This is an anonymous story collected from the public as part of THE WOKINGHAM ARC PROJECT.

I am a Wokingham, born and bred, mother of four. I left Wokingham for university but the lure of home called me after having my own children. In Wokingham I have learnt to wild swim, write poetry and to understand the importance of community.

What makes me feel alive in my locale is the familiar and (what seems eternal) mixed with the new. I remember primary school carol services at All Saints, the scent of strawberry picking at Greys Farm, the mechanical station announcement voice and the bluebells at Joel Park. This is mixed in with the glass of the leisure centre, the buzz of Peach Place with its aroma of coffee and curries and children squealing with delight in Elms Park.

Home is where your children can retrace your childhood footsteps. It’s the warm joy of nostalgia mixed with the excitement of the years to come.

I hope that future generations will enjoy the wonderful environment I grew up in, whilst we keep an eye to the future - welcoming new people to ensure our community increases its diversity and vibrancy.