MEMBERS of the local community, councillors, and MPs alike gathered in Central Reading to mark the opening of a new mural yesterday (Sunday, February 1.)
The underpass at County Lock in the heart of the town has seen a new lease of life following the commissioning of a series of works which now adorn the walls as it passes under the IDR.
An unveiling ceremony welcomed the likes of the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, as well as Reading Central MP Matt Rodda, local councillors, and members of the public, all marking the opening of the refreshed underpass.
They were joined by members of the collective who put the piece together, Commando Jugendstil, as well os those in the Katesgrove Community Association, who oversaw the project alongside Reading Borough Council.
The event also saw live performances from the Spring Gardens Brass Band.
The mural explores moments in the history of Katesgrove, following the exploits of ‘Kate from the Grove’ as she navigates through some of the ward’s defining moments.
They also celebrate local features such as the community alotments at Waterloo Meadows, the historic brickworks, and the Spring Gardens reservoir.
Mayor of Reading Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles said at the event: “It really touches my heart to be here– Reading is a nihilist city of art and culture, and it comes alive here.
“You can see that in the amount of people turned up, showing one of the key things about Reading–something you don’t always see on the surface.
“But it really comes alive with events like today.”
Chair of the Katesgrove Community Association Navjat Gill said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people in the community, from all over Reading, uniting to see something which means quite a lot to us.
“Our former chair Christine oversaw the planning and decisions, but it feels good as someone here in Katesgrove to be able to say I’ve taken part in.
“That’s what Reading is: bringing something bright and vibrant to our town and I think it’s what unites us.”
Former Chair of the KCA Christine Lalley said: “I’m delighted to be here and that we something so positive and constructive to show for it, as well as to have such a lovely turnout on the day.
“It’s just one of the many things the association does, which also includes litter picking, overseeing the community alotments, tree plantings.
“And these things aren’t rocket science, but they create that sense of community. Katesgrove features such a mixture of people, both short-term and long term.
“But everyone is trying to get by, and the stuff that’s disheartening, like litter or graffiti, can make it hard to stomach sometimes.
“So that’s what we try to do–that’s what we work to improve.”
Reading Central MP Matt Rodda said: “Today was a wonderful day, and a lovely opportunity to celebrate a piece of community art organised by the KCA and Reading Borough Council.
“It features wonderful scenes from Katesgrove’s vibrant history with colourful pictures lining the underpass, making a much nice place to work.
“The history of the area is so rich and vibrant, lots of famous things have happened here, including the making of the bricks which built Reading and gave it its distinctive red colour.
“It’s been part of our community for all that time, and it’s a wonderful celebration of that history and that community which means so much.”
