2025 - Page 2 of 4 - Woodley Town Council

Town Council News Post

Woodley Marks VJ Day 80 with Community Reflection Event

On Friday 15 August, the people of Woodley came together for a special free community drop-in day to reflect, remember, and honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day – the day in 1945 when Japan surrendered, bringing the Second World War to an end.

Visitors were invited to watch information videos, explore displays about VJ Day, and view a unique collection of memorabilia kindly gifted by Roy and Pam Hannington. The collection included photographs, a copy of a wartime ration book, Roy’s father’s ID card, and a letter Roy wrote to his father during the war. These personal items were shared alongside Roy’s vivid memories of growing up in wartime London, enduring air raids, coping with rationing, and celebrating peace.

“VJ Day reminds us not just of the end of conflict, but of the resilience, sacrifice, and humanity that carried people through those dark years. Today we were privileged to hear Roy’s personal memories and see treasured artefacts that bring history to life for us all. My heartfelt thanks go to Roy and Pam Hannington for their generosity in sharing them, and to everyone who joined us to remember and reflect,” said Cllr David Bragg, Woodley Town Mayor.

VJ Day 80 is a significant milestone, marking eight decades since the conclusion of the Second World War in the Pacific. While Victory in Europe (VE) Day had been celebrated earlier in May 1945, fighting continued in Asia until Japan’s surrender on 15 August 1945. The day is an opportunity for communities across the UK to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Far East, as well as the families who supported them at home.

Woodley Town Council would like to extend its gratitude to everyone who attended today’s event and contributed to making it a meaningful and memorable occasion.

Anuszka Ransley August 18, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

Best Plot Competition Returns to Reading Road Allotments

Organised by Woodley Allotments Tenants Association to celebrate community spirit and green-fingered excellence

The Woodley Allotments Tenants Association (WATA) has brought back its Best Plot Competition at Reading Road Allotments this year, celebrating the hard work, dedication and pride of the allotment holders.

The competition, which had not taken place for several years, was revived by WATA, with the winners announced during the site’s annual community BBQ in July.

Celebrating Plot Holders' Success

After careful judging by WATA committee members, the following plots were recognised for their outstanding presentation and productivity:

Winner: Plot B24 – Ruth Wilson
Runner-up: Plot H14
Highly Commended: Plot C26, Plot F22, Plot M35A

“The Best Plot Competition was restarted this year as part of our committee’s aim to build on the community spirit that allotment plots already help foster. We’re delighted with the level of participation and congratulate all who took part. We hope to see even more entries in future years,” said Mike McNamara, Chairman of WATA.

Plot Pride and Purpose

After careful judging by WATA committee members, the following plots were recognised for their outstanding presentation and productivity:

Winner: Plot B24 – Ruth Wilson
Runner-up: Plot H14
Highly Commended: Plot C26, Plot F22, Plot M35A

Winner Ruth Wilson, who has held her plot for two years, dedicated her entry to her late parents and shared the personal joy her allotment brings:

“My allotment is dedicated to both my late parents. I’ve enjoyed the last two years since becoming a plot holder, with friendly allotment neighbours who even keep an eye on my plot when I’m away.

I entered the competition to show how much joy my plot gives me and to inspire others. Keeping a well-tended plot brings such satisfaction, from planting seeds to harvesting your own produce.

We’re so lucky to have these allotments, and I encourage everyone to make the most of the opportunity. Here’s to a successful growing season – and hopefully another great competition next year!”

Cllr Darren Smith, Chair of the Town Council’s Leisure Services Committee, praised the ongoing efforts of WATA and the allotment community:

“On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the Woodley Allotments Tenants Association for their continued hard work in supporting plot holders and maintaining such high standards across the allotments. The sense of community fostered on site is a real credit to everyone involved, and events like this competition are a great example of that spirit in action.”

Highlighting National Allotments Week

The return of the competition coincides with National Allotments Week, run by the National Allotment Society. This annual campaign raises awareness of the many benefits of allotments, including exercise, mental wellbeing, sustainable food growing, and community connections.

