Reading Roars!

You are browsing the archives of 2005 July.

WOMAD returned to Reading for another once-a-year blitz of extraordinary song, dance and art from far-flung places. I was there, for one day only, to witness its magic. And what magic. The most spectacular drummer in the world, the most incredible voice in the world, throat singers from Siberia and a booty-shaking [...]

An O2 shareholder was carried out by security guards, reports The Guardian, after mounting a podium in The Hexagon at the network operator’s annual meeting on Wednesday. The investor had insisted on the tabling of a motion calling for the resignation of O2 CEO Peter Erskine. Another shareholder accused board members of “prostituting” [...]

Google Maps. Have you tried it yet? If not, you must. It’s superb. Enter a location in the search box on the Google Maps page and a map of the location specified will be displayed. Hit the Satellite button and, guess what, you get the same view but as a [...]

And now news of another cultural extravaganza to hit Reading…the Reading Fringe Festival! This exciting event will run over 5 days, beginning on Saturday 20 August and ending with the Carling-sponsored Reading Festival. As the organisers put it:
The aim of the Fringe is to showcase local talent to the local community and to [...]

Reading’s Fez Club is hosting the Miss Reading Final on 22 September 2005. Girls aged 17-24 can compete by clicking here or by ringing 01273 764730. Up to 50 will be chosen to take part in the Final and will be judged on areas such as charisma and intelligence (no, really). The [...]

Wagamama. Waga-what? Wagamama is, apparently, the Japanese word for “naughty child”. It’s also an international noodle bar chain. The first Wagamama was opened by super-restaurateur Alan Yau in London in 1992. Wagamama in Reading, the 38th restaurant to launch, opened in November 2004 at The Oracle’s Riverside. [...]

Wireless communications company Vocera has opened offices in Reading to support the launch of its Vocera Communications System in the UK. What does this system do? It enables people on the move within buildings to communicate to each other hands- free. Voice commands are picked up by badges. It’s a system that the company hopes [...]

Reading employer HP has “unveiled a targeted program designed to simplify its structure, reduce costs and place greater focus on its customers.” Meaning: HP will be slashing 14,500 jobs over the next six quarters. As for the fate of its Reading workforce, the US company says that the “headcount reduction plans will vary by country“. [...]

The new edition of Reading Borough Council’s Live Reading is now available. Sunglasses ready? Then click here to open the summer-soaked document, featuring vibrant, chav-free pictures and interesting articles on the new-look Forbury Gardens (GB£ 2MM lottery-funded!), the town’s playgrounds (for kids - not pubs and clubs), WOMAD, an improved skate park and more. Details [...]

Reading Borough Council are subjecting a proposed GB£ 1MM scheme to enhance Market Place to a public consultation. The considered plans include pedestrianising Butter Market, creating a public space between Broad St and Town Hall Square pedestrian areas, and improved lighting and signage. Read the consultation document and have your say by clicking [...]