COVID might be curtailing activities, but thanks to modern technology a new spin on the past can be offered.
Wokingham Town Council is teaming up with a host of local businesses to celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days.
Running until Sunday, September 20, the week-long event is based on the theme of Hidden Nature.
Using social media, the council will make daily suggestions for days out, share fun facts and a host of information all on the theme.
And there’s also a contest with a top prize of a £50 voucher to spend in town centre stores.
Activities are for all ages to enjoy and will include nature spotting and ‘plogging’ – litter pick jogging.
And the town council is hoping that residents will share their photos.
Wokingham town mayor Cllr Tony Lack is a keen nature lover and is looking forward to sharing some of the borough’s beauty spots with participants.
“Wokingham is full of the most wonderful nature, be it wildlife, plants, trees or beautiful locations to sit, play or walk,” he says.
“We do hope you’ll join in and take part in the Heritage Open days Hidden Nature activities this year.
“While we sadly have no physical event, autumn is full of colour and a fantastic time of year to head out and explore.”
It’s a very different Heritage Open Day to last year’s event, which celebrated the 800th anniversary of the market.
Traders were encouraged to dress up in medieval costumes and a range of ye olde England events were organised.
“We were blessed with sunshine, crowds and activities such as archery, dressing the knight, mock spear drills, music and puppetry for all the family to enjoy last year,” Tony recalls.
“When we find the new normal, we look forward to bringing residents together once again.”
For now though, it’s all eyes on the virtual event.
Those wanting to win the shopping voucher will need to keep an eye on the Wokingham Town Council’s Facebook page – a different clue will be shared each day at 10am. The answers will spell a word.
Entries need to be submitted by Tuesday, September 22, and the winner drawn by Cllr Lack shortly after.
