A LOCAL history project is set to be launched in a South Reading suburb this autumn, which will help residents learn more about their neighbourhood’s past.
As part of the Reading Borough Council’s efforts to reinvigorate the Whitley Wood Community Centre, a series of retrospective events are set to premiere in September featuring photographs, documents and artefacts from the area’s past.
Based off the successful Way Back When in Whitley, which are held at the South Reading Community Centre on Northumberland Avenue.
The project will be spearheaded by Whitley Community Museum curator David Turner, who is determined to use his connections with the area to bring the ward together.
He explained: “The Whitley Wood build was constructed in the 1970s. As it happens, I worked for the council’s housing department during that period and was quite involved with that part of the estate.
“My cousins also lived in the part of Whitley Wood that was built in the 1930s so I’ve always had a connection with the area.
“It’s just a shame that the Whitley Wood area hasn’t been more of a part of the Whitley estate in general – there seems to be somewhat of a divide between the two.
“It would be good if we can break that barrier and almost turn it into one big estate, but that will come over time, I guess.”
Mr Turner hopes to send flyers out to residents soon to help promote the project and intends to make it a bimonthly fixture in the Community Centre’s diary.
He believes that photographs have the power to bring people together, through shared memories and education.
This is something which has been evident through the Whitley Community Museum’s Facebook page, which boasts more than 5,000 members. Posts often spark conversation, with long-lost neighbours, classmates and friends.
“When you look back at the four years we’ve been doing this, we’ve not just brought families together, but also neighbours who hadn’t seen each other for 40 years. It’s created a big family community, if you like.
“A lot of the people who follow the page are elderly, they can’t get out, but having this means they can almost feel like they are out and meeting these people again.
“Hopefully we can create the same community spirit in Whitley Wood as we’ve got at South Reading.”
Mr Turner is encouraging residents to continue submitting their pictures from the Whitley Wood area to the museum, some of which will be showcased in upcoming displays.
Other exhibits, such as old documents and artefacts will also be warmly received.
The council opened a Whitley Wood Community Centre consultation in September 2022, inviting residents to offer their thoughts on the building’s refurbishment.
Its plan is to invest in a new temporary location, which will house clubs and social events, before a permanent replacement can be built.
The consultation gave members of the public the opportunity to share their opinions on the most appropriate facilities for the area’s needs.
The South Reading Community Centre’s Way Back When in Whitley project already enjoys good attendances, with recent showcases themed on street parties prior to King Charles III’s coronation and school days.
Visitors who wish to learn more about the project are welcome to attend the group’s next event on July 8, which will focus on the plays and shows held at the Northumberland Avenue venue over the years.
For more information or to submit photos, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
