautiful, and full of history this industry actually is! The location is full of antique furniture, old tattoo prints and illustration to tell our story, while our skilled, friendly staff will provide top notch services and the best customer service! Our pride and joy are people coming back to us saying how our studio makes them feel calm and safe from any judgement!

Is it important that you become part of the community of Wokingham/Woodley?

We’d love to become part of the community! In our Reading branch, we have seasonal events such as Halloween Flash week or even charity events for different shelters and causes we support, so it would be great to be part of the Woodley/Wokingham community and have everyone joining our events.

I understand Woodley is your latest location. Why is it important for you to locate there?

We had a lot of clients coming from Woodley to our Reading branch, so we thought it would be great for us to come to them for a change. In Woodley, there are many nice families and schools, and the high street needed a nice, new and modern business concept.

What kind of service do you offer your clients? Do you have a lot of repeat business/word of mouth re-

ferrals?

We have many repeat clients, the majority coming from family or friend referrals. If you see the Google reviews, we have the highest number of reviews in and around Reading. All our staff have years of experience and a great set of skills to guarantee everyone a superb experience. We offer tattoos, piercing and semi-permanent freckles! We used to offer a laser removal service, but due to a fire in our studio in Friar Street, Reading, the main laser removal machine was damaged and we now need to reorganise this service.

What is the history/background of Mystic Lounge Tattoo?

We first opened in October 2020, right after the very dreaded Lockdown! It was a bit of a gamble as we didn’t know how people would respond to us considering the climate at the time, but we soon realised everyone was itching for a tattoo! The whole concept came from our owner, Giacomo, the Senior artist Mel and our manager Justine, who teamed up with hard work and a passion for tattoos and our very typical Retro flare. We tried to combine excellent tattoos and piercings, with an immaculate customer’s service. In fact, twice we were recognised in a customer poll, as the cleanest tattoo studio in Reading. And we were recently rated as one of the three best studios in Reading. Our tattoo artists won international conventions, and all specialise in different tattoos styles. Our piercers are licenced and certified, with Academy awards received.

Where did the name come from?

Our name, Mystic Lounge Tattoo, is a nudge to Victorian secret societies, where at the time eccentrics would gather to discuss and share their knowledge on arts, oddities, and the occult. A place, ‘Lounge’ to feel welcomed, and ‘Mystic, empowered to connect the absolute experience at the studio.

Is there anything else you feel our readers should know?

At Mystic, our artists can accommodate your individual needs. Whatever you are looking for – something small or a full bodysuit, from traditional to a modern Japanese tattoo, from gold to titanium piercing jewelleries, we will always offer professional advice based on our experience so that you can leave feeling confident you have made the right decision. We offer the best Vegan Tattoo Ink on the market. Our ink is non-toxic and animal cruelty-free.

Our tattoo ink not only passes all health and safety guidelines but is also vegan friendly.

For bookings, we work on appointments, and we always accept walk-ins, but, in particular for weekends, we always recommend to book in advance to avoid long waiting. We hope to see you all soon in Woodley.

For more information, visit www. mysticloungetattoo.co.uk

Carnival back after three-year break – bigger and better than ever

Recruitment fair attracts hundreds of potential volunteers

Hundreds of people visited Wokingham Town Hall for the most recent Volunteer Recruitment Fair.

Most of the major local charities were represented, looking for those people with time to spare to help out.

Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Sally Gurney popped by to lend her support to the event and chatted to all the charities. The variety of organisations meant there would be something to suit everyone.

After a break of three years the Spencers Wood Carnival was back – and it was bigger and better than ever, bringing the entire community together.

The highlight of the village’s calendar saw thousands pour into the recreation ground at Clares Green Road three years later than expected because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of HM The Queen.

The weather smiled on the organisers, despite a gloomy forecast and numbers through the gates proved the biggest crowd ever.

Visitors enjoyed all the fun of fair, thanks to John Coneley and his family. There was live music from Rosedale and Limpopo Groove plus a special appearance from a local band!

