Category Archives: News

Interested in supporting your local community with evidence-based health and wellbeing information? Want to learn how to talk to people in your community about health and wellbeing? Fancy connecting with others across Reading? Community Health Champions are people who live, work and visit Reading and have an interest in the health and wellbeing of their community. This is a voluntary role. All you need is a passion to connect, inform and empower your community around health and wellbeing. Continue reading Sign up to become a Community Health Champion in Reading→

Join Reading Bike Hub at 14–16A Kings Street (Reading, RG1 2HE) on the Sunday 7 September 2025 to celebrate the launch of a new community space dedicated to making cycling inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all! Reading Bike Hub will be offering a range of services including: -Try before you buy (Bike library) -Affordable bike repairs -Refurbished bike sales -Workshops and events. For more information please see the website at https://readingbikehub.org.uk. Continue reading Opening day for Reading Bike Hub – 7 September 2025→

Calcot, Pangbourne, Purley on Thames, Theale, and parts of Tilehurst could become part of a new ‘Ridgeway’ Council under proposals being put forward by West Berkshire. This will cover the whole of South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and West Berkshire, and will have a population of around 460,000 people. We believe this new council would be more remote and not focused on the needs of residents in the areas in and around Reading. Continue reading Your Council, Your Say→

The BCF Vital for Berkshire fund aims to support charities, community groups and projects that work to tackle the most salient and pressing issues within Berkshire’s communities. They are inviting applications from charities, community groups and projects that support vital needs in Berkshire, such as (but not limited to): physical and mental health, supporting young and vulnerable people or groups, combating isolation, tackling poverty and disadvantage, offering equal opportunities for all. Continue reading BCF Vital for Berkshire – deadline 14 August 2025→

RVA are pleased to announce that from Thursday, 24 July, the RVA Volunteering Advice service will be running weekly drop-in sessions at the Reading Biscuit Factory. The sessions will provide an opportunity to speak with a member of the RVA team about volunteering and help you identify roles that align with your interests and motivations. The Reading Biscuit Factory is located in the Broad Street Mall, on the corner of Oxford Road and Queens Walk. Continue reading Volunteering advice drop-in sessions at Reading Biscuit Factory→

News from: Reading Voluntary Action – Many of you know that RVA is moving this month due to the planned relocation of Central Library. The library has been home to RVA for 10 years and we have hosted countless events, training sessions, appointments and health check sessions there. We are now excited to be moving to offices at RISC. Health checks will run on Thursdays at the Library until the end of July. Continue reading Goodbye Library, hello RISC!→

On Saturday, 14 June, Reading Voluntary Action hosted a Volunteer Fair at the Reading Biscuit Factory. A range of organisations came together to promote their opportunities and meet prospective volunteers. The event was attended by approximately 160 members of the public, and there was a lot of interest in the opportunities available. We would like to thank everyone who attended and made the event a success. Continue reading Volunteer Fair 2025 review→

Whitley’s brand new skatepark has opened at John Rabson’s Recreation Ground for skateboard, BMX and scooter enthusiasts, both young and old to enjoy. It includes a bowled miniramp, quarterpipes, flatbanks and volcano. The design was directly influenced by feedback from local riders providing an inclusive space for beginners and seasoned skaters alike. Continue reading New South Reading Skatepark→

New Computer Generated Imagery, or CGI, show how the new library could look when it opens in spring 2026 and the Council is seeking residents’ opinions and how important some prospective services are. Still under construction at the Civic Centre in Bridge Street, the new building will also include a redesigned reception. In the library there will be a substantial area dedicated to children, which will be decorated with a lush forest and animal theme with plenty of books. Continue reading First look at the new Reading Central Library→

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→