Artist and theatre in Pride of Reading

By STAFF WRITER news@wokingham.today

Cultural Contribution Sponsored by M&G Real Estate

To recognise projects, people and organisations that contribute to the cultural life of Reading, covering music, drama, art and heritage.

THERE are two nominations this week for the Cultural Contribution category, sponsored by M&G Real Estate, for the Pride of Reading Awards.

Artist CAROLINE STREATFIELD has completed two projects on the Oxford Road in Reading.

A nominator said: “She painted myself at work as well as other independent shopkeepers on the Oxford Road. She also did a recipe project where she collected recipes and artwork and produced cards that were given out in the shops and museum.”

She said Caroline’s paintings toured the Oxford Road and were exhibited in Battle Library and Reading Biscuit Factory. Caroline also made a film which was shown in the Biscuit Factory cinema.

The nominator added: “I feel she went above and beyond to put the Oxford Road on the map and show it in a positive light . You can see the films on her website. I think she represented me really well and my community business and the others.”

Nominators were full of praise for

RABBLE THEATRE for their services to the arts and their activity in the fight to turn Reading gaol into an arts hub.

One said: “They are a brilliant local theatre group who constantly fight to enrich the cultural life of Reading.

“From their excellent training and education activities (such as LAMDA acting training for children and adults), the amazing adult Get Up

LEARNER drivers in Reading have a better chance of getting on the road than those in other southern towns, writes James Hastings

A new survey shows the average waiting time for a practical driving test is just seven weeks and two weeks for the theory version.

The number of students passing first time is 54.9% while the test centre in Elgar Road scored eight out of 10 for location and accessibility.

By comparison, Lee on the Solent has a 24-week wait for practical tests with theory tests also taking longer to obtain.

Overall, Reading came fourth in the survey of best UK areas for passing a driving test in the survey conducted by motoring experts at Bill Plant Driving School.

A spokesperson for the company said most learners need an average of 52 hours behind the wheel before collecting that prized licence adding that practical and theory tests have been harder to obtain.

“In 2022, it was reported that the average driving test wait time in the UK was around 13 weeks, but for some areas, this was considerably longer. So, where are learner drivers waiting longest for a driving test slot, and once you’ve got one, which areas of the country are you most likely to pass in?”

“For our latest research, we analysed data and revealed the UK areas with the longest theory and practical test wait times, as well as the areas which have the highest driving test pass rates.