The Wokingham Paper
CO-OP IN TOWN SET TO CLOSE
THERE’S good and bad news for Wokingham town centre this week, with one new business coming to the town at the same time as a prominent shop has announced its closure later this month. Romans Repairs has installed signage in the former Aroma unit in...
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REDWOOD AND JONES IN ROW OVER MP COSTS
SIR John Redwood, the former Conservative member of parliament for Wokingham, has hit out at the costs being incurred by his successor, Liberal Democrat Clive Jones. Writing on his personal blog Sir John, who was recently made a Lord, said: “In my...
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COULD M&S BE RETURNING TO WOKINGHAM?
WOKINGHAM and Arborfield are target locations for a new M&S Food business. M&S has launched a list of 500 target locations it is considering for new and renewed Food stores, as it aims to double the size of its Food business.With 20 stores opening or...
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TOWN CENTRE BANK TARGETED BY PROTESTERS
A branch of HSBC in Wokingham has been damaged after being targeted during an overnight protest linked to pro-Palestinian activism. Several windows at the bank were smashed and graffiti was sprayed on the building, including the words “DROP ELBIT”....
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Land in Finch sold
CATESBY Estates has completed the sale of a 5.6 acre site off Longwater Road in Finchampstead, to Stonebond. Located south of Finchampstead and adjoining the emerging Blackwater Country Park, the development will provide 38 new homes including...
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LOVERLY! THE MILL’S ‘MY FAIR LADY’ IS A TRIUMPH
IF there is one thing I can say about The Mill at Sonning’s ‘My Fair Lady’, it’s that I could have watched it all night, and still have begged for more. Hands down the best thing I have ever seen The Mill put on (and that’s saying something) this...
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EMERGENCY SERVICES TACKLE FIRE IN NORREYS
THE Wokingham Lions Christmas Food Collection, known locally as ‘The Can Can’, returns this December. Launched more than 30 years ago to support Wokingham’s elderly residents in need, the project now also supports local families, and through...
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‘WE WANT AN APOLOGY’ SAY ANGERED RESIDENTS
A RESIDENT of Bracknell estate The Evergreens has approached Wokingham. Today to explain why their community is angry with Bracknell Forest Council and property developer The Hill Group. Woodland beside their Evergreen homes is currently being felled...
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WOKINGHAM REMEMBERS
WOKINGHAM came together to remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday, and again for a two-minute silence on Tuesday. Sunday’s annual Remembrance Parade included the deputy lieutenant of Berkshire, Mrs Linsey Beard JP DL, the high sheriff of Berkshire...
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TOWN ENJOYS SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS
THE RAIN stopped, the band began to play, and thousands of residents made their way from Wokingham Market Place through Wokingham’s streets for an evening of family fun in Cantley Park on Saturday. Leading this year’s Wokingham Fireworks annual...
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REME PARADE HELPS TO BRING WOKINGHAM TOWN TOGETHER
HUNDREDS of people turned out on Sunday to witness the freedom of the town parade. Wokingham came alive as the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) returned for the parade that marked the celebration honouring over a century of...
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Wokingham Theatre performs The Winslow Boy
THE WINSLOW Boy by Terrence Rattigan opens this week at Wokingham Theatre. Based on a true story, it’s a tense courtroom drama about a young man accused of a theft he denies. The real court case, eagerly followed by Edwardians, involved the struggles...
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Can you help? Guide Dogs launches new volunteering opportunity in Wokingham
SIGHT loss charity Guide Dogs has launched a new volunteering opportunity in Wokingham, where you can give a permanent home to one of its guide dog mums. The charity needs 40 new homes for its mums in certain locations across the South- East of...
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Audiences enjoy Old Time Music Hall show at Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre
TWO performances of Old Time Music Hall acts in Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre drew crowds eager to enjoy a walk (and a sing) down memory lane. Dressed in Victorian finery, audience members were able to enjoy a traditional show given by professional...
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Darkness descends at the Mill at Sonning’s ‘The Shadow in the Mirror’
ALL fans of the occult know any horror story is only as good as its retelling. Pre-dating the written word, we’ve been spinning stories of spooks and spirits for thousands of years. Love them or loathe them, there is something about a story of the...
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Wokingham child recognised for Outstanding Achievement at Inspire Awards 2025
A YOUNGSTER from Wokingham, Aadya Kumar, has received the Shakuntala Devi Mantri Exceptional Award at the Inspire Awards 2025, hosted in the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh. Six-year-old Aayda, who attends Walter Infant School in Wokingham, won an...