And the dog show proved popular

with prizes donated by Marshalls Pet Food Stores and Claire Hordle.

Residents could take a culinary trip around the globe with foods from all over the world including Indian and Ghanaian cuisine as well as local business, Tutu’s Ethiopian Kitchen. There were stalls galore with children’s entertainment provided by Circus Scenes while grown-ups could enjoy a licenced bar courtesy of the Farriers Arms.

Organiser, Debbie Johnson-Wait said she was delighted with the day which exceeded all expectations. Many of the area’s newest residents have not experienced the carnival before and organisers said they were delighted that it felt like a community reunion and represented the united spirit of the area.

The event, which was free to attend, featured:

l Link Visiting Scheme (which provides befrienders for elderly people who have become isolated)

l The Citizens Advice Bureau (which provides free confidential advice to anyone who needs it)

l The Wokingham Transport Scheme (which providers volunteers for transport for medical appointments)

l Homestart Wokingham District (which provides support to families with children going through difficult times)

l Green ‘n’ Tidy Gardening Scheme (which provides a low-cost gardening service for elderly and vulnerable clients) and

l ABC to Read (which provides trained volunteers to local schools

to read with primary school children.

A spokesman for the event said: “Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare from September? Maybe your children are starting nursery, school or going off to university? Maybe you are coming up to retirement, or just want to find something different to do away from school or work? Maybe you want to meet some new friends and have fun? Volunteering is a fantastic way to give something back to the local community and help others whilst gaining so much for yourself as well.”

Other organisations attending included those that support children and young people, families, those with-long term or life-threatening health conditions, the elderly, people with mental health issues and other groups.

If you were unable to attend the fair but would like to find out more about volunteering in general, visit www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org. uk, call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk

Winter Carnival set to kick off Wokingham’s festive season

Wokingham Lions Club will be bringing the Wokingham Winter Carnival to the town centre on Sunday 26th November 2023. A free-to-enter fun day out, the event is a great way to start celebrating Christmas and the festive season.

The Wokingham Winter Carnival benefits from major support from Wokingham Town Council and The Wokingham Society, as well as sponsorship from local companies.

Wokingham Lions Club would also like to thank other groups and individuals for their help with manpower on the day and the local press who promote the event for free in their publications including My Wokingham.

Tim Hanton, Wokingham Lions Club, Winter Carnival Chairman is heading the team for a second year and told us: “We are looking forward to providing a fantastic day out for the residents of Wokingham, with great entertainment

to kick off the Christmas season.”

The Winter Carnival is held throughout the town centre, including Denmark Street, Erfstadt Court, Market Place, Peach Street, Broad Street, Rose Street, Peach Place and for the first time this year it extends down onto the hardstanding adjacent to Elms Field.

The official start is 11am, but stalls and rides will be open from 10.30am. Many of the ever-popular attractions will be back including the fairground rides (charges apply), all day entertainment on the stage in Market Place, plus street entertainment around the town.

Santa has again chosen the Elevate Centre for his grotto and First Days Children’s Charity will be helping him on the day. This year there will be a booking system to reduce queueing times to see Santa, further details will be available soon on the website www.wintercarnival.co.uk. Please note a small charge applies.

Over 125 stalls have booked to be at The Winter Carnival. These include craft stalls, food stalls and charity stalls, giving many small businesses and local charities an opportunity to raise their profiles and some much-need-

ed funds. Wokingham Lions Club will distribute funds made after the event expenses to this year’s major beneficiaries of Home-Start Wokingham District and Share Wokingham, as well as other local charities and good causes.

The day will culminate at 4.15pm in the traditional Carol concert with choir, band and the lighting of the Christmas tree. This will, as last year, be followed at 5pm by a stunning laser show in the Market Place. Wokingham Lions Club have commissioned a different show this year and it will provide a wonderful end to the Wokingham Winter Carnival 2023.

