|
We forgot to include the link to the survey on the future of the political map of Wokingham borough in our update on Tuesday. Sorry about that and any confusion it caused.
The consultation, run by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, closes on Monday (7 November) so there’s still time to respond.
 Run a warm space, be a friendly face
We’re looking for community groups and organisations to come forward to run warm spaces to help people through the winter.
You can offer a building or a be a group who are happy to run one, or both. They’ll be a place people can get a warm welcome, keep warm, get together to do activities and get help if they need it.
With your help we can set up a network across the borough, which we’ll help promote to those who need them.
We’re asking the borough to come together as a Wokingham Borough Community Response, like during Covid-19 (pictured), to help those in need during the cost of living crisis.
You’ll need to meet health and safety and other requirements before you open, but most organisations and buildings will have this in place already.
You may already be planning this for your area with a group you work with. Reach out and the warm spaces team will support you through this.
If you want to be a friendly face in a warm space, you can register to help through the Wokingham Volunteer Centre no matter where you live in the area.
 Thousands of children make the most of book festival
Hundreds of young readers enjoyed the exciting return of the Wokingham Children’s Book Festival.
Back for a fifth year, authors from across the country came to Wokingham to share their enthusiasm for their stories and stir the imagination of children, who came out in strong numbers with their families and schools.
A total of 12 talks were held across Wokingham Town Hall and the new Wokingham Library at the Carnival Hub, with a diverse line-up of guests also hosting virtual sessions.
After listening to the authors share insights about the creative process, visitors were able to get signed copies and photos with their favourites.
Eleven schools signed up for the ‘Authors into Schools’ sessions, with a total of 2,357 children getting involved in eight sessions, which were held remotely over the course of three weeks.
 Pop in to pop up poppy shop
If you are looking to pay your respects during Remembrance, wooden crosses and poppies are available from a pop-up shop run by the Royal British Legion in Peach Place, Wokingham.
It is located at the former Blue Orchid Bakery unit and is open until Saturday 12 November. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
Wooden crosses can be placed at the war memorial inside Wokingham Town Hall. Residents can visit the memorial from 10am to 2pm from Monday 8 November to Friday 11 November.
If you would like to visit on any of these days, go to the information centre or press the intercom and a member of staff will help. Crosses can also be left in Market Place, where a stand is provided.
As well as poppies and crosses, the shop has children’s books, candles, wristbands, poppy windmills, puzzles, money boxes, pin badges, key rings, car stickers and much more.
We have been able to offer the unit in Peach Place to the Royal British Legion after Blue Orchid Bakery went into liquidation in July. The Legion have been granted rent free occupation for their fundraising efforts, having successfully used a different retail unit fronting onto Peach Street this time last year.
Your local parish or town council or local churches will have further information on what’s happening in your area if you wish to attend any events.
 Get help with food or keeping warm
The latest round of the Household Support Fund is now open for applications. This fund is first-come, first-served, limited until the funding runs out.
It's open to those struggling with rising costs of living, struggling to buy food or pay bills, as well as people in receipt of benefits.
Our partners can provide £120 in the form of food, fuel or cash vouchers, or pupils getting means-tested free school meals can get £15 per week, per eligible child, during school holidays. This applies for half terms, Christmas and Easter holidays.
Cost of living help hub
Visit the Hardship Alliance’s cost of living help hub for the latest advice for you and your family. This week we focus on getting help with food or keeping your house warm.
-
Free school meals are available for families who get some income-based support
-
Healthy Start vouchers to help pay for milk, fruit and veg
- You can get a referral to a local fuel or food bank via Citizens Advice One Front Door
- See if you're eligible for the Warm Home Discount – money off your electricity bill
- Remember you could claim the Cold Weather Payment if you get certain support and the average temperature is recorded as forecast to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven days in a row (applies from 1 November to 31 March)
Thank you to the Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band Second Wind Band and Cantata Conviva ladies choir whose concert last month raised £2,000 for our Chance to Thrive fundraiser to support young Ukrainian refugees.
What you might have missed
That's everything we've sent out in the last week. Sign up for these newsletters online. On Monday we relaunch our climate emergency newsletter, you can sign up for the new version using the button below.
It will include more of the information you would like to see and most importantly, how you can help with climate change initiatives from the comfort of your own home
|
