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 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
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 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
Kicking off the Council’s Climate Action Week, the Community Litter Pick hosted by Woodley Adopt A Street (WASP) took to local roads around Woodford Park, to help keep the streets of Woodley clean and tidy, protecting local wildlife and looking after our planet. They collected over 15 bags of rubbish!
The next event was the Charity Fashion Show hosted by Thames Hospice at Woodley town centre’s Centre Stage, celebrating sustainable style that doesn’t cost the earth. The audience were inspired with outfits from the Woodley shop across different categories ranging from Walk the Dog to Christmas Jumpers to Glitz and Glam. Even Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr David Bragg, made his catwalk debut in a dapper velvet jacket and trilby hat. The event was supported by Waingel’s students photographing the show, while Crumbs café kept the crowd warm with tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
David gave his heartfelt thanks to Thames Hospice and particularly the Woodley shop’s manager, Sue, for putting together the fashion show, commending her hard work, creativity, and compassion as truly inspiring. He also thanked Waingels for photographing the show, while encouraging the crowd to play their part in climate change and take part in the Council’s week-long event.
The final event of the launch day was a public climate talk featuring the Town Clerk, Kevin Murray and climate scientist Professor Chris Merchant of The University of Reading, focusing on both local action and global climate realities.
Kevin Murray opened the event by outlining the Council’s progress since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030. Key actions already taken include switching to 100% renewable energy, installing LED lighting and solar power, improving recycling facilities, digitising processes to reduce waste, and expanding public engagement through initiatives such as Climate Action Week and the new Climate Hub on the Council website.
Kevin also shared details from a 2024 carbon assessment, which will guide the next phase of the Council’s climate strategy. Recommendations include transitioning council vehicles to electric alternatives, installing EV charging points, improving procurement sustainability, and continuing efficiency efforts across energy, water, commuting, and waste.
Following this introduction, Professor Chris Merchant a professor in the Meteorology Department of the University of Reading and part of the National Centre for Earth Observation, delivered a compelling presentation on the global context of climate change. He highlighted that the planet has already surpassed 1.5°C of warming and is currently on track for 3°C by the end of the century, a level of change that could bring more extreme weather events, food system pressures, loss of species, and severe economic impacts.
Despite the risks, Professor Merchant emphasised that progress is possible. Renewable energy generation now surpasses coal globally, and solar power has become the cheapest energy source in history. He stressed that the transition away from fossil fuels is achievable, but success depends on collective action: individuals, communities, businesses, and governments working together.
Both speakers encouraged residents to take part in local sustainability initiatives and to play an active role in calling for broader change.
Selected Year 3 students from Rivermead, South Lake, and Highwood Primary Schools took part in a Climate Challenge, exploring the effects of climate change on coral reefs. Organised by the Bulmershe School’s Geography department, with support from Year 11 and sixth form students, children were mixed into groups and tasked with creating mixed-media posters illustrating the current state of coral reefs and how they might appear after climate change impacts.
The posters were judged by Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr David Bragg. The overall winning group was recognised for their independent work, accurate representation of climate change facts, and meticulous attention to detail, while the team awarded Best Teamwork excelled at dividing tasks effectively and maintaining excellent communication throughout the project.
“It was fantastic to see the creativity and enthusiasm from all the children. Their posters not only show the beauty of our coral reefs but also the need to protect our planet. I’m so impressed by their understanding of climate change and the teamwork they demonstrated,” he said.
All participants received certificates of recognition from the Mayor, along with prizes donated by MyJourney.
The week featured a variety of activities to promote sustainable living:
Woodley Walk: Cllr Carol Jewell, member of the Council’s Walking and Cycling Sub-committee, led a 5km circular walk from the Oakwood Centre to Ashenbury Park and Aldermoors. “We had a great turnout and enjoyed blue skies and sunshine,” she said.
Repair Café: Cllr Jewell also hosted the Repair Café, helping residents fix items instead of discarding them.
Energy Advice Hubs: Citizens Advice provided guidance on energy efficiency and sustainability, while Wokingham Borough Council ran a Warm Homes session at Woodley Library.
Other Activities: Included a Recycled Art Workshop, Climate Cinema, Dr Bike sessions organised by MyJourney, and an Eco Hunt.
