We are delighted to announce that Cllr Janet Sartorel has been elected to Woodley Town Mayor and Cllr Kay Gilder to Woodley Town Deputy Mayor for the year 2022-23.
This is Cllr Sartorel’s second Mayorship and will be Cllr Gilder’s sixth time as Deputy Mayor. The Mayor’s charity for this year is Keep Mobile.
If you would like to book the Town Mayor or Deputy Mayor, please email Matt Filmore: [email protected].
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.
We are delighted to be joining QGC, participating to enhance our environment, while also honouring The Queen.
A Prunus Cerasifera Nigra tree – or more commonly known as a Purple leaved Cherry plum tree – was planted by Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, in Woodford Park near where the new play area will be.
The tree will form part of a seated area within the sensory garden, once the play area has been built.
It will be surrounded by purple xx plants to add texture, colour and scent.
The tree will also be surrounded by Jubilee themed pebbles decorated by local children, set in resin, creating a permanent commemorative tribute that will also be a legacy to the children of Woodley.
“I am honoured to plant this tree on behalf of the people of Woodley to commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to thank her for her tireless dedication to our country,” says Woodley Town Mayor.
“I am delighted at the location of the tree. It will create a beautiful seating area in the new sensory garden, which will be a wonderful addition to Woodford Park.”
The tree will be listed on the QGC map; a digital record of the Jubilee tree planting projects across the United Kingdom.
Local children aged under 12 years old will be invited to decorate Jubilee themed stones to surround the tree. All contributed stones will be used and there will be a competition for three winners and their families to join the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and other dignitaries at the top table at Woodley’s Big Jubilee Lunch in the town centre on Sunday 5th June. The initiative is in association with some of Woodley’s schools, however, all local children age 12 years or under are welcome to enter. Full details of the competition are available on our website and social media pages.
“I am very excited by this competition and I will also be painting my own stone to be part of this fantastic memorial. I hope the local children will enjoy seeing their stones set permanently for many years to come,” says Janet.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Woodley Town Council for arranging this. Our grounds team work very hard to create beautiful and well-kept green spaces and the thought and care that has gone into the Jubilee Tree is praiseworthy,” adds Janet.
The Covid pandemic may have restricted the Council’s Awards ceremony taking place for the past two years, however, it did not stop the continued community spirit and kindness of Woodley’s residents.
Hosted by local celebrity Matt Allwright – host of Watchdog, The One Show and Rogue Traders – the Town Council was delighted to once again honour and celebrate nominated local heroes, including those nominated for the cancelled 2020 Awards.
Matt – a former Woodley resident – was delighted to host the event and celebrate the kindness, generosity and selflessness of those receiving an award.
“Woodley is where I come from. I’m proud to say that I spent the first 12 years of my life hanging around Woodford Park. Now I get to come back and celebrate the remarkable Woodleyites who are making the world a better place. What a privilege,” he said.
Attendees of the event were welcomed with a drink’s reception, followed by the Awards ceremony in the Alan Cornish Theatre, including video footage of each recipient and their nominees.
Matt delighted the crowd with Woodley anecdotes and revealed that his requested fee for hosting the Awards was to share a bag of chips in Woodford Park with the Mayor.
The 2020 winners, who unfortunately missed out on their Awards ceremony due to the Covid pandemic, were firstly honoured with a standing ovation.
Mandy and Allan Dodd were awarded for their work running The Woodford Singers Choir for over 24 years.
Alistair Todd was nominated for his involvement with the Woodley Volunteer Centre for over 20 years; three years as chairman.
Philip Barry was nominated for his contribution as a member of the Woodley & Earley Lions Club for over 15 years.
Sam Milligan was awarded the Mayor’s Award by then Mayor Cllr Kay Gilder for his outstanding contribution to the children and youth in Woodley for the past 26 years. Kay mentioned in her speech that Sam had started out supporting young people in Woodley in a converted van and grew a team of support workers to form Just Around the Corner (JAC). She commended Sam’s ongoing support and help and willingness to always give his time.
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, then awarded each of the 2022 recipients with an engraved glass plaque, following their video footage, congratulating them individually on their award.
Sue Woodcock was nominated for her endless support for the Me2 Club, especially her enthusiasm and positivity.
