Reading Nostalgia - What went on in Berkshire back in 1999?

One of the lighter stories of the time saw the Berkshire-based charity, Amethyst, visit Bearwood College to teach 10 and 11-year-olds the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

During the workshop, they encouraged the children to focus their attention on eating and drinking positively, which some pupils enjoy a fruit salad on the day.

The students enjoying their fruit salad back in 1999

Sticking with students, pupils at Little Heath School in Tilehurst took part in several teambuilding exercises.

The students, who were in year eight, enjoyed making an imaginary pop group and learnt how they should market the make believe song.

At around the same time, children at Earley’s Aldryngton Primary School took part in several French-themed activities to celebrate Bastille Day.

The students took part in a teambuilding exercise at Little Heath School

The students learned aspects of the French language and ate numerous French delicacies croissants, baguettes, and apricot jam.

Headteacher, Monica Rook, said: “The point was to get them to speak French in a conversational way, to practice for future trips to France.

“They were very enthusiastic and the event was so popular that we needed two sittings.”

Several students eating French food to celebrate Bastille Day in 1999

That same year saw how well the then-called Granada Services between junctions 11 and 12 on the M4 was doing.

The complex boasted a Tandy branch, a BHS, a Halfords, an ELC along with a Harry Ramsden restaurant and in 1999, those who worked at the services revealed that the businesses are seen a steady growth of customers and income in the previous years.

Area manager, Justin Shell, said: “We’ve been here four years and every year there has been sales of growth.”

Service station manager Justin Shell with marketing manager, Maggie Mayhew

Back in 1999, there was a Halfords at the service station

Some of the cakes that were on offer at the service station

Fruit was also on offer at the service station on the M4 by J11 and J12

The last year of the century also saw Fords Farm in Calcot celebrate its 80th birthday whilst Adecco in Reading moved premises due to their booming business.

Fords Farm celebrated its birthday in 1999

Adecco in Reading moved due to their booming business

Litho Systems moved to the digital world of online marketing in 1999

Finally, the year saw Litho Systems in Reading invest in a £250,000 pre-press system as the company, along with the world, moved into the new age of digital marketing.