Reading Nostalgia - What was going on way back in 1985?

Taking place in the Royal Borough of Berkshire 36 years ago was a charity bike ride by Michael Chandler and his son, Stephen.

The duo peddled from Land’s End in Cornwall to John o’Groats in Caithness in 14 days which added up to around 70 miles each day.

Michael Chandler and his son, Stephen, cycled from Cornwall to Caithness in aid of charity

And despite a few mechanical difficulties as they embarked on their trip to Scotland, the father and son duo from Southcote managed to complete their journey on June 10 that year.

They raised close to £2,000, with the money going to help those who had suffered kidney-related issues.

Speaking at the time, Michael, who himself had suffered kidney failure, said: “It was hard work but enjoyable hard work.

“We’ve got a few battle scars but it was worth it.”

Mr Joe Price (left) and Kenneth Carter (right) judged the flowers

That summer also saw many people enter the Caversham Horticultural Society’s flower show, with the village’s allotments winning the overall grand prize.

Sticking with competitions, the summer of 1985 saw many children in and around the area partake in a fancy dress contest, which was won by three-year-old Katie Graham.

The then-toddler finished in first place with her unique police outfit whilst riding a soft toy emu.

The flamboyancy of her clothing not only won first place, but Katie, who defeated 37 other contestants, also bagged a Battleships computer game.

Katie Graham won the fancy dress contest in 1985

The other contestents from the fancy dress competition

That same summer also saw 20-year-old Sonja Birch from Caversham be named as one of the drivers to take part in the Marlborough racing driver challenge.

Sonja Birch

Something completely different, 1985 saw 53-year-old Audrey Povey speak to the Chronicle about her love for spinning.

The Shinfield resident began her hobby four years prior in 1981, and from her first spinning session to her speaking to the press in ’85, she revealed she has made numerous items that would later be sold.

Speaking on her hobby, she said: “Children are the funniest because the first thing they ask is, is this the needle that pricked Sleeping Beauty?

“They’re so disappointed when I explained there’s no such thing on a spinning wheel.”

Audrey Povey with her spinning wheel

Around about the same time, one of Berkshire’s most famous sons was spotted at one of the county’s festivals.

Robert Morley, who is an Oscar awarded-winning actor, was seen at the Wargrave parade in 1985 driving in a vintage Bentley.

Children are seen waving at Robert Morley at the parade

The event, which lasted for several days, saw thousands of people in attendance.

Morley, who was born in Semley in Wiltshire, spent several decades living in Berkshire before his death at the age of 84 in 1984.

He died in Reading.

Speaking on the parade, co-chairman, Mr John Moore, said: “Both myself and fellow co-chair, Mrs Nessie Imrie, felt it was a lovely festival and it well enjoyed by everyone who took part.

“We are absolutely delighted.”

Alison Whalley in her shop, Java, back in the 1980s

Finally, a then 21-year-old fashion enthusiast and entrepreneur, Alison Whalley, launched her shop, Java, in Emmer Green.