Adrian Betteridge

Arborfield was our first family home in 1996 before moving to Wokingham Town, where I am a town councillor.  

I served 20 years as an Army engineer, leaving as a Lieutenant Colonel before a second career managing large projects in industry.  Our children went to local schools.  When they left the nest in 2018 my wife and I took early retirement to do more in the local community and use our experience to help others.  I am a director of a local sheltered housing organisation, I campaign for improved facilities for walking and cycling and coach junior cycling with the Sprockets cycle club based at Bohunt School.

I’ve seen how good local councillors can make a difference to their community.  The community in the Barkham and Arborfield area is growing and changing and I believe I can help with the challenges and opportunities this creates.

I’d like to see future large projects such as Arborfield Green managed differently with clearer accountability, better coordination and more involvement from residents.  I want to help this growing community realise its full potential as a fantastic place to live. 

Joseph Boadu

As a British Army veteran, I made the decision to settle in Wokingham Borough with my family 6 years ago, after serving 12 years and completing 3 tours in Afghanistan. 

We feel we have found the perfect place to raise our family because of the beautiful surroundings, the local amenities and the opportunity to get involved in the community. My children attend our local primary school.

I currently work as a Quantity Surveyor, this background in Engineering and Commercial management, is a unique combination of disciplines enabling me to significantly contribute to varying roles. 

I’m a member of the Assemblies of God Church, Reading, advocating for improved infrastructure in education and healthcare for the growing population.

I was drawn to the Liberal Democrats, because of their social liberal and redistribution principles. I currently serve on the Winnersh Parish Council, focusing on education, planning, and transport. 

I also love football and serve as a coach for under 12s.

If elected, I will endeavour to serve and represent the ward by understanding the key issues facing local people.

Heather Richards

I moved to Wokingham over 15 years ago to start training as a pensions actuary. I now design software used in financial planning. I’ve been told my skills will be very useful in improving accountability and understanding of council finances.

I grew up in a small village and am aware of the frustrations of poor public transport and cycling infrastructure. Not everyone can drive and it’s important that everyone can get around the borough. 

I’ve grown to love this area, with kind, tolerant people, nearby countryside but also good access to transport and excellent schools. However I’m very aware that high average incomes mask real issues of poverty in our area, made harder by high housing costs. I’m extremely impressed by the current Lib Dem council executive’s commitment to helping those who need it most and if elected I would push this forward further. 

I also want to make sure that all children can have the best education including those with special educational needs.