Woodley Town Council proudly hosted a well-attended Annual Town Meeting on 22 May at the Alan Cornish Theatre, bringing together local residents, volunteer groups, and councillors for an inspiring evening of community engagement and recognition.

With presentations from local volunteer groups, a detailed review of the Town Council’s work, and the highly anticipated Community Heroes Awards, the meeting served as a vibrant reflection of the town’s community pride and commitment to public service.

A Meeting for the People

Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr David Bragg, opened the meeting with a warm welcome, emphasising that the Annual Town Meeting is unique in its purpose – it is not a council meeting, but one held specifically for local electors to engage with and question their council. It offers a rare chance for residents to hear first-hand about the work of the council and other organisations making a difference in Woodley.

Celebrating Local Volunteers

The evening spotlighted three vital volunteer organisations: Woodley Adopt A Street (WASP), Woodley Volunteer Centre (WVC), and The Link Visiting Scheme (LVS).

Sheila Flower of WASP described the group as “a fantastic community of people from across Woodley, of all ages,” who work tirelessly to keep the town clean. She appealed for more young volunteers and involvement from schools, adding, “I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our volunteers and the people that support us, including the Town Council for its continued support.”

From WVC, co-ordinator Karen Todd reflected on the Centre’s 43-year history, which has evolved to focus on transporting elderly and vulnerable residents to medical appointments. “It’s a service run by local people for local people who need help,” she stated, noting the urgent need for more volunteer drivers as they are now turning new clients away and they want to be able to help more people in Woodley.

Marjie Walker, CEO of LVS, shared stories illustrating the emotional impact of their work, such as the touching friendship between an elderly resident and a young volunteer. “We support 95 elderly people in Woodley to help combat loneliness and isolation,” she said, while also making a plea for volunteers to serve as companions, drivers, and cooks, especially for community meals like their annual Christmas Day dinner.

Council Updates and Forward Thinking

The Deputy Town Clerk, Matthew Filmore, presented a comprehensive overview of the council’s responsibilities, highlighting the distinctions between Woodley Town Council and Wokingham Borough Council.

While the Town Clerk, Kevin Murray, highlighted recent council achievements, including the Coronation Orchard in Woodford Park, the installation of a History Wall in the Oakwood Centre, and the hosting of events such as D-Day and VE Day commemorations. Exciting future projects include:

• A new Youth Services Strategy
• The Woodley Cycling Network for improved walking and cycling routes
• Planned upgrades to the theatre and Woodford Park Leisure Centre
• A Resident’s Consultation to shape how the local precept – currently £2.05 per week for a Band D property – is spent.

Community Q&A

Residents were invited to raise questions and concerns. Topics included:

• VE Day event publicity – Cllr Bragg explained the short notice due to lack of allocated budget but thanked staff for their efforts in putting on an event at such short notice.
• Leisure Centre improvements – More surveys are underway before final decisions can be made or a timeline produced.
• Local issues – Lack of parking at Bulmershe Leisure Centre, misuse of public bins, antisocial behaviour, and tree root damage were noted for referral to Wokingham Borough Council.
• E-scooter use in the town centre – As a nationwide concern, residents were urged by councillors to report incidents to the police to support stronger national regulation.
• Cycling in the town centre – The Council is currently discussing the introduction of new signage to address concerns. However, residents were reminded that the Town Council does not have any legal or enforcement powers to stop individuals from cycling in the area. As such, any incidents should be reported directly to the police.

Cllr Bill Soane encouraged residents to check planning applications online and engage early, explaining that Town Council only makes recommendations, not final decisions.

Always Open for Engagement

Cllr Bragg concluded the session by inviting residents to attend council meetings, either in person or via the Council’s YouTube channel, and to contact their councillors directly with questions or concerns.

Community Heroes Honoured

The night culminated in the 23rd Annual Community Heroes Awards, celebrating individuals and groups who go above and beyond for Woodley:

Volunteer of the Year – Debbie Willis (SHARE Woodley)
Debbie was praised for her tireless work collecting food surplus and managing operations at the food waste charity, which supports 85–100 households each week.

Neighbour of the Year – Warren White
Known for his kindness and willingness to help neighbours and his work with charities like Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA), Warren was honoured for embodying true community spirit.

Voluntary Group of the Year – Woodley Detachment Army Cadets
Recognised for mentoring young people and supporting community initiatives like the British Legion Poppy Appeal and local food banks.

Climate Champions – Woodley Adopt A Street (WASP)
Acknowledged for their environmental efforts, WASP volunteers help keep the town clean and attractive for residents.

Special Recognition Award – Kick Twist Cheerleading
The 15-member Woodley team represented the UK in Florida and brought home two awards. Mayor Bragg said he would personally deliver their award.

Mayor’s Outstanding Contribution Award – Tony Roper
The former Town Crier of 30 years was honoured by former Mayor Cllr Juliet Anderson for his decades of service and volunteering. 

“This award is truly well deserved by someone who has devoted so much of his time to helping others. Today, we celebrate the one and only Tony Roper for his remarkable 30 years as Woodley’s Town Crier. It’s a real honour to recognise Tony’s dedication and to say a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the whole community,” said Cllr Anderson.

Tony expressed his gratitude: “It’s been a real privilege to serve as Woodley’s Town Crier. Of the 52 years I’ve lived here, 30 have been spent not only as Town Crier but also volunteering in many ways. I encourage everyone – if you’re able – to get involved and support this amazing community.”

Together in Celebration

The evening ended with a drink’s reception, giving attendees a chance to connect and celebrate their shared pride in being part of the Woodley community.

For more information on council meetings, local initiatives, or how to get involved, please explore our website, get in touch with us, or contact your local councillor.