Mayor kicks off Christmas in Winnersh

The community in Winnersh all came together for their annual light switching-on ceremony.

The centre in Bearwood Road was filled to bursting with children, parents and locals for the official start of Christmas.

Children from Winnersh, Bearwood and Wheatfield Primary Schools all performed Christmas carols while the Barbarettes represented the adults. There were stalls selling all manner of gift ideas including hand-knitted crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, lotions and potions, festive wreaths and much more.

St Catherine’s Church were providing refreshments including hot chocolate and biscuits while the 1st Winnersh beavers, cubs and scouts were doing a sterling job outside in the freezing cold running the barbecue.

Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland was on hand to flick the switch to light up the area and there was also a fire dancer.

John Southgate, chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee on Winnersh Parish Council was delighted with the turnout. “This is the first time we have done this on such a large scale.

We were hoping for a good turnout, and we have not been disappointed. The main focus of the event is to bring the community together but we are also raising money for the Wokingham Foodbank.”