A big thank you to everyone who took part in making Climate Action Week a success!
Following our recent consultation, seeking views on the portion of Council Tax that supports Woodley Town Council services, residents’ are invited to a Community Meeting to discuss more about which services you value most and to help direct future service offering.
Your money – a small sum called precept which is collected alongside your Council Tax – goes towards supporting the provision of Town Council services. For 2024/25, this sum – for a typical Band D property – is £106.69 per year, or £8.89 per month.
The services supported include the provision of grants, youth services, allotments and events, as well as the upkeep and maintenance of our assets, like the Oakwood Centre, Woodford Park Leisure Centre, parks and play areas, to name but a few.
We received well over a thousand responses to our consultation, with the outcome as follows:
Your feedback is now helping guide our decisions and budget planning for the years ahead, and we want to hear from you in person.
💬 Which of our services do you value most? What would you like to see us providing in future? What do you think could be improved?
👉 Come and have your say in person at our Community Meeting:
📅 Saturday 29 November
🕓 3:00pm
📍 Oakwood Centre
Together, we can shape the future of our town.
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 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
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 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
Our thanks go to Rosemary Edgington, Chairman of the Winnersh and District Royal British Legion, who read the Exhortation to the Fallen and recited the Kohima Epitaph. We also thank her for her help to organise the event.
Thank you also to Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr David Bragg, for his moving words, summarising the importance of Armistice Day.
At the Eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month; we will remember them and the sacrifices they made to give their Todays for Our Tomorrows.
“At 11 o’clock on the 11th November 1918 the Armistice was signed bringing an end to the fighting of the First World War. To mark this occasion, we hold a 2-minute silence every year at this time.
Woodley Town Council is proud to provide this service each year, and I would like to thank Rosemary Edgington from the Royal British Legion in Winnersh for their help and support in arranging this event.
We gather here today in solemn reflection to honour those who gave everything for our freedom. In silence, we remember not only those who gave their lives or were wounded but also the families who waited patiently praying for the safe return of loved ones, and to all those who served on the home front, in military production, emergency and other equally valuable services. Their sacrifice echoes through generations, reminding us of the cost of peace. Today we wear our poppies with pride, not just in remembrance, but also in gratitude. Let us carry their legacy forward – in our words, our actions, and our commitment to unity. May their memory forever guide us toward a world of compassion, justice and enduring peace.
As Woodley Town Mayor I am honoured to stand before you today as your representative and I wear my poppy with pride as a symbol of remembrance and hope for a positive future and peaceful world.
Thank you.”
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 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
The Mayor’s charity quiz for SHARE Woodley brought the community together for a night of fun, competition, and giving. With every ticket sold, supporters helped raise money for the charity, which works tirelessly to fight food insecurity and reduce waste.
Founder and CEO Claire Revie welcomed guests, sharing the story of SHARE, its Woodley branch, and the vital support it provides to local families each week.
The quiz was expertly led by Cllr Juliet Anderson, the previous Woodley Town Mayor, who guided participants through seven rounds of brain-teasing questions. The bar was busy, the raffle popular, and all the activity was supported by the dedicated SHARE team.
Victory went to the Valiant Vikings, who took home a hamper of goodies generously provided by the past Mayor herself.
“I was delighted to support my chosen charity SHARE Woodley and work with Carolyn Wildman, lead for the Woodley branch, to run such a successful quiz evening. A good time was had by all,” said Cllr Juliet Anderson.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, ticket buyers, and volunteers, the event raised over £2,000 for SHARE Woodley – a tremendous boost for the local community.
“We’re thrilled by the turnout and generosity shown at this year’s Mayor’s Charity Quiz. It was a fun and lively evening that brought people together in friendly competition for a great cause. The funds raised will help us continue to support the local community, and to invest in new fridges and freezers, which will allow us to save even more good food from going to waste.
“We’re extremely grateful to Cllr Juliet Anderson for choosing us as her charity and organising the event along with the Woodley Town Council team, and to every single person who attended, volunteered, donated or cheered us on. Together, you helped make the night such a huge success,” said Carolyn Wildman, Share Wokingham Trustee, and Site Lead for Woodley.
