Festival to celebrate the community and heritage of Whitley

A free festival to celebrate the people, places, stories and heritage of Whitley is being held next week (19-23 October).

Whitley Festival – Our Home will feature exhibitions, theatre performances and talks, walks and stories of the history of south Reading and its people.

The week-long programme of events and activities is being organised by a host of local organisations, including Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA), in partnership with the Council.

An official launch event will be held at the WCDA Café and Hall, in Northumberland Avenue, on Monday 19 October, 5.30pm, where residents old and new will be able to find out about the week of activities and help begin the community celebration.

Earlier in the day, there will be a chance to glimpse into Whitley’s wartime history with a visit to a Second World War air raid shelter and stories of the community’s resilience.

Anyone interested in their family history or discovering more about Whitley and Reading’s past can join a presentation from Reading’s Local Studies Library at 10am on Tuesday 20 October.

A film workshop will take place in the community café on Wednesday 21 October in partnership with the University of Reading.

The following day RABBLE Theatre will be opening the doors on their project Whitley – Our Memories, and Rank and File Theatre will share their work in progress Common Ground which is based on conversations and stories gathered in Whitley.

Anyone wanting to enjoy some fresh air can join a community walk at The Cowsey on Friday 23 October and hear some memories and reflections from local people about the cherished open space.

Later, back at the café, Berkshire Family History Society will guide beginners through the wealth of records, photographs, maps and archives available to help discover the fascinating history of local homes and communities.

Whitley Park School will be celebrating the creativity, stories and perspectives of young people in the area with an art showcase through the week at South Reading Community Hub, where visitors can create their own Whitley badge, in partnership with Jelly arts.

There will also be a display showing the rich history of schools in Whitley throughout the week at the community café.

Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:

“This inaugural Whitley Festival aims to celebrate the people, heritage, stories and creativity of this important part of Reading.

“The week will be an opportunity to bring all parts of the community together to meet and chat with local artists, explore exhibitions, enjoy creative displays and take part in conversations that reflect what makes Whitley such a special place to call home.

“Whether you have lived in south Reading all your life or are a newcomer to the area, young or old, I am sure everyone will learn something new from coming along to the Festival events.

“I would like to thank all the local organisations and individuals who have put so much work into organising this celebration of Whitley and its people.”

Schedule

Monday 19 October

11am: A Glimpse into Wartime Whitley, WCDA Café

5.30pm: Whitley Festival Launch Event, WCDA Café & Hall

5.30pm: Whitley Park School Art Showcase, South Reading Community Hub

Tuesday 20 October

10am: Reading Local Studies Library: What We’ve Got and How to get the Most Out of It, WCDA Café

3.30pm: Whitley Park School Art Showcase, South Reading Community Hub

Wednesday 21 October

4.30pm: Whitley Park School Art Showcase, South Reading Community Hub

5pm: Film Workshop, WCDA Café

Thursday 22 October

6pm: Rank & File Theatre – Common Ground, WCDA Café

6pm: RABBLE Theatre – Whitley Our Memories, WCDA Café

Friday 23 October

10am: The Cowsey Community Walk, meet at WCDA Cafe

12.30pm: Berkshire Family History Society, WCDA Café

Monday – Friday: Our Schools’ History, WCDA Café