It's not the Oscar's but it's a close second...it's Twyford Together Community Awards 2024! The prizes for those individuals, groups and businesses who go the extra mile in the village. were handed out on Monday March the 18th. Categories included: Business of the Year (award sponsored by Grapevine Estate Agents) Food and Drink Award (award sponsor…

Courageous. Foolhardy. Salty. That's how Caroline Hague, Nicki Kelly and Rachel Smillie (AKA Team Excelsioar) describe themselves. Based out of Eton and sponsored by Val Wyatt Marine in Wargrave, the trio have taken on the 'World's Toughest Row', a 3000 miles journey from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain (28 ‘N 18 ‘W) to Nelson’s D…

This episode of The RG10 podcast is about a new charity run by bereaved parents for bereaved parents. It's called Footprint Baby Loss and it provides support for families who've lost one or more of their twins and triplets before, during or after birth. The charity has been co-founded by Suzie Scofield from Wargrave and Sharon Darke from Banbury. T…

It's the question everyone has been asking - what are the answers to The Great RG10 Quiz? Well, the wait is over. The quiz comprised 10 multiple-choice questions all tied to local life. A few hints: Celebrity encounters outside Waitrose Gardening tips from Big Plant Nursery Mystery tipples at Stanlake Park Wine Estate Ghost stories in Wargrave Fit2…

Welcome to Season 11 of the RG10 podcast! We're kicking off 2024 with the first-ever RG10 podcast quiz. There are 10 multiple-choice questions linked to life around here, with questions from local guests stars! Share your efforts via email or social media. Email: therg10podcast@gmail.com Social Media: DM us on: https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag/ ht…

The Sue Ryder charity is dedicated to the relief of suffering. Most people know that they ensure anyone approaching the end of their life can access the palliative care and other support they need. The charity is also there for people living with grief so that they don't feel alone, and to help their loved ones to know how to be 'Grief Kind'. Their…

This episode of the RG10 Podcast traces the inspiring journey of My Cancer, My Choices, a Charvil-based charity making a difference in the lives of those battling cancer. It has recently been handed the King's Award for Voluntary Services, the equivalent to an MBE for charities. The episode looks at the profound impact of complementary therapies pr…

A couple of weeks ago, Ellie Barnes (the name behind the company that helps organise the Twyford Fun Run and other events) completed the Ironman Portugal triathlon. That's 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, then a FULL marathon. Not only that, she managed to qualify for the Ironman World Championships 2024. She is also a mum of three holdi…

“I've been to places where they've got absolutely nothing in their house or their flat. No carpets on the floor, no curtains on the window, no furniture. I went to one place and the little boy all he had was a cardboard box to play with. The kids don't have any other clothes other than what they go to school in, they just sleep in those. It’s happe…

In the early 1840s, a Belgian called Adolphe Sax invented a new musical instrument and decided to name it after himself. Ignoring the opportunity to go with the ‘Adolphophone’ our hero decided he would use his surname instead and thus the saxophone was born. By the way, this was not the only example of Adolphe’s self-reverential instrument naming. …

From the 5th to the 7th of October, Twyford Drama are putting on a pair of one act plays that could not be more different. 'The Monkey's Paw' is a supernatural tale, with the perils of ambition at its heart. In this chiller, a family is granted three wishes, all of which come true but in a macabre and unexpected way. Then there is 'Little Grimley P…

There are a small group of places that are synonymous with history of rock and roll. Woodstock, Glastonbury, Strawberry Fields - and, of course, RG10. In this episode we uncover Twyford, Wargrave and Sonning’s links to the royalty of rock and roll. Here are just a few of the names that come up: Paul McCartney and The Beatles David Bowie Led Zeppeli…

What is Camp Mohawk? You may well have asked yourself that question if you have seen the signs in Wargrave pointing up towards Bowsey Woods. Essentially, Camp Mohawk is a place for children and young people with special needs in Berkshire and beyond. It also provides support for parents and families. In this episode of the RG10 Podcast you will fin…

Mystery surrounds the origins of Springfield Table Tennis Club, Twyford’s number 1 ping pong establishment. Firstly, how did the club get its name? Secondly, beyond being formed in the 1960s, what is known of the club’s history? Have the secrets been lost in time? The RG10 Podcast headed down to the club’s championships finals night to find out mor…

If you went you may still be recovering from it, if you didn't go you probably heard it anyway. The Twyford Beer Festival, surely RG10's biggest annual event, was held over the weekend. As per usual, there were dozens of local brews and drinks to quench the thirst during 3 days of amazing weather. All that plus a host of supremely gifted musicians …

109 years ago this week there was a huge fire at St Mary's Church in Wargrave. Here’s an excerpt from the Wokingham Fire Brigade Diaries from June the 1st, 1914: "Called at 3.40am to a fire at Wargrave Church, some 2 hours after the fire was started. The Henley & Wargrave Brigades were in attendance. Roof and belfry destroyed. Also bells, clock & a…

