Twyford

A Wargrave picnic to raise awareness about autism promises to be a real family affair on Saturday May 23. And if the range of activities on offer isn’t enough to tempt families to come along, how about a piece of cake provided by the cake shop owned by the president of the National Autistic Society Jane Asher.

Families from across the Wokingham Borough will be able to enjoy the local countryside at Camp Mohawk in Wargrave at a special family picnic and play session taking place between 10am and 4pm. There will be lots on offer at this free event, and all families need to do is to bring along their own picnic. Hot drinks will be available at a small charge. Families can also enjoy swimming, outdoor games in dedicated play areas, puppet show and clown and youngsters can also make use of the sensory room, light and dark rooms.

Jane Asher, president of the National Autistic Society, said: “What could be better on a spring afternoon than a delicious picnic? This is such a lovely way to raise funds and awareness of autism in the Wokingham Borough and I'm delighted to be able to send a cake to add to the celebration.
“The picnic, of course, will be rounding off the inspiring and important week of autism events, and it's great to see parents, voluntary agencies and statutory groups all working together in the successful Autism Partnership. I'm sure many people locally will have been helped to understand more about the effects and difficulties of this complex and distressing condition.”

Pamela Breslin, co-ordinator at Wokingham Autism Partnership at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Jane Asher has provided a cake for our family picnic at Camp Mohawk. I am sure lots of children and their families will be tucking into a slice after building up an appetite following all the activities they have taken part in.

“We want to bring home to people from all walks of life what autism is all about. We are asking people to think differently about autism. By provide a range of activities at the picnic, it will encourage families to spend more time and have fun together.

“Autism is a lifelong disability affecting how someone sees the world, communicates and socialises. One percent of the UK population has a condition in the autistic spectrum. It can cause great difficulties every day in relationships and independent living and it affects people in many different ways.”

To book a place at the family picnic and play session at Camp Mohawk, please telephone Pamela Breslin on (0118) 974 6882 or Lucy Skye on (0118) 974 3750.

If the Wargrave over 16s have any energy left, they can also put on their dancing shoes and join the disco and Caribbean barbecue which is running from 6.30pm until late. Music will be provided by Club Marmalade, and there will be singing around the camp fire! There is no charge for entry, but donations will be accepted. However, you do need to book by calling Wokingham Mencap on (0118) 979 8539 or Jodie on (0118) 979 2031.

The Wokingham Autism Partnership is hosting a number of events, between Monday May 18 and Saturday May 23, across the borough in its bid to raise awareness about autism.

Wokingham Borough Council ~ Wargrave