READING’S HISTORY is on the move thanks to two new pre-recorded walking tours, writes Libby Ashby.
Developed by local artists, the trails take listeners around Reading’s heritage spots, revealing their hidden history.
It has been produced by the Council’s High Street Heritage Action Zone in partnership with Sound UK and are available on smartphones.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture was thrilled with the launch of the new service.
“Both tours offer an engaging and atmospheric historical feast for your ears and I encourage everyone to have a listen,” she said.
The first is entitled No Ifs, No Buts, Only Ginger Nuts and features Berzerk Theatre’s Aundre Goddard and sound artist Richard Bentley. In it, they learn about the people, history and processes of the famous biscuit factory, which this year celebrates its 200th anniversary.
Mr Goddard said: “My Grandma worked for Huntley and Palmers, and she loved a ginger nut biscuit, therefore, I would like to dedicate this piece to her and all workers of this amazing company.”
The second trail is an audio walk with Mr Bentley and BBC Radio 3 presenter Fiona Talkington.
Pies, Pints and Protests goes through St Mary’s Butts and Castle Street, and is a journey to celebrate buildings, people and animals.
Ms Talkington said: “Swap the cars, lorries and buses for the sounds of horses, carts and wagons and you step into an area which was right at the heart of a constantly evolving Reading over hundreds of years.”
Maija Handover, director of Sound UK, said: “These two audio trails give local people the chance to see their town in a new light, discovering the magic behind the everyday.”
The artists have worked with communities to collect stories so that each walk represents authentic local voices and experiences from that time period.
Mr Bentley said: “I hope that as you are being guided by Fiona and Aundre’s fascinating tours, you’ll also take a moment to listen beyond the words and let yourself get lost in Reading’s soundscapes, letting the familiar become unfamiliar again.”
The audio trails are free and can be accessed on smartphones. For details, go to: https://www.reading.gov.uk/audiotrails
