r/reading

My laptop broke this week, but I'm currently on Universal Credit so need a computer with wifi that I can use to fulfill my 35 hour a week job search commitment. My local bibrary* is only open for about 3 hours a day and only has two computers.

As far as I understand I can't access Reading Central bibrary because I don't live, work, or study in Reading. I also can't drive and the only bus route for me goes into Reading so travelling elsewhere isn't really an option.

Does anyone know of any bibraries/community centres/etc where I could drop in to use a computer for several hours a day that doesn't require me to be a Reading resident? I'm happy to pay a reasonable amount if necessary as long as it isn't too expensive.

Thanks in advance :)

*first post got removed because of the L word...

Price to purchase small mammal (Hamster/Gerbil/Rat) pet - £20 - £25

Price to humanly decease said pet at a vets -- £68 - £100!! (Shinfield/Vets4Pets/Castle)

I think something needs to be done about these prices as they are causing harm and undue suffering to pets whose owners simply cannot afford these prices and pet insurance is not available for small mammals.

Work on the Woodlands Avenue section (above) of this project is finishing the Saturday, 22 August

Hi all 👋

We're posting to let you know we're moving the construction site for our active travel route from Woodley precinct to Palmer Park in Reading.

The works on Woodlands Avenue are set to wrap up this Saturday (22 August) and we'll be moving straight to the next phase.

This will see us working on Church Road (see here and here), at its junction with Woodlands Avenue, before we then move on to Culver Lane in Earley.

As before, this will involve road closures and diversions, and we apologise in advance for any delays to your journeys.

We're planning to finish this project by the end of the year.

There's still access for motorists to and from side roads off Woodlands Avenue, but please give way to pedestrians and cyclists

Final works on Woodlands Avenue

We've painted double yellow lines on Woodlands Avenue to stop people parking on the cycle track, along with 20mph markings to enforce the new speed limit.

We're also looking to put up temporary signs where the cycle track and pavement crosses any side roads, explaining that motorists should slow down and give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

That's been part of the Highway Code since 2022 and it applies to all side roads, not just side roads with new "continuous crossings" like these ones.

Thanks for bearing with us while we carried out these finishing works, which we had to balance with progressing the main construction works in a timely way.

Would you like to know more?

For general journey planning, you can see our list of upcoming planned roadworks or see a more long-term view, including emergency works, on the One Network map.

You can also sign up to our weekly Moving Around the Borough newsletter for key updates on roads, walking and cycling, public transport, electric vehicles and more.

The Woodley to Reading active travel route is funded by the Government through Active Travel England.

Any recommendations on good mobile repair shop where they do things themselves.

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

Hey everyone! I’m a 34M Pakistani-Canadian, recently moved to Reading for work and currently living near the town centre/PureGym, which I’ve joined.

I’m looking to get into bouldering soon and have joined PureGym. Also keen to meet some new people, grab a coffee, explore Reading, or generally make some friends.

If anyone’s in a similar boat or fancies a climbing/bouldering buddy, feel free to drop me a message!

Thanks!

Hi! I'm 18 and based locally in Reading, looking for paid work or volunteering at Reading Festival.

I'm available from Wednesday 26 August from around 12pm onwards and have previous customer service experience.

I'm specifically looking for shorter shifts (ideally around 4–6 hours) so I can still enjoy the festival. I'm interested in merchandise, catering, front of house, event staff, brand ambassador or similar roles.

Paid work preferred, but I'm open to volunteering too. Please comment or DM me if you know of anything! 😊

Hey all, as the title says I’m looking for someone to go to the gym with!

I’m a 25yr old woman and recently got a membership at PureGym but I’m an overthinker by nature lol. As I’m going back to the gym for the first time in 5+ years it’s all feeling a bit nerve-wrecking 🫠

I’m the type that’s a little awkward and unsure of how to use some of the machines or whether I’m doing the exercises right, so I constantly feel like I’m making a fool of myself 😂

I work 9-5, so my plan is to go in the evenings but I’m flexible with the days of the week

So if anyone’s interested in becoming gym buddies, give me a shout!

Thanks for reading💗

Been trying to get out with the camera more lately and realized Reading has more interesting spots than I gave it credit for. Usually stick to the river near Caversham but the light there gets samey after a while. Some of the quieter residential streets around Newtown have nice old brickwork and shop fronts that work well in morning light. The views from Caversham Park towards the town are decent when the weather is clear. Prospect Park has open areas but it always feels a bit flat for photos. Trying to find somewhere with a mix of buildings and green space that isn't too busy early on weekends. Would be useful to know if anyone has found spots where you can take a few shots without people wandering into the frame constantly. Not looking for anything dramatic, just places where the light works and you can spend an hour or two without feeling rushed.

Anyone know where the fire is?

EDIT: house fire off Orts road, thanks u/Proud-Designer-4586 and u/tunnocksmystery !

Hey all, I'm relocating to Reading next month for work and about to sign for a place literally a 2 mins walk from Prospect Park. Before I commit, wanted to get a read from people who actually live there.

How's the area generally in terms of safety — day and night? Anything I should know about specific streets or times to avoid?

Also curious how it compares to nearby areas like Tilehurst if anyone's lived there.

