theatre group praised Reading nominations

EDINBURGH TATTOO & Loch Lomond

Departing Wed 9 Aug ‘23

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an unforgettable event, bringing together classic marching bands, dance and displays in one iconic extravaganza! Along with this spectacular evening we also discover the captivating beauty of Loch Lomond.

SOUTH Reading residents may be unaware of the significance of their garden furnishings.

According to Whitley Community Museum curator

David Turner, many former Second World War air raid shelters now house people’s gardening tools and lawnmowers.

This week’s Whitley Way Back When photograph features one of many shelters that protected residents during the war, this one was located on Merton Road.

Get busy and put forward your favourites for the Pride of Reading awards

on Stage training, to their wonderful stage shows they are the pride of Reading!”

He added: “Their tireless fight for the campaign for Reading gaol has been energising for the area. They’ve made such a difference to my life; given me new skills and confidence and it’s been so much fun getting involved in their activities.”

Another added: “They’re an amazing performing arts group providing theatre for the people, whilst also developing theatre in our locality.”

Make sure you give as much detail as possible about why they would be worthy winners. To nominate a person, business or organisation go to www.porawards. co.uk where there is information on the categories, sponsors and awards.

The awards annual lunch, hosted by Chris Tarrant, is held in October when shortlisted nominees, guests and sponsors are invited and winners are celebrated.

“By investigating these data points, we’ll reveal the best places to pass your test based on these factors, and reveal the ideal areas to take your theory so you won’t be left waiting too long for your chance to pass your practical driving test with your chosen driving school.”

One Reading based driving instructor who asked not to be named said the town and suburbs provided safer and more relaxed locations for learners.

“The main problem is the number of potholes around the town which can take inexperienced drivers by surprise and it’s easy for them to lose control.

“The second issue is the increasing cycle lanes which cyclists for some reason known to themselves tend to ignore and choose to hog the middle of the road like they are leading a procession,” they said.

“It’s not just motorists who need to study the Highway Code. Cyclists are much more aggressive and impatient with learners, even more than other motorists or pedestrians.”

Mr Turner said: “It’s not surprising that during the 1940s, most roads and gardens had a shelter of some kind, which included the privately built ones and council built.

“In today’s world, these shelters are being used for different purposes, from dens to sheds, but we must not forget what these shelters were built for and the distressing stories from families during this war period.”

Shelter designs ranged from concrete, brick and the Anderson style, as seen in the photograph above.

Museum member David Judd recalled stumbling upon the entrance to an underground bunker in Whitley Wood Lane while helping his father dig their vegetable patch in the 1960s.

Another resident, Elizabeth Leach, described using her shelter as a den where she met up with her friends, having kitted it out with a

Poetry Corner

What would I give for just one more day Of table, sofa and chairs.

Mr Turner shared a more sombre memory of the shelters. He said: “One story will always stay in my mind was told to me by a young local girl, a grandchild to a proud grandad who sadly found life very difficult in the time after the war.

“The family spent many hours in their shelter and had it equipped as living quarters with food etc.

“At the end of the war, this gentleman locked the door, hid the key and never went back inside. To this day, it is a time capsule of local history.

“We must never forget those harrowing times.” n For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com

With more than 4,800 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an online and in-person resource.

The group serves as a platform for residents past and present to share memories through photographs and comments.

It also allows group members to reconnect, with members reacquainting themselves with friends and schoolmates from decades ago.

The museum held a Whitley Way Back When event at the Community Cafe on Northumberland Avenue earlier this year to showcase its photographs and exhibits inperson.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the 3-star Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport hotel with dinner & breakfast

 Admission to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

 Excursion to Loch Lomond (Luss & Balloch)

 En-route visit to Gretna Green

4 Days by Coach only £349

Harrogate

& York Weekend

Departing Fri 11 Aug ‘23

The charming scenery of Yorkshire is on full display during this lovely four-day break. Don’t miss the chance to explore Harrogate and Knaresborough and the city of York, filled with heritage buildings that have one foot rooted back in time.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at a selected hotel with dinner & breakfast

 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks

 Excursions to Knaresborough, Harrogate & York

4 Days by Coach only £189

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