Category Archives: Featured

Reading is celebrating 250 years since the birth of famous writer Jane Austen. A new plaque has been put up on the Abbey Gateway to remember when Jane Austen attended the Reading Ladies Boarding School from 1785 to 1786. She was 9 years old when she started at the school. The new plaque replaces an older one that was in a locked garden, behind the Abbey Gateway. Continue reading Commemorative plaque added to mark Jane Austen’s former school→

Are you interested in knowing whether a prebiotic fibre enriched bread roll can improve your memory and mood? Take part in the BiomeBakery study, please go to: https://research.reading.ac.uk/cinn/biomebakery. The study will involve: -Completing telephone surveys -Consuming a bread roll for 12 weeks -Undertaking cognitive, mood and finger-prick blood tests at the University of Reading. We are recruiting till end November 2025. Continue reading BiomeBakery Calling for participants aged 60-75 years old→

A new exhibition opened at the Royal Berkshire Archives on Wednesday 11 June. It will run until Friday 29 August. It tells the story of people who live, work, and have fun on the River Thames. You can see old records, from the first people who lived near the river to people who use it today. One part of the exhibition shows how the river has inspired artists and writers. You can see poems, photos, and drawings. Continue reading Exhibition tells story of local people and the River Thames→

Nominations are now open for the Pride of Reading Awards 2025. This is the 21st year of the awards which highlight those who make or have made an Continue reading Pride of Reading 2025 – nominations open→

Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. Throughout next week, we will post a series of Volunteering Experience stories, highlighting the variety of volunteering opportunities available and the diversity of those stepping forward to contribute to our shared goal of making Reading a thriving community, improving and enriching the lives of all. Continue reading Volunteers’ Week 2025 is almost here!→

Wouldn’t it be amazing to live in a healthier, happier, more climate-friendly town? Reading Climate Festival brings two weeks of inspiring free events to our town from Saturday 7 June to Saturday 21 June 2025: -Visit a secret roof garden with fruit trees, veggies and flowers -Join a tour of Reading Hydro or the Green Park Wind Turbine -Get tips for making your home and lifestyle healthier and more climate-friendly -Access free support for schools or small businesses. Continue reading Reading Climate Festival 2025→

Free energy advice for people with learning disabilities is being provided by Reading Mencap thanks to a new partnership with gas distribution network SGN. The partnership was officially announced at a celebration event at Reading Mencap’s offices at Alexandra Road, Reading on Tuesday 13 May. The new project, which will run for 13 months, offers crucial guidance on using energy safely and reducing energy bills. Continue reading Free energy advice for people with a learning disability in Reading→

A traditional hand-painted sign on Oxford Road has secured gold in the Traditional Sign category at the 2025 Sign & Wrap Awards. The sign sits on the corner of Russell Street and Oxford Road. The design is based on a Victorian street sign that once stood in the same place, and lists the names of shop owners who have traded there since 1829. The idea came from a group of local history volunteers from the Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee. Continue reading Oxford Road sign wins national recognition→

Three marriages and a civil partnership have already taken place in the new Oak Room in the Civic Centre. It opened in March and is the perfect size for a registrar to perform statutory marriages and civil partnerships with the couple and their two witnesses. The room will hold ceremonies at the Civic Centre on the first Tuesday of each month. Continue reading New Register Office opens at the Civic Centre→

Families can get their bikes checked for free at five community centres and the town centre. The Dr Bike team will check your bike, fix small problems for free and help make your bike safe. The Dr Bike team is coming to Reading from Monday 28 April to Friday 2 May. You can bring your bike to: -Coley Park Community Centre 28 April, 16:30-18:30 -Southcote Community Hub 29 April, 16:30-18:30 -Hexham Road Community Centre 30 April, 16:30-18:30… Continue reading Free bike check-ups this spring→