We have installed two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) outside the Oakwood Centre and Woodford Park Leisure Centre (WPLC).
The defibrillator at the Leisure Centre is located on the rear of the building, opposite the 3G pitch, while the defibrillator on the Oakwood Centre building, is located on memorial ground side, across the field from Coronation Hall.
24 hour access
The defibrillators have been registered with The Circuit, which is part of the British Heart Foundation and connected with the South Ambulance service. This enables them to be used by any member of the public to help someone experiencing a cardiac arrest.
Both defibrillators have 24/7 access via locked cabinets. When calling 999 in an emergency, the operator will give these locations and the code to unlock the box to access the defibrillator. The operator will then give instructions over the phone on how to use it, unless paramedics or other emergency services are on the scene and they will access the defibrillator.
Premier League’s Defibrillator Fund
The defibrillator at WPLC was funded by the Premier League’s Defibrillator Fund. The Fund, set up by the Premier League, will enable more than 2,000 sites across the country to install an AED and is supported by The FA and Sport England and delivered by the Football Foundation.
On the 26th October 1972, the A329M bridge over the Loddon collapsed, while under construction. It tragically resulted in three deaths and ten injuries.
In honour of those involved, Woodley Town Council and Earley Town Council planted a Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) tree in Dinton Pastures, near the cafe.
Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Tahir Maher and Woodley Town Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder, attended the memorial to unveil the tree and plaques.
Cllr Kay Gilder & Cllr Tahir Maher
Cllr Kay Gilder said: “I am privileged to represent the people of Woodley today alongside the people of Earley as represented by the Earley Town Mayor to honour and remember those who lost their lives, were injured and the impact it had on their families and the community. This tree represents a lasting memorial to all involved.”
“We are here, on this sad occasion, to remember three lives lost and ten injured on 24th October 1972, 50 years ago. The incident resulted from a collapse of ‘falsework’. These are plywood constructions into which concrete was poured. A construction of the size of the Loddon Viaduct, which was a substantial structure holding many tonnes of concrete. The practice of these large construction sites at the time allowed the sub-contractors to perform their tasks without any oversight from the main contractor.
“The consequence of this disaster was the ‘Bragg Report’, which introduced a responsibility for these construction sites to a named engineer working for the main contractor. This provided a hierarchy of responsibility and ensured that the responsible engineer agreed upon designs for falsework. This made the disaster a landmark in health & safety on large construction sites,” said Cllr Maher.
“The site of the disaster is exactly where the three civic parishes of Earley, Woodley and Winnersh meet. Before this tree-planting event, there has been no memorial to this tragedy,” he added.
Kay and Tahir were joined by Cllr Carol Jewell from Woodley Town Council, Cllr Nicola Brock, Cllr Alison Newton, Cllr Keith Yabsley, and Cllr Al Neal from Earley Town Council.
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual Armistice Day and those who laid a wreath.
Royal British Legion
Our thanks go to Trevor Knights, President of the Winnersh and District Royal British Legion, who read the Exhortation to the Fallen and recited the Kohima Epitaph. We also thank him for his help to organise the event.
Our thanks also go to Rosemary Edgington of the Winnersh and District Royal British Legion Women’s Section for her help in organising the event.
Woodley Town Mayor
Thank you also to Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, for her moving words, summarising the importance of Armistice Day.
“As we stand here in peace and safety, I would like to thank you for joining Woodley Town Council and the Winnersh and District Royal British Legion to pay our respects and remember all of those who have fallen; all of the wounded; and all who have served in conflicts and wars.
“Remembrance Day is the day we all remember the brave who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought and died for our freedom.
“I am honoured to represent the residents of Woodley today and I wear my poppy with pride as a symbol of remembrance and hope for a positive future and peaceful world. Thank you.”
Photos
Thank you to our photographer, Francesca Reed, a sixth form student at Waingel’s College.
Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel
MP Matt Rodda, Reading East
Rosemary Edgington & Trevor Knights
Thames Valley Police
Brian Fennelly, Woodley Town Centre Manager
Cllr Brian Franklin
Cllr Beth Rowland (with Cllr Caroline Smith)
Woodley Afternoon Women’s Institute
Woodley & Earley Lions Club
Poppy display by Woodley Memorial Remembrance 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce Councillor Sam Rahmouni passed away last week.
Sam was first elected to Woodley Town Council in 1999, when he stood for election in Coronation West Ward and remained for the duration of his time as a Town Councillor.
Cllr Rahmouni was an active member of the Town Council and was on several committees during his time including, most recently, the Planning & Community Committee.
He also served as Deputy Town Mayor for the Municipal Year 2017-18 and Woodley Town Mayor 2018-19.
Woodley Town Council Leader, Cllr Keith Baker, knew Sam for many years and comments:
“I have known Sam for over a decade and found him very much a man of the people. His passion for helping Woodley residents was second to none. As a Town Councillor he was always willing to offer his services to the Town Council in whatever capacity was required. During his career he was both a Borough and a Town Councillor reaching the pinnacle of being Woodley Town Mayor. His activities, on behalf of Woodley residents, was always carried out in a very quiet way shunning any publicity.
“Outside of his political career, he had a passion for the pub, with many regulars of the Chequers knowing him well. The other passion was at Christmas time when he religiously created jars and jars of pickled onions, which were delicious. I will certainly miss him as a friend, a political colleague, a fellow pub goer and a provider of great pickled onions. He had a heart of good and will be greatly missed by all.”
L-R: Woodley Town Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder; Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, hosted a charity Afternoon Tea on Sunday 23rd October in the Miles Suite at the Oakwood Centre to raise money for her chosen charity, Keep Mobile.
Guests were treated to a delicious afternoon tea, served on vintage crockery. Live music was played throughout, followed by fund-raising activities, including an Afternoon Tea Quiz and a raffle.
Cllr Janet Sartorel was delighted with the event, particularly as afternoon tea is her favourite meal.
She thanked all of the guests who had bought tickets and came to support her charity event.
“I hope you have enjoyed the afternoon as much as I have. I’d like to thank you all from coming and help raise money for Keep Mobile. I’d also like to thank Woodley Town Deputy Mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder, for her supreme efforts persuading many local businesses to donate raffle prizes, which many of you are now the lucky recipients of.
However, my biggest thanks go to the Woodley Town Council staff who have worked so hard over recent months to make this event happen. Not only that, they have also given up their Sunday to get the tea together, decorate the tables, set up the flowers, organise the raffle, the quiz and then will need to return to their ‘proper’ jobs all over again tomorrow.”
“I’m proud to say that over £400 has been raised for Keep Mobile, a local organisation who provide transport for the elderly and disabled in the area. Having attended their AGM last year, I was so impressed with the work they do that I chose Keep Mobile as my charity this Mayoral year,” added Janet.
Keep Mobile
Sally Gibson, Manager of Keep Mobile attended the event along with members of the board and the team. She sent us some very moving words following the event:
Mayor’s Charity Afternoon Tea
We booked our table and waiting for the date
We all couldn’t wait
On the day we walked down the corridor of the Oakwood Centre
to a very warm welcome from the Town Mayor, Janet Sartorel, the presenter
We were handed a glass of prosecco or juice
Meeting new people which gave us a boost
Raffle tickets and sweetie jar guessing game we could take part
All money going to the charity close to our heart
Tea, sandwiches, cake and scones were enjoyed by all
We were so full and couldn’t move, we thought we might have to crawl
Once we had eaten and drunk all the tea it was time for an afternoon quiz
Prizes to win, chocolates and a bottle of fizz
The raffle was drawn, winners on all tables
But more on our neighbours
Wow what an enjoyable afternoon
Let’s do it all again soon
Keep Mobile would like to say a big thank you to the Mayor and her team
The day just went like a dream
If is wasn’t for people like you
Keep Mobile couldn’t provide the service they do.