Want to Grow Your Own?

Woodley Town Council manages the Reading Road allotment site. If you’re interested in applying for an allotment, please contact the Town Council to be added to the waiting list: [email protected]

Sean Milroy August 12, 2025 0

Woodley-Council-Lydia-Victoria-Photography0022

Town Council News Post

Have Your Say on the Future of Woodley’s Local Services – Woodley Town Council Launches Precept Survey

Woodley Town Council is calling on all local residents to have their say on the future of Town Council services by responding to a new community survey about the Town Council Tax element they pay each year. The feedback gathered will help shape how the Council plans its budget and delivers services for the 2026/27 financial year.

Over the past 13 years, Woodley Town Council has worked hard to minimise the financial burden on residents. The Council has delivered a 0% increase in the Town Council Tax for the last three years, and a total reduction of 7%(not adjusted for inflation) since 2011. Despite rising costs and increasing pressures, the Council remains committed to maintaining and improving the services that matter most to the community.

Current Precept Amount

Currently, the average Band D household pays £106.69 per year (£8.89 per month) to support local services and facilities including:

Woodford Park, Malone Park, Wheble Park & Bulmershe open space
The Garden of Remembrance, Reading Road allotments & Centre Stage
Woodford Park Leisure Centre and Gym on the Park
The Oakwood Centre & Alan Cornish Theatre
Coronation and Chapel Halls
Youth support services
Community events, town centre activities, and commemorations
Local grants for community organisations

We know how important these local facilities and services are to the people of Woodley. That’s why we’ve worked diligently to keep the Town Council Tax as low as possible without compromising the quality of what we provide. However, like all organisations, we are now facing increased costs. This survey gives you the chance to tell us directly how you would like us to move forward, whether that’s maintaining the current service levels or investing more in your community,” said Cllr Keith Baker, Leader of Woodley Town Council.

Choose How Much You Are Willing to Contribute to Support Local Services

Starting 11 August 2025, every household in Woodley will receive a copy of the survey by post, giving all residents the opportunity to participate. The deadline to respond is 12 September 2025.

The Council is inviting residents to choose one of five options that reflect how much more, if anything, they would be willing to contribute per month to maintain or enhance services:

+89p per month
+53p per month
+18p per month
0p per month
I believe my contribution should decrease.

Responding couldn’t be easier, simply tick your preferred option on the consultation card and post it in your local Royal Mail post box. No stamp is required, though using one will help save the Council money.

Come To the Public Meeting

Following the consultation, a public meeting will be held at the Oakwood Centre, where the results will be shared and discussed with residents.

Your voice matters. The more responses the Council receives, the better informed its decisions will be. Let’s shape the future of Woodley together.

For more information and to view the full precept details, please visit our Precept Page.

Anuszka Ransley August 11, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

Woodley Town Council’s New Youth Services Programme to Launch This Autumn

Targeted and Inclusive Activities for Woodley's Young People

Woodley Town Council has taken a significant step towards strengthening youth engagement and support by approving a diverse programme of youth services set to launch this autumn. The initiative, shaped by the Council’s Youth Support Services Task & Finish Working Group, brings together three experienced providers to deliver a range of targeted and inclusive activities for young people in the community.

Following a series of discussions by the working group and approval at an extraordinary Leisure Services Committee Meeting on 15 July, a package of youth services is to be funded within the Council’s 2025/26 youth budget of £15,000. The chosen offerings include:

Targeted Intervention Programme: Designed for vulnerable 12 to 15 year-olds identified by a multi-disciplinary team. This programme will offer structured support including mentoring, diversionary activities, and reporting on individual outcomes.
Youth Club Sessions: Weekly youth club sessions on Friday evenings during school terms, offering recreational and developmental activities in collaboration with young people themselves.
Holiday Activity Programme: Enriching holiday experiences for children aged 9–16 from low-income households.

