Wokingham Borough Connect
 Pedal power! Bikeathon is back bigger and better
This year’s Wokingham Bikeathon will take place from 8.30am on Sunday 11 June starting and finishing at Cantley Park, Wokingham.
The event is run by volunteers and all surplus funds are donated to local charities. It also promotes cycling to young people and families who are not already keen cyclists, as well as offering longer routes for regular cyclists. Some 800 riders of all ages and abilities took part last year.
On offer this year are:
- Four routes - 15 miles, 25 miles, 35 miles and a new 50-mile route
- Stunning local scenery and signposted family-friendly routes
- Refreshment and toilet stops en route
-
Kidical Mass family ride over a two-mile route (starting at 10am)
- Children’s bike obstacle course
- Free medals donated by My Journey Wokingham for all the kids taking part
- Dr Bike checks and bike security marking
- A host of other attractions and exhibitors including food and drink, My Journey Wokingham, charities and local cycling clubs
Register now and get ready for a day of fun and adventure!
 Stride out for Summer Series at Dinton Pastures
Now in its 11th year, the Dinton Summer Series is returning to Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst.
Organised by Barnes Fitness, competitors have the option to run in a 5km or 10km event at 7.30pm on Thursday 8 June.
Your time will be chipped and your result will be available as soon as you cross the finish line, with trophies for the top three in different categories.
The 5km event is one lap of the flat course and those who feel like testing themselves can go around a second time for the 10km option.
If you are unable to run on 8 June, the Summer Series presents you with the chance to run at Dinton on Thursday 13 July (7.30pm) and Thursday 10 August (7pm).
It costs £21 to take part in the 5km race and £23 for the 10km race. If you want to sign up for all four events, it is £76 for the 5km series and £84 for the 10km series.
 Events to recognise and support carers in our borough
The Wokingham Carers Partnership is organising a series of free events to celebrate Carers Week 2023 (5 to 11 June).
The theme for this year’s national campaign is about recognising and supporting carers in the community. This reflects the role of the many unpaid carers who look after a friend or relative, often without seeing what they do as caring.
During the week, carers will be able to find out more about the local services they can access to get help and support. Events include:
- Monday 5 June, 7pm to 8pm – An online information workshop for all carers about the Wokingham Wellbeing Service with MIND in Berkshire
- Tuesday 6 June, 9.30am to 12noon – Citizen’s Advice bus at Tesco on Finchampstead Road in Wokingham
- Tuesday 6 June, 11am to 1.30pm – Information and advice event at Coronation Hall in Woodley
- Wednesday 7 June, 12noon to 2pm – Carer’s lunch at the Bradbury Centre in Wokingham
- Thursday 8 June, 1.30pm to 3pm – ‘You said, we listened’: A chance to have your say at the Charity and Community Hub at Waterford House in Wokingham
- Thursday 8 June, 7pm to 9pm – Carer’s relaxation evening at WADE Day Centre in Wokingham
For more information, or to book a place for an event, call 07708 471756 or send an email.
 Covid vaccines available to children aged five to 11
Children aged five to 11 years old can get a Covid-19 vaccine at a pop-up clinic held at our council offices in Shute End in Wokingham on Friday 2 June from 10am to 4.45pm.
Appointments for this pop-up clinic must be booked in advance. Walk-in appointments will be limited.
To book, visit the NHS App, NHS website or by calling 119 for free. The offer for children, together with the 2023 spring booster programme for those at highest risk, will close nationwide on 30 June 2023.
 Parents advised to keep up to date with MMR vaccines
Recent data shows there has been a rise in measles cases and parents are being asked to check their children are up to date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
These are the best line of defence against these diseases and help to prevent outbreaks in the community. However, in recent years the number of children vaccinated has fallen.
Children are offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine at the age of one and the second dose when they reach three years four months. You need two does of the MMR vaccine for lifelong protection.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice before visiting the surgery or A&E. This will help to prevent the illness spreading further.
 Stay safe and look after others as temperatures rise
As we approach June, you will hopefully have plans to get outdoors and be active, enjoy some good weather and spend time with friends and family.
Hot weather can also post health risks and we would like to remind everyone to stay safe as the temperatures rise. It can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable people, such as the elderly and young children, so look out for friends, family and neighbours who may need extra support.
Spending too long out in the sun can cause heatstroke, so plan regular breaks, stay hydrated and find shade. You should also be sure to apply sunscreen and remember the importance of water safety.
There are lots of top tips for coping with hot weather on the NHS website.
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