SEVERAL generations of Whitley residents came together to reminisce about the good old days, but also look forward as a community group presented the very best of what it had to offer through a showcase day.
The Whitley Community Development Association welcomed more than 100 people to its home on Northumberland Avenue for a little bit of everything as its popular Way Back When in Whitley exhibition was accompanied by free health check-ups, a walking netball session and the daily food surplus project.
Community museum events take place four or five times a year and are generally well-received, providing an opportunity for members of the online group to get together and look back at times gone by in person. But October’s session proved to be even more popular than normal.
David Turner, curator of the Whitley Community Museum, said: “I couldn’t have imagined this going so well. I thought, perhaps, it wasn’t going to be a very successful day, but this has surpassed everything. I think it’ll go down as one of the most-visited of our Whitley Community Museum events.
“There’s been a great response and it goes to show the power of a photograph. I’ve had quite a few people here making requests, which I’ll be working on.
“It’s an emotional ride. I’ve had goosebumps after hearing some of the stories I’ve heard. I think because I’ve lived in Whitley for 51 years and had family connections all my life, I can relate to a lot of what people are saying.”
He described a particularly spooky coincidence which raised its head while speaking to a visitor. In the 1970s, Mr Turner worked for Reading Borough Council’s housing department and, as it happened, he was the housing officer who moved her to Whitley Wood almost five decades ago.
Another resident, who’s now in his 80s, described a difficult upbringing in Whitley but has reconnected with a female classmate through the Community Museum – the pair have since started dating.
Much of the Whitely Community Development Association’s work involves empowering the ward’s residents and instilling a sense of confidence and self-worth. The free health checks, conducted by the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s MEET PEET community outreach team, give those who would not ordinarily attend regular GP appointments the opportunity to bring nurses to them.
In that way, the organisation helps to build trust and long-lasting relationships, giving residents the confidence to return and take a proactive approach to their physical and mental well-being.
The WCDA is now welcoming those over 50 along for a warm meal, drink and a catch-up through its new Welcoming Wednesdays project. Visitors will be treated to free soup and bread, as well as unlimited tea and coffee for £1.