The Councill will be working in partnership with the Storyy Group, Berkshire Youth and Wokingham Borough Council’s Holiday, Activities and Food team to deliver the programme.

“We’re excited to launch this new youth programme for Woodley. By combining targeted intervention with inclusive activities and leadership opportunities, we are taking a meaningful step toward building confidence, resilience, and community spirit in our young people. This is a long-term investment in the next generation, and we’re proud to be delivering something that reflects their needs and voices,” said Chair of the Youth Support Services Working Group, Cllr Kay Gilder.

Youth Strategy

The new services align with the Council’s recently updated Youth Strategy. which commits to providing a flexible, activity-led programme of youth services which is delivered within the town or accessible to its residents.

The new youth provision is expected to begin in the autumn term, with a new Youth Service Sub Committee setup to monitor the service and guide future development of the programme.

Anuszka Ransley July 17, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

Share Your Views On New Cycle Route in Woodley

Have Your Say by completing Wokingham Borough Council's Survey

If you live in the Woodley area, or travel frequently between Woodley and Reading, Wokingham Borough Council wants to hear about how you get around.

The Council is asking about people’s travel habits before it starts work on a new cycle link from Woodley town centre to Palmer Park, at the Reading borough boundary.

The new link will run via Woodlands Avenue, Church Road, Palmerstone Road and Culver Lane, with work due to start later this year.

It’s being funded by the Department for Transport and the money is ‘ring fenced’ for this project, meaning the Council isn’t allowed to spend it on anything else.

Complete the Survey by 12 midnight, Sunday 3 August, for the chance to win one of five £20 vouchers. Note, you must be aged 16 or over.

Complete The Survey

Anuszka Ransley July 17, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

Planning & Community Committee meeting – 22 July 2025

Please click here to view the full agenda for this meeting.

You can watch this meeting live, or after the event via a recording, on the Town Council’s YouTube channel.

If you have any issues accessing this meeting, either in person or virtually, then please contact the Deputy Town Clerk: [email protected] / 0118 969 0356

Matthew Filmore July 17, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

New Water Bottle Filling Station Installed in Woodley Town Centre Thanks to Rotary Club Support

A Greener Future

Woodley Town Centre has taken another step towards a greener future with the installation of a new water bottle filling station, generously supported by a joint donation from the Rotary Club of Loddon Vale and Reading Maiden Erlegh. This new facility offers free, fresh drinking water to residents and visitors alike, encouraging the use of reusable bottles and helping to cut down on single-use plastic waste.

A Boost for Sustainability and Community Wellbeing

Strategically located in a busy area of the town centre, the filling station aligns closely with Woodley Town Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, which aims to make the town more environmentally sustainable through practical, everyday solutions. The Council has committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly behaviours, and this initiative represents a tangible step in that direction.

Brian Fennelly, Town Centre Manager, welcomed the development, saying: “This is a fantastic addition to our town centre. It not only provides a practical service for shoppers and visitors, but also supports our shared vision for a cleaner, greener Woodley. We’re very grateful to the Rotary Club for their generous support in making this happen.”

Cllr Keith Baker, Chairman of the Strategy & Resources Committee, added: “The installation of this water bottle filling station is a clear example of Woodley Town Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling climate change. By reducing single-use plastics and encouraging sustainable practices, we’re investing in facilities that support both the environment and the wellbeing of our community.”

Rotary’s Ongoing Community Support

Scott Trathen of the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh explained how the initiative reflects Rotary’s broader environmental goals:

“The idea to donate a refill station came from the shared aspirations of two local Rotary clubs – Loddon Vale and Maiden Erlegh. We’re proud to support our local communities and promote sustainable living. Reducing plastic waste is critical, and we’re delighted to work with Woodley Town Council to make a lasting difference. We hope everyone passing through the precinct takes full advantage of this facility.”

Rotary Clubs continue to be a pillar of community support in Woodley and Earley and always welcome new members or volunteers. Learn more at www.readingmaidenerlegh.org.