Thanks
We would like to thank all those who attended and all the local businesses who donated raffle prizes. Thanks also to Jamie Ledwith for his talented piano playing.
£20 voucher from Home & Gifts in Woodley Town Centre
£20 voucher from Woodley Pets in Woodley Town Centre
Coffee & Cake Deal voucher from Crumbs cafe in Woodley Town Centre
£40 voucher from Fireaway Pizza in Woodley
Free coffee EVERY DAY in November voucher from Brown Bag Café in the Oakwood Centre
Wine tasting & tour for 2 people from Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Twyford
£20 voucher from Maya’s Treats in Woodley Town Centre
Handbag from local boutique Lula Bula
Champagne and chocolates from Woodley Town Mayor
Bottle of Cava from Waitrose in Woodley
£25 voucher from Delightful Bites in Woodley – very generously gifted to the staff of Woodley Town Council for their hard work from the winner
Christmas Wreath voucher for 1 person from Polly’s Gardens in Wokingham
Plus various other prizes, including wine, jar of sweets, mugs, body lotions and hair products.
In memoriam to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Woodley Town Council has planted an oak tree in Woodford Park near the lake.
Queen’s Green Canopy
The tree will be listed on The Queen’s Green Canopy map, in addition to the tree the Council planted for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.
The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative has been extended to the end of March 2023, following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, and the wishes of The Queen’s Green Canopy Patron, His Majesty The King.
It’s that time of year again when we ask you to nominate your local heroes, whose good work benefits the community of Woodley.
Perhaps it’s a neighbour who goes above and beyond to help others in Woodley, or the young child who picks up litter in their spare time. Maybe you know someone who gives up their time to volunteer and help others in need or someone who is championing charitable causes that benefit people in Woodley. Or perhaps they are championing climate change in Woodley.
Give them the recognition they deserve and nominate them now for one of our Community Heroes Awards.
The renamed awards are now divided into 6 categories:
Community Heroes – Neighbour of the Year – Awarded to an individual who has, independently (ie not part of a wider charity organisation) provided exceptional care and support to a Woodley resident or residents within their local community
Community Heroes – Volunteer of the Year – Awarded to an individual who has, as part of a voluntary or charity organisation, provided exceptional support to the activities of the organisation, making a difference to residents of Woodley
Community Heroes – Voluntary Group of the Year – Awarded to an organisation that has provided exceptional support and services to Woodley residents
Community Heroes – Climate Champion of the Year – Awarded to an individual, organisation or group that has made a significant contribution to fighting climate change and / or climate initiatives within the area
Community Heroes – Young Person of the Year – Awarded to an individual aged 19 or under who, through voluntary activities, has made an exceptional contribution to the Woodley community
Community Heroes – Mayor’s Outstanding Contribution Award – Awarded by the Mayor to an individual or organisation who they feel have provided an outstanding contribution to the community
Nominations
Nomination forms can be downloaded HERE, picked up from our office at the Oakwood Centre, or you can call or email us (0118 9690356/[email protected]) and ask for one to be posted to you.
Guidelines for nominating are also on our website.
The deadline for nominations is 16th November so please hurry and get nominating!
Awards Ceremony
The winners will be awarded at our Community Heroes Award evening on 24th February 2023, held at the Oakwood Centre.
Today, Tuesday 20th September, Woodley Town Mayor led a two-minutes silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, welcomed the small crowd outside the Miles Suite at the side of the Oakwood Centre in Woodford Park and then gave a short speech before the two-minutes silence.
“Following Her Majesty’s funeral yesterday, today we come together in Woodley as the last official opportunity to mark The Queen’s passing and show our respects.
Thank you to those who attended the Proclamation in Woodley Town Centre last Monday. It was a very moving ceremony and it was an honour to read the Proclamation to the town of Woodley.