To explore sponsorship opportunities, email Wokingham Lions at mail@ wokinghamlions.org.uk.

For more details about Wokingham Lions Club visit www.wokinghamlions. org.uk, follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Threads or phone 0345 8337384.

WORDS BY JACKY HAYLER PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

WORDS BY JACKY HAYLER PICTURES BY PAUL KING

MyWokingham

Christmas Sudoku

Christmas Wordsearch

CANDY CANE

CAROL

CHRISTMAS TREE

GIFTS

GINGER MAN

GREETING CARDS

ORNAMENTS

REINDEER

SANTA CLAUS

STAR

STOCKINGS

WREATH

COLOUR ME IN!

All Saints Church unveils tower view and cafe for Wokingham Heritage Day

All Saints Church in Wokingham welcomed the public with open arms as it unveiled its tower and brand-new café, inviting visitors to experience breath-taking panoramic views of the town.

Guests were treated to daily demonstrations of quilting and lacemaking, showcasing the crafts that have been an integral part of the church’s heritage. Poetry and prose enthusiasts can look forward to recitals scheduled for the upcoming weekend, promising to be a treat for literary connoisseurs.

Families were not left out, as the

event offered a wide range of children’s activities to keep young visitors entertained.

Additionally, a competition added an extra layer of excitement, encouraging attendees to participate and showcase their skills.

Revd Hannah Higginson, expressed her enthusiasm for the community’s participation and support in making this day possible.

Visitors were encouraged to explore the church, savour the scenic views from the tower, and indulge in the delightful offerings at the new café.

Final spin of the turntable for record shop

PICTURE BY PAUL KING

Another shop owner in Wokingham has decided to close their doors for the last time.

Ian Biles at Beyond the Download music store in Rose Street, Wokingham has closed his shop.

Ian told My Wokingham” I feel very sad to close my shop here in Rose Street, Wokingham, but we hope to keep the shop going online.”

Beyond the Download became a one-stop shop for the best new vinyl records, turntables, record care products, accessories and more. They were also committed to promoting a huge variety of new music and organised live music events in Peach Place. Ian was also involved in the inaugural Wokingham’s Got Talent, organised this summer by My Wokingham.

Ian added: “The rising costs to just keep a shop open in Wokingham town have got out of control with the cost of rent and other things - it just doesn’t pay to keep the doors open.

“I have made so many friends over the years being here plus we held the Wednesday night club at the shop with local live music events and now it’s all

gone forever.”

Beyond the Download was born in 2012 as an online shop, before expanding to a physical shop at Holme Grange Craft Village in Heathlands Road, Wokingham in late 2016. Only six months later they expanded to a shop three times bigger, and then in March 2019 they re-located once again to Wokingham town centre on historic Rose Street.

To keep up to date or to buy online, visit www.beyondthedownload.uk, email sales@beyondthedownload.uk or you find them on Facebook

Leah Wokingham Town's New Mini Mayor

The Mini-Mayor role is an initiative where the Town Council works with Wokingham primary schools to select a Year 6 pupil to become Mini-Mayor during their school year. Once appointed, the Mini-Mayor attends some key Wokingham events with the mayor. It’s a great opportunity for a young pupil to play a bigger part in the community and be a real role model and ambassador for their school. The new Mini-Mayor is Leah Vas from Floreat Montague Park Primary School.

