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 Society has placed a number of "blue plaques" on significant and interesting buildings around the town. There are now ten plaques and a free Blue Plaques Trail Guide can either be downloaded below or a printed copy can be obtained from the Information Centre in the Town Hall info@wokingham-tc.gov.uk


Click HERE for an electronic copy of the Blue Plaque Trail Guide 1 and HERE for Blue Plaque Trail Guide 2.   All the plaques currently placed are fully described.


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

Blue plaque example
Railway footbridge
British School
Wokingham Town Hall
Rose Street
15 The Terrace
The Queen's Head
The Overhangs
31 Rose Street
Church House
The Electric Theatre site
Wescott School
Lucas Hospital
The Old Workhouse

The next plaques will be Tudor House and Montague House, both in Broad Street.

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 Conservation Area scheme and the Veteran Trees Association.

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. The sale of the Old Police Station and Montague House (both listed buildings) was of concern recently, as has been the uncertainty over development in Rose St/Peach St which has seen a growth of empty shops.

A major issue has been the proposal, now approved by the appointed Planning Inspector, to build 1,500 dwellings in North Wokingham and 2,500 dwellings in South Wokingham. The Society worked with local residents' groups and with its own planning consultants to argue that more thought and planning were needed to guarantee sufficient resources to deliver the vital infrastructure for such large-scale growth. These concerns have been addressed in the Inspector's Report and the Society has and will continue to be engaged in the masterplanning and the developers' planning consultations for these sites.

The Society has also been represented on the Forum and Steering Group for the Town Centre Regeneration initiative. Now that Wilson Bowden have been appointed as developers for the Elms Field and Peach Place areas detailed plans for regenerating the town centre are underway. The success of this initiative is vital to the future wellbeing of the town and we shall certainly be closely involved at every stage.

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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.