u/TheReadingReporter

Hi folks, I've written a complete guide to the second Station Hill artwork, explaining exactly who's who and what's what - and why they matter to Reading.

(I did the same for the main Station Hill mural in January, which went down well with readers. See: https://thereadingreporter.substack.com/p/inside-readings-new-station-hill )

If you're looking for a summer's activity with kids or grandkids, why not take them to see the artworks and explain Reading's rich history with these guides?

You’ll find medieval kings and Victorian giants, pioneering scientists and world-shaping writers – and even the greatest knight who ever lived.

Enjoy! Chris

A meeting on a sweltering summer’s evening exposed the frustration lingering from Reading’s failed City of Culture bid. But that sense of injustice is galvanising something: the start of a new plan to develop culture in this town.

Free to read. As ever, let me know what you think. Enjoy your weekend!

Hi everyone. Here's my latest exclusive story about Reading prison. All opinions welcome!

Lots of this is free to read. Subscribe to unlock the whole story. (Free subs can unlock one story.)

Thanks to everyone who has subscribed so far. The Reading Reporter can only exist through this support.

Chris

Hi folks. Here's the second of my stories on the prison redevelopment - some detailed insight into the multitude of pitfalls lying ahead at what is both a historic and highly complex site. It explains why the prison site can't be turned into a straightforward commercial project, e.g. building flats, no matter what any owner's intention might be.

Enjoy the read.

Chris

PS This story is for paid members, but you can read it by subscribing for free then unlocking the one free read.

Hi folks, the long-delayed redevelopment of Reading prison is back on after its owner returned with new plans for the historic site, The Reading Reporter can exclusively reveal.

Enjoy the read! There's more news about the prison to come in the next few days, so subscribe on Substack so you don't miss anything.

Cheers, Chris

Henley Royal Regatta returns this week, turning Reading’s backyard into a strange world of champagne and candy cane blazers. But if you look closely, there are signs that Henley is capitalising on its big event in a way that Reading does not with its own world-famous Festival.

Something to think about - and some amusing observations - from Henley... let me know what you think!

Morning folks, here's the real story behind Readipop’s missing festival, the numbers nobody else has seen, and a little-known fund keeping local events alive. Oh, and a hip-hop legend – and a missing mug!

Let me know your thoughts! And please subscribe on Substack (free or paid options) if you value independent, in-depth local reporting. Thanks!

Reading has some of the highest levels of affluence in the UK and some of the lowest levels of deprivation. But a new report reveals a more complex picture of wealth here.

A weekend read for you. Please subscribe on Substack (free or paid options) if you value independent, in-depth reporting. Thanks!

Morning! What began as a bike workshop inside a desolate former Mothercare has become one of Reading’s most unusual community spaces. But with its lease due to expire soon, its future hangs in the balance.

This one's free to read for all. Let me know what you think.

Cheers!

Yep, that's Liam in the Turtle! More wild tales here for you to enjoy - and a story about family.

You can read the first section for free, but to unlock the full post you'll need to subscribe. Thanks to all of you who choose to support original, independent journalism for Reading.

Cheers, Chris

The Purple Turtle was never meant to survive. But through friendship, music and sheer chaos, it became a Reading institution – and home to generations of stories too wild to make up.

This one was a lot of fun. It's free to read. Enjoy! And share your best tales from the Turtle...

Ever wondered what it's really like at an election count? Well, here you go...

Labour councillors lost their seats, the Greens celebrated, Reform unsettled the room and exhausted activists watched Reading’s political future unfold deep into the night at Rivermead Leisure Centre.