 Holiday activities back for another year
Our Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is back, bringing free activities over the summer holidays to school-aged children who qualify.
This scheme is open to those who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals, or who have been referred by someone working with the family.
Primary-aged children will receive a voucher to sign up to summer camps, which are held at schools across the borough.
Secondary-aged young people can choose up to 12 fun days including gaming, mini golf, water sports, orienteering, forestry and a trip to Thorpe Park.
For those with special educational needs and disabilities, there'll be weekly stay and play sessions as well as a picnic in the park, day out at Camp Mohawk near Wargrave and new drop-off sessions with activities like arts and crafts, sensory play, outdoor play and toys and games.
If you receive benefit-related free school meals, don't forget that you can also apply for vouchers of £15 per child, per week of the school holidays, through our Household Support Fund. Find our more about all the support we currently offer on our Cost of Living hub.
 Stalwart recognised for decades of dedication
Angus Ross, who was the first Mayor of Wokingham Borough, has been made an Honorary Alderman in honour of his many years' service to the community.
Mr Ross sat on the council for 32 years before retiring in May 2022, serving on several committees and in various roles as executive member as well as armed forces champion.
He was the first Mayor after the council was granted borough status by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2007, where previously it was a district council with a chairman sitting as its civic head.
Mr Ross, a former squadron leader in the Royal Air Force, also supported other local organisations including the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, which he had served for 22 years on his retirement.
He was presented with a badge and framed scroll by the borough's Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland. As part of his new role, he will be invited to all civic and social events which serving councillors can attend.
 Bike theft crackdown shifts up a gear
You may remember that a bicycle thief was recently convicted and sentenced for offences in Wokingham town following the actions of our anti-social behaviour (ASB) team in partnership with Thames Valley Police.
We're now pleased to report that a second person has been convicted for multiple bike thefts in the town following a police investigation.
Blake Atkinson, 20, of Greys Court, Wokingham, pleaded guilty to four counts of bike theft and one of theft from a shop at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 14 July. These occurred in Wokingham town from 19 May to 2 July.
We and the police, who are our community safety partners, are aware of a recent increase in bike thefts and we hope this shows we're serious about working together to tackle the problem.
We're patrolling the area more frequently and we encourage you to follow the police's bike theft prevention advice. Don't forget to keep an eye out for free bike marking sessions at local cycling events!
 Looking to the future of adult social care
More than 100 people took part in a day to raise the profile of adult social care in the borough and ensure those it supports are at the heart of the service.
The Social Care Future event was attended by people with care experience and representatives of local voluntary groups, as well as our own staff and colleagues from our partners at Optalis.
Guest speakers shared the aspirations of people who use this support, while a group of adults with learning disabilities performed a puppet show on the subject.
There was networking, workshops, discussions on improving social care locally and a chance to learn more about equipment to help people live independently.
Social Care Future, a national movement, has now established a local group and developed a charter to explain how people can show their support.
 How could we serve you better?
There’s still time to share your views on our draft Customer Experience Strategy, which we hope will make dealing with us as easy and positive as possible.
This strategy has been shaped in partnership with customers, residents and partners while supporting the wider goals of our council plan.
We think the most important thing is getting the basics right and improving the experience that you have whenever you talk to us or use our services.
We'd like you to read what we're proposing and tell us what you think - and where we might improve things even more
Our survey is open to everyone who lives in the borough until 16 August.
What you might have missed
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