It has also been wonderful to see the lovely comments in our Book of Condolence, as well as the beautiful floral tributes.
Please now join me in two minutes silence to mark the passing of our late Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.”
The Mayor and the crowd then observed two-minutes silence.
Janet thanked everyone for coming and reminded them that the Book of Condolence will close at 5.00pm today and all floral tributes will be collected this afternoon to be composted.
The Town Council will use the compost to plant an oak tree in Woodley in honour of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second. Further details to be announced.
The Mayor concluded the ceremony by declaring: “God Save His Majesty King Charles the third”.
Thank you to everyone who came. You can watch a video of the service on our YouTube Channel.
Woodley Town Mayor signs Woodley’s Book of Condolence and lays a floral tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Paying her respects to our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, wrote a personal message in Woodley’s Book of Condolence, which will be bound and sent to the Berkshire Record office, once the period of mourning has ended.
Message of condolence
I would like to extend my condolences and those of Woodley Town Council, following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and all those whose hearts she touched. Let us come together to remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest serving Monarch. Cllr Janet Sartorel, Woodley Town Mayor
Floral tribute
Cllr Janet Sartorel also lay a bouquet of flowers for our late Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Mayor wrote:
On behalf of all Woodley Town Residents, we offer our deepest condolences to King Charles III and his family following the passing of our late Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II. Cllr Janet Sartorel, Woodley Town Mayor
The flowers will be collected, along with the other bouquets, after the period of mourning has ended and will be composted and used to plant an oak tree in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Book of Condolence and floral tribute area will remain open until 5.00pm on Tuesday 20th September.
The Book of Condolence is in the Miles Suite at the Oakwood Centre and is available for people to sign every day from 9.00am to 4.30pm until the day after the funeral at 5.00pm. Please follow the signs and enter the room from the outside, rather than via the main Oakwood Centre. Please remain considerate to others also paying their respects.
Hundreds gathered in Woodley Town Centre today to hear Woodley Town Mayor read the Proclamation.
Today, Monday 12th September, the Town Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Shadi Brindley, made a statement at Centre Stage in the town centre to mark the formal Proclamation to the people of Woodley and the beginning of our new King’s reign, followed by the Proclamation, which was read by Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel.
Cllr Shadi Brindley and Cllr Janet Sartorel were joined at Centre Stage today in Woodley by other members of the Town Council, Woodley Town Clerk and Woodley Town Deputy Clerk.
The ceremony was introduced by Town Crier, Tony Roper, followed by a speech from Cllr Shadi Brindley.
Deputy Town Council Leader’s speech
“We come together this afternoon following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second. Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-serving Monarch. But the basis on which our Monarchy is built has ensured that through the centuries the Crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession. Today’s ceremony marks the formal Proclamation to the people of Woodley and the beginning of our new King’s reign.
“On Saturday 10th September, the Accession Council met at St James’s Palace to proclaim our new Sovereign. The flags which had flown at half-mast since The Queen’s death were raised briefly to their full height to mark the start of His Majesty’s reign.
The Accession Council also made an order requiring High Sheriffs to cause the Proclamation to be read in the areas of their jurisdiction. It was that task which the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire discharged yesterday and with my humble duty I now call on the Mayor of Woodley, Councillor Janet Sartorel to read the Proclamation to the people of Woodley. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Proclamation of the Accession.”
Proclamation
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, then read the Proclamation to the town of Woodley.
She then announced: God Save The King, to which the crowd replied: God Save The King.
National Anthem
The Town Crier led the crowd with the National Anthem, followed by three cheers for His Majesty King Charles III.
Thanks
We’d like to thank everyone for joining Woodley Town Council and the Woodley Town Mayor to mark this occasion.
Town Crier, Tony Roper
Deputy Town Council Leader, Cllr Shadi Brindley
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel
You can watch the Proclamation on our YouTube Channel HERE.
