Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
 Members of Hurst Bowling Club playing (left) the old clubhouse (top right) and the new clubhouse (bottom right)
New clubhouse for historic group
After 17 years of fundraising, Hurst Bowling Club has opened a new clubhouse.
The volunteer‑run club, which was first founded in 1747, was recently shortlisted for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising its long‑standing contribution to the community. Nominated by The Link Visiting Scheme, the club was praised for the support it provides to older and isolated residents. Although it did not receive the award, the nomination itself was a proud moment for members and volunteers.
The new clubhouse has been made possible thanks to generous support from club members, the National Lottery, charitable foundations and local businesses.
Ronnie Ashley, fundraiser at Hurst Bowling Club, said: "I'm pleased that years of fundraising has resulted in securing the future of our sport, community project and history. Thanks to our members, local businesses, grants and the National Lottery for supporting our success."
Founded on a tradition of friendship and inclusion, Hurst Bowling Club continues to welcome people of all ages and abilities, with regular community sessions and opportunities to try the sport.
Residents interested in giving bowls a go are warmly encouraged to get in touch.
 Community railway artwork wows awards judges
A group of residents who created a community artwork for Wokingham station have won an award.
The participants, including some with learning disabilities, drew colourful designs on sections of toy wooden railway track. They arranged them on a big board, with other images and logos, to mark the 200th anniversary of Britain's railways.
Now their project has won the Creative Projects (Small Group) category in this year's national Community Rail Awards. The award was presented to the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board, who coordinated the entry.
It was overseen by artist Jo Werrett, of social care provider Optalis, with input from members of the CLASP learning disability group. You can see the finished artwork on display in the station ticket office.
The scheme was supported by South Western Railway and the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership.
Optalis, CLASP and the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board adopted Wokingham station in 2022 and have since created an Easy Read travel guide.
Earlier this year, Winnersh Parish Council unveiled a graffiti artwork at Winnersh Triangle station underpass, also marking the Railway 200 celebrations.
 Parkrun marks volunteer's 500th event
Chris is a familiar face to many at Reading Parkrun, held at Thames Valley Park in Earley, and has recently been celebrated for his outstanding contribution to the local community.
After an incredible 500 times volunteering, the parkrun team has honoured him by naming a bridge on the course after him.
That’s 500 early mornings spent supporting others and helping the event run smoothly, week in and week out.
As the Reading Parkrun team puts it, Chris is “a constant on the course and a friendly, reassuring presence that people come to rely on without even realising it”.
David Hodgkinson, co-event director at Reading Parkrun, added: "Parkrun depends on volunteers, but reaching 500 volunteer occasions is something truly extraordinary.
"That dedication has touched countless people in our community."
If you’d like to get involved, Parkrun offers free, friendly events every Saturday at 9am, including Reading, Dinton Pastures, California Country Park and Woodley (at Woodford Park).
Junior Parkruns for four to 14-year-olds also take place on Sundays at Dinton Pastures and Woodley.
In need of a school uniform? First Days Children’s Charity is hosting a low-cost uniform sale at Woodley Precinct tomorrow (Thursday 14 May) from 2pm to 4pm. Good quality pre-loved primary and secondary uniforms will be available at affordable prices.
 Volunteers needed for day centre activities
Do you like being part of a team, getting fresh air and helping people in need?
If so, then the Green 'n' Tidy Gardening Scheme could be the volunteer role for you.
Green 'n' Tidy provides a basic gardening service for elderly and disabled residents of Wokingham Borough who cannot maintain their homes, do not have local family support or cannot afford commercial services.
To help more people across the borough, the Wokingham Volunteer Centre, which leads the project, has expanded the scheme.
To do this, more volunteers are needed, with an average commitment of one morning per week.
Volunteers will need their own transport. Teams work Monday to Saturday, typically 9am to 1pm, with volunteers usually signing up to a regular day.
There is a particular need for Friday volunteers. If you are interested, contact gardening@wok-vol.org.uk
To get involved or find out more about volunteering in Wokingham Borough, visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website, call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk
 Living life to the fullest with the right support
A couple of years ago, Gregg - a member of the Social Care Future Core Group - posed a simple question to a room full of councillors and social care workers: "What did you do this weekend?"
The answers varied - everyday things we all do.
"Well, so why would my life be any different? Just because you're disabled doesn't mean you want to live a different life. It just means you need more support."
Gregg's involvement, and that of others with personal experience in the Social Care Future Core Group, adds to the ongoing conversation about what good support looks like - not just basic care, but support that lets someone live the life they want to live.
Gregg has MS and uses a wheelchair. He uses direct payments to recruit and manage his own team of personal assistants through job sites like Indeed and Gumtree. His adverts don't mention "care."
His philosophy: "Never in front of you, never behind you, always beside you."
Social Care Future is about bringing everyone together to work toward this vision. The more organisations and individuals who embrace these principles, the stronger our community becomes.
 Dementia Action Week events across the borough
Do you support someone with dementia? Next week is Dementia Action Week (18 to 22 May).
To mark the week, a series of events are being held across the borough by Age UK Berkshire and its partners, helping you find information, advice and local support.
A full list of the week's events can be found below:
- Monday (11:30am to 1:30pm): Community networking at Shinfield Garden Centre - a chance to speak with local organisations about the support available
- Tuesday (9:30am to 11:30am): Community networking at Squires Garden Centre - a chance to speak with local organisations about the support available
- Tuesday (12pm to 3pm): Dementia lunch at Age Concern Twyford and District Social Club - a relaxed lunch with afternoon entertainment for those living with dementia and the people who support them. Booking is required. Email outreach@ageconcerntwyford.org.uk or call 0118 934 4040.
- Wednesday (12:30pm to 3pm): Dementia awareness for the Hong Kong Community at Kings Church in Wokingham - information about local services.
- Thursday (12pm to 3pm): Community gathering and activities at All Saints Church, Wokingham.
- Friday (11am to 12:30pm): Walking groups with Dogs for Good at Cantley Park - a gentle walk and a chance to find out about support. Please do not bring your own dogs.
To find out more and for May's full list of events, visit the Age UK Berkshire website.
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