Meet

MyWokingham

General Knowledge

Across Clues:

5. Attractive and interesting (11)

9. Frequently attends gatherings (9)

10. Central public space, ancient Greece (5)

11. Firmament (3)

12. Small, narrow boat (5)

13. Where it will happen (5)

15. Shrub that has been kept very small (6)

17. Religious service (6)

19. Instrument (5)

20. Long, narrow piece of raised land (5)

21. Mixture of gases (3)

23. Point a wall (5)

24. Becomes greater (9)

26. Desertion (11)

Down Clues:

1. One edge to another (5)

2. Pertaining to a mark (9)

3. Black powdery substance (3)

4. Opinion (8)

6. Company, founded in 1890 (6)

7. Provides finance for a project (11)

8. Psychologically distressed (11)

14. Performance (9)

16. Contracts (8)

18. Fails completely (6)

22. Sweat room (5)

25. Small crawling insects (3)

Oktoberfest comes to Wokingham

Wokingham embraced Bavarian culture this weekend with Oktoberfest festivities across the borough. The annual German beer festival brought lively gatherings, hearty food, and ample beer to Wokingham.

Sindlesham Court shone as a standout venue, transformed into a Bavarian wonderland with music, traditional decor, and communal tables. Revellers dressed in lederhosen and dirndls, savouring the spirit of Oktoberfest.

Beer stole the show, with one-liter steins brimming from local and German

breweries. The atmosphere buzzed with toasts to Oktoberfest.

The Wheelwrights Arms in Hurst offered another Bavarian experience. Staff donned traditional attire, and beer flowed in the cozy English pub, creating a memorable night.

Wokingham's Oktoberfest, at Sindlesham Court or The Wheelwrights Arms, caters to all. It showcases the borough's cultural richness, uniting people through music, food, and beer. As the month unfolds, expect more unforgettable Oktoberfest moments in Wokingham. Prost!

Nestled in the heart of Finchampstead surrounded by countryside, Wild Acres is a wonderful 26 bedroomed, single storey care home.

With spacious and airy rooms, reaching out to terraces and gardens, it is the perfect family home in which to relax, be safe and enjoy friendships.

We welcome anyone to visit and find out more about us at Wild Acres Care Home.

MyWokingham

What’s on

12th to 14th Oct: Betty Blue Eyes, Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, Shinfield, RG2 9DF. Call the Box Office on 0118 975 8880. All performances at 7.45pm.

It’s 1947 and a town banquet is planned in honour of the forthcoming marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Phillip her groom. But Britain is still in rationing and raising an unlicensed pig is unlawful so the Town Council sets out to secretly raise ‘Betty’. Based on a play by Alan Bennett, Betty Blue Eyes tells the story of how someone who is not invited to the feast takes matters into their own hands and steals the pig.

This fabulous musical ran on the West End in 2015 and has some great musical highs and a wonderful story. www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

14th Oct: Oktoberfest, Hurst Village Hall. 6pm to 12 midnight. Beer and music festival. Live music from The Originals and The Riots. Hog roast included in entry ticket of £19.50 (plus 50p booking fee).

14th and 15th Oct: Wokingham Children’s Festival. Wokingham Town Hall and Wokingham library. Tickets remain priced at £3 per person and can be purchased from the Wokingham Children’s Book Festival website.

15th Oct: The Mill at Sonning, Manhattan Music presents West End Meets Broadway. Bar from 6pm, dinner from 6.15pm, performance from 8.15pm.

The best of the West End and Broad-

way comes to Sonning! Performed by four West End stars and a band comprising the finest West End musicians under the musical direction of Toby Cruse, this show features the greatest songs from West End and Broadway musicals, including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Cats, Chicago, Evita, Miss Saigon, West Side Story and a tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein. www.millatsonning.com

15th Oct: 9am to 5pm. Elm’s Field Playground, 5 Elms Rd, Wokingham. The Wokingham Walk is a charity walk in and around Wokingham arranged by Wokingham Lions - there are 5, 10 or 15 mile routes. All proceeds from the Wokingham Walk will be used to support local charitable causes. Full details of the event are on the website at https://www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk

28th Oct: Twyford Fireworks, Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Rd, Twyford, Reading. 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

29th Oct: Bracknell Railway Society Exhibition. 10.30am to 4.30pm. The club’s next exhibition will again be in the Pinewood Hall next door to the Pinewood clubroom.

