The RG10 Podcast - featuring the people, places and events of interest across our area of the Thames Valley

Get ready for an episode filled with cheers, applause, and inspiring stories as we take you inside the 2025 Twyford Together Community Awards ! This special event honours the incredible individuals, businesses and community organisations making a difference in the Twyford area. Tune in to hear directly from the award recipients and find out what makes Twyford’s community so special. Don’t miss thi...

Twyford is buzzing as Gardeners’ Question Time rolls into town! Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association chairman Myrddin Jones shares the excitement (and a touch of nerves) about hosting the legendary radio show, revealing the behind-the-scenes prep—from securing the venue to rallying the community. Discover how audience questions are chosen and why Twyford’s soil is a gardener’s dream. How...

This episode of the RG10 Podcast, explores the life and achievements of Tamina Oliver, an extraordinary single mum and world-class duathlete from Twyford. Tamina balances training for international championships with raising her young son and working full-time. Tamina talks about her unexpected journey from Cuban dance to competitive cycling, and how she stumbled upon her talent for running. Tamin...

In this episode of the RG10 podcast, we get a final update on the incredible journey of local adventurers Joshua Smith and Jack Pitcher, who undertook the challenge of running 4,340 kilometers across Australia to raise funds for Arc, a Wokingham-based charity.  Despite facing numerous challenges, including accidents, breakdowns, and extreme heat, the they completed the run in 61 days—16 days faste...

In the final episode of season 13 and the last of 2024, the RG10 podcast revisits the year's most memorable moments. From the inaugural Great RG10 Quiz and Team Excelsior's epic rowing adventure, to Twyford Tennis Club's community success and Elowyn Mears' remarkable swimming achievements, the episode celebrates the highlights. Also featured is the record-breaking 4,000 km run...

In this episode, Twyford’s very own Seth Burkett takes us on a rollercoaster of a journey! From kicking off with a semi-pro football team to an unexpected shot at the beautiful game in Brazil, Seth spills the beans on what it’s really like to play football there — tough living conditions, thrilling matches, and an incredible surprise: discovering an ancestor's football legacy in Brazil. But t...

In this episode, Ben sits down with Chez Annetts, founding member and director of Wargrave Youth Theatre, to discuss the remarkable story of a youth drama group that began with a handful of 11-year-olds back in 1989. Originally called Wargrave Entertainment Drama Group Enterprise, or WEDGE, the group has evolved into a highly popular community youth theatre, now known as Wargrave Youth Theatre. Ch...

Welcome to a special edition of the RG10 podcast, packed with glitz, glamour, and a dash of cinematic history! In this episode, we explore the fascinating ties between the world of film and TV and the RG10 area. From the early days of cinema to modern productions such as Lovejoy and Midsomer Murders, we uncover local gems that made it onto the big screen. Travel back to 1899, when the mysterious s...

Season 13, episode 2, launched October 2024. In this episode of the RG10 podcast, we hear from two local adventurers, Joshua Smith and Jack Pitcher, who are in the middle of an epic challenge: running 4,000 kilometres across Australia to raise money for ARC, a Wokingham-based charity providing counselling services. Josh and Jack share their extraordinary journey, which has been filled with acciden...

In this episode of the RG10 Podcast, we explore the remarkable story of Edward Polehampton and the enduring legacy of his charity in Twyford. Born in 1666, an  act of kindness towards the young boy evolved into a philanthropic trust benefiting the local community for centuries.  The podcast hears from James Fort, a local historian and trustee of the Polehampton Charity, to uncover its history, fro...

In this episode of The RG10 Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Dexter Rosier, a 12-year-old with a remarkable challenge ahead. Dexter is setting off on an epic 231-mile bike ride from Woodley to Paris, aiming to reach the French capital just in time for the opening of the Paralympic Games. He's not only testing his limits but also raising £10,000 for three deserving charities: Sp...

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the world of women’s cricket with a special focus on the Thames Fusion team. We discuss the unique challenges young female cricketers face, including the competition with other sports and limited playing opportunities. Discover how the Thames Fusion initiative, born from a collaboration between Sonning Cricket Club, Reading Cricket Club, and Wargrave Cricke...

Welcome to the RG10 podcast! In this episode, we delve into some surprising events of the past and the present in Twyford. We start with reports of recent vandalism targeting public property and a tree planting project. However, you might be surprised to learn that these issues aren't new. We're taking a trip back to 1974, exploring the first-ever edition of the Twyford Parish Newsletter...

In this episode as we dive into the fascinating history and contemporary duties of the High Sheriff of Berkshire. Our guest, Alexander Barfield, is the 809th person to fill the post and he shares the rich history of the role, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, and its evolution from a powerful position involved in tax collection and law enforcement to its current, largely ceremonial nature. Alexand...

It's festival season in RG10! Fresh off the Wargrave Beer Festival and Twyford Beer Festival, we’re gearing up for the big one: the Biennial Wargrave Festival, running from June 12th to June 30th. This year marks the festival's 50th anniversary, and the theme is "Gold Fever." Join us as we dive into the highlights of this 19-day extravaganza, featuring family delights, dazzling...

Welcome to Season 12 of the RG10 Podcast! Summer's here, and we're kicking off with some tennis talk.  Specifically, Twyford Tennis Club. On 1 June 2024, they're launching a crowdfunding campaign to modernise their facilities.  Head Coach Gary Oates and Ladies' Captain Louise Tippey discuss the urgent need for a new court and upgraded floodlights. With only three courts and gro...

It's not the Oscars 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  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 sponsored by Benedict Charles Financial Planning) Young Ac...

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 Dockyard, English Harbour, Anti...

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. They met 11 years ago after Suzie lost he...

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 Fit20 gym in Twyford and their fitness USP. Vets...

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/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing...

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 latest initiative is to open Sue...

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 provided by the charity to cancer patients, of...

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 holding down a full time job. All of this just wee...

“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 happening here in Reading today and it&a...