Our news is collected from our network of members, and is updated regularly. We also present information and articles from other sources that might be relevant to your kind of group.
Have your say: Civic Offices and a new library
6 June 2023
In January 2023 the council received the news that it had been successful in its bid for the government’s ‘Levelling Up’ funding of £19.1 million. This includes an £8.6 million investment to rebuild the Central Library at the Council’s Civic Offices in Bridge Street. The existing library building is outdated and over several floors, and the plan is to build a new more accessible extension to the existing civic offices to house the library.
Young volunteers needed to support Summer Reading Challenge 2023
31 May 2023
Libraries in Reading are again looking for young people aged 14 to 18 who are enthusiastic about reading to encourage children to take part in and complete this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ Tasks will include discussing the books younger children have been reading and suggesting more books they might like, assisting library staff with Reading Challenge events and craft activities, and handing out rewards to participants.
Have your say: Improve proposals for Reading’s bus service and infrastructure
26 May 2023
Reading Borough Council is inviting people to have their say on proposals for six new bus lanes in the borough, as part of its ambition to make travelling by bus in Reading quicker and more reliable. The proposed enhancement to Reading’s bus infrastructure is the next phase of Reading’s £26 million bus investment which aims to attract new bus passengers to even faster, more reliable and better-integrated bus services in Reading.
Countdown to the opening of the new Rivermead Leisure Centre
26 May 2023
Preparations are now well underway for the public opening on Monday 17 July, when residents can enjoy the brand-new centre’s dry-side facilities including a fantastic new 120-station gym with 3 studios, a 6-court sports hall with 280 spectator seats, soft play and café. The opening of dry-side facilities at Rivermead in July will be followed in summer 2024 by the two new swimming pools – a 25m 8 lane competition pool, and a teaching and diving pool.
Co-op Local Community Fund – Deadline on 11 June 2023
26 May 2023
Co-op now opens applications for Local Community Fund. Co-op Group’s Local Community Fund has supported over 30,000 local community projects across the UK since its launch in 2016, and charities and organisations, that play a vital role in the well-being of communities, can now apply to be considered for the next round of funding.
Reading Volunteer Thank You Event – registration open
26 April 2023
Reading Voluntary Action is delighted to announce the return of the annual Reading volunteers’ celebration event. The event will celebrate those in our community who volunteer their time, talents and skills for the benefit of our town and takes place during the national Volunteers’ Week celebrations. It will be the first time we have hosted the event since the cancellation of the 2020 event due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Voter ID support resources available
26 April 2023
The UK government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time at the local elections taking place in some areas of England on Thursday 4 May 2023. The Electoral Commission has created a wide range of resources to support those more likely to experience barriers in preparing for this change and may need support to access photo ID.
Participatory Action Research Training, 4 May 2023
14 April 2023
Participatory Action Research training by the University of Reading, the Local Community and its partners. This is a face-to-face training working together with local organisations in Reading on how to conduct participatory Action Research in a meaningful way creating social change to the issues that matter to the community collaboratively.
Lyndhurst Road Community Centre opening events
13 April 2023
Walk-in opening events for the newly built Lyndhurst Road Community Centre in Kentwood are being held on the 27 April (10:00-12:00), 10 May (13:00-15:30) and 11 May (17:30-20:00). The opening events are an opportunity for anyone who is interested to visit and view the facilities available, to ask any questions, to make any bookings or look at the council’s wider involvement in the community. Lyndhurst Road Community Centre is a new space situated in Tilehurst.
Can you complete a Marathon in May for PACT?
27 March 2023
Reading-based charity Parents And Children Together (PACT) is asking people to complete a marathon in a month in support of its work with children, families and the local community. Marathon in May challenges you to complete a total of 26.2 miles over the 31 days in May. You can run, walk, cycle or wheel the miles and can cover the distance either individually or together as a family or group of colleagues or friends.