29th Oct: Spooky Sunday sale. DBARC, Nelsons Lane, Hurst, RG10 0RR. 11am to 3pm. Come and support your local Animal Rescue. An outdoor sale with a Halloween twist plus visit their refurbished onsite shop ‘Barkwrights’.

29th Oct: Hallo’Welly’Ween, Wellington Country Park, Riseley. 9am to 4pm

Visit the Wooky Willow Show Tent for daily shows and storytelling. Join favourite comedy duo Big Foot and PeteZa in the Big Top Show Tent with their hilarious family shows. Face your fears and visit the ZooLab UK team with their wonderful creepy crawlies. Get up close and find out about these amazing creatures, from giant centipedes to tarantulas. Avoid making a mess at home and carve a pumpkin with us from our Pumpkin Patch. Each pumpkin (fee applies) comes with your very own carving kit! Take a trip on our Halloween themed miniature railway (£1pp for all guests aged 2+). Join the fabulous Junk Jodie and make some fantastic recycled Halloween crafts to take home. www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

4th Nov: Wokingham firework spectacular, Cantley Field. The fun starts at 5.30pm when the funfair opens on Cantley Field for those who choose not to join the procession. At around 6pm the torchlight procession leaves from Market Place in the town centre - you can buy torches from our stand in Wokingham Marketplace. The procession will be led by St Sebastian’s band and various local dignitaries. The fireworks start at 7:30pm on Cantley Field.

6th Nov: California Gardeners Club: meeting on Mon. at 8pm in the California Ratepayers Hall, RG40 3RL. Pamela Holt will be talking about house plant propagation. Visitors welcome. Entry is £2.

10th Nov: Skittles evening, WADE

Day Centre, 7pm for 7.30pm start. £7 per person. Raffle during the evening. Bring your own drink and nibbles. Email secretary@wadecentre.org.uk or call 0118 9787025.

16th Nov: Christmas glass fusion workshop. 11am to 12.30pm. Come and meet Jason and spend a morning creating your work of art with glass! Erftstadt Court Wokingham RG40 2YF. The fused glass decorations will be made using fusing glass and there will be some pre-cut pieces to enable you to make some small hanging pieces such as a snowman Santa or Reindeer. The workshop will take approximately 1 hour to complete and you will be able to make 2 x decorations. Organised by Cancer Support Network.

18th Nov: Glow Walk, Dinton Pastures. 5pm. To raise funds for First Days Children’s Charity. Two-mile walk around Black Swan Lake. Hot chocolate, hot dogs and mulled wine will be on sale. There is tiered pricing to make the event accessible to as many people as possible, starting at £5 per adult. You can contribute based on your circumstances and how much you can afford. To find out more and book a ticket, visit the First Days website.

18th Nov: Sindlesham Court Limited, Mole Rd, Sindlesham, Wokingham. 10am to 4pm.

5th Annual Christmas Market. Over 50 stalls always booked in. Free Admission. Free Parking.

Wokingham Borough Libraries News

Meet Claire Fuller- author event

Tuesday 3rd October 10.30am11.30am at Wokingham Library Come and meet award-winning author Claire Fuller, who will be talking about her books and career as a writer.

Claire Fuller is the author of five novels. Her latest, The Memory of Animals was published in April. Her previous, Unsettled Ground won the Costa Novel Award 2021 and was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her books have been translated into more than 20 languages. Claire also writes flash fiction and short stories. Many have been published, and she has won the BBC Opening Lines short story competition, and the Royal Academy / Pin Drop prize. Claire’s books will be available for purchase on the day. Booking essential National Poetry Day Celebration

Thursday 5th October 6.30pm-7.45pm at Wokingham Library Join our local poets in celebrating National Poetry Day this year. Members of Wokingham Library Poetry Group will be reading from their own work on this year’s theme of Refuge. Refreshments will be available. This is a free event but please book in advance.

Minis and Moon Boots: Sixties Space Race Style: A Costume Presentation with Meridith Towne

Wednesday 11 October 2pm-3.30pm.

