 Less than two weeks until bus service expands
The number 3 bus between Wokingham town and Barkham, Finchampstead and Arborfield will be more frequent from Monday 19 May.
Reading Buses will run the service up to every 30 minutes on this section between 6.30am and 7pm, and on Saturdays between 8am and 6pm. The Sunday timetable will include direct hourly buses to Wokingham between 8.30am and 8pm.
Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield will now be served by buses that run to and from Wokingham on Monday to Fridays, providing a new direct link.
There'll still be buses up to every 15 minutes between Reading and Shinfield, via Royal Berkshire Hospital, with minor changes to allow for the route extensions.
Reading Buses is already running an hourly service on the 3 on a commercial basis, including more frequent journeys between Arborfield and Reading.
These changes are funded by developer contributions and the Government, the latter through our Bus Service Improvement Plan in partnership with Reading Buses.
 Free arts and culture showcase coming to Dinton
Dinton Pastures Country Park will be transformed to host Wokingham Borough’s Forest of Imagination, in a first-of-its-kind event in the Thames Valley.
Parts of the park will be equipped with new sensory installations, co-created by professional artists and schools, incorporating ideas from local community groups.
Residents will be invited to deepen their connection with nature, through participatory activities, performances and digital experiences.
Fourteen participating schools will join for sessions on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May, before the showcase weekend opens for all on 24 and 25 May. Watch the film of last year’s event in Bath to get an idea of what it's like.
A list of the unique installations can be found on our website. This project is kindly funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
 Raising awareness for dementia support available
Events are being held as part of Dementia Action Week (19 to 23 May) to help people with dementia and their carers.
On Wednesday 21 May, there will be lots of dementia information and support from local charities outside Wokingham Town Hall from 9am to 3pm. There will also be fun and entertainment.
The next day, there will be a focus on dementia diagnosis at The Link Community Café at The Cornerstone in Wokingham from 10am to 2pm.
These events are being jointly organised by The Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Berkshire and Understanding Dementia and lessening its impact.
 Children's author visits will inspire creativity
Join us at Woodley Library on Wednesday 28 May as we welcome author Lui Sit.
She writes children's books, adult short fiction and non-fiction. Her debut middle grade contemporary adventure book Land of the Last Wildcat was published by Macmillan on 1 May.
We are delighted to welcome her for this free event, which runs from 11am to 12 noon. Booking is required (see our events page from 15 May onwards) and signed copies of her books will be available to purchase.
Eva Wong Nava
A previous guest speaker at the Wokingham Children's Book Festival, Eva Wong Nava is coming to Trinity Hall Church in Lower Earley on Monday 12 May.
Eva writes for children of various ages and is passionate about reading for pleasure. When not writing, she teaches creative writing to teens and adults.
This event runs from 4pm to 5pm and is free but booking is required.
 Watch out for moth that's a hazard to health
When you go out and about in summer, be on the lookout for oak processionary moth (OPM).
OPM caterpillars are a tree pest and are dangerous to people and animals. They are most active from June to August, especially in London and the south east of England.
They have thousands of tiny hairs, which can be blown about by the wind and cause itchy skin rashes, eye and throat irritations and occasionally, breathing difficulties.
You'll only find them and their nests on oak trees or on the ground near infested oak trees. Keep away from any that you spot, teach your children not to touch them and don't let your pets get near.
To find out more, watch the video or read the leaflet from the Forestry Commission.
If you’ve seen any OPM in your area, report to the Forestry Commission online. You can also email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4442.
 Fire service advice on wildfires and water safety
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) recently issued advice to help the public stay safe in the warmer weather.
As the temperature increases, the service is asking the public to be aware of the risk of wildfires.
You can help reduce the risk of a fire starting by:
- Extinguish cigarettes properly and not throwing ends on the ground
- Not leaving bottles or glass on the ground
- Avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside and parks
More safety advice is available on the fire service website.
When it comes to water safety, RBFRS is urging people to be water aware. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. However, there are steps that you can take to avoid an incident from occurring in the first place.
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