Meet The Judges

EXCITING LAUNCH OF WOKINGHAM’S GOT TALENT!

Prepare to be amazed as Wokingham’s Got Talent takes center stage, marking the inaugural event of its kind in collaboration with My Wokingham and Beyond the Download. This remarkable show aims to make a difference by raising funds for the local charity, Wokingham in Need, while discovering extraordinary talent within the Wokingham community. The best part? Admission is absolutely free! Join us on Saturday, July 29th, 2023, as Peach Street transforms into a hub of entertainment from midday until 6pm. The anticipation builds as the Talent Show commences at 2pm, showcasing a diverse range of performers. So, gather your loved ones, indulge in delectable food and beverages, and immerse yourself in an afternoon filled with unforgettable moments of laughter and joy. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local talent and contribute to a worthy cause. Let the show begin!

Sangeeta Bhabra

Sangeeta Bhabra, born in 1974, is a seasoned journalist and broadcaster with a passion for storytelling. She describes herself as a “child of the 80s” and has been a lifelong fan of the legendary George Michael.

Andrew is a professional magician and mind reader. With over 25 years of experience, Andrew is considered one of the UK’s top performers entertaining at corporate events, private parties and product launches/ trade shows.

He is also an experienced event host and can bring a unique magical twist to your next event as ‘master of ceremonies’.

Andrew is one of just 250 magicians in the world to be awarded the highest degree of membership as a ‘Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle’.

A former winner of The Magic Circle Close Up Magician of the Year trophy, Andrew is a sleight of hand expert who has performed for celeb- rities and royalty all over the world.

Andrew is also one half of the DNA, a world-class mind reading double act who were finalists on Britain’s Got Talent in 2017. Their performances have been seen by over a hundred million people both on-line and on TV.

To discuss adding the WOW factor to your next event visit Andrew’s website here: www.andrewmurraymagic.com

Cathy Valentine Circus Scene

Cathy Valentine, the owner of Arborfield based Circus Scene has been sourcing, booking and providing entertainment for all kinds of events and occasions for the last 20 years. Cathy, her Circus Scene Team and her famous circus van are a well-known sight at many events, carnivals and fayres in the area. Cathy has also taught circus skills to thousands of children during this time. Since the pandemic, there has been a resurgence in demand for these types of activities and in collaboration with local Charity, Wokingham in Need, Cathy has developed special circus-based workshops for very young children, those with dementia, as well as Mental Health workshops for young people.

Cathy is delighted to be involved with this new and exciting talent show and feels it will be a perfect vehicle for anyone wanting to showcase their skills and abilities in front of a live audience.

For more information about Circus Scene, please contact Cathy on info@circus-scene.co.uk

Sangeeta’s journey in the media industry began with her training in journalism and her attainment of a Master’s Degree in linguistics from St Mary’s University, Twickenham. During her journalism training, Sangeeta embarked on a volunteer role at Hospital Radio Reading, where she honed her skills and developed a deep love for broadcasting. Her first commercial job took her to County Sound Radio in Guildford, where she gained valuable experience in radio presenting.

Sangeeta’s talent and dedication led her to Meridian Tonight, where she initially worked as a presenter, reporter, and Travel News presenter for the Thames Valley edition of the program. Over time, she ascended to become the co-anchor of the now-defunct South East edition of Meridian Tonight, holding the position for several years until February 2009. Her warm and engaging style resonated with viewers, and her catchphrase, “Wherever you go, go safely,” became a favourite among the audience.

In February 2009, Meridian Tonight underwent a reorganization, and Sangeeta assumed the role of co-presenter alongside the esteemed Fred Dinenage, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in regional news broadcasting.

Shelley Otway is an accomplished entertainer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She received her training in Musical Theatre at The Guildford School of Acting on a full singing scholarship. Initially starting her career as a Dancer, Singer, and Actress, Shelley appeared in various professional musicals and plays, including acclaimed productions such as “Anything Goes,” “42nd Street,” and “A Chorus Line.” Her talent and dedication earned her a nomination for Best Actress in “Man and Superman.” She also gained extensive experience in Pantomime, portraying over 15 princesses for Qdos Entertainment.

In addition to her performing career, Shelley pursued a career in fitness and became a certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Fitness Manager. She excelled in her field, winning the prestigious “Group Exercise Co-ordinator of the Year” award for Virgin Active. She later joined Esporta Leisure, where she contributed to the successful setup of the Raquets Club in Bracknell. Alongside her fitness endeav- ors, Shelley remained actively involved in the arts by teaching Singing, Dance, and Drama classes and choreographing over 150 productions. She managed multiple Stagecoach Schools and worked as a Choreographer for their Head Office shows. In 2010, Shelley launched Razzamataz Wokingham, a theatre school, which she grew from scratch to accommodate 150 students. She achieved similar success with the launch of Razzamataz Woodley in 2011, expanding her influence as a Choreographer and Support Manager for Head Office.

Shelley’s commitment to teaching and the performing arts led her to establish her independent Theatre Academy, Steppin Out Stars.

Honouring The Generosity Of Our Kind Sponsors

The curtains rise on Wokingham’s Got Talent, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who have made this event possible. Without their support, the show simply wouldn’t go on. We extend a special thank you to our sponsors who have generously donated to the local charity, ‘Wokingham in Need.’ Their invaluable contributions have transformed the vision of the Wokingham’s Got Talent Show into a vibrant reality. We are immensely grateful for the support and partnership of our sponsors, who have played an instrumental role in bringing this free to attend community event into a reality

Hidden away just steps from Wokingham Town Hall, Grasshopper is a new wine and cocktail bar from the team behind your neighbourhood restaurant Chalk on Broad Street. This new addition will feature shareable dishes and a vast selection of over 180 wines filled with amazing value picks and real rarities, alongside timeless cocktails and a wide selection of spirits. With a moody atmosphere, the space features both indoor table seating with wall artwork, vintage mirrors, display wine cabinets and comfortable seating as well as a cosy and expansive outdoor seating area suitable for winter drinking and dining.

