Berkshire Bygones: Reading racers in the fastlane

The arena was originally due to open a month previously, but bad winter weather had put a halt to construction.

Four new riders were joining the squad that season, but many familiar ‘old faces’ were returning, including World Champion Anders Michanek, skipper Mick Bell, Richard May and Bernie Leigh.

At first, many believed that Michanek would not return after he suffered a leg injury whilst riding a trials bike in Australia.

RACING CERT: The Racers opened a new stadium

Radio Kennet had applied to Berkshire County Council for planning permission to convert a large house in Calcot into their new studios and offices, if approved, it would be Reading’s first commercial radio station.

A large public meeting was also being planned for the autumn of ’75, to give their prospective audience a chance to meet the faces behind the new station.

The rumours of jobs being created in a new radio headquarters had seen hundreds of applications flood in to Kennet’s London office, even though only 35 staff were going to occupy the building.

CALCOT CALLING: Radio Kennet was coming to Reading

A sophisticated “superbus” joined Reading Corporation’s transport fleet 46 years ago and a spokesperson for the company promised that the new vehicles would:” Provide passengers with a more comfortable and quieter ride.”

Costing over £20,000 each, they had been fitted with fully automatic transmission, air suspension and special noise-proofing devices.

The new vehicle, a “Metropolitan” bus, had been manufactured by Metro-Cammell Ltd., of Birmingham and made its maiden voyage from Broad Street to Armour Hill, Tilehurst.

FIRST STOP: Reading Transport launched a new bus

The Royals legendary striker, Robin Friday, celebrated receiving the clubs “Player of the Year” trophy in 1975 with an equalising goal during a midweek match against Rotherham.

The game was also memorable for the lack of ‘petulant antics’ by the forward, Robin’s performance that night was described in the Chronicle as ‘perfect’.

It was with his head that he scored the equaliser and Royals fans shared his delight at seeing this largely unseen ability, as it had been non-existent since he joined the club.

Robin Friday played 121 games for Reading FC, scoring 46 goals, he is often described as “the best player you never saw.”

FRIDAY AFTERNOON: The Chronicle named its Player of the Year

The spring of 1975 saw two new structures dominate the skyline near Reading railway station, a bridge over Vastern Road and the Metal Box building.

The bridge had to be installed in two pieces, each weighing 3,100-tonnes and capable of carrying the weight of eight tracks over the road.

Within hours of its completion the trains were running again, although at a greatly reduced speed.

MIND THE GAP: Reading station got a new bridge

The Metal Box Company occupied its futuristic-looking headquarters in Forbury Road 46 years ago, and officially named it Queen’s House.

It was demolished in 2014, after being occupied by many different companies, its architectural appearance had previously been categorised as “Brutalism”.

LIVING IN A BOX: Reading’s skyline was changing in 1975