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RESIDENTS EXPERIENCE TRAFFIC CHAOS THROUGH TOWN
IT’S going to be a slow journey home from work or school for commuters around Wokingham this week. Motorists will find getting through Wokingham takes longer than usual, due to the knock-on effects of diversions in the town. Molly Millars Lane is...
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McDonald’s holds event ahead of opening -
THE much anticipated opening of the new McDonald’s restaurant in Wokingham is another step closer following yesterday’s event for staff, friends and neighbouring businesses. The unit, at Bridge Retail Park, will be opening to the public at 10am next...
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WOKINGHAM FESTIVAL A HUGE HIT - ONCE AGAIN
ATREASURED Wokingham event was a big hit with the crowds this bank holiday weekend. Founded 15 years ago by local resident Stan Heatherington, Wokingham Music Festival boasts a range of artists and bands, with a ‘something for everyone’ approach that...
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The Link marks International Friendship Day -
A WOKINGHAM charity dedicated to eliminating isolation and loneliness in older residents celebrated the joy of friendship with a lunch held at All Saints Church, Norreys. Around 100 Link friends and volunteers gathered in the church’s spacious cafe...
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Lib Dems welcome deputy to the borough
WOKINGHAM Liberal Democrats welcomed their party’s deputy leader, Daisy Cooper, to the borough. She was in the borough to mark the recent election result that saw the party take overall control of Wokingham borough council. Speaking exclusively to...
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CALI CROSS NOMINATED FOR AWARDS
A CONTROVERSIAL junction in Finchampstead has been shortlisted for multiple awards In what Wokingham borough council has described as “.. an innovative refurbishment of a road junction”, California crossroads has been widely praised by experts for...
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‘TOUGH DECISIONS’ LIE AHEAD FOR COUNCIL
TOUGH decisions lie ahead as it has been revealed that nearly £50 million of council tax could be used to cover funding shortfalls caused by cuts from central government. The news comes as part of proposals that would, if implemented, see Wokingham...
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COMMUNITY GATHERS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR PRIDE
HUNDREDS of people came together on Saturday for the annual Wokingham Pride. Supporters gathered in Market Place before joining a march through the town centre to Elms Field. Cllr Lou Timlin, town mayor of Wokingham, addressed the attendees and...
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New restaurant sets sights on Michelin star -
A LIFELONG dream will become reality with the opening of the latest addition to Wokingham’s eclectic hospitality sector this week. Club India is the masterpiece of restaurateur and chef Awanish Roy, and opens in the former Pheasant pub on Reading Road...
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Changes to McDonald’s in town refused
MCDONALD’S has been refused permission to make changes to its new store on Finchampstead Road. The fast food giant had sought planning permission from Wokingham borough council for the installation of a west side delivery door at its new unit at...
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Fun is had at Winnersh Fete - Full story on
A FANTASTIC and fun event came to Winnersh last Saturday, and even a sharp shower couldn’t stop the summer festivities. Winnersh Fete, which was put together by Winnersh parish council, brought together the local community, and provided an opportunity...
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‘PLEASE DON’T ABANDON US’ SAYS HONG KONG COMMUNITY
MANY Hong Kong families in the borough are losing sleep over a Government white paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on May 12. They are anxious and uncertain about what it means for their future. More than 174,000 Hong...
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‘HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE’
PEOPLE are paying tribute to 11-year-old Othniel Adoma from Bracknell after he tragically passed away following a minibus crash. Thames Valley Police said: “It is with great regret that we can confirm a child has died after a collision. “On 11 May a...
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Celebrating 5 years of RaW Sounds -
RAW Sounds has been part of Wokingham Today for five years this summer, bringing new music from rising stars and household names to readers for half a decade. Every week, we get the run-down on the latest releases from bands local to Reading and...
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MAN WANTED FOR THREE BURGLARIES
A MAN is wanted in connection with three burglaries in Wokingham and Winnersh. Thames Valley Police has said that Andrew Gaurd, 36, is wanted for his connection with three burglaries between March 8 and April 14 this year. He is also wanted on recall...
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Wokingham Baptist Church hosts Ukraine concert -
WOKINGHAM Baptist Church hosted a celebration of Ukrainian culture. A performance of songs, dance, music and theatre was organised by church member Robin Scurlock, and supported by More Arts Wokingham, and YouTooMusic. Called, Spring - A Time of...
