WINNER: HICKIES MUSIC SPONSORED BY BOYES TURNER
Celebrating their 160th anniversary this year, this musical institution now has another reason to celebrate.
The family run business has been described as a ‘Reading musical institution.’
Their nominator said: “Hickies have also supported many schools over the years with instrument repairs… supplied lessons and scholarships to pupils who couldn’t afford it.
One of the schools they have supported over the last 15 years is Denefield School. Hickies have also worked with Berkshire Maestros to supply instruments and have sponsored the Reading Symphony Orchestra “to help young people with affordable instruments and lessons,” said the nominator.
“Hickies have been intrinsic in creating a music scene for Reading locals.”
Having won the award, employee Lara Mackim said: “ It’s incredibly special especially considering it’s our 160th anniversary this year. It means the world to us to be recognised for all we do for Reading and to be appreciated.
“We’re the oldest music shop in Reading, the third oldest in the country, so it means an insane amount that we are still here. We have a lot planned for our anniversary, we will be doing a takeover at The Purple Turtle for our birthday so stay tuned on our socials for updates on that.”
Employee Vanessa Taylor added: “It’s so nice to be appreciated. Lots of places are closing, especially in music retail, so it means a lot to us that people are still coming in, supporting us and choosing to buy from us. Everyone who works at the shop has lived in Reading their whole life so it’s a huge part of all of us.”
