The Wokingham Society

Working to protect Wokingham town's past, present and future

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The Wokingham Society Achievements

Aside from the allocation of grants for worthy causes in the town, the Wokingham Society has also embarked on a number of projects of its own since its inauguration in 1964.

For many years, the Wokingham History group was part of the Wokingham Society and is now, like other projects, an independent organisation. A good association remains, with joint activities and research on occasions. Many publications were created over this period (including the eleven volume Wokingham Historian available still at the town hall's Information Centre). The Wokingham Chronology is about to be brought up to date shortly and further local histories are being considered.

The Wokingham Society has placed a number of "blue plaques" on significant and interesting buildings around the town. There are now eight and a free leaflet is in preparation.


Click HERE for an electronic copy of the NEW Blue Plaque Trail Guide


Click on the thumbnail images to view the full size photographs.

15 The Terrace blue plaque
Wokingham Town Hall
Rose Street
15 The Terrace
The Queen's Head
The Overhangs
23 Rose Street
Church House
The Electric Theatre site

Permission has been granted for a heritage plaque at Lucas Hospital (Wokingham's only grade I listed building). It is expected that this will be put up in the coming few weeks.

A plaque is to be placed at Wescott School, to mark the school's centenary in its original building.

New Projects

The Wokingham Society encourages the start up of new schemes by providing support, financially and resource where possible to enable their establishment before independent operation. Some of these projects are described in the grants section, but notable recently is FOTEB (Friends of the Emm Brook), the Murdoch Road Consercvation Area scheme and the newly initiated trees project.

Developments

Over the years the Society has been active in its support of or opposition to developments in the town. The poor 1960s activities was the reason for the Society to be set up. Some campaigns have been successful, some less so (such as Martins Pool closure) - but at least members tried. However, modifications in design or influence have often been apparent over the years and continue to this day. Currently the sale of the Old Police Station and Montague House (both listed buildings) has been concern, together the uncertainty over the Rockmount development in Rose St/Peach St which seems incapable of getting off the ground resulting in empty shops.

The potential loss of some of the last remaining green, open space in Wokingham at Elms Field is of concern, as is potential buildings at Cantley Park for a football stand.

The Main area of concern is, however, the potential flood of residential buildings surrounding the town and in the Bracknell borders. This could create a greater chance of coalescence between Reading and Bracknell despite a couple of by passes. The Society has embarked on professional participation in the Borough Council's deliberations and has managed to bring together 10 residents groups to consolidate this approach. Our view is that new villages established within their own infrastructure on the less populated western edge of the Borough would fit the bill. Never has the voice of residents been needed more and a strong Society can guide that voice and be heard.

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Members are encouraged to make suggestions for new projects and to bring attention to matters of concern or recommendation which the Society can consider for action. The Society's members are regarded as the town's watchdog.