The RG10 magazine has published its 100th edition! In this episode we hear from magazine founder, editor and publisher Nikki Ochtman as she reflects on a journey that started in 2009. Nikki shares some of the initial aims she had for the magazine: “I've always been keen on supporting small local businesses and promoting themes such as shop local, p…

In the days leading up to the coronation of King Charles III, The RG10 Podcast caught up with a couple of local initiatives that have been catching the imagination of residents. First up, Ben speaks to Heather Howarth of the Hurst Hookers, the knitting and crochet group that has created a charming display around Hurst village pond over the past cou…

Did you know that Twyford is twinned with the small town of Cuincy in northern France? The twinning only dates back to 2018, but strong connections have already been formed between the two locations. To mark the 5th anniversary in March, the Twyford Twinning Association held a 'soirée' at Loddon Hall. The RG10 Podcast went along to learn more. We c…

It’s been a big week for awards ceremonies. A day after the Oscars were handed out in Los Angeles, the RG10 Podcast went along to the Twyford Together Community Awards evening. Not quite as glamorous, perhaps, but much more meaningful for those keen to celebrate the individuals, groups and businesses in the local community who “go that extra mile a…

How much do you know about the history, architecture and culture of Reading? The RG10 Podcast talked to local legend Terry Dixon, a Reading native who has so far spent six years of his retirement running themed walking tours of his home town. Even those familiar with the county town of Berkshire are sure to discover something new on one of Terry's …

From noon on Friday 27 January, a group of cycling enthusiasts led by Jenni Green, the founder of the Bia cycling brand, set out to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats within 24 hours. The RG10 Podcast went along to the Bia Hub in Twyford to witness some of the high spirits, hard work and collective effort put into the charity event. Ben spoke t…

Last Friday (27/1/23) was the 70th anniversary of a tragic air crash on the border of Charvil and Twyford. Two men died after their aircraft fell to the ground under mysterious circumstances. It may be that you are unaware of this horrific incident, but the accident has left a legacy that can be found in Charvil Country Park. This episode of the po…

Winter 2022-23: more people than ever are finding themselves struggling to make ends meet in the current cost of living crisis. Organisations such as parish and borough councils and charities including Citizens Advice are working hard to signpost individuals and families to the support available, from financial grants to food banks and the provisio…

It's the most wonderful time of the year. A time for tradition. A time for family. A time for the Twyford and District Round Table to head to their lock up and retrieve Santa, his sleigh and all the reindeer. Anyone who has spent December in RG10 will probably be aware of the Round Table's annual Santa sleigh run, where the man with all the present…

As the weather turns colder and we approach the festive season, the number of people finding themselves in financial difficulties is growing due to soaring energy bills and the rising cost of living. Despite Wokingham being one of the most prosperous boroughs in the UK, it now has over 5,000 children living under the poverty line. This figure was u…

Is there a girls football team in Twyford or Wargrave? There certainly is. The biggest is certainly Wargrave Women and Girls FC. Wargrave Women and Girls FC was formed in 2000 and they are now one of the biggest female only football clubs in England. Girls from school year 1 up to adult train and play every week in the club’s distinctive light blue…

Where are the ghosts in Berkshire? In RG10! With Halloween creeping up on us, the RG10 podcast has unearthed some of the area's spookiest tales. There is the story of a ghostly horseman named Herne the Hunter. The legend goes that hundreds of years ago Herne committed an atrocity within Windsor Forest, and his tormented soul has on occasion been sp…

October brings one of the most popular annual community events. Even for the non-runners, the Twyford Charity 5K and Fun Run promises a great morning out, with activities for all ages, plenty of stalls and refreshments and the opportunity to support those taking part. The races start with the 'pre-school toddle', followed by several more children's…

Have you ever asked "where can I learn to morris dance" or "what is morris dancing"? Well, it's late September, Strictly Come Dancing is back - and so are the annual taster sessions with Hurst Morris People! Ben didn't need too much persuading to head to Hurst Village Hall to find out more. We learn a bit about Morris dancing as an English folk tra…

Twyford Growers is a group of people who meet at the Hurst Road allotments in Twyford each Thursday between March and October. They may have been referred to the gardening scheme by NHS social prescribers to alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression and/or loneliness, or they may have self-referred to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, or…

Not a lot of people know this, but RG10 Podcast host Ben is also a musician who plays in a band - so sending him to check out this year's Marvellous Festival at Dinton Pastures was probably his ideal assignment! He has a chat with Pete Lincoln, local musician and one of the festival's founder-directors, before getting backstage with one of the trib…

Have you heard about Elsie Whip? No, not her (this is not that kind of podcast!) The L-C-WIP: Wokingham Borough Council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan... The draft LCWIP has been formulated based on feedback from a public consultation carried out a year ago in July 2021. This summer, residents are being invited to review details of…

