Campaign to turn Reading Gaol (jail) site into an arts & culture hub, instead of luxury flats, create a public space welcome to all, and save its heritage.
Joined July 2019
- Tweets 429
- Following 1,162
- Followers 1,268
- Likes 621
105 Photos and videos
29 Oct 2024
We campaigned for Reading Gaol to be an arts centre; sadly it won't be, but neither will it be a block of flats.🙂It's pleasing that at least part of the building will be a museum and art gallery, open to the public, and that the site's precious archeology is being respected.#rdg
Former @ReadingCouncil deputy leader Tony Page is working with the new owner of Reading prison advising him on connecting with the community. We spoke to Mr Page during a visit to the Victorian gaol last week:
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Save Reading Gaol retweeted
15 Jan 2024
Reading Gaol has been sold to the Ziran Education Foundation. You can hear me discussing the sale on
@BBCBerkshire👇
I am cautiously optimistic about the future of the gaol, and I would encourage the new owner to meet with the council to discuss their plans for the site. 1/2
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12 Jan 2024
Thanks to @estheraddley for her detailed coverage of the big #Rdg Gaol news in the @guardian today. ✍️ After the rollercoaster of the last few years, it is natural to be cautious, but there are also good reasons to be optimistic. 🤞🤞🤞
google.com/amp/s/amp.theguar…
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11 Jan 2024
The sale of Reading Gaol has been formally confirmed to the Ziran Education Foundation - a non-profit organisation.
rdg.today/reading-gaol-sold-… @RdgToday
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11 Jan 2024
'The Ziran Education Foundation will now engage with @ReadingCouncil on the use of the site as it will need to approve any development plans.'
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11 Jan 2024
***
'One of the many lessons that one learns in prison is, that things are what they are and will be what they will be.'
– Oscar Wilde ✍️
#Rdg #Berkshire #Rdguk #OscarWilde #DeProfundis #Heritage #LGBTQHistory #VictorianPrison #AbbeyRuins
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Save Reading Gaol retweeted
13 Dec 2023
Inspired by @FourbearsBooks and @whatiwrote_ we've decided to offer a free walk on Christmas Day to people from #rdguk who might otherwise be alone. You do need to book but it is zero cost and starts at 10am. Everybody welcome!
walk-reading.co.uk/event-det…
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19 Dec 2023
The sale of Reading prison is expected to complete "in the autumn," the government said... And, as the last leaves dangle off the trees, the penny finally drops: they must have meant Autumn 2024... 🤔😜🍁 1/4
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19 Dec 2023
We now know that we are unlikely to get the arts & heritage centre we wanted, 🥺 but the #SaveReadingGaol campaigners & community groups still hope to work with the prospective buyer to achieve an outcome, at least partially, beneficial for the wider community. 3/4
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19 Dec 2023
We are here, and we are ready to talk. 👋🗨
#notgivingup #rdguk #RDG #berkshire #thesuspenseiskillingus 4/4
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Save Reading Gaol retweeted
24 Nov 2023
It’s been ten years since the last prisoner left Reading Prison, and nothing has changed at the site.
Watch ITV Meridian’s report on ten years of Government-imposed limbo and wastage at Reading Gaol below👇
@SaveReadingGaol 1/3
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5 Oct 2023
13,000 and going strong!💪
#savereadinggaol
2 Oct 2023
🔔PETITION TO SAVE READING GAOL REACHES 13,000 SUPPORTERS🔔
I’m delighted to announce that the petition to @SaveReadingGaol has reached 13,000 signatures. This huge support helps me to keep the pressure on the Government to change their approach to Reading Gaol. 1/4
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22 Sep 2023
Joined our Gaol March in the spring & heard the samba band? Then you'll know what a riot it can be! @southstreetarts Are offering a fantastic opportunity to play the sounds of Brazil 🇧🇷 tomorrow with @MrPaulGlover. (All ages over 6 welcome.) Check it out!
whatsonreading.com/venues/so…
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16 Sep 2023
Sincere thanks to @p_j_chappell for his eloquent article in @thetimes and to @thevicsoc for understanding the gravitas of the situation. The government @MoJGovUK is set to complete its sale to a private business person this autumn...🙈🌈🏛️#Rdg #Rdguk #Berkshire
15 Sep 2023
@thetimes has covered our call to the Government to ensure that the sale of Reading Gaol ensures public access to this important part of queer history. thetimes.co.uk/article/fb02d…
Thanks @p_j_chappell
📷‘Ballad of Reading Gaol’ by williamsdb is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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Save Reading Gaol retweeted
4 Aug 2023
This year’s #HODs in Reading will see 30 free @heritageopenday events between 8-17 September. Find out more about #RdgUK’s amazing history with guided walks, open days, behind the scenes tours, talks, exhibitions and even some dressing up! bit.ly/3ODUYsD #VisitReading
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Save Reading Gaol retweeted
11 Sep 2023
Thanks to everyone who has signed the petition to save Reading Gaol. This issue affects the heart of Reading and needs your support.
The Gaol has an long history, from kings to poets and artists and it is at risk of being sold off to a property developer to build luxury flats.
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25 Aug 2023
EXACTLY 5 MONTHS SINCE THE EPIC READING GAOL MARCH AND...
...there are rumblings.👂
We have it on good authority that a sale has been agreed by the @MoJGovUK. 1/4
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25 Aug 2023
We are not yet in a position to validate these rumours, but we hope that our video's message resonates with the buyer: there is a weight of responsibility on your shoulders when you purchase a cornerstone of #Berkshire #heritage. 🧐🏛️3/4
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25 Aug 2023
Video kindly produced by Karen from @BlueMarblePics
bluemarblepictures.wixsite.c…
#Rdg #ReadingPrison #ReadingAbbey #Rdguk #OscarWilde #Banksy #UKHeritage #SaveReadingGaol 4/4
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