One of her nominators, Shaun Polley, Chief Executive of Me2 Club, said of Sue: “She has a genuine passion for helping to improve the lives of children and young people.”
Sue was delighted with her Award and said: “It was a truly special evening from start to finish, and the efforts and dedication of my fellow recipients show what a strong, caring community Woodley is.”
Peter Quemard was nominated for his ongoing support training young footballers, particularly goalkeepers, including continued training via Zoom during the lockdowns.
“With his enthusiasm and willingness to help people, he has been the go-to person for anyone needing assistance with their teams and in addition to the Goalkeeper coaching is now also managing an U10 team plating in the BYDL league,” said Mr Ferris, one of Peter’s nominators.
Peter was very proud to receive the award: “I felt very proud to be chosen by the community to receive this award. It helps show people in our community that the work and effort you put into it will be rewarded. It was a great night and went so smoothly. The individual videos were a great addition. We spent the evening mixing with other winners to see how we in the football world can help other groups and this will bond our community together further. Thanks for a wonderful evening. Well done Woodley Town Council for all your hard work.”
Peter Armand was nominated for his kindness and care, distributing Metro newspapers after work to those who were shielding and also keeping his eye out for any neighbours in need.
Yvonne Glass, one of Peter’s nominators and recipient of his kindness said: “The papers have been a lifeline. Peter is such a cheerful visitor. He always rings the bell and checks how things are.”
Speaking of his award, Peter said: “I was very surprised to receive an award for something I thought was so insignificant. Delivering a free paper at the start of the Covid pandemic when people were reluctant to leave their homes and asking if they required anything from the shop did not take long each day. However, for some people, the daily crossword was something to look forward to. It also gave me some exercise!”
Ann Smith was nominated for editing and being instrumental in the publication of ‘A History of Woodley’, which was co-written by the local Wokingham, Woodley and Reading U3A groups.
“Ann’s continuation of the book during the difficult circumstances of the Covid pandemic is to be applauded. This was an amazing task for one person to coordinate and it is her commitment and perseverance that has resulted in such a valuable resource for the people of Woodley,” said nominator Jane Waddell.
Anne was honoured to receive the Award: “The event was very well organised and it was wonderful to watch the videos and see the other award recipients and why they had been nominated. I was honoured to be nominated along with the people who had done much more than I had, such as delivering food parcels and other good deeds during the pandemic. However, it was the first time I had won an award since I passed my cycling proficiency when I was 11, so it means a lot to me.”
Carolyn Wildman, who has volunteered with the Woodley Lunch Bunch since the first lockdown in March 2020, was nominated for her outstanding contribution to the scheme.
Tonia Crossman, nominated Carolyn, said: “Carolyn thoroughly deserves recognition for her excellent community work that stretches nearly two years now and is still going strong. She is extremely dedicated and determined to keep the initiative running and to use her words – she doesn’t want to let the families down.”
Juliet Sherratt, who co-founded Woodley Lunch Bunch during the first lockdown in March 2020, was also nominated for her outstanding contribution to the scheme.
Sheena Matthews nominated Juliet for: “Prevention of ‘holiday hunger’ by setting up and sustaining the Lunch Bunch. For mobilising colleagues, volunteers and suppliers. For providing meals and activity packs during school holidays to over 140 children.”
“I was thrilled to receive the award and that all our committee could be there on Friday night, as I feel it is an award for all us. We had a lovely evening and enjoyed meeting Matt Allwright – that was a nice surprise!” said Juliet.
Ronnie Goodberry was nominated for coordinating the Covid 19 Facebook Group and particularly for always going out of his way to help others.
Emma Vowell, one of Ronnie’s nominators said: “Where the group goes and what we continue to action for the local community this could not be done without Ronnie’s tireless energy, motivation, and concerns and support for the local community.”
Jackie Goodberry was nominated for her stalwart and ongoing support to Ronnie and the whole of the Covid 19 Facebook Group.
“A true example of a dedicated citizen supporting others in her community,” said Noreen Calnan, one of Jackie’s nominators.
The Mayor also chose to award Ronnie Goodberry the Mayor’s Award for his tireless support, drive and determination to always go above and beyond to help.
