Ready for May 17!

MONDAY is going to be a red-letter day for many of us as it’s the next step in the unlocking of society.

Coronavirus restrictions are easing and we can meet up with friends and family at last – not just outdoors but indoors too.

Up to six people or two households can meet indoors, up to 30 outdoors.

And common sense rules allow us to make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with friends and family.

Venues that can reopen include cinemas, museums and children’s play areas, as well as outdoor entertainments such as open-air cinemas.

And up to 30 people can attend weddings, receptions, and commemorative events.

It’s the most freedom we’ve had since the autumn and many of us will want to make the most of it.

Covid-safe measures will be in place in venues, with testing and vaccination considered by the government to be essential to the continual easing of restrictions. The recommendation is that all adults take a Covid-19 test twice a week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This unlocking amounts to a very considerable step on the road back to normality and I am confident we will be able to go further (from June 21)”.

He added: “Please remember hands, face, space and fresh air”.

Wokingham borough has many great places for you to visit next week, whether you want a quick drink and a gossip, or a longer, more leisurely, catchup.

Crumbs café in Woodley is offering readers 10% discount, which is great. The café is perfect for a cuppa or a bite to eat, and is perfect after a shopping visit to the town.

In Twyford, Lincoln Coffee House and Roasters is open for business in Station Road. Buy a takeaway and go and enjoy it with friends in one of the village’s picturesque parks. You can also sit in and enjoy a bagel or its freshly ground coffee.

Bar+Block at Winnersh is ready to welcome you again. With ample parking and the promise of Sunday roasts as well as hand-cut steaks, the restaurant is popular with all ages.

The Hive in Crowthorne promises more than 250 craft beers which can be drunk on site, or taken home. If beer isn’t your thing, there’s gin, rum and English wine to try, or coffee and cake. It is taking bookings to meet demand.

And if you want to meet friends at home but not have to cook, Bears gourmet burgers is the place to head: they deliver gourmet burgers to Wokingham using the best ingredients they can procure.

Whatever you choose to eat, wherever you choose to meet and whoever you choose to catch-up with, have a safe, happy reunion thanks to the big reopen.