The exciting menu of small plates, meat and cheese boards is perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones. Our menu includes signature sourdough flatbreads, slow cooked lamb shoulder with feta, figs and rosemary oil, seasonal British charcuteries and cheeses and freshly delivered oysters every Friday and Saturday, to name a few highlights.

Grasshopper, 56-58 Rose Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XU www.grasshopperbar.co.uk

Alexandra Grange Care Home

Alexandra Grange Care Home has been part of the Wokingham Community for 12 years. Over the years we have been involved in the community at different levels, from taking part in local fairs to supporting local charities and events, so it gives us great pleasure to sponsor this brilliant event that will showcase the great talent we have in Wokingham.

Not only this will involve everyone within the local community but it will also give them opportunity to take part on the show from voting for their favourites to showing their own talents. It will also support the great charity

Prospect Estate Agency

that is Wokingham in Need. We have always worked really close to Sue and the team at Wokingham in Need and we know the support they give to the community having the homeless and vulnerable as their focus. We look forward to a wonderful afternoon on the 29th of July for the first Wokingham Got talent Show.’

RUCHETTA

A warm welcome to restaurant Ruchetta, home of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Wokingham.

Our restaurant offers guests the ideal location for a celebration or wonderful meal out with friends and family, with a menu steeped in modern Italian cuisine, and seasonal specials available every week.

Known for our exceptional service and charming restaurant, we guarantee you an evening to remember. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Since 1990, Prospect Estate Agency has successfully been helping people buy, sell, let or rent property from our 11 iconic offices across the Home Counties. Since first opening our doors, our aim has always been to exceed customer expectations, through honesty, integrity, and professionalism. We’ve always endeavoured to be the best, not the biggest!

Prospect has always focused on providing our clients high-quality service. This dedication has resulted in hundreds of excellent customer reviews and recommendations as well as numerous industry awards, including the prestigious title of Best Estate Agency in the UK at the UK Property Awards for the past 2 years running!

Prospect can also always be found supporting the local Wokingham community in any way we can - our relationship with Wokingham in Need is testament to this, with Prospect supporting this wonderful local charity for over 6 years and helping fund many projects, including the sensory garden at The Acorn Centre.

If you’re thinking of moving and would like some free, expert advice contact Prospect Wokingham today on 0118 979 7770.

BOMBAY STORY INDIAN KITCHEN & BAR, PEACH PLACE, WOKINGHAM

Bombay Story is an informal, modern, genuine Indian kitchen whose aim is to deliver an experience-led restaurant, serving unique, fresh, authentic, healthy Indian cuisine. Everything is considered, from the food, the staff and the crockery to the height of the chairs you sit on!

By the people, for the people.

Bombay Story is based around an open kitchen and bar. A counter is stretched in front of the kitchen bar which is designed with ‘to go’ food, fine selection of wines and wide selection of cocktails. An eclectic modern Indian theme creates a genuine, vibrant ambience. The open kitchen shows our creative chefs in action and showcases the quality of home cooked food.

Bombay Story open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner (12:00pm – 23:00pm), and from 9am on weekends for breakfast; fabulous happy hour runs from 3-6pm, Monday – Friday, and offers 7 days a week bottomless brunch paired with a delicious two-course meal SET LUNCH & EARLY DINNER MENU. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Bombay Story Indian Kitchen & Bar

2 Peach Place, Wokingham, RG40 1LY T: 0118 304 7788 www.bombaystory.uk

WELCOME TO SALTY OLIVE!

Salty Olive is all about offering customers an authentic Spanish pinchos (pintxos) experience.

By that we mean, a selection of delicious miniature bites, each with huge, explosive flavours, complemented by carefully selected Spanish wines and beers.

Where it all started!

Susannah Stewart, owner of Salty Olive, has been a frequent visitor to Spain for well over 40 years and fell in love with the Spanish informal and social approach to dining. In 2003, Calau Restaurant opened in the picturesque, beachside town of Calella de Palafrugell, offering it’s customer delicious miniature bites with huge, exploding flavours, displayed on the bar for all to see.

Give us a call, email or drop in 5, Elms Field, Wokingham RG40 2FE hola@salty-olive.co.uk

01189 073 334

EXPERIENCE THE REDAN WOKINGHAM’S ORIGINAL COCKTAIL BAR

For over a decade, The Redan has proudly been the go-to cocktail bar in Wokingham. Since 2006, we have been dedicated to delivering an unparalleled night out experience for the town’s residents.

Step into our extraordinary setting and be enchanted by our awe-inspiring cocktails.

Whether you choose to relax in our converted aeroplane seats or bask in the comfort of our highly sought-after heated benches in the garden area, your time spent with us will be truly unforgettable. Unlike any other bar in Wokingham, our unique heated benches provide individualised seating, ensuring your utmost comfort.

Indulge in the allure of our Redan twisted classics, from refreshing Mojitos to delightful Mocktails. Experience the thrill of our Shooters cocktails or savour the sparkle of our signature sparkling concoctions. With each sip, your evening will become a delightful treat for your taste buds.

Join us at The Redan, where the art of mixology meets exceptional ambiance. Discover the magic of Wokingham’s original cocktail bar and create unforgettable memories with us.

24 Peach St, Wokingham RG40 1XG 0118 989 1177 https://www.theredan.bar