“Ronnie’s generosity and drive to support the community of Woodley is humbling and inspiring. He has tirelessly worked to support residents throughout the pandemic and still continues to do so. Not to mention also recently extending this to Ukraine. Thanks must also go to his wife, Jackie. You are both an amazing team. Your kindness, compassion and support will never be forgotten,” the Mayor said in her speech.
Ronnie was very surprised to also receive the Mayor’s Award. Speaking on behalf of himself and his wife, he said: “Myself and Jackie were both highly honoured to receive the Woodley Citizens’ Award, but it came as a complete surprise that the Mayor had also chosen me to receive the Mayor’s special recognition award for 2022. I see what I do as just doing my bit for our community when it is needed. The generosity and kindness of the Woodley residents is a timely reminder of how communities come together when it’s truly needed. On a personal note, the ceremony was run to perfection, organised by Woodley Town Council’s friendly staff who made things run very smoothly and effortlessly. A big thank you from us.”
The Awards Ceremony was followed by a buffet reception in the Carnival and Maxwell Halls at the Oakwood Centre, including a raffle to raise money for the Mayor’s Charity – Macmillan Cancer Support. The raffle raised £259 on the night and thanks go to the companies who generously donated gifts: Home & Gifts, House of cards, Woodley Pets, Crumbs, Fiona Parry Boutique and Woodford Park Leisure Centre.
Cllr Janet Sartorel, Woodley Town Mayor, said it was a privilege to attend the annual Awards Ceremony.
“My special thanks go to the Council officers and staff for the huge amount of work done to make it such a wonderful evening. I am sure that the people of Woodley are proud to have so many unsung heroes in the community. Each award presented to the nominees is a small token of acknowledgement and thanks for the time and effort given by them to those who are not so fortunate. They were all very well deserved.”
The Council would like to thank Matt Allwright for hosting the event and bringing pizzazz to the ceremony.
We’d also like say a special thank you to Francesca Reed, a Year 12 student at Waingel’s College, who took photos on the night. She was very professional, a great credit to the school and took some fabulous photos.
The Woodley Volunteer for Covid-19 group has celebrated raising over 200,000 food items, which have been donated to the local Woodley community.
On Friday, February 11, certificates were handed out to the volunteers by Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel, Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder, and Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Keith Baker, who gave a brief speech thanking the community.
Ronnie Goodberry, who now runs the group, said on its Facebook page of the event:
“Throughout this pandemic , you, the members kept giving, your kindness, support and overwhelming generosity have seen no bounds. Today, to repay your kindness, a small group of our members randomly drawn from a hat helped us as a group to celebrate our monumental achievements since starting the Woodley food drive in March 2020. You guys and girls have donated – as of last weekend – a massive 201,319 items. I’d like to thank you all personally from the bottom of my heart for the support you’ve given and continue to give towards the group and the vulnerable residents and needing families of Woodley. You’ve done Woodley proud and shown to others what can be achieved when a community pulls together.”
Both Woodley Mayors were honoured to be part of the event and amazed at the generosity and kindness of the Woodley community.
Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder, was delighted to open a new supermarket in Woodley town centre yesterday.
HK Superstore, managed by Suyashi Prrasad and owned by Harbal Singh and Kashif Asghar, has a huge range of fresh and exotic produce, such as miniature pineapples, okra and a large selection of fresh chillies. Not to mention an extensive range of spices, meats, sweets and many other traditional Indian foods.
Cllr Gilder was given an extensive tour of the shop, as well as information on how some of the ingredients are used in traditional Indian cooking across different regions.
“It was fascinating to see so many different fruits and vegetables, many of which I have never seen before. The staff were so helpful and told us about the different regions across India and how the ingredients were used in different ways.
“It’s wonderful to welcome a new shop to the precinct and bring more variety to our wonderful town,” commented Cllr Gilder.
ReadiBus is judged at the CT Awards to have been the best community transport service in England (and a runner-up in the entire UK) for its service provision during the pandemic.
The CT Awards in November 2021 named ReadiBus as the best community transport service in England – and a runner-up for the whole of the UK – for its service provision during the pandemic. The award was in the headline category of ‘Community Transport Provider of the Year’ and the ceremony highlighted the service provided during the last 21 months by community transport organisations throughout the length and breadth of the country.
