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Community News

OUR FIRST CYCLE RIDE THIS YEAR.


A few of us set off on a circular bike ride on Sunday, 18 May, kicking things off at 9:15 sharp outside the Old Crowne Plaza Hotel on Richfield Avenue, passing through The Warren.


Our route took us through Mapledurham, Pangbourne, and Reading, sticking close to the Thames whenever we could.


A heads-up before the ride—spare inner tubes were a smart call, and tyres needed to be pumped to about 60 psi. We made a pit stop midway in Pangbourne High Street for a well-deserved coffee break.

Barbados & Friends Association (Reading)


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING


Friday 16th May 2025 – 19:30 hrs – 21:30 hrs


St Mark’s Church Hall, Cranbury Road, Reading, RG30 2T





The last BAFA WALK was on Saturday 26 April 2025, Up Bowsey Hill from Wargrave circuit.


Despite the chilly morning breeze on Saturday 26th April 2025, the BAFA walking group took to Bowsey Hill from the picturesque village of Wargrave. Making their way through the woodland, over the stiles and across the vast expanse of farmland and rapeseed fields. Encountering many steep inclines, the group soldiered on, even taking respite to stretch their weary legs. Another successful journey leading to a well earned cup of tea and a tasty slice of cake.

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Cianna’s Smile Thanks BAFA Reading for Generous Donation Supporting Families Impacted by Sickle Cell


Cianna’s Smile is delighted to extend our heartfelt gratitude to BAFA Reading for their generous donation of £500. This vital contribution will help us provide much-needed respite and enriching experiences for families impacted by sickle cell.


This support will contribute to taking 20 families on a summer respite break and offer local children living with sickle cell the opportunity to enjoy exciting days out. These experiences are more than just moments of fun—they provide a chance for children to create lasting memories, connect with others facing similar challenges, and embrace a sense of belonging in a supportive environment.


“We are incredibly grateful to BAFA Reading for their kindness and commitment to our cause,” said Hayley King, Charity Founder at Cianna’s Smile. “Living with sickle cell can be incredibly challenging, and opportunities like these give children and families the chance to unwind, have fun, and feel understood. This donation will make a real difference in their lives.”


Cianna’s Smile continues to work tirelessly to support children and families impacted by sickle cell, raising awareness and creating a sense of community. With the backing of local organisation's like BAFA Reading, we can ensure that more young people have access to joyful and inclusive experiences that enhance their well-being.

NEXT BAFA GROUP WALK


BAFA WALK - Saturday 26th April 2025 


Up Bowsey Hill from Wargrave circuit. Meeting at 09:45am in the public carpark off School Lane (RG10 8AA). Parking fees apply. Please ensure that appropriate clothing and footwear are worn.


https://www.ratedtrips.com/walking/up-bowsey-hill-from-wargrave

Up Bowsey Hill from Wargrave

NEAREST LOCATION Wargrave

DISTANCE 6 miles (9.7kms)

ASCENT 248ft (76m)

TIME 2hrs 15min

GRADIENT DIFFICULTY Medium



BAFA GROUP WALK


On Saturday 29th March 2025, the BAFA walkers made their way along the Warfield Northern lane circular. Soaking up the glorious sunshine along the 10.8km distance.  A pitstop was made at the Fernygrove farm and coffee shop which sold an array of meats and delights at their eatery. As the walkers continued through the woodland they were greeted by the Shetland ponies and the melodies of the birds filled the air. Yet again the day was thoroughly enjoyable. Full of laughter an camaraderie.



BAFA Walk will be held on Saturday, 29th March 2025. We will be doing the Warfield Northern Lane circuit. Meeting in Frost Folly carpark at 09:45am. Frost Folly carpark, Wellers Lane RG42 6EN.


Please ensure that appropriate clothing and footwear are worn to suit the weather conditions.


https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/berkshire/warfield-northern-lanes-circular?sh=3noxjg


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BAFA Walk  will be doing the Finchampstead circuit on Saturday, 22 February 2025 .  


Meeting at 09.30 in the Queens Oak pub carpark (RG40 4LS).


Please let us know if you are attending.

Cut & Paste link below in your Browser.

https://www.ratedtrips.com/walking/a-circuit-at-finchampstead


Photo's from BAFA Walking Club  Finchampstead circuit on Saturday, 22 February 2025.



BAFA walkers took on the challenges of the circuit at Finchampstead. The walk started from the Queens Oak Pub and the walkers endured the wet and cold along the way. Crossing the muddy and waterlogged paths by using make shift bridges and tree branches as walking aids. With sheer determination the walkers wandered through the woodland to a successful end. And a tasty lunch. Well done to all.

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The 2024 Barbados and Friends Association Annual Dinner and Dance Celebrating the 58th Year of Independence


The event took place at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Reading, where guests were welcomed with a pre-dinner drink, followed by a chance to mingle and catch up with old friends and new. We were at full capacity, with the hall decked out in Bajan colours. The room was welcoming with its soft ambient lighting and soothing music, before guests were seated, ready for an evening of entertainment.


Diners were served a three-course meal accompanied by a nice glass of wine. The entertainment throughout the evening included saxophonist Kemme, who provided live music, and Judy Vaughan, who sang her heart out with renditions of some popular jazz songs. DJ Lady B then took us through to the early hours of the morning.


We had a number of dignitaries in attendance, including Mackie Holder—the Deputy High Commissioner of Barbados, UK; Councillor Glenn Dennis—the Mayor of Reading; and Betty Lewis—Attaché Diaspora Affairs at the Barbados High Commission to the United Kingdom.


We would like to say a special thank you to everyone who contributed to the evening and all those who support us every year to make the event memorable.


Also, pictured below are some of our lucky Raffle Winners.

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.

Event Summary:


BAFA celebrated Black History Month on 12 October 2024 at the Atrium Health  Centre with another health awareness programme. 


The programme was organised by Heather  Husbands,  a healthcare professional, who also presented to the audience a session on testicular cancer.  The programme also included further sessions on diabetes, presented by Dr Aziza Karmali; a video guide to dementia and alzheimer's was shown. The programme concluded with a short video production from  Cianna Smiles.  


A local charity setup by Ms Hayley  King, catering for sickle cell suffers and their carers.  Ms King highlighted to the audience the importance of being blood donors due to the blood supply shortage for sickle cell sufferers who might require a blood transfusion.  The audience felt that the programme sessions were very informative and that BAFA should continue to bring such things to the community.

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The BAFA Walking Group next walk will be posted soon

Click here for more information

Community Fundraising Event

Community request, if you are able - please go to the GoFundMe page (link below) and support the Thompson Family at this difficult time. Many thanks - BAFA

Hello

Hi my name is Yvonne Thompson and I am fundraising for my Son Tharel who is currently in critical condition in hospital.

Tharel is a Barbados National who came over on holiday to the UK last week to spend time with family in Reading. In the early hours of Sunday 11 February 2024 whilst out with family Tharel was attacked in a bar and stabbed in the head. Tharel is in a critical condition in hospital following two surgeries.

so far his medical bill stands at £11,000 and is ongoing, I have flown over from Barbados and am incurring hotel costs daily and rising.

Any help would be so much appreciated and this is my last resort

I thought you might be interested in supporting this GoFundMe,  (DATED POSTED 15th MARCH 2023)

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