Here are the top five stories in Reading this week (Saturday, December 2 and Saturday, December 9).
1. Bowling and TK Maxx coming to The Oracle in Reading
The Oracle shopping centre in Reading is set to welcome two huge names that will replace the House of Fraser store that closed recently.
Plans show that family entertainment company Hollywood Bowl and fashion retailer TK Maxx will both be opening in the space vacated by House of Fraser in the near future.
The coming of both of these huge names has been revealed in floorplans of The Oracle on the Completely Retail marketing website.
Read full story here
2. Reading School crowned Secondary School of the Year by Sunday Times
A Reading school has been crowned the best secondary school in the South East in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2024.
Reading School, a grammar school serving students aged 11 to 18 has taken home the title ranking the best in the southeast and the eighth best across the country.
Kendrick School in Reading just missed out on the top spot, and has been named as the second-best school in the southeast and fifteenth nationally.
Read full story here
3. Pub and shops named as Reading's best businesses
A pub, a longstanding games shop and a cafe have been named among the best businesses in the town.
Eight small businesses have been highlighted for providing exceptional services to their customers in Reading.
Small Business Saturday has just passed. The day, which began on the initiative of American Express in the USA, came to the UK in 2012 as a way of highlighting good business practice.
Read full story here
4. Reading Toy Run attracts thousands to annual charity event
Thousands of motorcyclists showed up in mass for this year's Reading Toy Run.
A staple in the town’s Christmas calendar for over 38 years, the long-running charity ride attracts motorcyclists from across the Thame’s Valley and beyond.
The charity event, organised by Barnardo's, was created to help and support vulnerable children, young people, and families throughout the Christmas period.
Read full story here
5. LOOK INSIDE: Reading pub to be brought back to life
A unique look inside a historic pub in Reading town centre has been revealed as it is set to be brought back to life.
The Coopers Arms used to occupy Market Place for hundreds of years just opposite St Laurence Church, bank buildings and Soane Point which contains a Tesco Express.
But the pub has been closed since 2010 due to a fall in custom and long-standing redevelopment plans.
Read full story here
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