• Support Wokingham Today
  • Get the print edition
  • Sign up for our daily newsletter
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Wokingham.Today
  • HOME
  • MY AREA
    • All
    • Arborfield
    • Barkham
    • Beech Hill
    • Binfield
    • Bracknell
    • Charvil
    • Crowthorne
    • Earley
    • Emmbrook
    • Finchampstead
    • Grazeley
    • Henley
    • Hurst
    • Lower Earley
    • Norreys
    • Reading
    • Remenham
    • Riseley
    • Shinfield
    • Sindlesham
    • Sonning
    • Spencers Wood
    • Swallowfield
    • Three Mile Cross
    • Twyford
    • Wargrave
    • Winnersh
    • Wokingham
    • Wokingham Without
    • Woodley
    • Woosehill
    • Yateley
    Blackcroft Farm, between Arborfield and Farley Hill,

    Plans for 650 homes near Arborfield revealed

    One of the trees off Easthampstead Road. Pic: Andrew Batt.

    ‘Safety’ cited for footpath closures

    Jenni Donato.

    Wokingham businesswoman nominated for award

    Ascot Top Hats is based in Wokingham.

    Ten tips for a top day at Royal Ascot

    Wokingham Methodist Church

    Church Notes: Strength in weakness

    The Arts Society Wokingham looks at the work of Gertrude Jekyll this month. Picture: Sue Whitehead

    ‘Remember that in a garden we are painting a picture’

    Peter Markwick

    It’s top of the championship for Wokingham racing driver

    Clergy for the new Parish of the Holy Family in Maidenhead and Twyford Father Ephraim Odhiambo, Deacon Peter Kelly, Father Liam Cummins, Deacon Mike Jackson and Father Kevin Hughes.

    Twyford and Wargrave’s Catholic churches merge with two parishes in Maidenhead

    Cllr Mark Ashwell

    FROM THE CHAMBER: When we come together, we win!

  • SPORT
    • All
    • Binfield FC
    • Reading FC
    Peter Markwick

    It’s top of the championship for Wokingham racing driver

    1871 EVENTS PRESENTS: Jimmy Quinn

    Reading FC legend Jimmy Quinn to share his memories of title success and Wembley heartbreak

    Reading FC

    Reading FC to host Swindon Town and Oxford United in pre-season friendlies

    Reading FC fans

    Reading FC chairman Rob Couhig gives update on season ticket sales

    Golf Picture: Pixabay

    Unique Golf Club celebrates 50th anniversary with publication of a history book

    Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens

    Premier League club close in on signing Reading-born Borussia Dortmund star

    Chem Campbell

    Reading FC keen on bringing Campbell back on permanent deal

    Todd Trosclair and Rob Couhig

    Reading FC chairman sends message to supporters

    Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.

    World-class polo plans for borough

  • READING FC
  • COMMUNITY
    Blackcroft Farm, between Arborfield and Farley Hill,

    Plans for 650 homes near Arborfield revealed

    One of the trees off Easthampstead Road. Pic: Andrew Batt.

    ‘Safety’ cited for footpath closures

    Ascot Top Hats is based in Wokingham.

    Ten tips for a top day at Royal Ascot

    Wokingham Methodist Church

    Church Notes: Strength in weakness

    The Arts Society Wokingham looks at the work of Gertrude Jekyll this month. Picture: Sue Whitehead

    ‘Remember that in a garden we are painting a picture’

    Clergy for the new Parish of the Holy Family in Maidenhead and Twyford Father Ephraim Odhiambo, Deacon Peter Kelly, Father Liam Cummins, Deacon Mike Jackson and Father Kevin Hughes.

    Twyford and Wargrave’s Catholic churches merge with two parishes in Maidenhead

    The new contract will start from June 2026. pic: WBC.