As is the case at many busy junctions, there's something in the air at the Twyford crossroads, and it's not good. The centre of the village has high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - over 40 micro milligrammes per cubic metre, which is detrimental to health. For the most part this is attributable to emissions from engines idling at the traffic lig…

Henley Festival CEO Jo Bausor gives us the lowdown on the 40th anniversary of Henley's iconic music and arts event, being held this week from Wed 6th to Sunday 10 July. After two years of disruption due to the Covid pandemic, everyone is looking forward to getting 'back to normal'. Many festival goers will be focusing on the key attractions on the …

Ben has outdone himself this time. Our intrepid podcast host has donned his wetsuit and gatecrashed the regular early morning river swim of a pod of Twyford mermaids. Wait, one of them sounds familiar... it's the voice of Jules Lang, well known to listeners of BBC Radio 2 and Radio Berkshire. The broadcaster lives locally and is a dedicated open wa…

This doesn't sound like work at all... Picture a sunny afternoon in May, at the beautiful setting of Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Twyford. Cue RG10 Podcast producer Ben, enjoying a guided tour and fascinating chat with General Manager Natalia Pezzone - over a bottle of white wine, naturally. How did this former vet from Argentina come to be so pass…

After more than two years living under a pandemic, everyone is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to have some fun over the extended holiday weekend marking the Queen's 70 years on the throne. Our local communities have plenty going on, and we caught up with just a few organising something a bit different... The Fearlessly Odd Festival in Twyford…

Have you felt traumatised by the end of a marriage or other significant relationship? You are not alone. It can be hard to believe that you could ever be happy again, let alone that the best might yet be to come. Many people have found it helpful to attend a course run over two consecutive weekends by the Divorce Recovery Workshop, aimed at helping…

2022 is the 60th anniversary year for local choir, Twyford Singers. We catch up with them during rehearsals for their traditional Easter concert, to be held in St Mary's church in Twyford on Palm Sunday, 10 April. The concert will include music from the 8th century to the 20th, as well as a new composition of 'Gloria, laus et honor' by Simon Rigby,…

Plenty of famous people play the ukulele, including George Clooney, Pierce Brosnan, The Rock, Tom Hanks, Barack Obama, Taylor Swift and Madonna. George Harrison was a huge fan, apparently, keeping ukuleles all over his house in Henley. However, the instrument is accessible to all: relatively inexpensive to buy and easy to pick up quite quickly, it …

This is a story weaving together royal connections with a bit of local history, highlighting an activity suitable for all ages and a community social hub, the fundraising effort towards a building fit for purpose, and the resilience and humour of club members faced with the aftermath of a storm. Ben visited Hurst Bowling Club in February 2022, soon…

Do you suffer from chronic pain? Do you wish you could be free of it for good and take back control of your life? Stay tuned for this interview with Dr Sarah Bryan, a physical therapist dedicated to achieving that freedom for every client, drawing on the services of a multidisciplinary team as necessary. Sarah talks us through her holistic approach…

Spoiler alert: Kindness is alive and well! We just need to recognise and celebrate it more.In this episode of the RG10 Podcast, we hear about two online spaces dedicated to sharing the good stuff that we humans are capable of. All too often, both in business and in private life, we focus on what's tough or difficult. We forget to be grateful for (o…

Happy New Year! Have you resolved to be more active in 2022, take up a new hobby, get outside more or make new friends? Here's an idea that offers all of that and more - the sport of walking football.Yes - walking football is a game in its own right, requiring players to adhere to the principles of minimal contact with other players and, obviously,…

Oh, yes it is! Pantomime is that peculiarly British music hall tradition of family-friendly comedy productions, usually based on a fairy tale or fable, with cross-dressing actors in the lead roles and some element of audience participation.Families around the RG10 area are spoilt for choice this winter, with three different pantomimes to look forwa…

This podcast is going out on 8 December 2021: are you feeling festive yet? If not, this will help - a soundtrack of the Twyford Christmas Fayre, held in the village centre last Friday! It was fantastic seeing so many people out supporting the Twyford Together event. Throughout the evening people of all ages were enjoying themselves amongst the stal…

Dave Lamont is a regular guy: a Berkshire resident with a good job and young family. He explains who and what inspired him to set up the Plastic Free Home in 2018: a blog and Facebook community dedicated to seeking and sharing ideas for more sustainable living.Hot on the heels of COP26, the global climate summit in Glasgow, we know that the urgency…

In this episode we hear how the enjoyment of playing an instrument, the enduring appeal of folk music, and the vision of a local man underpin the continued success of the monthly Twyford Folk Music Workshop.Colin McEwen explains how he set up the group in 2013 largely for his own enjoyment, then discovered a pool of people either interested in prog…

Gone are the days when it was cool to boast about only needing a few hours' sleep. We now have a much greater understanding of how important sleep is for our overall health and wellbeing. Yet what constitutes 'good sleep hygiene', and what is the best approach to take for anyone having trouble sleeping?Who better to dispel the myths and outline bes…