A free exhibition of 120 years of Christchurch Road shops is now in the window at number 56, viewable day or night. A litter pick follows on 2 September.

An exhibition about 120 years of shops on Christchurch Green has found a permanent home, and it is in a shop window.

Friends of Christchurch Green announced on Sunday 23 August that “Memories of Christchurch Green & its Shops: 1906-2026” has been installed in the window of the vacant RedServe unit at 56 Christchurch Road, next to the No. 21 bus stop (Friends of Christchurch Green).

Because it is a window display, it is free, needs no booking and can be seen at any hour. The group says it will stay there “for the foreseeable future”.

What is in it

The display draws on photographs, newspaper cuttings, local research and personal memories covering the parade from 1906 to the present day. The group says it covers:

  • independent businesses that have come and gone
  • familiar local characters
  • how the streetscape has changed
  • everyday life in the neighbourhood

Many of the photographs and recollections came from residents and their families. The group calls the result “a community archive”.

Where it came from

The exhibition was first shown as a free pop-up over the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, at 85 Christchurch Road, as part of the Whiteknights Studio Trail. It ran 11am to 6pm on both days.

It was made in partnership with the University of Reading, as part of the university’s centenary. The university is marking 100 years since it was granted its Royal Charter in 1926 (University of Reading).

The group credits the shop’s owner, Tony Chima, and RG Spaces for making the window available, which is what turned a two-day pop-up into something that can be seen all year.

Friends of Christchurch Green was formed in early 2020, when seven residents came together after a Reading Borough Council planning meeting affecting the area. Its stated aim is to give local people a collective voice and to protect and improve Christchurch Green and its surroundings.

What it means for you

The window is on the Christchurch Road parade in Redlands, a short walk from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The group places it next to a No. 21 stop; the claret 21 runs between Reading station and Lower Earley by way of the university. There is nothing to pay and no opening hours to work around.

If you have photographs, stories or recollections of the shops, the group wants them. It asks people to email christchurchgreenfriends@gmail.com.

There is also something to turn up to. The group’s second litter pick of the year is on Wednesday 2 September, 11am to 12.30pm. Volunteers meet at the corner of Northcourt Avenue, outside Greggs, and the group asks people to email in advance so it can estimate numbers and contact you if bad weather cancels it.

Practical details for that, from the group’s own notice:

  • Litter bags, pickers, gloves, hi-vis vests and hand sanitiser are all provided.
  • The pick usually lasts an hour to an hour and a half.
  • Areas typically covered include Shinfield Road up to Pepper Lane, Christchurch Road up to Warwick Road, Cintra Avenue, Cintra Close, Whitley Park Lane, Upper Redlands, New Road, Elmhurst, Marlborough Avenue, Upper and Lower Mount, Northcourt Avenue and Wellington Avenue. The exact streets are decided on the day, depending on how many people come.
  • Volunteers are invited to the Happy Panda Cafe afterwards, at their own cost.

Previous litter picks have drawn around 10 to 12 volunteers.

For more free things to do locally, see our guide to things to do in Reading.

Sources