READING’S big race returned, with thousands crossing the finish line.
The annual Reading Half Marathon was back in its pre-Easter slot and saw near perfect conditions for the annual event.
Prizes were presented by Sir John Madejski.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey made one of several visits to the town this year, saying the Conservatives were failing to listen.
Listeners to BBC Radio Berkshire were surprised when Breakfast DJ Andrew Peach told listeners that no one cares about the future of Reading Gaol. Not so, said campaigners.
Team members from KFC in its Oxford Road branch took part in a community litter pick to help brighten up the town centre, part of a scheme to show people how much they care about the community they work in.
Over Easter weekend, pubs and venues in ‘The Village’ – the Eldon Square area of Reading – teamed up for a musical celebration.
Bands and musicians performed to packed bars in the now annual event. Venues included The Retreat and The Lyndhurst.
On Good Friday, hundreds of bikers visited town to celebrate the Berkshire Egg Run. The annual charity event saw chocolate goodies donated to good causes to ensure no child went without.
There were celebrations for The Alehouse in Reading town centre, which was named at Reading CAMRA’s pub of the year.
Plans were announced for a new delivery service … on bikes. If approved, the cargo bikes would be for the final mile of deliveries and see firms reduce their carbon footprint significantly, while the riders will be ultra fit.
A walk of remembrance was held in honour of Caversham Primary School headteacher Ruth Perry, going from Caversham to Christchurch Meadows where a memorial service was was held.
Reading fundraiser extraordinaire Paul Farmer revealed he had raised £67,000 after his latest coffee morning – that’s a lot of cuppas over the years. He has no intention of stopping just yet.
Blue Collar Corner hosted the Street Food finals, bringing an astonishing array of meal deals to the Ding.
Campaign group Just Stop Oil staged a go-slow march through Reading town centre, while masked protesters supporting Hong Kong took a stand in Broad Street.
At the end of the month, the annual Pride of Reading awards were launched with a glittering ceremony held at Reading Malmaisson.
The town centre hotel saw the great and good of Reading gather to learn about this year’s theme, Shine A Light.
A vegan fiesta was held in Forbury Gardens, while it was revealed that Transport for London wanted to axe the one-day Travelcard that allowed Reading residents to get on the train, tube and bus with just a single ticket. Thankfully the plan was reversed later in the year.
Reading was revealed to be a hot spot for the sunshine – since that was published, it feels like it has rained every day, so what do we know?
In the run-up to the local elections we printed in-depth interviews with five party leaders: Labour’s Jason Brock, Conservative Clarence Mitchell, Lib Dems Meri O’Connell, and Green party’s Rob White. Also there was Women’s Equality Party leader Louise Timlin.