The ReadiBus service in Woodley is funded by Woodley Town Council and Wokingham Borough Council. ReadiBus General Manager, Peter Absolon, commented: “Our grateful thanks to Woodley Town Council and Wokingham Borough Council and our other funders for the amazing support that has enabled us to keep the service available for vulnerable residents in Woodley during the pandemic.”
Woodley Town Council Leader, Cllr Keith Baker, is thrilled that ReadiBus has won the award and is very proud that the Council continues to support this vital service.
“It is with great pride that I speak on behalf of the Council congratulating ReadiBus on winning an award acknowledging the very important service that it provides, which has been in even greater demand during the Covid 19 pandemic. The staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond in helping the elderly, disabled and clinically or extremely vulnerable people of Woodley to make essential journeys safely during the pandemic, such as for attending GP and hospital appointments, food shopping and respite. Thank you for supporting the residents of Woodley.”
Bill Freeman, Chief Executive of the Community Transport Association, which held the CT Awards, offered his “huge congratulations for the incredible work over the last year and a half”, adding, “our judges were impressed”.
Throughout the pandemic, the ReadiBus service has provided a safe means for elderly, disabled and clinically extremely vulnerable people to make essential journeys, whether this has been for food shopping, medical appointments, respite or any other reason; and ReadiBus worked side by side with the South Central Ambulance Service to enable local people to safely get to non-Covid-related hospital appointments, such as for cancer treatment and dialysis, helping people when they were most in need.
“I am delighted that our team have received this recognition at the CT Awards”, added ReadiBus General Manager, Peter Absolon. “There are hundreds and hundreds of community transport service providers in the four nations of the UK, all doing wonderful work, and for the ReadiBus team to be recognised in this way for service provided during such a challenging time as this pandemic is quite something. ReadiBus staff showed great commitment to keep the service available and to ensure that it was safe, especially during the first lockdown. People needed a safe means of getting out, whether that was to get food, to attend a medical or hospital appointment, for respite, whatever the reason. I am so proud of what we did and what we achieved together.”
Those who relied upon the ReadiBus during the lockdowns were also very grateful. For example, Mrs Markham from Woodley commented during the first lockdown back in May 2020: “I know I’m safe travelling with you”.
The Chief Executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Steve McManus, wrote in a letter to ReadiBus at the end of the first lockdown (June 2020) that ReadiBus’ support “has been truly outstanding’ and that the service ‘has been a life-line for many”.
In total, over 60,000 safe essential journeys have been made on ReadiBus across the whole operation since the start of the first lockdown, including over 2,000 journeys during that first lockdown in 2020.
Peter Absolon, further added: “In the first lockdown, journeys had to be provided one at a time, for social distancing, with a deep clean after every journey in order to keep the travelling environment safe. It was difficult to source enough PPE at the outset but the ambulance service were great and helped us with that and we always had just enough for what we needed each day. We were very strict in our procedures – our team were determined to keep the virus out and to keep safe both ourselves and everyone who needed to travel. Some staff teams rotated to get breathers but the service itself remained available every day. It was exhausting – but it was what was needed.”
As well as giving people the means and the confidence to make the essential journeys that they needed to make, the ReadiBus team also made hundreds of calls to people who were on their own who were not making journeys, to check they were OK. The comments that the team received from those contacted included, for example, “It’s so nice to talk to someone rather than myself”.
Woodley Town Council has received a letter from The Royal British Legion thanking the Council and the residents of Woodley for raising £7522.06.
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, also wanted to pass on her thanks to the residents of Woodley for their generous donations.
“I would like to thank the residents of Woodley for their very generous donations to this year’s Poppy Appeal. Donations enable the Royal British Legion to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families,” she said.
For more information about The Royal British Legion, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary this year, please visit its WEBSITE.
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, helped to start Woodley Town Centre’s Christmas festivities by turning on the Christmas lights on Saturday 27th November, along with Christmas poster competition winners Coco Mead (8) and Jocelyn So (6).
A long-time Woodley resident herself, Cllr Sartorel told the crowd that the lights switch-on and carol concert always marks the beginning of Christmas for her.
The following weekend (Sunday 5th December), Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel opened the 25th Woodley Christmas Fayre, which had been cancelled last year due to the Covid restrictions.
