ORGANISERS of the Wokingham Charity Fireworks display of 2025 distributed the proceeds from their spectacular November event to borough charities at a presentation evening.
At Wokingham Town Hall, members of the four service clubs that make up the Wokingham Charitable Fireworks Trust: Windsor Forest Unicorn Club; the Rotary Club of Wokingham; the Rotary Club of Easthampstead; and Wokingham Lions Club, were joined by representatives from six charities, and supporters of the 2025 fireworks event.
Wokingham Charitable Fireworks Trust Chairman, David Gold thanked all the contributors to the fireworks, saying: “Tonight, we recognise the hard work, generosity, and community spirit that made this event possible.
“Whether a sponsor, a volunteer, or a member of the organising team, each person played a vital role in this achievement.”
A total of £31,000 was raised by the fireworks display, and each of the four service clubs received £7,500.
Of this they allocate £4,200 directly to their nominated charity, while the remaining £3,300 allows them to support other local charities and deserving causes.
Wokingham Borough and Town Mayors also each received £500 for their chosen charities.
“The funds will make a significant difference to those we are supporting,” said David, “not only through financial assistance, but by offering hope, encouragement, and practical help to those who rely on the generosity of all our collective efforts.”
David thanked charity representatives, too.
“Your passion, dedication, and commitment are truly inspiring, and we are proud to stand alongside you,” he said.
Main charity beneficiaries, each receiving £4,200 from the four clubs were:
Bracknell, Wokingham and Ascot Samaritans; nominated charity of the Rotary Club of Easthampstead.
Easthampstead Club president Derek Porter, presented a cheque to Samaritan Colin Crouch.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance; Windsor Forest Unicorn’s nominated charity.
Nancie Sinfield from TVAA received a cheque from Unicorn club president Bob Harrison.
BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support); nominated charity of the Rotary Club of Wokingham.
BIB representatives Liz Josef and Sam Harris received their award from Gareth May, Wokingham club president.
Soulscape; chosen charity of the Rotary Club of Wokingham
Nick Barnet received the check for Soulscape, presented by Rotary president Bruce Weir.
Representing Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Carol Jewell’s chosen charity, Building for the Future, were CEO Jane Holmes and Jason McMahon.
And representing WokinghamTown Mayor Cllr Louise Timlin’s chosen charity, CLASP, were Michelle Munro and Matthew Bond.
All the charities spoke about the difference the gifts will make to them, enabling them to develop and maintain services and support they offer.
Youngest member of the committee was Nathan Hampton (Nate) a pupil at Wokingham’s Luckley House School.
Nate is chairman of the windsor Forest Unicorn Bob Harrison’s grandson.
Bob was pleased and proud to have the young Wokingham Charity Firework supporter with him.
He said: “For several years Nate has been working on the firework stall beside the Town Hall, where people gather before the torchlight procession begins.
“There, he has helped to sell the glows and torches, as well as tidying up and generally making himself useful.”
The November firework fundraiser in Cantley Field, whose sponsors were: The Wokingham Society, Wokingham Town Council and Prospect Estate Agents, was agreed to have been a great success this year.
Despite poor conditions on the morning of the display, the ground had not become muddy, and rain stopped just in time for the event.
Accompanied by St Sebastian’s Band, a torchlight procession of thousands wound its way through the streets of Wokingham, to Cantley Field, where they were greeted by laser lights, music, a family fairground, and 20 minutes of choreographed fireworks.
Eager firework watchers should note that next year’s Wokingham Charity Firework Spectacular will be back with a bang on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
For information, visit: wokingham-fireworks.co.uk
