£4,000 donated to charity after New Year’s Day walk
Almost 1,000 people, including families, children and dogs, started the year on a positive note by taking part in the annual New Year’s Day charity walk at Wellington College, Crowthorne.
Participants enjoyed a scenic route through the historic grounds of Wellington College, with a special children’s trail adding extra fun for younger walkers.
Despite the winter chill, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, bringing together residents from the borough and neighbouring areas.
Richard Lindo, Rotary Club of Crowthorne, Sandhurst & Bracknell president, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people starting the New Year together in such a positive way. The turnout exceeded our expectations and the support for Thames Valley Air Ambulance was truly heart-warming. This event highlights the strength of our local community. We are very grateful to everyone who took part, volunteered, or supported the walk.”
Around £4,000 was raised by the charity walk for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
 Shortlisted projects help make rail accessible for all
Two Optalis projects supporting Wokingham Borough residents have been shortlisted in the 2026 Community Rail Awards.
The first, the Supported Employment Travel Ambassador Programme, is recognised in the Empowering Diverse Groups category. Paid “travel ambassadors” with disabilities assessed accessibility across the rail network and created practical guides for others.
The second, shortlisted in the Railway 200 Legacy category, was a community art project at Wokingham station led by artist Jo Werrett and featuring members of learning disability advocacy group CLASP.
Debs Morrison, CEO of CLASP, said: “Being shortlisted provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of inclusive travel and the small, reasonable adjustments that can make a significant difference for people with learning disabilities. These include easy-read timetables, support with booking tickets, visible and available station staff, and allowing extra time to get on and off trains. Such adjustments benefit not only our community, but many other passengers as well.”
Both schemes were supported by the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership. Winners will be announced on 19 March.
 Jasmine Dix of The Holt School (left) and Laima Dhimitri of Maiden Erlegh School (right)
Next generation students step into politics
Two Year 11 students have been elected as Wokingham Borough’s next Members of UK Youth Parliament (MYP).
Jasmine Dix of The Holt School in Wokingham and Laima Dhimitri of Maiden Erlegh School in Earley were picked by their peers to become MYPs for the next two years.
The vote was held and result announced in a busy borough Council Chamber in Shute End, Wokingham on Monday 19 January.
Following a compelling debate, when candidates were quizzed by the student audience, Jasmine said: “I’m really excited to take on this role and make a difference.”
Laima added: “Hopefully, we can create a better future for young people.”
In her manifesto, Jasmine argued for more affordable public transport, improved mental health support, and more equality and opportunity for young people.
Laima called for more focus on key life skills in schools, making sustainability initiatives more local and accessible, and more funding for youth initiatives.
 Mentor Blessing (left) and mentee Troy (right)
Supporting local boys through mentoring
Chapter2 is a local mentoring charity, based in Reading and the surrounding area. With the help of volunteers, it provides long-term and dedicated 1:1 male mentors for boys who are growing up without a father or father-figure.
Troy was introduced to Blessing, a mentor at Chapter2, by his mum in 2020. Troy said: “It’s good knowing there’s always someone you can rely on, someone who always wants to meet you every week.”
Prior to applying to be a Chapter2 mentor the charity asks anyone interested to take part in a training day to find out more and learn what being a Chapter2 mentor entails.
The mentoring is active and fun with the intent of forming an enduring friendship between mentor and mentee. Mentors offer a consistent reliable presence (a trusted adult), guidance and the opportunity to try new activities that build confidence and self-esteem alongside a positive male role model.
Men in the area who are interested in mentoring are invited to attend one of the upcoming free mentor training days on 28 February, 6 June and 3 October.
By attending there is no obligation to become a mentor, but it is hoped that many attendees will be willing to commit.
Interested in volunteering? The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is hosting a Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Saturday 31 January from 10am to 1pm at Wokingham Town Hall. A wide range of organisations will be there, offering roles to suit different interests and skills.
The event is free and open to everyone. No booking is required – simply drop in and explore how volunteering could work for you.
 Explore the power of books at free library event
This year marks the National Year of Reading, a nationwide invitation to discover or rediscover the joy of books. The initiative is led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust.
As part of the campaign, residents are invited to a free event with author and MP for Earley and Woodley, Yuan Yang, to explore how reading can shape lives and spark new ideas.
Reading Revolutions takes place at Lower Earley Library in Chalfont Close from 11am to 12noon on Friday 23 January. There's no need to book, but places are limited, so early arrival is encouraged.
Mrs Yang, elected in July 2024 as the first Chinese-born Briton to sit in Westminster, is the author of Private Revolutions, shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. It tells the stories of four Chinese women, ‘who refuse to accept the life laid out for them’.
At the event, she will discuss the books that have influenced her life and politics, in conversation with book blogger and broadcaster Simon Savidge.
Residents are also invited to share the books that have offered comfort or changed how they see the world.
 New programmes to stay active and healthy
Wokingham Borough residents can now access a range of specialist programmes designed to support health and wellbeing.
Good Boost is an 8-week rehabilitation course using NHS-certified technology to help manage pain, improve mobility and build confidence. Ideal for those with back, knee, hip or shoulder issues, courses run at Loddon Valley and Wokingham Leisure Centres and include a premium membership for just £37.50 per month (normally £60).
Move Through Menopause offers an 8-week supportive programme combining group discussions on topics like HRT, nutrition and wellbeing with gentle activity sessions. Courses start in February and March at Loddon Valley, Wokingham and Bulmershe Leisure Centres. Cost is £110 for non-members (including membership) or £55 for members.
For residents living with Parkinson’s, specialist classes include Move & Shout (strength, balance and mobility) and Boxercise (non-contact boxing for coordination and fitness). Sessions run weekly at Wokingham and Bulmershe Leisure Centres for £4.50 per class, and carers are welcome. Email ExerciseReferralWokingham@pfpleisure.org for details.
Other things that may be of interest:
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Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are hosting a 'Meet the Crews Day' on Saturday 24 January from 10am to 4pm at Wokingham Fire Station, Easthampstead Road, RG40 2EH. The event if free to attend and is for people aged 17+ interested in learning more about a potential future career in the fire service. There will be no acitivities for children.
- Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Carol Jewell, is walking the 55 miles of Wokingham Way to raise money for her chosen charity, Building for the Future.
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