    Waste contract awarded to Biffa

    Claire Chappell's donated locks will be made into real hair wigs for young people who have lost their own. Picture: Claire Chappell

    Claire’s hair today, gone tomorrow, for little princesses

    Thames Valley Air Ambulance Picture: MICHAEL MOLLOY

    Thames Valley Air Ambulance urges people to ‘summer safely’

  • LIFESTYLE
    • All
    • Food
    • Health
    • Obituaries
    • People
    Jenni Donato.

    Wokingham businesswoman nominated for award

    Ascot Top Hats is based in Wokingham.

    Ten tips for a top day at Royal Ascot

    Over 350,000 people in the region had been treated for seven common conditions without the need to visit a GP since the programme was launched in January last year.

    Pharmacy First initiative sees over 350,000 consultations in first year

    Thames Valley Air Ambulance Picture: MICHAEL MOLLOY

    Thames Valley Air Ambulance urges people to ‘summer safely’

    Shute End, Wokingham Borough Council.

    Compensation for care home ‘frustrations’

    Hurst Bowling Club, in an idyllic village setting, is England's second oldest club, and possibly its friendliest. Pictures: Emma Merchant

    Why ‘England’s friendliest bowling club’ needs a new clubhouse

    Party in the Park on Saturday.

A balcony view.

    Get ready for Party in the Park

    Marvellous is a tribute act festival. Pic: WBC.

    A Marvellous tribute at Dinton

    Wokingham MP Clive Jones at last Wednesday's PMQs. Pic: BBC Parliament.

    MP reacts to RBH ‘massive shortfall’

  • WHAT’S ON
    • All
    • Arts
    • Entertainment

    RaW Sounds celebrates five years of championing local music

    Party in the Park on Saturday.

A balcony view.

    Get ready for Party in the Park

    Marvellous is a tribute act festival. Pic: WBC.

    A Marvellous tribute at Dinton

    Double Standards

    New play ‘Double Standards’ at South Streets Art Centre to explore hypocrisy in dating

    Wokingham Pride

    Could you help Wokingham Pride 2025?

    REVIEW: “Three Hens In A Boat” at The Watermill Theatre

    Siren RG1

    Siren RG1 to mark first anniversary with weekender celebration

    Wellington Farm Shop

    Wellington Farm Shop celebrates its 20th anniversary

    Two concerts in one day from Reading's APO. Picture: Pexels via Pixabay

    An orchestral event in Wokingham promises evening of drama and contrast

  • JOBS
  • ADVERTISE
  • CONTACT
No Result
View All Result
Wokingham.Today
No Result
View All Result
Home Area Earley

Wokingham Waterside Centre founder’s legacy lives on

by Natalie Burton
February 14, 2022
in Earley, Featured, News, Reading
waterside

Connor Maroney (left) and Amie Warner of Wokingham Waterside Centre Picture: Natalie Burton

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

THE LEGACY of the founder of a Thames-side canoe centre continues to live on, thanks to a team of staff and volunteers.

Wokingham Waterside Centre, at Thames Valley Park, is celebrating its 21st anniversary this month.

The facility opened in February 2001. It was the result of a decade of campaigning for improved access to the water for canoeists by Scout leader, John Cooper.

John died in 2013 after a short battle with cancer, but his ambition for residents to enjoy paddling along the Thames is still being fulfilled.

Assistant operations manager Connor Maroney says that people holidaying in the UK last summer led to an increase in visitors to the centre.

As a result, the centre has been able refurbish some areas and buy new kit. This included expanding its fleet of katakanus for people with additional needs to get out onto the water.

Related posts

Plans for 650 homes near Arborfield revealed

‘Safety’ cited for footpath closures

“A katakanu is basically two Canadian canoes linked together to improve stability so they won’t capsize,” Connor explains.

“They are used for organised social groups as well as individuals, and we’ve noticed an increase in confidence amongst regulars.

“One person has progressed to a sit-on-top kayak, which is fantastic.”

The centre, which is a not-for-profit organisation, bought the sit-on-tops in 2020 thanks to a £3,800 grant from Toyota’s Para Spirit project.

