About Us
Who We Are
Wade is a registered charity whose aim is to promote the welfare of the elderly in Wokingham and surrounding areas. The Charity was founded by the late Jean Davy, a former Mayor of Wokingham, and the Day Centre at 40 Reading Road, Wokingham was opened in 1974. Our Registered Charity Number is 1178937.
Wade membership and the use of the centre is open to anyone who is sixty or over and living in Wokingham and the surrounding area.
The Centre opens from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank and public holidays).
Our Patron is Mrs Lucy Zeal, The High Steward of Wokingham. Wade is governed by a board of Trustees, led by our Chair, Philip Mirfin.
We welcome volunteers of any age wishing to support the aims of Wade.
Wade Past and Present
Wade was initially formed with the following aims:
- To promote the welfare of the elderly in the town of Wokingham and the neighbouring parishes of Arborfield, Barkham, Finchampstead, Hurst, Winnersh and Wokingham Without
- To bring under one umbrella all the voluntary efforts in the town for the elderly
- To start a Meals on Wheels service, which began in February 1960
- To start a visiting service, which commenced in June 1974
- To provide a Day Centre, which opened in June 1974.
Wade adopted its first Constitution on 19th February 1969 and was registered as a charity on 8th October 1969. Our Day Centre, in the building originally known as Little Court, opened in 1974.
Over time, Wade has changed significantly to cope with the changing needs of the members. It is now a widely accepted fact that isolation is is becoming a big problem among the elderly as it can result in depression and related illnesses. In these times many people are living well into their 90s, some with mobility issues or cognitive challenges.
How Can We Help You?
Wade provides a safe, caring and stimulating environment where members can come and meet old friends, make new ones, and have a good, nourishing midday meal, freshly cooked by our kitchen staff.
Wade is also aware that there are many elderly people caring at home for an equally elderly partner, and we are pleased to be able to offer them respite so they can leave their loved one for the day, knowing that they will be safe and well cared for.
Our excellent team of trained carers who, as well as looking after the varied daily needs of the members, arrange numerous activities such as seated exercises, flower arranging, quizzes and bingo. There is also entertainment, especially musical, which is very popular.
We have a minibus service which provides a door-to-door service for people who cannot make their own way to the Centre. There is also a weekly hairdressing service on a Thursday and a Chiropodist that visits the Centre fortnightly. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are also available onsite.
How Can You Help Us?
The Grade II listed premises are available for hire during the evenings and weekends to provide an additional income stream. In the summer the garden is very popular with local organisations for barbecues and fêtes.
The charity shop in Rose Street provides a significant additional source of income and donations for the shop are always very welcome.
We have many loyal volunteers who help at the shop and the centre, and at fundraising events. New volunteers are always very welcome as are donations of any size, to help keep this very special Centre going.