For many, a festive walk is a must, not least as there are copious calories consumed with a Christmas dinner. But for some people taking part in a stroll through the town it’s to ensure they spent Christmas Day in the company of others.
Inspired by Fourbears Books in Caversham opening its doors for people who would otherwise be on their own on December 25, the team behind Walk Reading have devised a special route on Monday and are inviting people to join them.
The group, which explores the heritage of the town, had already planned a series of Twixmas walks starting on Boxing Day, but have added this extra event that will showcase some of the best bits of the town.
It will include the origins of some of Reading’s street names including Gun Street and St Mary’s Butts, as well as unpacking the story behind the town’s architecture and role in both biscuits and photography worlds.
The hour-long event starts at 10am from the Banksy mural on the side of Reading Gaol. Places should be booked in advance.
David West, who helps organise Walk Reading events, said: “I’m really conscious that while Christmas is a great sociable time of year for many not everybody is lucky enough to have opportunities to engage with others. I thought that, in a small way, I could help with that and offer some opportunities to meet other local people and spend some time talking about our great town.”
The event will take place whatever the weather, and he can’t wait to have people join him.
“It’s so stimulating sharing the history of the town with interested people especially when they are surprised about the richness of it. If I’m also helping somebody spend time in company that they otherwise wouldn’t have done then that is even better,” he said.
The Christmas Day and Twixmas walks are all part of an ongoing programme of events that operate all year round.
What does David attribute to their success?
“I think the main factor is just how interesting our town is,” he said.
“Reading doesn’t have the reputation that other UK and international towns has but we do have some world class stories to tell such as the Abbey, the inspiration for Paddington Bear, the story of Oscar Wilde and the gaol, our role in the invention of photography and, of course, as the home of the world’s biggest biscuit factory.
“Many of our walkers are international visitors visiting friends in Reading and often both they and their hosts are unaware of some of the stories.”
The General Reading walk also takes place on Boxing Day, with a Reading At War walk the same day. A tour of Reading Abbey follows on Wednesday, December 27, and Forbury Gardens on Thursday, December 28.
Reading – the home of photography is the subject for Friday, December 29’s walk, with another general walk on Saturday, December 30.
Places for these walks cost £9.
For more details, or to book, log on to: www.walk-reading.co.uk