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CHILD KILLED IN MINIBUS CRASH ON M4
A CHILD has died following a crash on the M4 between Reading and Bracknell involving a minibus. Emergency services were called to a slip road between junctions 11 and 8 at around 2:30pm on Sunday, May 11. The vehicle crash took place on the M4...
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SOLD BEFORE WE DAI’D
PROTEST group Sell Before We Dai are celebrating the news after it was confirmed that Reading Football Club have agreed a deal for Rob Couhig to complete the purchase of the club from Dai Yongge. A statement from SBWD says: “We are incredibly relieved...
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Wokingham to host concert to celebrate Ukraine -
SOME tickets are still available for the last of this season’s Wokingham Lions Club, an event that promotes giggles while supporting borough charities. #Woky Comedy Night brings four comedians to the stage to raise money for the various borough...
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DAI YONGGE AGREES TERMS TO SELL READING
THE English Football League has granted Reading Football Club an extension for Dai Yongge to divest his shares as the club announced that it has ‘agreed terms’ of the deal Yongge was disqualified as an owner by the EFL in February and were originally...
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SPORTS SESSIONS SAVED AFTER SUPPORT
A FUN and friendly group is celebrating after news that their weekly sports and fitness session at Cantley Park can continue. The group of around 20 boccia players have been meeting every week in the Ashridge Room at the sports park off Twyford Road...
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THREE TEENS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH TWYFORD ROBBERY
THAMES Valley Police has confirmed that its officers have made three arrests in connection with a robbery which took place in Twyford. TVP put out an appeal for witnesses after a bright yellow £-Box Dragster e-bike was stolen from a teenage boy...
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Bill and Matt’s guide to the penny farthing -
DID you see penny farthings in Wokingham recently? Smiling shoppers enjoyed seeing two Victorian gentlemen out for a spin. Bill Pollard and Matt Richardson, both from Henley, regularly go for bike rides in the borough, turning heads as they glide...
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CANTLEY CHARGES STILL ON THE TABLE
CAR park charges at sports and leisure facilities in Wokingham, including at Cantley Park, could still be introduced in future years. Last week’s full council meeting revealed how the park on Twyford Road is currently “.. losing in the region of...
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CLOSURES TO CAUSE CHAOS FOR DRIVERS
DETAILS have been revealed about road closures that look set to cause significant disruption for drivers in Wokingham until March 2026. As part of the south Wokingham distributor road project, Wokingham Borough Council has confirmed its plans to...
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New store opening in Wokingham
A NEW store is set to open in Wokingham later this month. Toolstation has announced the opening of a new store in Fishponds Road on March 24, , and will be creating four job roles for the local area. The store is the latest to be added to...
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OUTRAGE AS ‘PROTECTED’ TREES FELLED
THE felling of more than a dozen trees as part of work to create the Southern Distributor road in Wokingham has been described by one resident as “utterly devastating and sickening.” It has emerged that some of the trees were the subject of tree...
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READING FC: TAKEOVER SAGA NEARS CONCLUSION
READING Football Club has confirmed that it has committed a ‘letter of intent’ with a potential purchaser of the club. The Royals takeover saga has dragged on for more than 500 days, but finally looks as if it may be coming to an end. It has been...
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EMMBROOK PETITION: ‘DON’T BREAK YOUR PROMISE’
MORE than 1,400 people have signed an e-petition calling on Wokingham Borough Council to keep its promise to rebuild the sixth form building at Emmbrook School. In 2022, Wokingham Borough Council asked the school to take on additional pupils beyond...
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NO CANTLEY PARKING FEES - FOR NOW
WOKINGHAM Borough Council has said it has listened to concerns over proposed car parking charges at Cantley Park, and will not be introducing them in next week’s budget. In a statement; it said: “The income generated through hiring of facilities at...
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ANTHEM TRUST TO TRANSFER OAKBANK
ANTHEM Trust has confirmed it has started the process of transferring its running of Oakbank school. The news comes following a damning report from Ofsted, in which the Ryeish Green school was rated as being “inadequate” in many aspects. A statement...
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CANTLEY: ‘YOU’LL NEED TO PAY TO PARK’
USERS of Cantley park will be expected to pay to park and use the facilities. That news was revealed by Cllr Martin Alder, the executive member for active transport, travel and highways, at last week’s full council meeting of Wokingham Borough...
