TILEHURST once again came together not just on Remembrance Sunday, but in the days leading up to it.
The annual Turn Tilehurst Red campaign runs from November 1 and sees schools, churches, businesses and shops all create amazing displays dedicated to remembering those who died in conflict.
This year, the theme was women who work during wartime, and a new statue was erected near to the Library on School. This depicted a female soldier.
A contest was held to create the best displays and the winners were Vendela Rose. Second place went to 2nd Tilehurst Brownies, 2nd Tilehurst Rainbows and 12th Tilehurst Guides, and third place to 9th Tilehurst Brownies and Guides.
Best school display went to Birch Copse Primary, with Kings Academy Prospect and Westwood Farm Infants runners-up.
In the best preschool or nursery category, the winners were Little Badgers Pre-School, with Fledgling Lodge, and Fledgling Day Nursery runners-up.
Despite the rain, on Friday, a giant poppy was created out of pennies and spare change in The Triangle and saw choirs from schools in the village perform.
On Friday and Saturday, the United Reformed Church in Armour Road welcomed Tilehurst Fundraising for Ukraine who had organised an exhibition on the role the village’s women played during the Second World War.
There were photographs, memorabilia, and stories on display with a slideshow presentation from Mike Cooper in the afternoon.
Refreshments were also available.
Also on Saturday, Pride of Reading winner Terry Dixon who dressed as Private Dixon of Tilehurst Home Guard for the occasion, held a walkabout the village to unpack more of its role during the Second World War. This was a sold-out event.
A two-minute silence was held on Saturday at The Triangle, ahead of the main remembrance service held in the same location on Sunday. Hundreds of people attended to pay their respects.
And members of St Michael’s Church in New Lane Hill created a cascade of poppies on the outside of its buildings to act a strong visual reminder of the time of year.