Tickets £8 “3…2…1….Blast Off! Meridith Towne will be over the moon as you join her mission to explore the furthest reaches of her wardrobe in search of the phenomenal sixties fashions inspired by the space race. As you travel through the galaxy you’ll delight in the fabulous display of original clothes from the era, discover the women of STEM who launched humankind to the moon and be dazzled by style icons who brought space style to the movies and disco dancefloor. From moon boots and helmet hats to silver lamé and sequins this talk is sure to be out of this world!

Menopause, Energy and the Power of Nutrition for Active and Sporty Women

Wednesday 18 October - 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Wokingham Library Nutrition tips for women who want more energy and motivation to stay active and sporty through menopause. World Menopause Day on 18th October has a focus on cardiovascular health, we need to exercise. We want to keep healthy and energised,

yet during hormonal changes we can feel like we have less energy and motivation to get started or keep going. What foods and strategies can we use to help us during this natural part of life? Join BANT Registered Nutritionist Joanne of Health & Hart to celebrate World Menopause Day and find out more. Booking essential. Green Libraries Week October 2nd-8th

In 2023, National Libraries Week becomes Green Libraries Week! Between the 2nd and 8th October, libraries in the UK are celebrating initiatives focused on sustainability and climate change. Selected libraries are holding Green-themed storytimes- join us for stories about looking after our planet, recycling, weather and climate change and more. Lower Earley – Tuesday 3rd October – 10am to 10.30 am – places must be booked Wokingham – Tuesday 3rd October – 4pm to 4.30 pm – dropin Finchampstead – Friday 6th October – 9.45am – 10.15am – drop-in Libraries will be mounting displays of books on an environmental theme. Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley Libraries will also be sharing information about Climate Stripes and displaying a frame kindly donated by Sarah Kerr, Executive

Member for Climate Emergency and Resident Services, which demonstrates how temperatures in Berkshire have risen between 1863 and 2002 (created by Professor Ed Hawkins of the University of Reading) Look out for information on the library’s blog about the range of books in the library stock.

Cosy Coffee Mornings

Cosy Coffee mornings will be starting up again this Autumn at Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley Libraries. These are open to all, just drop in and enjoy a chat with our friendly volunteers. Free tea, coffee and biscuits are available. Wokingham Library - Fourth Thursday in each month, October 26th, November 23rd Woodley Library - First and second Thursdays in each month, October 5th &12th, November 2th & 9th, December 7th & 14th Lower Earley Library - Fourth Friday in each month, October 27th, November 24th All sessions run 10am-11.30am

For bookable events please visit https://wokingham.spydus co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/EVENTS?HOMEPRMS=EVSESPARAMS or call Wokingham Library on (0118) 9781368.

MyWokingham

Tobias Guyett is taking personal training up a notch by devising sport-specific programmes to help people avoid injury and excel at their particular discipline.

Tobias has been in the fitness industry for more than 10 years. From enjoying sports at a young age to having played professional rugby himself, he has both a personal and professional perspective.

As a personal trainer, he has worked with a semi-professional rugby team as well as with a professional golfer. It was this experience that led him to devise golf-specific training.

Tobias said: “Certain sports can have a detrimental effect on certain areas of the body with constant repetition and wear and tear. By focusing on goal-specific balance, conditioning, flexibility, and strength training, it can not only prevent injury but also help them improve and even excel and that particular sport.”

Based in Sindlesham, Tobias has locations at Pinewood and Molly Millars Lane where he runs one-to-one personal training sessions. He devises four-week training programmes, but these can be tailored to each individual’s requirements.

He has also worked with clients to rehabilitate them after an injury, adapting any limitations they may have or focusing on specific joints, bones and muscle areas. And he also has the knowledge to advise on nutrition if necessary.