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RBH REBUILD TO FACE MAJOR DELAYS
THE planned rebuild of the Royal Berkshire hospital may be delayed until the late 2030s. The RBH has been placed in the final wave of a three-wave plan that, according to Wes Streeting, the health secretary, will see construction begin between 2035...
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30-FOOT JET OF FREEZING WATER CAUSES CARNAGE
EARLY on Saturday morning Luckley Road residents woke to the sound of what they thought were hailstones battering their windows. Confused because no such weather had been forecast, they peered into the pre-dawn darkness outside and were astonished to...
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BEARWOOD DEVELOPMENT OFF LIMITS
THE speculated front-runner to buy Reading Football Club may have aspirations to develop land in Wokingham that is currently home the club’s training facility at Bearwood Park. The club confirmed in an official statement on December 30 that they...
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KEBAB VAN ORDERED TO SHUT DOWN
A KEBAB van that has served the community for more than two decades has been ordered to shut shop after authorities found ‘significant concerns over the integrity of the business’. An extraordinary licensing committee meeting at Wokingham Borough...
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Charvil homes plans approved
DOZENS of new homes will be built in Charvil despite warnings that its infrastructure will not be able to support more residents. A total of 75 homes will be built by Hicks Developments on land west of Park Lane. The new homes will be accessed via...
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BUSINESS VANDALISED IN PROTEST
A BUSINESS in Winnersh Triangle Business Park has been vandalised after a pro-Palestianian group smashed windows and defaced the building. Police were called to Winnersh on Sunday, December 8 after a group were seen causing damage to the headquarters...
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Toy Run Santas bring Christmas joy to Borough
HUNDREDS of bikers dressed as Santa, The Grinch, pink bunnies, Christmas elves, teddies, Muppets, and superheroes drove in convoy from Thames Valley Science Park, Shinfield on Sunday. To cheers and waves from the gathered crowds, the Reading Toy Run...
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT GIVES STORM A BEATING
WOKINGHAM residents and charities defied storm Bert and rallied round at the weekend, when the Lion’s Wokingham Winter Carnival was cancelled. Wade Day Centre’s indoor Christmas Fair was able to go ahead, and the day centre generously made room at...
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PLANS FOR MORE CAR PARK FEES
WOKINGHAM Borough Council could be set to introduce additional charges for car parking where none currently exist. At last week’s community and corporate overview and scrutiny meeting, an item appeared on the agenda under the title ‘Introducing...
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BANKING HUB DECISION REVEALED
WOKINGHAM has been dealt a blow with news that an application for the town to become home to a banking hub has been rejected. Revealing the decision today, Dr Chris Ashton, chief commercial officer for LINK told Wokingham Today: “After visiting...
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WBC must find £3.5 million more
WOKINGHAM Borough Council will need to find an additional £3.5 million in revenue or savings next year as a direct result of last week’s autumn budget statement. As arguably the town’s top employer, the council is not immune from the national...
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COUNCIL SET TO LAUNCH LOTTERY
WOKINGHAM Borough council’s executive committee is set to approve the formation of a community lottery that aims to benefit local good causes. Notes for the meeting on Thursday said: “A Community Lottery provides a new fundraising stream, generating...
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STUDENT ‘FAILED BY COUNCIL’
ON OCTOBER 17 we published an article ‘Wokingham Borough Council fined over SEN pupil’. It described the outcome of an investigation by the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) into Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) failure to provide suitable education...
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BRIDGE NEARS COMPLETION
A NEW footbridge straddling two railway lines in Wokingham has prompted varying responses from borough residents as it nears completion. The Tan House bridge, devised by Network Rail, leads from the back of the Carnival car park to Ormonde Road...
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Tributes left to 90-year-old Reg after body found in river
WOKINGHAM.TODAY has been hearing from friends, neighbours and the church family of Reg Clifton, wishing to pay their respects and share their memories of him. David Ruddock, church warden at St Paul’s Church, Wokingham, said: “I was always struck by...
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TOWN BANKING HUB A STEP CLOSER
OFFICERS from the Link organisation were in Wokingham last week to assess whether they will support the establishment of a banking hub in the town. A senior community assessment manager from Link outlined the basis for his visit to Wokingham. He was...
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CROSSROADS IN NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
FINCHAMPSTEAD has been in the national media spotlight this week. The newly installed layout at California crossroads featured in several national newspapers, national television news, and on the Jeremy Kyle television talk show. In particular, the...
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