Get Berkshire Active funded free, women-only paddleboarding sessions with female instructors last year to encourage more women to try the sport.

Wokingham Waterside Centre’s ethos of progression and accessibility also extends to staff and volunteers. Several younger members of staff, including Connor, first attended the centre’s youth clubs before becoming volunteer and then paid activity instructors there.

Amie Warner, 16, is working on a level three City and Guilds team leader apprenticeship at the centre. She is the youngest member of staff.

“I’ve been paddling since I was a toddler,” she says. “I gained my instructor award when I was 14 and now I want to give other kids the same opportunities I had.

“Being outside is something I enjoy, and I wanted to do something a bit different after GCSEs.”

Connor agrees, saying that he is enjoying the chance to give something back to the centre, which has nurtured his love of kayaking since he was 12. He credits Kathryn Hill and James Guy, centre managers, for creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

“The family feel of the centre keeps people coming back,” he says.

“We’ve already got a lot of repeat bookings from schools who visited us for trips last year and we’re looking forward to another successful year.”

Wokingham Waterside Centre’s outdoor season runs from April to October. During winter months, it runs pool sessions. The centre is also home to Wokingham Canoe Club and University of Reading Canoe Club, which meet all year round.

For more information, visit: wokinghamwatersidecentre.com

Keep up to date by signing up for our daily newsletter

We don’t spam we only send our newsletter to people who have requested it.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Previous Post

Virtual talk: The life of a Wokingham soldier

Next Post

Wokingham Borough Council invests in adult social care through community groups

FOLLOW US

POPULAR THIS WEEK

Solstice Picture: Andrew Merritt

RaW Sounds Today: Featuring Solstice, Steve Hackett and Chesney Hawkes

June 6, 2025
Reading FC fans

Reading FC chairman Couhig to invite fans to watch game in owner’s box

June 3, 2025
Peter Markwick

It’s top of the championship for Wokingham racing driver

June 10, 2025
CEO and founder Sally Russell says The Cowshed is a house of miracles. Picture: Emma Merchant

The Cowshed thanks Wokingham United Charities

June 5, 2025
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens

Premier League club close in on signing Reading-born Borussia Dortmund star

June 8, 2025
In memory of her brother, Ethan, Martha leapt from 15,000 feet over Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, along with dad Justin, 18-year-old brother Finlay and seven of Ethan?s friends. Picture: Brain Tumour Research

Martha flies high in memory of her brother

June 7, 2025

ABOUT US

Wokingham Today is dedicated to providing news online across the whole of the Borough of Wokingham. It is a Social Enterprise, existing to support the various communities in Wokingham Borough.

Wokingham.Today is a Social Enterprise and aims to ensure that everyone within the Borough has free access to independent and up-to-date news. However, providing this service is not without costs. If you are able to, please make a contribution to support our work.

CONTACT US

[email protected]

Keep up to date with our daily newsletter

We don’t spam we only send our newsletter to people that have subscribed

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Support Us
  • Book Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Get the Print Edition
  • Sign up for our daily newsletter

The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation.
If you have a complaint about a  The Wokingham Paper Ltd  publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance, contact the publication concerned, email: [email protected], or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • MY AREA
    • Arborfield
    • Barkham
    • Beech Hill
    • Binfield
    • Bracknell
    • Charvil
    • Crowthorne
    • Earley
    • Emmbrook
    • Finchampstead
    • Grazeley
    • Henley
    • Hurst
    • Lower Earley
    • Norreys
    • Reading
    • Remenham
  • COMMUNITY
  • LIFESTYLE
  • SPORT
  • READING FC
  • OBITUARIES
  • WHAT’S ON
  • JOBS
  • PHOTOS
  • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • CONTACT US
  • WHERE TO GET THE PRINT EDITION
  • SUPPORT US

© 2022 - The Wokingham Paper Ltd - All Right Reserved.