Time if running out if you want to visit a Hallowe’en wonderland, and support a local charity at the same time.
For four years, Ronnie Goodberry has transformed his front garden in Shackleton Way, Woodley, into a spooky extravaganza, and has raised thousands of pounds in donations.
During that time, his efforts have become a local landmark, and something of an institution.
This year, Ronnie said, will be the last and the best.
Ronnie told Wokingham Today: “The event started during Covid when the children had nothing to look forward to.
“Hallowe’en has become my thing,” he added.
This year, funds raised will be donated to Forget Me Not Dog Rescue Reading, a dog rescue charity that’s close to Ronnie’s heart.
His own dog came from the organisation, which was founded 10 years ago and aims to save Romanian dogs from threatening and dangerous environments, and provide them with the love and devotion they deserve
Ronnie has invested thousands of pounds in props for this year’s event, with some of them coming from as far as the United States.
He originally began work on this year’s display in early October, but the weather and high winds meant he had to start from scratch.
Cllr Kay Guilder, a past Woodley Town mayor who helped open this year’s display last Friday, praised Ronnie’s efforts.
She told Wokingham Today: “I think it’s fantastic he has raised so much money for so many different organisations.”
“I hope he gets lots of people coming and looking at it, because I think it’s one of the best things I’ve seen.
“It is phenomenal what he’s done, and he really should be supported.”
Ronnie extended his thanks to Lee Davis who donated his time to install scaffolding and a canopy, which means visitors can stay dry in any inclement weather.
He also thanked Noreen Calum for her help monitoring the charity collections, and the people of Woodley, Wokingham and Reading who have visited his display.
Ronnie’s Hallowe’en display in Shackleton Way will be open until October 31, from noon until 9pm.
The daytime opening takes half term into account, as well as allowing younger children to come during daylight hours.