Looking ahead, current Woodley Town Mayor Cllr David Bragg will host his Mayor’s Charity Quiz Night on Friday 27 February 2026, raising funds for his chosen charity, Promise Inclusion. Tickets will go on sale in the New Year – so get ready for another night of fun for a great cause!
Woodley Town Council is proud to launch its second Community Climate Action Week on Saturday 15 November, uniting residents under the theme “Together for Tomorrow – Local Action, Global Impact.”
The week invites everyone in Woodley to Be the Change – to take part, learn, and discover how local efforts can make a global difference.
A packed opening day will feature three free community events:
Be the Change – Community Litter Pick
10am-12pm
Oakwood Centre, Woodley
Take part in Woodley’s Community Litter Pick with Woodley Adopt A Street (WASP), because small actions create big change. All equipment is provided. Please click here to register your place. Volunteers will meet at the Oakwood Centre and then head to assigned streets. Booking is essential to organise groups.
Wear the Change – Charity Fashion Show
1-2pm
Centre Stage, Woodley Town Centre
Step into sustainable style at our fashion show hosted and organised by Thames Hospice Woodley shop, featuring pre-loved outfits from its store in the town centre, with help from Waingels’ students. This exciting event proves fashion doesn’t have to cost the earth. With every outfit, we celebrate recycling, reimagining, and reducing waste. No booking required – just turn up and enjoy! Complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate provided.
Voice the Change – Local Action, Global Impact
3-5pm
Oakwood Centre, Woodley
Join us for a powerful community conversation on climate, featuring Woodley Town Council’s initiatives, advice on how to afford climate change from Citizens Advice Wokingham, and the much-anticipated keynote talk by Professor Chris Merchant, Professor in Ocean and Earth Observation at the University of Reading. Professor Merchant’s presentation, Our Climate Future, will unpack the key science and facts behind global warming, why it matters, and how every voice can help shape change. The event includes a Q&A session and complimentary tea, coffee, and cake. Booking is essential as there are limited tickets available. Please click here to register your place.
Children can join the Kids’ Eco Nature Hunt, with prizes to be won, helping our youngest residents learn that small actions create a big impact.
Throughout the week, Woodley Town Council will also be sharing a Daily Pledge, with facts about what the Council is doing to support sustainability and a handy “Tip of the Day” to inspire residents to take action.
“This week is about showing that when we come together as a community, our local actions really do create global impact. By working with our local schools, shops, groups, and residents, we are building something that goes beyond a single event. Community Climate Action Week is about creating a shared movement that belongs to everyone in Woodley, because tackling climate change requires all of us,” said Kevin Murray, Woodley Town Council Town Clerk.
The Council sees this collaboration with local partners – schools educating the next generation, shops leading on sustainable fashion, and residents stepping forward to take part – as essential to its vision of a greener, more resilient town.
The launch day promises to be an energising start to a week filled with events, from repair cafés to school projects, all demonstrating that climate action is not only necessary but achievable when tackled together.
All events are free to attend, but spaces for bookable events are limited. All information is available on our website.
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 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
Woodley Town Council would like to make residents aware of a proposal from Wokingham Borough Council to introduce a 20mph speed limit along part of Woodlands Avenue in Woodley.
The proposed change would apply from a point 15 metres west of the junction with Fairwater Drive and extend eastwards for approximately 720 metres. The Borough Council has explained that the intention is to help lower traffic speeds and enhance safety for all road users, particularly as this stretch of road runs through a residential area and forms part of an important active travel route.
Residents are invited to view the full details of the proposal online, or in person at Wokingham Borough Council Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, during office hours.
Comments, whether in support of or objecting to the proposal, can be submitted to the Borough Council either in writing to the Traffic Management Team, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN, or online via its Engage Platform. The deadline for responses is 23:59 on 20th October 2025.
“We know that roads like Woodlands Avenue are used every day by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, including families and schoolchildren. We encourage residents to look at the details of this proposal and share their views directly with Wokingham Borough Council. Your feedback is an important part of the consultation process,” said Cllr Bill Soane, Chairman of Planning & Community Committee.
© Woodley Town Council 2025