Cllr Sartorel was joined by MP for Reading East, Matt Rodda, MP for Maidenhead, Teresa May and Leader of Woodley Council and Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Keith Baker.
Matt Rodda praised Woodley for being a “fantastic, vibrant place” and told the crowd to “enjoy Christmas, spend lots of money and support local businesses”.
Teresa May wished everyone a Merry Christmas and hoped they enjoyed the Fayre.
While, Cllr Keith Baker thanked Woodley Town Centre manager, Brian Fennelly for his hard work to get the event together, particularly praising the street entertainers.
Cllr Sartorel was delighted with the turnout at the Fayre and thanked the crowd for coming and supporting the fantastic community of Woodley on the Fayre’s 25th Anniversary.
Cllr Sartorel wished everyone a wonderful day and hoped that they purchased some special Christmas gifts before declaring the Christmas Fayre officially open.
There were many stalls at the Fayre, including a range of charities and craft stalls. Entertainers included the Starlet Dance School, Pauly Zarb, Anything Goes Theatre, Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow, the Rock Choir and Woodley’s songstress Charis-Anne. Circus Scene entertainers, Sister Ruth on her motorised piano and R&R Fisher wandered around entertaining the town.
There was also a guest appearance of Santa in his sleigh!
At the recent Strategy & Resources Committee meeting, held on 23rd November, the following community grants were awarded:
Kick Twist Cheerleading
£250 – To purchase air track equipment to aid the teaching of beginners’ teams.
Woodley Adopt a Street Project (WASP)
£250 – To purchase additional street cleaning equipment for volunteers.
Wokingham Job Centre Support
£250 – To help towards the cost of providing internet access and training / support on how to find and apply for jobs.
Berkshire MS Therapy
£250 – To help fund exercise sessions for members.
Berkshire Vision
£250 – To help fund a monthly programme of activities for members.
Woodley United FC
£250 – To contribute towards the hire cost of additional training facilities.
Community grants are available to community organisations based in Woodley, which act for the local good of the town or those that can demonstrate how they serve Woodley residents and whose membership is open to Woodley residents.
Grants of up to £250 are available for one-off costs such as equipment, materials or building alterations or a youth (under 21) team/group attendance at county, regional, national or international level primarily within a sporting or cultural activity.
For more information, or to apply, please click HERE or email: [email protected].
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), a national charity representing and supporting rural communities, has created a virtual ‘Domesday Book’ for village halls to record the work they are doing in 2021.
ACRE hopes the record will help make the case for sustained funding and support for village halls, particularly with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity) said of the venture:
“Village halls have been a crucial part of rural life for the past century. They provide a space for activities and events that bring people together, create a sense of community, reduce loneliness and support local businesses.
At a time when many village halls are closed because of coronavirus, it is especially important to recognise and celebrate the work they do. As such, I wholeheartedly encourage anyone involved with a village hall to sign this ‘Domesday Book’ and help create a record demonstrating how important these buildings are, and what is needed to make sure they survive in the future.”
There are now over 380 village hall entries in the ‘Domesday Book’, including Coronation Hall and Chapel Hall.
Please click HERE to view the records.
We are delighted to have hired a living, pot grown Christmas tree from the Festive Tree Hire for the Oakwood Centre as part of our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.
The specially selected tree will return to the Festive Tree ‘family’ in January, to continue to grow and be nurtured, ready for us to hire next Christmas.
We’ve decorated the Christmas tree with the same baubles we have used for several years and it is lit using LED lights for that carbon-conscious Christmas sparkle.
We are aware that the tree is leaning slightly to one side but we think it adds to its charm and beauty of being a real, sustainably sourced living tree.
We hope the Christmas tree brings you some sparkle and joy during the festive season!
Merry Christmas to all of our residents.
If you have a real Christmas tree this year that cannot be replanted or grown, this should be recycled.
If you are registered with the garden waste scheme or have purchased garden waste bags, please chop your tree up and pop it in there for collection. Alternatively, take it along to one of our recycling centres.
If you’d like to take the hassle out of recycling your tree, while supporting a good cause, you could use Just Helping’s Christmas Treecycling scheme, who will collect and recycle your tree in return for a minimum £10.50 donation to a local hospice.
© Woodley Town Council 2025