Looking Ahead

On behalf of Woodley Town Council, Cllr Keith Baker, Council Leader, extends his heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club of Loddon Vale and Reading Maiden Erlegh for their support and partnership.

“This initiative marks another important milestone in the Council’s climate action journey and its mission to create a more sustainable, accessible, and community-focused town.”

Anuszka Ransley July 16, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

Woodford Park Celebrates 8th Consecutive Green Flag Award

Woodley’s flagship park remains the only site in Wokingham Borough with this prestigious accolade

Woodley Town Council is delighted to announce that Woodford Park has been awarded the coveted Green Flag Award for the eighth year running, once again officially recognising it as one of the best parks in the UK.

This international quality mark, awarded by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, highlights Woodford Park as the only park in Wokingham Borough to receive this honour – an ongoing testament to the park’s exceptional standards in cleanliness, safety, biodiversity, and community engagement.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in Woodford Park who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award,” said Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager.

“Quality parks and green spaces like Woodford Park make the country a healthier place to live and work, and a stronger place in which to invest. Woodford Park is a vital green space for the Woodley community to enjoy nature, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis, offering a free, safe space for families and providing physical and mental health benefits for all,” he added.

A Park For Everyone

Set in the heart of Woodley, Woodford Park offers a wide range of facilities that appeal to all ages. Visitors can enjoy:

Extensive children’s play areas
A lake and nature trails
A sensory garden
A multi-use games area
Tennis courts and football pitches
Skate park and basketball area
And most recently, the newly established Orchard Garden, which has been widely praised and enjoyed by local residents for its beauty, tranquillity, and environmental value.

The continued success of Woodford Park would not be possible without the dedicated work of the Town Council’s Grounds Maintenance Team and the invaluable support of local volunteer group, the Friends of Woodford Park.

“We are extremely proud to receive the Green Flag Award for the eighth consecutive year. This recognition is a reflection of the commitment and dedication of our Amenities Team and the support from the voluntary group Friends of Woodford Park. I’d like to personally thank the team for their efforts in maintaining and improving the park, particularly with the recent addition of our beautiful Orchard Garden, which has already become a much-loved feature of the community,” said Kevin Murray, Woodley Town Council Town Clerk.

While, Cllr Keith Baker, Woodley Town Council Leader added: “Many residents often ask about what benefit a Town Council gives them. This eighth consecutive Green Flag, recognising the excellent quality of Woodford Park, is a classic example of what having a Town Council gives you. We do not have the large budget that Wokingham Borough has but we still manage to provide a public green space to match any that the Borough provides. Each year the criteria gets tougher, and it is a credit to the staff of the Town Council that they repeatedly excel. Well done to everyone involved – here’s to a ninth award next year.”

Woodley Town Council remains committed to preserving and enhancing Woodford Park as an accessible, inclusive, and inspiring green space for all residents and visitors to enjoy now, and in the future.

Anuszka Ransley July 15, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

Understanding the Planning Process: How Woodley Town Council Supports Your Voice

Helping residents to better understand how planning decisions are made and how the local community can play a role in shaping the town’s future.

What is our role in planning?

When someone submits a planning application in Woodley, Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is the planning authority and with legal responsibility for determining whether to approve or reject each application.

Woodley Town Council is a statutory consultee, meaning we are invited to review and comment on every planning application that affects our area. While we have no power with regards to the ultimate decision, our recommendations represent the voice of the local community and can influence outcomes.

We consider each application carefully, looking at factors such as traffic, parking, building design, local character, conservation, and environmental impact.

However, it is important that residents understand that our comments do not negate the need for residents to lodge their own personal comments on any application.

How much impact do we have?

During the 2024/25 municipal year, Woodley Town Council reviewed numerous applications submitted within the town. Out of these:

115 decisions made by Wokingham Borough Council were in line with our comments
- 112 applications were approved as we recommended
- 3 applications were refused following our objection
Only 14 decisions went against our recommendations
- 3 applications were refused where we had raised no objection
- 11 were approved where we had raised concerns or objections.

