A HIDDEN gem of a shopping outlet has found itself a little more out of the way than usual because of continuing Wokingham roadworks.
Prolonged closures on Heathlands Road and Easthampstead Road, have meant that fewer shoppers have been able to enjoy the pleasure that is a visit to Holme Grange Craft Village.
Nestling in a rural corner of Wokingham, its independent traders and artisan crafters work in a collection of converted barns.
They have been frustrated by months of roadworks connected with the construction of the South Wokingham Distributor Road, which will provide access for around 2,500 new homes to be built in the area.
Gail from Enchanting Glass at Holme Grange Craft Village said: “It is so frustrating.
“At a recent meeting at The White Horse pub on Easthampstead Road, we were told one minute that Heathlands Road would reopen, and then three hours later we learnt Easthampstead Road would be closed.
“And then we discovered on onenetwork.com further closures that hadn’t been communicated to us at all.
“We understand that Easthamstead Road will be fully closed from the middle of March, for – not three, but now five – weeks of closure.
“We won’t have access from that route until the end of May, or the beginning of June.
“It has a massive effect on the 22 businesses here.
“Recent weekends have been good, but during the week it can be very quiet.”
Mark Ashwell, Wokingham borough council’s executive member for business,has admitted that communications have been an issue, and said that he had also not been made aware by developer Balfour Beatty of the recent closure, prior to the White Horse meeting with Holme Grange traders.
“There is no financial compensation available for us,” said Gail.
“And Balfour Beatty just isn’t interested in helping.”
Brave shoppers, however, willing to go the extra mile, can help to support the craft village.
And there’s lots to enjoy once they get there.
It offers a wide range of products, including books from Quench, collectable Pokemons from Elemental Cards, jewellery from Thomas William, fashion items from LaLas Boutique, designer candles from Inspired By, ornamental glass at Enchanting Glass Designs, tropical fish and equipment from Aquatic Addiction Limited, paintings from R Young Art, and artisan loaves from A Dust of Flour & Sugar bakery.
Throughout the year adults can enjoy classes in yoga at Sarvanga Joga Studio, pottery parties at Pottery Pals, and glass work at Enchanting Glass Designs.
Dog groomers at Fairy Tails can transform furry pets, while stylists at Catherine Taylor Hair & Beauty Salon can pamper their owners. And at Needles and Pins, a unique made-to-measure outfit or repair can be arranged.
Children can also enjoy outdoor play at Little Muddy Boots, make a teddy bear at Little Teddy’s Loft, or dress up at Catherine Taylor Pamper Parties.
And if all that leaves visitors feeling thirsty or peckish, The Grange Cafe, under new management, serves up a wide range of homemade cakes and bakes, breakfasts, brunches and hot drinks throughout the day.
Road closures for a few more months will continue to send visitors to Holme Grange on scenic detours, but as the days lengthen, and with spring hopefully just around the corner, the craft village is keen to welcome shoppers back.
For information, visit: holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk, wokingham.gov.uk/roads, and one.network
