Arborfield

Locations

The Arborfield area includes military facilities and quarters at the following locations:

Arborfield

and the main married quarter areas are based in the Garrison within easy walking distance of the barracks. There are 356 quarters on site (257 soldiers’ quarters and 98 officers’ quarters, another quarter has been turned into a contact house). A number of the officer’s type five quarters have been reclassified and are occupied by Warrant Officers.

Area Overview

Arborfield Garrison is situated on the edge of Arborfield village, 3 ½ miles from Wokingham and 7 ½ miles from Reading. London (35 miles away) is less than one hour by train and there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities within easy reach. Reading has a lot to offer, excellent shopping, restaurants, pubs and clubs at the Oracle and a great sports stadium, 'The Madjeski', home to Reading FC and London Irish RUFC. There is a Showcase Cinema at Winnersh and a Vue Cinema at the Oracle. The Hexagon Theatre plays host to many famous names.

Children and Education

There is a Community Centre, situated outside the gates of Rowcroft Barracks, housing a hairdressers, beauty parlour, various clubs and activities as well as a Nursery, Pre-School, library and an Army Learning Centre Events change each month there is a local monthly news letter with details of what happening.

Transport and Travel

Taxis are extortionate. £15 from Wokingham to the Garrison after 1030hrs, Reading around £25. There is a bus service to Reading and Wokingham but check the times out, as it does not run that often,(at best twice an hour)

Pets

Dog Walking Areas: There are several good dog walking areas on or just outside the garrison. Behind the officers' patch there is a large field which used to be a paddock which is a popular dog walking area. The sports pitches extending out towards the tennis courts are also popular. California Country Park is a short walk away from the Garrison and has a lake with woodland walks. Dogs are not allowed into Rowcroft Barracks (it gets used to train attack dogs so Rover is likely to be eaten). Dogs are allowed into Hazebrouck Barracks but should have a local licence. Basically a form to fill in that shows that you have 3rd party insurance for your pooch and if pooch is going to regularly go in to ‘work in the office’ that no one has any objections. Inside the barracks there is a large lake and some nice quiet walks.

Vets: 9 Mile Ride vets are close and good

Medical and Dental

Sports and Leisure

The Garrison Gym is situated in the Welfare Centre, Hazebrouck Barracks. In order to use the facilities family members will need to get both a pass and 'Third Party Liability and Personal Accident Insurance' (usually found under Home Insurance policies).

In Hazebrouck Barracks there is a Spar Shop, NAAFI Club, Barbers shop, Regimental Tailors and a Welfare Centre, comprising a WRVS Coffee Shop and lounge, Cyber Café, HIVE, Games Rooms and the Welfare Offices.

Local Restaurants and Pubs : The Bull at Barkham Pub with restaurant, close enough to walk back to the Garrison (half an hour along pavement). Wholesome food at a fair Berkshire price; their mixed grill is a man test -they also do doggie bags for those who fail.

New Mill is a good restaurant for a special occasion, anniversary or birthday treat. Let them know it’s a special night and they should do a free glass of champagne before dinner. Gets booked for weddings at the weekends, can be full of dull business people during the week, go on a Friday.

Book Club: There has been a thriving Book Club for a number of years which meets once a month to discuss a book agreed upon in the previous meeting. Book Club has recently morphed into A.R.R.S.E (Arborfield Reading and Running Social Experiment) but not all members have made the transition from reading to running. The running members so far are only doing 3 miles once or twice a week around the local area but we are steadily improving and recently even added push ups to the regime (much to the cricket clubs delight). Don't be scared- if we can't chat, we slow down.

Shopping and Tourism

Henry Steet Garden Centre: close and offers a loyalty card with mil discount. Pet shop and a fish shop (pets not in batter)

Jobs and Recruitment Agencies

Amenities

Recycling Local Tips. Reading is the advertised recycling tip however there is a better one in Springwell Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hants. Open 8am-4pm (1Oct -31 Mar) and 8am – 7pm (1 Apr – 30 Sep) The reason it is not advertised is that it is in a different county, but it is closer, generally quiet and most unusually, has genuinely helpful and cheerful staff. There is also a rubbish skip provided in Hazebrouck Barracks but there are restrictions on what you can put in it (no fridges etc) and it is only emptied fortnightly. Household Rubbish Collection is every Thursday and alternate weeks for recycling of paper, plastic and tins and garden waste (in a green bag that should have been left by the previous occupants)