History of Reading Society

AT the History of Reading Society’s April meeting, Ann Smith gave us “A history of Woodley”.

A few years ago, she edited a book with the same title from work done by members of the Reading and Wokingham U3A, who were joined by Woodley U3A when that branch was formed.

Where previous publications on Woodley had been limited in scope, this volume gave us the whole history.

Use had been made of old documents and maps but also of people’s memories and old diaries to give us a full and fascinating picture.

This was reflected in Ann’s talk, which was well-balanced.

We began with the earliest surviving record of the name — a character named Osbertus de Woodlegh in 1220 — and moved through the centuries to times that many in the audience could remember — the airfield, Bulmershe College, the building of houses, construction of the A329M and the bridge collapse at Loddon Bridge Road.

Changes in the 20th century meant that Woodley, which had been a rural village for centuries, became in effect a small town.

Until the Twenties, most of the land and the farms were part of large estates owned by three families — the Palmers, the Whebles and the Goldings.

The division and sale of the estates led to ribbon development, then housing estates and a shopping centre.

The provision of piped water, mains drainage and electricity eventually arrived.

We were shown pictures of pubs, listed buildings, schools and the premises of many different firms which built aircraft, manufactured ballpoint pens, baked bread and made furniture and tin boxes.

The talk, like the book, was well illustrated and at the end copies of the book went on sale. The numbers sold exceeded expectations, such was people’s interest.

The History of Reading Society meets monthly at Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading.

Meetings are open to members and visitors (£2). No need to book, just turn up on the night. Doors open at 7pm.

For more information please email historyof
readingsociety@yahoo.com or visit www.historyofreading
society.org.uk

Vicki Chesterman