A giant mural was unveiled in Lower Earley in 1981, depicting Reading and its environs along the entire length of a pedestrian walkway on Rushey Way.

The artwork was designed by pupils from Bulmershe School and formed part of a development scheme by Bovis, where 10 kilometres of new roads needed a series of underpasses and a bridge over the River Loddon.

Work had begun on the peripheral road in 1977 and another feature of the scheme was a footpath-cycleway, providing a safe vehicle-free route from the western side to the District Centre.

Hundreds of anti-nuclear campaigners braved Arctic weather in Reading 37 years ago to attend a torchlight march from the Old Shire Hall in Reading, to the Civic Offices, where they gathered to sing carols and songs for peace.

The big freeze did take its toll on subsequent events such as a planned all-night vigil, which had to be cancelled, and an appearance by Dusseldorf’s peace campaigner, Wolfgang Brandt, as his flight was delayed by the chilly weather.

A march at nearby Greenham Common was also curtailed, but Mr. Brandt did arrive just in time to receive an enthusiastic reception from the Berkshire Anti-Nuclear Campaign.

Sea angler, Martin Nolan, from Earley landed a monster-sized cod whilst fishing off the Needles, Isle of Wight, in 1981 in his boat called Sundance.

Martin posed happily for the Chronicle photographer in his back garden with the giant 30lb fish, which was already in his freezer, ready to be defrosted and eaten.

An army of 300 junior crime fighters commenced battle in the first rounds of a quiz competition organised by the Reading Area Crime Prevention Panel at Reading Police Station.

Amongst the teams taking part were four members of the 7th Tilehurst Guides, Sarah Rockall, Lorraine Darby, Joanna Johnson and Teresa Allaway.

It was the third year the contest had been run and the local winners would go on to represent the town in a grand final at the Hexagon in 1982.

Twelve lucky young dancers were chosen to appear in the Wizard of Oz production at the Hexagon in 1981, after 180 other hopefuls auditioned for the part of Munchkins and other characters.

But only 12 were selected by director Teddy Green, who was understudying Michael Crawford in the hit west end show, Barnham.

Christchurch Playgroup enlisted help from their pupil’s parents to produce 50 nativity costumes for their Christmas production.

The Nativity, which lasted for half an hour, was narrated by a playgroup helper, whilst the children acted out the story in side the Methodist Hall in Whitley Street.