Reading’s Alive: Latin American students, money for Mongolia and a cracking pole
Friday, May 22nd, 2009My attention was drawn to another charity event recently: Reading’s Alive/Mongolia Benefit Gig, held at the 3Bs after the Reading Half Marathon (more travelling back in time here). I didn’t take part in the morning run. I stood pathetically at the bottom of Kendrick Rd, watching, as wave after wave of participants ran past. It was a marvellous sight.
The 3Bs was packed when I got there in the early evening, much to my surprise (I say this, because it was Sunday).
There was a strong mix of people, including families and teenagers (but no runners), many churchgoing. They were chatting away quite happily and enjoying the five-pound curry. A group of performers - Jeremy Rishworth, Stuart Dooley and the Foolish Galatians (a biblical reference, rather than something out of Star Trek) - was setting up.
Pint in hand (an ale of some sort, can’t remember which), I struggled to find somewhere to sit. I eventually found a seat, sharing a table with three charming students from Peru, Venezuela and Chile. I didn’t catch their names. The location also offered a reasonable view of the band, so I was very fortunate.
Leaving the table for a moment, I approached a couple of the band members, who then introduced me to Susanne Koch, who has left a comment on this blog before and who’d reached out to me about the event.
Susanne explained the purpose of the event, that is, to bring live entertainment to the Sunday afternoon slot in Reading (a typically quiet time) and raise money for the Khuslen Education Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
I agreed that such an event, held on a regular basis, would be a great addition to the town’s culture. The location, right in the heart of Reading, is ideal, and it offers another alternative to going out during busier times on Friday and Saturday.
With the band playing, I relaxed more and made repeat visits to the bar. Unfortunately, immediately after one bar visit (as I turned away), I struck my temple against one of the supporting columns.
Thwack!
It hurt, and I immediately thought of poor Natasha Richardson. I was focused enough, I should add (I mean, I wasn’t wobbling about). The 3Bs is a great little place, but it’s somewhat annoying having poles (I don’t mean our Eastern European neighbours) inside the bar area.
Head throbbing, I was introduced to performer Matthias Scheja. He and I had a chat about Brazilian music, among other things, and then it was time for me to go. All in all, a great evening (though my head hurt the next day!).
