John Wood, a prominent figure in Wokingham retail and sporting circles for well over 40 years, died on New Year's Day 2021. Just turned 85, he had been ill for some time.

He was regarded as a true legend of Wokingham and was very well known and respected. Born in 1935, he played semi-professional football at Wimbledon and Sutton United before opening his shop in the town centre.

He was a founder member of Wokingham Independent Retailers Society, who were responsible for organising flower baskets, town festivals and Christmas street lights.

John went on to sponsor the Bracknell Sunday Football League in the 1960-70s and played for Finchampstead's Sunday team, also becoming their chairman. He was later made Patron of the league.

In 1988, Wood was elected chairman of Finchampstead Sports Club, who manage the grounds and facilities at Memorial Park. He remained in office for 29 years until retiring in 2017. For many years he was also a vice-president of Finchampstead Cricket Club, serving for 29 years.

John Wood Sports was in three prime locations at different times in the town centre for 46 years before closing in January 2017 with his business suffering due to the rise of online shopping and the lease about to expire. Speaking at the time, he said: "For the last 10 years it (sales) has been slowing down. I used to sell lots of football shirts, but it’s all online now." He also believed that independent shops were losing out as national businesses moved into the town.

John has a son, also named John, and daughter Melissa and they said: "He was a great chap and will be greatly missed."

[Bracknell News, 05 January 2021]