The reopening of the shop was a wonderful morning where trustees and patrons gathered to celebrate and welcome the updated shop interiors and officially cut the ribbon. The reopening was due to some decorating of the interior, refreshing the shop floor and browsability of all the clothes, accessories, trinkets and toys.
The historic fireplaces at the centre of the shop floor have been opened up to expose the brickwork as the backdrop to product displays, while the walls have had a repainting to match the fresh energy of the store. Alongside a new front windows display, dedicated toy corner and immaculately organised shelving, it is much easier to hunt for the perfect costume accessory or antique collection piece. The overall feel of the store is much more boutique and accessible for all ages, with levelled flooring and plenty of natural light it’s already welcoming in new and returning customers.
Located at numbers 16–18 Rose Street, the shop occupies a Grade II listed property that dates back to the early 15th century. As Rose Street continues to balance its rich history withthe needs of a modern town centre, the reopening of the WADE charity shop is a reminder of how historic buildings can be adapted for contemporary use while continuing to serve the community.
Over the centuries the building has served many purposes, from private dwellings to local businesses, and in more recent decades it has been home to the WADE charity shop, a familiar and well-loved part of Wokingham’s town centre. Which raises vital income that helps WADE provide opportunities, independence, and support for those who use its services.
Charity shops not only provide affordable goods and encourage reuse and sustainability, but also act as social hubs, offering volunteering opportunities and a welcoming space in the heart of the community.
WADE is a local charity that offers support to anyone over sixty in Wokingham and the surrounding area.
The day care centre offers a warm and inviting environment to socialise and a pleasant change of scenery from being at home. It is also the perfect place for a catchup over lunch with friends or family, in a safe and caring environment. Often these occasions provide a much-needed respite for care givers.
Through the charity the day centre can offer subsidised day care.
Activities at the day centre include seated exercises, quizzes, bingo, singing, flower arranging and visits from a therapy dog, as well as visiting entertainers such as singers, a visiting farm and birds of prey. Additional facilities include a door-to-door minibus service, weekly hairdressing, fortnightly chiropody visits, and access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy on site.
Coming up at WADE in 2026 is many activities that will help support the work the charity does and bring the community together. These include Ladies’ Nights, skittles evenings, an afternoon tea party, a summer fair, a festive celebration and popular wreath-making evenings. Once dates and times are finalised, full details will be available on the WADE website.
The charity shop is currently looking for volunteers, so if you have a few hours to spare every week please look to the WADE website for contact details.
The opening hours for the shop are:
9.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday
9.00am – 4pmSaturday
CLOSED on Sundays