Any input appreciated, thanks!

Edit: looking at the Waverley Road and Tilehurst Road side of Prospect Park

I’m so sorry to be mentioning Christmas in August! But I need some recommendations please.

Due to many, many factors, sadly we are unable to have Christmas Day dinner at home this year. The same was true last year, and we ended up at The Royal Oak in Yattendon which wasn’t great, and we have since had a bad experience there, so looking for other recommendations people may have?

We are Caversham way but happy to travel a fairly reasonable distance for the right place.

Thank you (and sorry again, don’t ban me!)

Hiya, I thought I'd let you all know about events that happen around Reading, whether it is board game nights, DnD and other tabletop rpg's, or similar events. The scene in Reading is huge, with something for everyone. Here you go!

Mondays

6 pm: Board games at Eclectic Games on Duke Street. The hub of all things board game, card game, and war game. https://www.eclecticgames.co.uk/s/events/ tickets are £6. They have other events throughout the week such as Pokémon, Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Og and Magic the Gathering sessions which I haven't included here but have a look at the link!

GARPS (the Reading University Games and Role-Playing Society) will likely also start meeting at 6 pm on Mondays in September, but please check with them as to specifics. https://readingsu.co.uk/student-opportunities/view/garps

Tuesdays

Three different board games nights for you to choose from!

The Board Game Social at The Castle Tap https://www.meetup.com/reading-board-gamers/

Reading Indie Gamers at the Biscuit Factory tends to be more card game and war game heavy (Netrunner is a favourite): https://readingindie.co.uk/

And Siren Brewery has a session in partnership with Eclectic.

All three start at 6 and are absolutely free!

Wednesdays

Come play more relaxed social games, Mario Kart, or just talk and vibe at the People's Hangout. It's usually hosted at Pentahotel but have a look at Meetup for updated info. Very friendly and welcoming! Starts at 6:30 and is also free. https://www.meetup.com/people-of-reading-rg/

If DnD is more your style, Of Dice and Dragons has single session games (one-shots) every Wednesday at Market House, 7 pm. https://ofdnd.com/

Thursdays

Oddly a quiet day for general gaming events though I've heard rumours. Watch this space!

Friday

Eclectic Game's second weekly session, at 6 pm, £6 ticket. They have a truly astounding selection of card and board games for you to choose from and play. If you know of it, chances are it's there. If you have discord, join the Eclectic Games Server: https://discord.gg/89bvbXa6b

Saturday

Blood on the Clocktower is similar to the Traitors: a small evil team who know each other, fighting against/"killing" a larger group of good players. However, in BotC, everyone gets a special power to help their team (sometimes to hinder it...) and when you "die", the game does not stop, and you can walk around interacting with other players mostly as normal. https://discord.gg/3YNq8fSqE First and third Saturdays are at the Biscuit Factory and cost £3. Buy them from the website but be quick, as they often run out! Second and fourth Saturdays are in Pentahotel and are free. https://www.meetup.com/reading-blood-on-the-clocktower-alternate-weekends/

Not enough intrigue for you? Why not try playing a vampire? The Nightfall Society meets one Saturday a month to play Vampire the Masquerade, part of the World of Darkness universe. It is a parlour LARP, meaning no physical combat. More specific information can be found on their discord linked to their website: https://www.thenightfallsociety.org.uk/nightfall.php?p=1

Sunday

Another Board Game Social event, at the Pentahotel this time. Tends to be more complex games but beginners also welcome! 1-6 pm, and free. https://www.meetup.com/reading-board-gamers/

If there's something I've forgotten or am unaware of it please leave it in the comments and I'll add it. I hope this is useful and leads more people to take part in events they weren't aware of! Even if you don't think it's something you might enjoy, do come along sometime... You might just surprise yourself!

I’ve searched and there are few shops buy tablets and phones in town centre.

Have you ever sold your tablets or mobile phones to them?
What was the experience like?

Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

This is a massive long shot, but I’d really regret not trying!
We were on the platform at Reading Station just before the 17:13 train towards Swansea today. You had auburn hair, tattoos on your arms and legs, sunglasses and a dark floral dress.
I was the auburn-haired guy with tattoos, dressed pretty much entirely in black — black motorcycle trousers and a black T-shirt with some funny writing on it. I was carrying my motorcycle jacket and helmet.
You walked past me a couple of times and I think we exchanged a few glances. I really wanted to come over and say hello, but before I knew it I was on the train and we were pulling away.
I thought you were absolutely beautiful and I’d love the chance to say hello properly and perhaps buy you a coffee sometime, if you’d like that too.
If you happen to see this and recognise me, please send me a private message. 🙂
If anyone else thinks they know who I’m describing, please don’t post her name or personal details here — just show her this message and leave it entirely up to her whether she’d like to contact me.

This was on Saturday 15th August

Just spent a couple weeks walking in the Pennines and it was a dream, and it really hit home how little time I spend outside in my normal life. I love being out in nature, walking through fields or around a lake or through a forest; but as I don’t drive I’ve always felt like all these places were out of reach for me which I want to change.

Anything that can be gotten to by bus or train, please share with me! The quieter and more isolated the better.