Bell Tower Community Association
Bringing local people together
Our popular “Meet the Neighbours” event will be returning on Saturday 12th September from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm at the New Hope Centre, 95, York Road.
The coffee morning — other beverages will be available — helps people who live in the area get to know each other as well as learning more about Bell Tower and what we do.
Feel free to drop in at any point during the event.
Our area has lots of fascinating history, and this year we are organising heritage walks around our area again in September as part of Heritage Open Days. The walks will take place on Sunday 13 and Monday 14 September and will last about 90 minutes.
Entitled ‘Caversham Road: An area shaped by Victorian aesthetics and innovation’, the walk will take in much of the area’s Victorian industry, showing signs of what remains and pictures of local scenes from the era. We’ll also be looking at some of the original Victorian architectural features that survive to this day.
Further details and booking at www.bell-tower.org.uk/hod/. Please note that places will be limited to 12 per walk so prior booking will be required.
These walks get booked up quickly, and we are keen to offer them to as many local people as possible. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
We’ve also made the walk into a 20 minute documentary – you can watch this here:
The sun shone on revellers in Newport Road at our street party on Saturday 18th July.
The party is underway. Photo: David Neale
Lunch was provided yet again free of charge by The Moderation. There was a covers band, “Missing Tony” to start things rolling. They played a broad selection of songs from country and western to the latest Indie pop.
In between the live music, DJ Burt also provided a cool vibe. After a quiz Readipop’s Tankata Percussion performed a set of traditional West African rhythms. Afterwards Tankata leader Steve Southall led a workshop for those who wanted to try their hand at playing djembe drums. See the slideshow below:
As well as saying “hello” to new friends it was also time to say “goodbye” to long-time Bell Tower Secretary and former Chairman, David Neale and his wife, Mary. As a leaving gift, The Bell Tower committee put together a photo album of David and Mary’s 20 years with Bell Tower. Reading Central MP Matt Rodda and Thames Ward Councillor Ama Asare presented it to David.
Left to Right: Mary Neale, David Neale, Bell Tower Chairman Bob Murrant, Matt Rodda, Ama Asare. Photo: Jonathan Dart
As we bid farewell have been said to the 2026 street party all that remains is to thank New Hope for the use of the furniture and games, The Moderation for the food, the band, DJ Buda Nova and Tankata, not only for the performance and workshop but also for help with the band’s sound engineering. Above all, many thanks to all those who helped publicise, set up and steward the party as well as packing everything away afterwards.
Saturday 8 June 2024 – another great Bell Tower street party in Newport Road. As usual there were plenty of activities for the kids, including Splat the Rat, colouring and face painting. The weather was a bit cool this year, but it stayed fine all afternoon. DJ Burt was back spinning some great party sounds, and we had live rock covers from the band again, featuring one or two familiar faces – everything from the Beatles to some hard rock from Kings of Leon. Andy and Bee from the Moderation were back again with Thai curry dishes. Many thanks to Andy and the Mod team for the fantastic free food, everyone who helped and New Hope and the residents of Newport Road for their support. We’re looking forward to next year’s party!
Band photo courtesy of Claire Thatcher.
Saturday 3 June 2023 – another great Bell Tower street party in Newport Road. This year’s party was attended by the newly-elected mayor, Councillor Tony Page, who presented the prize to the winning quiz team. There were plenty of activities for the kids, including Splat the Rat, colouring and cupcake decorating and table football. The weather was just about perfect, if a little breezy as usual. Local DJ Burt was back spinning some great party sounds, and we had live music from covers band Jamboozled (you might spot one or two familiar faces there!) Andy and the team from the Moderation were back with Thai curry dishes. Many thanks to Andy and the Mod team for the fantastic free food, everyone who helped and New Hope and the residents of Newport Road for their support. We’re looking forward to next year’s party!
Band photo courtesy of Claire Thatcher.
Saturday 4 June 2022 – another successful Bell Tower street party in Newport Road. This year’s party was during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration weekend, and featured a Jubilee themed quiz and red, white and blue cupcake decorating fun for the kids. The weather forecast wasn’t very promising but it turned out sunny and pleasantly warm. Local DJ Burt was back spinning some great party sounds, and had everyone dancing in the street to some great funk and disco tunes. Andy and the team from the Moderation were back, this time with their wood-fired pizza oven. Many thanks to Andy and the Mod team for the fantastic free pizzas, everyone who helped and New Hope and the residents of Newport Road for their support. We’re looking forward to next year’s party already!