As a personal training and the father of two young children, he knows the important of staying active and healthy – and how to fit everything into a busy family life. So, if you want to target that training, contact Tobias on 07951 726354 or email tobiascharlespt@gmail.com

Personal trainer targets your exercise programme for focused results Build up your Golf Fitness and

with Golfers

Emmbrook and Bearwood awards night celebrates outstanding achievements

BY CHRIS COOK

Emmbrook and Bearwood Sports Club hosted an unforgettable end-of-season awards night at Lowther Road this past Friday. The event was marked by laughter, camaraderie, and a celebration of the outstanding achievements of club members throughout the year.

The evening was kicked off by Chairman Paul Hunsdon, who took centre stage alongside club captain Jack Narraway, serving as his comedic sidekick for the night. Their witty banter set the tone for a memorable evening of recognition and celebration.

Before diving into the awards ceremony, the attendees enjoyed a spirited game of “Higher or Lower,” warming up the crowd for what was to come.

The awards ceremony began with the recognition of the club’s young talents. Connor Simpson was awarded the title of Young Player of the Year for the boys, while Charlotte Culham re-

ceived the same honour for the girls’ team.

Club Person of the Year was bestowed upon Leah Earl, recognising her unwavering dedication and contributions to the club.

The ladies’ team saw its share of accolades as well. Lucy Prismal received

the Ladies Players Player award, Deepa Ravi was honoured with the Ladies Club Spirit award, and Lynne French was recognised as the Most Improved Player.

Turning the spotlight to the under-19s, Harry Sweetnam was named Players Player, Henry Barry secured the Most Improved Player title, and Aadi Jain received the Under-19s Club Spirit award.

The 4th team had its moment as well, with Andy McNab being named Captains Player of the Year and Alex Brain earning the Players Player of the Year distinction.

In the third team, Alec McNab took home the Captain’s award, while Mark Lazenbury received the Players Player of the Year recognition.

The second team had its standouts, with Harry Ramsey being honoured as the Players Player and Harry Sweetnam adding another accolade to his

South Berkshire Hockey Club: Leading the Charge in the New Season

BY CHRIS COOK

The 2023/24 hockey season is off to an exhilarating start at South Berkshire Hockey Club, and it's the Ladies' teams who are stealing the spotlight with remarkable performances.

In the fiercely competitive South-Central Leagues, which field a total of 11 teams from the club, the Ladies division is setting the pace after completing three rounds of fixtures.

The Ladies 4th team has emerged as the standout performer, boasting a perfect record of three wins in Division Three Thames. Their victories over Phoenix Reading, Harlow High Wycombe, and Sonning have been nothing short of impressive.

Meanwhile, the Ladies 1st team remains undefeated in the Premier Division 2, securing a win against Banbury

and hard-fought draws against Basingstoke and New Forest.

The Ladies 5th team has claimed two victories out of three games, while the Ladies 3rd team has notched one win. The Ladies 2nd team recently secured their first point with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Witney.

In the Men's division, it's the 4th and 5th teams that are holding their ground with two wins and a draw each. The Men's 6th team has clinched two wins and experienced a single loss in their division. The Men's 3rd team has captured one win from their initial three fixtures, while the Men's 2nd team has earned a solitary point from their early games.

For the Men's 1st team, the journey to the top league in the South Central Area has been challenging. In their

debut fixture, they faced a formidable Staines team and suffered a 5-1 defeat. However, the scoreline did not entirely reflect their performance, with two late Staines goals making it appear more lopsided than it truly was. Their encounter with Trojans was another tough battle, where South Berks led at half-time but eventually succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, despite several missed opportunities to seal the game in the second half.

This past Saturday, South Berkshire hosted Oxford Brookes University in their first home game of the season. Once again, the inability to find the back of the net proved to be their Achilles' heel, as Oxford celebrated a 3-1 victory, marking South Berkshire's third consecutive defeat in the early stages of the season.

collection as the Captains Player of the Year.

The First team rounded out the evening’s awards. David Healey was crowned as the Captains Player of the Year, while Matt Loxton was celebrated as the Players Player.

