SOLD OUT Reading Walking Festival – Katesgrove ‘Bricks, Iron, Sails, Education, Potts & a Meadow’ WB

This MUST BE BOOKED VIA THIS LINK ONLY – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-katesgrove-walkabout-tickets-830399927537?aff=oddtdtcreator

Starting in Pell Street with our backs to River Road we will note Grade II Katesgrove Primary School and the properties in Pell Street before heading over to Elgar Road. Here, we will admire the brickwork and features of its staggered terraced properties, some of which surprisingly have their gardens down to the Kennet. We will reflect on the lost Co-Op printing works and its successor and the history of Reading’s bricks.

The story of Trooper Potts VC will be highlighted. Trooper Potts and his family lived in the local streets. Then to the green and blue (we hope) as we walk in Waterloo Meadows alongside the Kennet, undoubtedly an important local green asset and oasis. Will Wellington boots be needed? We will hear about Roman Gold Hoards and Marianne! Then down past the Hindu Temple and the Whitley Pump heading into town. On route we pass the British School, hear about the little known Kats Company (nothing to do with Andrew Lloyd Webber) and lost pubs before we head down Pell St to pass Katesgrove Primary before ending up at the Hook and Tackle / Namaste Kitchen for a drink and a natter. Phew!

As this is a walk developed with Terry’s Reading Walkabouts he always appreciates it when people are willing to donate to his 2 charities, which in 2024-25 are The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and ABC to Read.

Please bring a cash donation of £5 or £10 per adult & £1 per child over 5. Proceeds will be split equally between my causes for the year. From 6 April 2024 – 5 April 2025 these are:
1st – Who are they – The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is a charity that funds research work, improves care & support for people living with MND, their families & carers. Information, support, & resources are available centrally from the website www.mndassociation.org.
The Reading & West Berkshire branch of the MND Association is a team of compassionate volunteers dedicated to supporting local people & their families living with MND. Our area covers Hungerford, Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell & all the areas in between.
What they do – In addition to the central services offered by the MND Association, local branch offers funding & help accessing support from other local organisations i.e. Statutory services. Plus to offer a friendly ear & the opportunity to talk to someone who understands your situation.
We also work to raise local awareness of MND, by organising and promoting events, and supporting our fundraisers. We produce and distribute a newsletter to our branch members
To find out more & to follow them on Facebook:- Reading & West Berkshire MND Association

2nd – Who are they – ‘ABC to read’ – is an award-winning charity helping primary school children in Berkshire to read.
They are 2023 – ‘Pride of Reading’ – Charity of the Year winners!
In a diverse area like Berkshire there are many children who have trouble reading. ABC to read was set up in 2004 to find, train & support volunteers in primary schools across Berkshire. We help hundreds of children each year to enjoy reading & gain an essential skill for life.
Imagine if you couldn’t read the labels on your food, emails from your friends or the instructions for operating a Smart phone. Without literacy skills, children can easily grow into adults who are unable to lead happy, fulfilled lives & contribute to society. Plus, as children they may have low confidence & low esteem.
The trustees include head teachers & a variety of people from the community who help giving their time & expertise.
They help to transform the lives of children who are struggling to read at primary & secondary schools across Berkshire. Their volunteer reading mentors, work one-to-one with children to build their confidence & reading skills.
To find out more see – https://www.abctoread.org.uk/

For more details about what my walkabouts offer please see my Reviews :-

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186363-d11444988-Reviews-Terry_s_Reading_Walkabouts-Reading_Berkshire_England.html

https://www.facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts/reviews

https://www.facebook.com/events/211390455366080/