This means Wokingham Borough Council agreed with our comments 89% of the time, demonstrating the value of our input in the process.

Your voice matters too

We strongly encourage residents to:

Attend Planning & Community Committee meetings, especially if there is an application which affects your neighbourhood – these are open to the public and are a great opportunity to hear about current applications and share your views.
Submit comments directly to Wokingham Borough Council – the final decisions rest with them, and your input can make a difference. You can comment online via their planning portal: Wokingham Borough Council Planning Portal

“Planning applications affect the way our town grows and evolves, and it’s so important that the voices of local residents are part of that process. While Woodley Town Council doesn’t make the final decision, our comments are considered seriously and, with nearly 90% of our recommendations aligning with Wokingham Borough Council’s decisions this year, it shows how impactful our local input can be. I strongly encourage residents to attend our meetings, share their views, and submit comments directly to the Borough Council. Your perspective really does matter,” said Cllr Bill Soane, Chair of the Planning & Community Committee, Woodley Town Council.

Get involved

Check our website and noticeboards for agendas, application summaries, and meeting dates. Engaging early in the planning process ensures that your voice is heard.

Anuszka Ransley July 7, 2025 0

Town Council News Post

Flag raised in Woodley to honour Armed Forces Day

Woodley Town Council has proudly raised the Armed Forces Day flag in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the UK’s Armed Forces.

The flag-raising took place on Friday [27 June] at the Town Council offices, ahead of Armed Forces Day 2025, which falls on Saturday [28 June]. This year’s event also commemorates the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

Each June, Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for communities across the UK to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets.

“Armed Forces Day is an important occasion for us to publicly recognise the courage, dedication and service of the Armed Forces. By raising the flag here in Woodley, we reaffirm our respect and gratitude for those who serve and have served. It’s a small but meaningful gesture of our community’s enduring support,” said Kevin Murray, Woodley Town Council Town Clerk.

Flags are flown nationwide each year in the lead-up to Armed Forces Day to demonstrate unity and appreciation.

Woodley Town Council will host a VJ Day commemoration on 15 August. Further details will be shared soon on our website and social media channels.

Anuszka Ransley June 28, 2025 0

Woodley Town Councillors and Wokingham Borough Mayor at the My Journey stall at Woodley Carnival

Town Council News Post

Community Embraces Active Travel at Woodley Carnival

Woodley Town Council was pleased to see strong community interest at the recent Woodley Carnival, where many residents visited the joint MyJourney and Woodley Town Council Cycling & Walking Stall. The stall provided an opportunity to share plans to promote ‘active travel’ encouraging more walking and cycling to help reduce car journeys in and around the town.

The stall proved highly popular, with 214 residents taking part in the ‘spin the wheel’ game and many more stopping by to discuss local safer cycling routes and events. A number of enthusiastic cyclists volunteered to ‘test drive’ new draft safer cycling routes being developed as part of Woodley’s local cycling network.

“It was great to see Woodley folk engaging with active travel, and I was pleased (and surprised!) that a number of cyclists have taken our draft local cycle routes to test drive and provide feedback,” said Cllr June Taylor, a member of the Council’s Cycling & Walking Sub-Committee.

Testing the Routes

The Council has asked volunteers to cycle their chosen route and provide feedback on:

Whether the instructions are clear and easy to follow
Any hazards encountered, such as potholes, broken signs, tricky junctions, or flooded off-road paths
The duration of the route from end to end
Any improvements or alternative suggestions for the route.

Important Feedback

In addition, the Council is encouraging wider community input on how to make Woodley more bike-friendly. Residents are invited to share their ideas on:

The availability and location of cycle racks, secure stores, repair stands, and pumps
Signage for both cyclists and walkers
Safety considerations such as lighting, road speed limits, and cycling education
Barriers to owning a bike, and challenges for children cycling
Any other suggestions related to cycling infrastructure or experience.

