Woodford Park in Woodley has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world. The Park joins other green spaces awarded recognition in Berkshire and remains the only one to be awarded Green Flag status in the Wokingham Borough area.

Woodford Park is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that has received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the second year running.  We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Woodford Park to such a high standard by staff and volunteers,” commented Woodley Town Council Leader Keith Baker.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

Woodley Town Council hosted, alongside Spriggan Productions, an afternoon of entertainment and live music at Centre Stage in Woodley town centre on Saturday

Local residents were treated to an afternoon of live music from three local bands, dancing acts and circus entertainment. Held in the town centre at Centre Stage, the event started with entertainment from five dance acts, ranging from American Tribal Style bellydancing to dancing with fire. Jadoo’s Jingles, Trish Marriot as Aradia, Sandy Maya’s Belly Fairies, the Salome Sisters, Rachel Bennett’s school of bellydance and Julie Bellyfire all entertained Woodley residents throughout the four hour event, with costume changes, props and innovative and unique dance sessions, some of which were purposely non-choreographed.

Some of the lovely dancers

The first band to hit the stage were the Hedge Inspectors. A husband and wife duo who performed their own original songs, many of which with entertaining lyrics about family life. For a taste of one of their songs, CLICK HERE.

The Hedge Inspectors

The crowd was then entertained by further dance performances before the Nefarius Picaroons came on stage with original and cover songs.

Nefarius Picaroons

While sound checks were in progress for the final band – Spriggan Mist – the crowd was once again entertained by the dancers, while the younger crown continued to be entertained by Mark’s Magic Mayhem.

Belly dancing entertainment

Mark’s Magic Mayhem

Woodley Town Council Leader Cllr Keith Baker and Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Kay Gilder both attended the event, alongside other Woodley Town Councillors. Cllr Baker was very impressed with the quality of the bands and that the Council was able to host a free event for the people of Woodley and commented on how many positive comments he was receiving from residents at the event. Cllr Gilder also mentioned the positive response from local residents.

Woodley Town Council Leader Cllr Keith Baker Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Kay Gilder

Spriggan Mist, a local progressive rock folk band then performed their original songs, filling Woodley town centre with a blast of spriggery entertainment!

Spriggan Mist

Woodley Town Council would like to thank all those involved in making it such a fun and successful event and to all those who attended. A date for Woodley’s 2nd Street Concert will be announced soon.