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A brand new newsletter from the town’s oldest and largest newspaper.
Hello readers— and welcome to the second edition of The Reading Dispatch, which is full of must-read news and must-do recommendations, including restaurant reviews in Reading and the first signs of winter this week.
In this edition, we highlight what makes Reading special: our vibrant arts scene, hidden gems, community initiatives, and more. We’ll also inform you about upcoming events, essential town developments, and ways to get involved in our growing, dynamic community.
Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s celebrate what makes Reading such a great place to live!
From The Chronicle team😊
📰 Top Stories this week
A suspected nuclear warhead convoy was escorted by police through town on Monday.
The military convoy believed to be carrying nuclear warheads was spotted moving along Bath Road towards the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Burghfield. Watch the video here
🎙️ Interview of the Week: "Their little boy had no toys at all, he was just playing with a cardboard box.”
Ruth Perkins is the head of fundraising for Reading Family Aid. The Reading Family Aid charity aim to collect toys and gifts for children who might go without a single present this Christmas.
Ruth spoke to the Chronicle about why she volunteers.
Q: Why do you do this type of work?
Ruth: “I visited a family to drop off some toys and was welcomed into their tiny flat. The floor was concrete, there was no furniture, no fridge, no washing machine, just a mattress propped up against a wall. Their little boy had no toys at all, he was just playing with a cardboard box.
“It’s people like this we do this appeal for. To bring a little bit of joy to their lives. The last thing she should have to worry about is how she can afford a present for her child at Christmas”.
Q: How can residents donate toys and gifts?
Ruth: "There are multiple locations to drop off donations, such as the Civic Centre, Little Pioneers, Co-operative Childcare Nursery, Reading Central Library, Skipton Building Society."
Other donation points can be found here.
📷 Photo of the Week
It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas.
This photograph, taken by Reading Chronicle Camera Club member AHei Ay, shows the spectacular Ferris wheel lit up at night with the beautiful colours reflected on the path underneath.
📅 What’s on in Reading
🍗 WingJam: Chicken Wing Festival| Friday, November 22 until November 24, from 12pm until 5pm.
📺 FRIENDS Quiz at The Three Guineas| Tuesday, November 26 from 7pm until 10pm.
🎄Charity Christmas Fair at Park URC Church| Saturday, November 30 from 10.30am until 3pm.
🎷 The Saxophone and My Life as an Army Musician at Abbey Baptist Church| Monday, November 25 from 2pm until 3pm.
💼 Local business spotlight
The Lyndhurst has reopened its doors under new management after having a brand new £8,000 kitchen refit. But has it kept its reputation as a thriving community pub?
Our reporter Olivia certainly thought so when she sat down for a meal last Sunday. We must admit the picture of the slap up roast looks pretty good. You can read her review here.
It’s on Queen's Road and open 12pm to 11pm Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm Tuesday and Wednesday and shut on Monday's. If you visit, let us know what you think by emailing isabella.perrin@newsquest.co.uk
📜 Local History Corner
Reading School is thought to have been founded in the Abbey in 1125.
That is just one of the notable events that happened in the Abbey prior to its destruction.
When Matilda, King Henry's daughter invaded England in the late summer of 1139 to fight for the crown from King Stephen, Henry's nephew, she went straight to Reading to see her father's tomb. The people of Reading received her enthusiastically.
There was a castle on the Abbey grounds used by King Stephen, which was destroyed by his successor King Henry II.
Read the full article here.
🏠 Property of the Week
We love the look of this home in the much-desired tree-lined avenue Caversham Heights – but you will need close to £2 million in the kitty.
This contemporary four-bedroom detached house has hit the market for a guide price of £1,850,000.
Charnwood Cottage, located in Upper Warren Avenue, is a meticulously designed modern home that boasts substantial living space and beautifully landscaped grounds.
🗞️ Flashback Thursday
In the news back in November 2015
There was concern over rising car thefts in Reading, with authorities and residents alarmed by a spike in incidents. Fast forward to today, and car thefts remain a significant issue in many towns, including Reading.
Thieves are now often exploiting keyless entry systems, using advanced tools to hack into vehicles without physical keys.
This trend has led to further public alarm, as vehicles once thought secure are now vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated methods of theft.
💭 Question Time
Last week I asked you what connection does author Michael Bond have with Reading. The answer: He was born in Reading.
Q: What is Reading also known as? 🍪
✏️ Community comments
Your thoughts and comments on last week’s edition of The Reading Dispatch
We would love to get your feedback on this newsletter by completing our survey.
If you take part, you will have the opportunity to participate in our prize draw for a Marks & Spencer eGift Card worth £20. Simply click here to take part.
Alternatively, share your comments and tips to isabella.perrin@newsquest.co.uk
👋 You’re up to date
Thanks for reading this week. As ever, please get in touch with ideas, stories, factoids and suggestions: isabella.perrin@newsquest.co.uk
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