Wokingham Borough Connect
 Image: Sally Dowdle and Mark Poley
Get ready for return of Wokingham Winter Carnival
Wokingham town centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland on Sunday 24 November, promising a fun and free day out for the whole family.
Organised by Wokingham Lions Club, this year's Wokingham Winter Carnival will see more than 125 stalls, funfair rides, food and entertainment, running from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
Don't forget to stop off at the fantastic grotto and meet Father Christmas, who will be giving out presents. The town is closed to traffic for the day so children can join in the fun in a totally safe environment.
This year is the 50th anniversary of Wokingham Lions Club and it will be donating 50 Golden Awards of £500 each to local charities and good causes.
 Dashing through the park and laughing all the way
Mark your calendars for Sunday 8 December when the popular Dinton Santa Dash will be returning.
The annual tradition will see Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst transformed by fundraising runners dressed as Father Christmas.
It is festive and suitable for the whole family, with a medal, mince pie and chocolates for those who cross the finish line.
There is no minimum age requirement. You and your children can choose to complete a 2km Mini-Dash or a full 5km Santa Dash together, both of which are not timed.
Taking part in the run will also help children in need, as £2 of each entry will be donated directly to First Days Children’s Charity. Sign up now before it’s full!
 Festive cheer and a chance to help local charity
Join a Wokingham charity that supports older people for a Christmas Fair on Saturday 23 November.
WADE helps anyone over the age of 60 in Wokingham and the surrounding areas and it is hosting the fair at its day centre in Reading Road from 11am to 2pm.
Entry is free for children and £1 for adults and there will be lots to enjoy, including a visit from Father Christmas, face painting, raffles, tombolas, stalls and much more.
Free parking will be available at the Masonic Hall opposite. To find out more, call (01189) 787025 or send them an email.
 Create your own floral masterpiece for a good cause
Unleash your creativity in a relaxed environment and enjoy the chance to learn a skill while helping to raise money for a local charity.
The Link Visiting Scheme is hosting a 'Sip & Paint' evening at Kings Church in Wokingham on Thursday 28 November.
Paint gorgeous flowers in a loose, abstract style using acrylic paints and learn how to use colour blocking and layering to create your own masterpiece to take home.
The event runs from 6.30pm to 9pm and tickets are £38 per person. This includes entry, a welcome drink, mince pie, all the painting and art supplies, aprons and guidance from a professional artist.
It has been designed to be suitable for beginners and profits from this fundraiser will help support The Link Visiting Scheme's December activities, including the Christmas Day lunch.
 Listen to author's creative process behind thriller
Local author David Palin is launching his latest thriller at Wokingham Library on Thursday 28 November.
Join us from 4.30pm to 6.30pm as David talks about what sparked his imagination to write Your Call, which is a prequel to his other works This Changed Everything and The Armistice Killer.
In his latest work, the enigmatic DCI Ben Logan has to unravel the confusing circumstances around a murder, balancing his intricate detective work with his own ambitions and complex emotions.
This event is free to attend and registration is not required. There will be free drinks and nibbles and signed copies of David’s books will be available to purchase on the day.
 Companionship and fun on offer at free social club
A free drop-in club for older people and those with a disability is inviting newcomers.
Earley Day Centre in Kenton Road offers a friendly space that is dedicated to enhancing quality of life.
The centre is open from 10am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
Take part in engaging activities such as art, film screenings and games, while also making the most of the hairdresser and foot clinic services available.
Enjoy laughter, make new friends and feel free to bring your own food and activities with you.
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