THE illegal invasion of Ukraine was felt in Reading as local efforts centred on a previously inauspicious building in Sidmouth Street.
The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre went from being a gathering place for people with connections to our European neighbour to a collection point for aid to a place where refugees could gather. But that’s getting ahead of ourselves.
In the immediate days after Putin ordered his troops to invade, people came together for a vigil of solidarity outside the centre.
Then, it organised its first aid collection, which was so successful that it was overflowing with items and had to turn people away. Items collected included backpacks, sleeping bags, blankets, painkillers, medicine, baby food and sanitary products.
Reading Borough Council leader Cllr Jason Brock promised that the town would be a sanctuary to anyone who needed it if they were fleeing Ukraine.
“Berkshire is home to a sizeable Ukrainian community and diaspora,” he said. “We should all be acutely aware that the war in Ukraine, and the human tragedy it brings, will be very strongly felt by any in our neighbourhoods.”
Another vigil was held later in the month, this time seeing the Bishop of Reading, Reading East MP Matt Rodda, and numerous mayors join 200 others for the show of solidarity.
Support for Ukraine came in another form: The Purple Turtle created a shot called F*ck Putin, which combines Advocaat with Blue Curacao to look like the country’s flag.
Stuart McNaught, the bar’s manager, said the drinks were popular with customers: “We started selling them on Friday and we sold out by Saturday.”
Celebrations of the Royals’ 150th anniversary continued with a recreation of the squad’s first match. Held on February 21, 1872, it saw the hooped side take on Reading School.
The recreation in the first half followed the original rules of the game: no penalty area, no nets, 13-a-side, no substitutes, and lineouts for one-handed throw-ins. And after each goal, teams had to switch ends.
The second half followed the rules we know today, and the Reading squad won the match 4-0.
Plans were announced for the return of the Reading Children’s Festival, with a theme that would gladden the hearts of most youngsters: it was to be a celebration of biscuits in honour of Huntley & Palmers’ 200th anniversary, and would form part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
A rally calling for investment in the NHS saw around 50 people gather outside the Town Hall. The SOS NHS event wanted to see £20 billion investment in the health service and a guarantee that it will remain free at point of access for future generations.
Danny McNamara was one of the organisers, and he said: “We out not to be allowing a situation which allows some people quicker access to treatment based on ability to pay. There is a postcode lottery for access to NHS services, but we should all be entitled to the same treatment.”
Reading Buses said it welcomed news the government was planning to support bus services with a new £150 million fund, as research revealed passenger numbers had yet to return to pre-covid levels.
The firm’s chief executive, Robert Williams, said: “With the government having spent so much money keeping services running during the pandemic, it would have been an absolute waste to force services to be reduced or withdrawn before a recovery had been allowed to take place.”
Charity The Cowshed opened its doors on a new Whitley-based centre to make life easier for the 100 referrals it receives each week. They come from people with difficult situations such as those fleeing domestic abuse, experiencing emergency rehousing, or homelessness and poor housing conditions. It marks the latest expansion for its work since starting in Hurst in 2018.
Reading gained a new radio station in the form of The Hub, run by the Aurora Family from its based in Newtown. It aims to provide community events, and information and workshops, all to help reduce isolation and bring people together.
Campaigners trying to halt a development of the former Reading Golf Club site in Emmer Green held a protest outside Reading Borough Council offices. More than 200 people gathered in pouring rain to make their feelings known – but the 223-home plan was given approval as there was affordable housing included in the scheme.
There was plenty of fun with the return of the Reading Pancake Race, organised by Launchpad.
The event once again saw teams don fancy dress to take part in heats along Broad Street, with prizes on offer for best fancy dress, best team spirit and most amount raised.
A Reading man with a love of the colour black took part in a TV contest to find the best interior designer. Dean Powell, a store manager by day, said interior design was about expression.
“It’s like food, if it’s bland, it just doesn’t inspire you,” he said.
Late retirement for Earley man was our headline for an incredible story about a 90-year-old who was hanging up his baton after an incredible 66 years at the helm of the Slough Philharmonic Orchestra. David Wilson performed his final concert in an emotional evening that began with a performance of the Ukrainian national anthem.
An artist paid a visit to Crunch Comics in Reading’s Harris Arcade. Martin Simmonds, who helped created The Department of Truth series, signed copies and met fans.
Brian Wong, the store’s owner, said: “He really enjoyed meeting our customers and Department of Truth fans. He was with us for three hours.”
Reading’s market place gained a makeover with the launch of Blue Collar bar and street food arena. The Hosier Street area fuses food, drink and entertainment, reviving an area of the town that had become a bit shabby. It’s been a massive hit.
RAMS have had a sensational year, and one of the team had a matchday to remember… skipper Robbie Stapley scored a hat-trick in his League One game against Chinnor, just hours after he helped his partner Emily give birth to their second child, Arlo.
To cap off an amazing day, he was voted man-of-the-match as well.
Readipop unveiled its first line-up for its July celebration of music. The event takes over Christchurch Meadows and among the acts announced were Jesus Jones and Badly Drawn Boy.
Reading Museum announced it was to display a new portrait of the then Duchess of Cambridge, Reading-born Kate Middleton. Taken by Paulo Roversi, it celebrates her 40th birthday.
A popular store closed its doors for the final time at the end of March, and a party was held to commiserate its demise.
Fabric Land in Cheapside welcomed people for an afternoon of fun and festivities, which included filmmakers, a performance from Raspo and some last-minute closing down bargains.
A chance to look to the future came at Rivermead leisure centre as the steel frame was installed. Councillors and a team from Better leisure came together to celebrate the moment. The site should open later this year.
Pubwatch handed out awards to mark its stars. The collective of the town’s bars and night-time venues recognise best practice within the industry. National chair, Steve Baker, handed out the awards, which included one for The Purple Turtle’s Stuart McNaught.
“It’s really cool, and the scheme is really positive for the development of the town centre,” he said.
The scheme also launched a venue standards scheme at the same event.