A spokesperson for MyJourney said: “We had a great day. We loved speaking with people who are genuinely interested in active travel. Many residents also spoke to us about the various local events MyJourney organises for the community.”

Get on Your Bike

We were encouraged by the level of engagement and are keen to involve even more local people as this work continues.

Whether you’re a regular cyclist or just thinking about getting back on your bike, we’d love to hear from you. Help us shape a more cycle-friendly Woodley by testing a route or sending us your ideas.

Please contact Cllr June Taylor for more information: [email protected]

Anuszka Ransley June 27, 2025 0

Woodley Town Mayor judges Woodley Schools Garden Tray Competition

Town Council News Post

Woodley Town Mayor helps Woodley school children bloom in gardening competition

Hosted by Waingels, young gardeners from Woodley’s primary schools came together last week for the annual Year 1 School Tray Garden Competition. This year’s event had a “Kindness” theme, which inspired budding horticulturists from Highwood, Rivermead, and Beechwood Primary School to get creative and work as a team to make a themed garden that represented friendship and working together.

Organised by Jackie Andrews as part of the Woodley Cluster Project and Amrit Virdee from Waingels, and with plants kindly donated by Winnersh Garden Centre, the competition saw pupils from different schools pairing up in teams of four to design and build their tray gardens in an event hosted by Waingels. The focus was on imagination and teamwork, with each group putting their own spin on the “Kindness” element.

The children’s trays featured fantastic storytelling and playful additions like Stickman figures, bridges, treehouses, and swings, adding fun and imagination to their miniature gardens. Ponds, shell areas, and gravel paths brought the soil and connected the spaces, showcasing movement and fun, echoing the joy of outdoor play.

Judges Cassie King, PR Officer from British Garden Centres, who owns the Winnersh store, Woodley Town Mayor Cllr David Bragg, and Brenda Milton from Woodley Flower Club had the tough job of picking the winners, looking for originality, storytelling and how well the children worked together. Parents were invited to join the presentation and applaud the young gardeners at a special awards ceremony led by Louise Quinell, Head of Beechwood Primary School.

Winning Gardens

The results were:

1^st Place: “The Happy Garden” (Beechwood and Rivermead)
2^nd Place: “The Features Garden” (Beechwood and Highwood)
Teamwork Award: “The Beautiful Adventure Park Garden” (Beechwood and Rivermead)

Every child who took part went home with a certificate packet of seeds to sow at home, courtesy of British Garden Centres, to help them keep growing their love of gardening. The top three teams also took home plants to grow in their own outdoor spaces. All of the tray gardens went on to be displayed at the Woodley Carnival, alongside entries from the experienced members of the Woodley Flower Club.

Judges impressed by creativity

Cllr David Bragg, Woodley Town Mayor, was impressed with the children’s efforts, commenting: “It was a real pleasure to see the incredible creativity and teamwork from our young gardeners. Each tray garden told a unique story of kindness and friendship, which made judging both a joy and a real challenge. The passion and imagination displayed by Highwood, Rivermead, and Beechwood children were truly inspiring.”

Cassie King, PR Officer at British Garden Centres, said, “It is always such a joy to watch the children’s ideas take shape in their tray gardens. Their creativity shone through in every detail, and it’s lovely seeing how much fun they had working together, sharing ideas, and getting their hands dirty. I hope these children will carry that enthusiasm with them, whether it’s in their own gardens at home or in future projects at school.”

Jackie Andrews of the Woodley Cluster Project said, “The children did so well again this year, creating really beautiful gardens. They all enjoyed thinking about what they do in their gardens and how you can use gardens to help you feel happy. Everyone worked with enthusiasm, and the atmosphere for the whole day was one of joy! I would like to thank everyone involved in the day – our judges, Waingels for hosting the day and running the workshops, the Year 1 teachers for making the arrangements so that their pupils could take part and Winnersh Garden Centre for donating all the plants, compost and prizes, without which we simply would not be able to run this project.”

Anuszka Ransley June 23, 2025 0