A special highlight of the evening was the “Bob the Umpire and Bob the Umpire’s Son Award.” This prestigious recognition was shared by First team batter Matt Loxton and First team bowler Andy Robertson for their exceptional contributions to the club.

The Emmbrook and Bearwood Awards Night not only celebrated outstanding individual performances but also highlighted the strong sense of community and camaraderie that makes the club a cherished institution in the local sporting scene. Congratulations to all the award winners and everyone involved in making the night a resounding success!

MyWokingham

Dinton Pastures hosts annual SUPathon

WORDS BY JACKY HAYLER

Amarked one lap 1km Stand Up Paddleboard course on Black Swan Lake at Dinton Pastures County Park took place recently. Plenty of safety kayakers were on hand to ensure participants felt safe and enjoyed the event.

Once complete, those taking part jumped off their SUP and found their running legs for a well signposted 5km run around Dinton Pastures Country Park.

The event was organised by Barnes Fitness, an independent sports event management consultancy owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Ellie Barnes and Ian Gosling.

A spokesman from Barnes Fitness said: “The annual event, now in its sixth year, was a great success. There were lots of people taking part for the first time, some travelling from as far afield as Derbyshire, Chelmsford and Stevenage to take part in the event.

“Our winner was local SUPathlete Nick Judd from Go with the Flo. He fought hard to take the win and had been working on his running to do so.”

Nick said: “Absolutely loved the Supathlon, and this year’s was no exception. It was brilliantly organised with such a friendly vibe. Well done, Ellie and team/family… so much work goes into getting these events on. Absolutely chuffed to have won it this year, though I’ve never been more pleased to see a finish line.”

Many of those taking part left en-

thusiastic reviews about the day. One said: “Such a unique and fun event. We took part for fun but some raced and it made absolutely no difference to our enjoyment.”

Another said: “A great event offering a different type of challenge, easy to navi-

gate SUP course and a well-signed, flat 5K. Friendly organisation and supportive marshalls and spectators.”

And a third added: “First time at this event despite meaning to try it for at least two previous years and had a hugely enjoyable time, thanks to the

Taster weekend at BXGFIT sees a great turnout from the local community

Places Leisure invited people to an open weekend (5th to 8th October) for a free taster session to celebrate the relaunch of BXGFit boxing themed fitness facility in Peach Place, Wokingham. During the re-launch weekend, there were 20-minute Boxercise taster sessions.

Boxercise is an exercise activity based on movements used in boxing and boxers’ training methods. It’s a fun, challenging and safe workout which is suitable to all fitness levels. Elevate your workout.

Email: enquiriesBXG@pfpleisure.org

Call: 0118 227 3503

efficient organisers and friendly fellow participants. The combination of 1km SUP and 5km run seems the perfect balance, with both water and land distances being just right for maximum inclusion; challenging without being off-puttingly daunting.”

MyWokingham

More women than ever take part in ‘the beautiful game’

The female football game was catapulted into the limelight last summer when England’s Lionesses captured the hearts of the nation with their title-winning European Championship campaign, which set new records for viewing figures. And despite the disappointment of losing to Spain in the final, England’s women’s football team had a very good World Cup, on and off the pitch. Viewing figures were huge, media coverage was unprecedented and excitement about potential future achievements seems high. And this is reflected in grass-roots clubs and never before has there been so many ladies’ teams.

Women’s football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK and with the England national team’s success,

it’s only gotten bigger! And never more so than in clubs around Wokingham

from youngsters just starting out to league teams.

At Laurel Park Football Club in Lower Earley there is as many girls as boys playing.

My Wokingham’s photographer Paul King has been on the edge of the pitch, capturing all the women’s football action from the Wokingham, Woodley and Burghfield teams.

My Wokingham covers all the local football action from Saturday and Sunday game. If your team would like to be in the November Issue email info@ mywokingham.co.uk.