High Street Positives: A positive national movement with local roots
For years, the national conversation around high streets has been dominated by decline — empty units, falling footfall and the so‑called “death of the high street”. High Street Positives is a growing UK‑wide initiative determined to change that narrative, and importantly, it has its roots right here in Wokingham Borough.
Founded by Wokingham‑based data analyst and Chartered Statistician, Laura Harris, High Street Positives was created to spotlight the success, resilience and creativity found on high streets across the UK and Ireland.
The platform shares good news stories ranging from independent openings and regeneration projects to thriving long‑standing businesses, community initiatives, and cultural activity.
What sets High Street Positives apart is its evidence‑led approach. Research commissioned by Laura shows that persistent negative media coverage actively discourages people from visiting their local high street, while more balanced and positive stories can help rebuild confidence, footfall and investment.
Although the initiative now reaches a national audience, it remains proudly founded and led from Wokingham town centre, reflecting the town’s strong connection to place, community and forward‑thinking high‑street innovation. High Street Positives has quickly grown into a network of councils, BIDs, retailers, landlords and local champions, all united by a simple message: our high streets are evolving, not dying — and positive stories play a vital role in helping them thrive.
Membership gives you access to monthly network calls with honest conversations and practical support, free entry to expert webinars, and regular knowledge‑sharing sessions featuring insights and case studies. You’ll be the first to hear about events, meetups, and collaboration opportunities, and you can display a member badge to show your support. Members also gain access to a dedicated area with resources, updates, and community discussions.
 Wokingham En Plein Air
The R Young Art Gallery are planning their largest and most ambitious community project yet, Wokingham Plein Air, a large-scale live painting event to be held on Sunday 14 June which will transform Wokingham Town Centre into an open-air art studio for a day.
The Plein Air event will feature:
- 80 artists painting live across 30 locations throughout the town
- 5.5 hours of live painting followed by a 2.5 hours public exhibition and awards ceremony in Market Place
- All artworks for sale, encouraging community engagement and supporting local artists
This is a new and exciting art experience that further strengthens Wokingham’s reputation as an Art Hub, with increased footfall and visibility for local businesses throughout the event. There will be positive media and social coverage for months leading up to and following the event which truly celebrates the town’s creativity, culture, and community spirit.
All inquiries regarding artist participation, business collaboration and sponsorship should be made to the R Young Art Gallery at info@ryoung-art.com.
Is your business in our free directory?
it'slocal is the official online internet business directory for Wokingham Borough containing thousands of local organisations based in the Wokingham area.
The service is aimed at people who live, work or travel in the Borough as well as the local business community itself.
it'slocal makes it easy to find services, view company locations, visit the website and link with any of the major social media pages – all from one place.
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Add your company now for free!
Dinton Activity Centre - Book lunch and get your meeting room hire free
This New Year you can host your next team, client, conference or corporate meeting at Dinton Pastures Country Park for free*.
Simply book a meeting room between now and March with a corporate lunch for a minimum of eight delegates and your room hire will be free.
Dinton Pastures is easily accessible from the A329M, M4 and A4. It's less than thirty minutes drive from Maidenhead, Slough, Henley, Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell. On-site parking is available.
It has a café on-site, The Coffee Deck, which is perfect for drinks, snacks and hospitality catering.
If you are looking for a large, versatile space for your next meeting, the activity hall is perfect.This room is suitable for large gatherings, conferences and team meetings. The hall is situated on the ground floor with easy accessible access.
If you're looking for a high specification meeting room with amazing views, the classroom is an ideal space. It is located on the first floor and has access to the terrace which overlooks Dinton's beautiful Black Swan Lake. This room is suitable for client, corporate and team meetings.
You can hire those for free* when you order a corporate lunch, available from £11.50 per person.
*Please note all bookings are subject to availability. Room hire is free between 8am and 6pm. Meetings booked outside of these hours would incur an additional fee. The offer applies to new bookings only. Parking not included..
Businesses invited to help transform Wokingham Borough’s train stations
 We are calling on local businesses to join an exciting initiative to improve and celebrate our train stations, creating a lasting legacy for the community and enhancing corporate social responsibility.
We are working in partnership with Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and local groups, to seek business support for projects that make stations more welcoming and inclusive. Opportunities include:
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Artwork installations to brighten stations and deter graffiti
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Community events to engage residents and passengers
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Accessibility improvements for people with disabilities
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Environmental enhancements around station areas
Recent success story: Network Rail recently funded a striking mural at Winnersh Triangle station to mark 200 years of railway history. The mural, unveiled on 13 January, celebrates milestones such as the opening of the line through Winnersh, the third rail, and the station’s opening in 1986. This project, facilitated by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and Winnersh Parish Council, involved local artists and has proven effective in reducing graffiti.
Julie Pillai, Specialist Road Safety Officer at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Our stations are at the heart of the community, and these projects help make them safer, more welcoming, and more vibrant. We’re inviting businesses to get involved and make a real difference for passengers and residents alike.”
Businesses interested in supporting these initiatives can contact Julie at MyJourney@wokingham.gov.uk.
 Wokingham Positive Difference+
Date and Time: 20 February, 8am
Hosted by: WPD+
The Athena Network
Date and Time: Second Wednesday of the month from 12 to 2pm
Hosted by: Athena Network
Fore Business Networking
Date and Time: First Thursday of the month at 8am
Hosted by: Fore Business
Wokingham Speakers
Date and Time: first and third Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm
Hosted by: Wokingham Speakers (Toastmasters)
Wokingham WIBN - Women's Business Networking
Date and Time: Thursday afternoon group: 12pm to 2pm, second Thursday of the month; Friday morning group: 9.30am to 11.30am, second Friday of the month
Hosted by: Wokingham Women in Business Network
Woodley Business Club
Date and Time: Various
Hosted by: Woodley Business Club
Wokingham Southern Distributer Road Updates by Balbour Beatie
Date and Time: 20 February, 8am
Hosted by: WPD+
Other events you may be interested in
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