The Tower of London

VILLAGE LIFE

CROWTHORNE

Crowthorne is a village and civil parish in the Bracknell Forest district of southeastern Berkshire. The village is best known for Wellington College, a large co-educational boarding and day independent school, which opened in 1859 as a national monument in honour of the Duke of Wellington.

So, what is so attractive about Crowthorne, and why do people relocate out of larger cities to villages such as Crowthorne? Usually it’s because they are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life; the sheer number of people around them when they walk down the street, the amount of traffic clogging up the roads, the lack of green space and simply put they want a greener, more relaxed lifestyle. Often this decision is triggered by a growing family; new parents wanting to bring up their children in a more rural setting with great schools.

According to Michael Hardy, estate agents… With its lovely countryside and outstanding schools, Crowthorne fits the bill for many looking to relocate out of the city. Still within easy commute of London, Crowthorne and its village life make a very attractive prospect for people looking for that change of pace. While Crowthorne station doesn’t offer any direct trains to London, you can still get to Paddington via Reading in less than an hour or Waterloo via Guildford in about 80 minutes. In fact a few years ago, Crowthorne was voted the 2nd best place to live in England and Wales for families in a report by Family Investments.

Crowthorne, a Village Community in a Beautiful Rural Setting The historical village of Crowthorne was only a small hamlet in the early 1800s until Wellington College was opened in 1859 but it grew quickly thereafter.

The village is nestled amongst the nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest at Heath Lake, Wildmoor Heath, Swinley Forest and Edgbarrow Woods. If you are a keen explorer, having such a wealth and choice of parkland with amazing walks, cycle routes and adventure play areas for children on your doorstep means you’ll never be bored!

The village encourages a great sense of community by hosting various regular events, which as well as providing great entertainment and fun for the village, also supports the local tradesmen, retailers, community groups and churches. The annual May Fair being one such event, offers lots of stalls and activities for all the family and is where local organisations and groups come together to support and keep alive that village ethos. I hear it also has a very busy beer tent!

Every other year the Crowthorne Carnival brings the whole village together in celebration as all the pre-schools, schools, youth groups and local businesses show off their creativity with a themed procession of floats through the village; arriving for a huge fair at the Morgan Recreation Ground. With a carnival princess competition, dancing, music displays, stalls and fun fair it is always great fun and a huge success.

For the festive period, the village hosts a special Christmas shopping night when the shops stay open late and offer food and drinks to the locals who turn out in their hundreds.

There are lots of activities with face-painting and hair-braiding in some of the local shops, food stalls and market traders. The local fire crew also display one of their fire engines for children to explore and of course Father Christmas sets up his grotto in the local library!

Support for Local traders The high street is a thriving hub of activity with every space it seems taken up by mostly independent traders, some household retail names and an abundance of pubs, coffee shops and takeaways. It is a Village centre and High Street to rival most Towns. There are many signs stating ‘support your local traders’ in shop windows, and with local produce available to buy, from the butchers, among others, there is only one conclusion - it obviously is working.

BRACKNELL AND WOKINGHAM COLLEGE

Looking to start college in September 2023? Come along to our upcoming October Open Event on Saturday 15 October!

About this event

Looking to start college in September 2023? Bracknell and Wokingham College invites you to attend our upcoming October Open Event on Saturday 15 October. Our college will be open for you to explore between 9:30am and 12:30pm, and will give you the opportunity to: Discover our wide range of courses and programmes. Explore our newly renovated campus and fantastic facilities. Meet our friendly teachers, tutors and student support staff. Meet fellow students. Speak to our Apprenticeship and Higher Education teams. If you’re still unsure of what to do have a chat with our Careers Advisors and Advice Team about your options. This is your opportunity to ask as many questions as you like!

Adult Education

We will also have our Adult Education and Career zone, designed to help those looking to return to education (including Higher Education) or needing help into employment. We even have opportunities for you to work with us at the college! Stop by and speak to our team and see what you can discover. We look forward to seeing you on-campus!

Bracknell and Wokingham College October Open Event To register www.eventbrite.co.uk

SET YOUR COMPASS FOR CORAL REEF WATERWORLD

One of the most popular Leisure facilities in the region, it is fun for all the family and shipmates of all ages.

Come on down and see our brand new Splash lagoon, an enjoyable, vibrant interactive water pad. 5 Giant slides, customisable, inclusive and able to be enjoyed alone or with a partner. Open rain or shine with on-site restaurant, party bookings, with an outdoor pool area and private spa and sauna facilities. Sufficient parking and gift shop for souvenirs and all your poolside needs! Walk the plank and dive on in at Coral Reef Waterworld Bracknell!!

All bookings must be booked online via the Everyone Active website.

www.everyoneactive.com/coralreef