No need for new name
Reading East MP Rob Wilson has remarkably suggested changing the town’s name to Reading-on-Thames in order to “make Reading more appealing”.
Interestingly, this tactic is being tried already - by London Street’s English Language Courses (ELC). Stated on ELC’s homepage are the words:
Welcome to the online brochure of: ENGLAND LANGUAGE COURSES in Reading-on-Thames, Berkshire, England.
The words “Reading on Thames”, arguably more attractive to the overseas reader (and potential customer) are again printed on a map displayed on the same page.
I really don’t think a name change is necessary. I do think we need to address the town/city confusion, however. We should either refer to Reading as a town or city, one or the other - not both. Reading Borough Council leader David Sutton, for example, responded to Wilson’s name suggestion with the following:
I would like us to continue to market Reading as a town which sits astride two increasingly attractive rivers
In an earlier statement, Sutton announced:
Chatham Place is a vitally important part of the reshaping of the centre of Reading, as we continue to create a vibrant European city of the future
I’m sure I’ve also seen the word “City” printed on the town’s buses.
On a less serious note, I myself had a go at giving Reading a new name. How about the following (silly) suggestions:
- Redding - To eliminate the usual confusion about the way the town name is pronounced
- Rdng - Reading for the txt generation
- Revving - A mecca for motorists
- Weading - A perfect destination for couples!
- Greying - Red no longer has the same allure. Grey is the “in” colour, apparently
Matt Brady on March 4th 2007 in Business, Local Government, Parliament
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Joff responded on 05 Mar 2007 at 4:08 pm #
I think the buses did once say ‘city centre’ on the front; they were soon changed to ‘central Reading’ once they realised their error!
Matt Brady responded on 10 Mar 2007 at 7:25 pm #
It certainly surprised me. I think we have to be content with our townhood, though I accept that city status is more appealing. “Take me down to the paradise town, where the grass is green..” - not quite the same, is it?