Coley

Communities with “a rich history” have been put forward for Community of the Year sponsored by Hilton Reading.

Their nominator said: “What a wonderful community Coley is. Including old Coley and Coley Park, the communities have a rich history.

“And more recently the community came together to rejuvenate Holy Brook Nook with Nature Nurture, a wonderful hidden gem with outdoor learning for children, raised beds that grow food for the local community and gardening sessions that have continued with the charity Food for Families.

“There is Holy Brook Nook and a bench with a view.” Resident Debbie who enjoyed sitting on the bench and “admiring the stunning views across Reading especially at night,” took it a step further.

She added a bookshelf where she shares books and videos with the local community.

“Yes it gets vandalised but she, time and time again, tidies it up and restocks the book shelf,” said the nominator.

“In Coley Park there is the invaluable pantry where residents can get subsidised food and form friendships, run by Faith.

“Coley also has the benefit of The Royal Berkshire Archives which holds the archives of the Royal County of Berkshire, nearly nine hundred years of the county's history,” said the nominator.