Wokingham Borough Connect
 Half-term fun at our libraries with authors and animals
There is so much to do at our libraries this half-term, including visits by popular authors, animal charities and chances for you to get creative.
Steve Antony, an international bestseller, is giving three interactive readings of his book Rainbowsaurus on Friday 16 February. He will be at Woodley Library (10.30am to 11am), Winnersh Library (1pm to 2pm) and Wokingham Library (3pm to 4pm).
Joining us earlier in the week is children's illustrator and author Rikin Parekh. He will be leading a character drawing session at Wokingham Library on Wednesday 14 February, from 10.30am to 11.30am.
We welcome volunteers from Dogs Trust to Lower Earley Library on Monday 12 February. From 1pm to 2pm, there will be a special Get Arty session and this will be followed by a workshop from Dogs Trust from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Come and meet the team from Guide Dogs at Wokingham Library on Tuesday 13 February from 10am to 12noon. Meet guide dogs and their owners and learn more about the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
We will also welcome Cats Protection to Woodley Library on Wednesday 14 February for a fun interactive talk. Find out how to keep a cat healthy and happy and find out how the charity helps cats across the UK from 2pm to 3pm.
Join us for animal crafts this half-term with a special Get Arty session. These are running at Finchampstead Library on Thursday 15 February from 2pm to 3pm and at Wokingham Library on Friday 16 February from 10.30am to 11.30am.
A reminder that best-selling author Tracy Stone will be giving a talk about grief at Wokingham Library tomorrow (Thursday 8 February).
She will be referring to her book Love Remains: A Guide Through Grief at the session, which runs from 10.30am to 11.30am.
For more information and to book for any of these events, visit our library events website.
 Meet rescue dogs and volunteers at coffee morning
The inspiring volunteers and their four-legged friends from Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs will be at The Bradbury Centre in Wokingham on Friday 9 February.
Join them at Café Mosaic from 10am to 12noon for delicious cakes and hot drinks to help raise money for the charity.
Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs are a team of volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They assist search and rescue teams across the south, as well as the police and other emergency services, but their main role is to find missing people.
Town Mayor Cllr Sally Gurney will also be there to support the event, with Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs being her chosen charity.
 Listen as councillors debate the topics you decide
Get ready for an evening of politics, where you can come along and listen to local decision makers and have your questions answered.
We are holding a youth politics night at our Civic Offices at Shute End in Wokingham on Tuesday 20 February.
Whether you are passionate about current affairs or eager to learn more about what each party stands for, this event is perfect for you.
The event will run from 5pm to 7pm and it is free to attend, but places must be reserved. This event is suitable for children aged 11 to 18.
 Knock down some pins and help charity raise funds
Join a Wokingham charity that supports older people by taking part in a skittles evening.
WADE helps anyone over the age of 60 in Wokingham and the surrounding areas. Join the charity at its day centre in Reading Road on Friday 23 February at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Tickets are £7 per person and you are welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles. There will also be a raffle on the night, with the event due to end at 9.30pm.
For more information and to book tickets, email WADE or call (0118) 978 7025.
 Pick up locally made crafts and produce at market
Grab your friends and take a trip to Spencers Wood Village Hall for the monthly food market on Sunday 18 February.
This event is held on the third Sunday of the month and gives visitors the chance to pick up locally made food and goods.
The village hall will be open from 10am to 1pm and entry is free. Stalls will be selling pottery, books, cheese, jewellery and much more.
The event is child and dog-friendly and for more information you can email Liz.
 Brush up on your maths skills with free courses
Whether you want to brush up your general maths skills or take part in learning tailored to the skills needed for a variety of industries including construction, hospitality and catering, hair and beauty, sport, business and administration and health and social care, we have something for you.
How does it work?
First you’ll meet as a group with a tutor who will give an overview of how the training works.
You’ll then get access to the learning platform, which uses AI to show you more of the learning you need and less of the areas you’ve got a good understanding of.
Learning can be done at your own pace at times that suit you and you’ll have access to our team throughout and a follow-on session.
We may be able to offer additional support, such as a BSL interpreter or one-to-one support, so please don’t let that be a barrier to signing up.
We also have a monthly newsletter, bringing you all the latest courses direct to your inbox. You can read the latest edition here, and sign up for future editions here.
|
