The grand opening of the Holybrook Nook in Reading

Last Saturday I photographed The grand opening of the Holybrook Nook in Reading.

I know Natalie from Nature Nurture and have worked with her before and was very happy to be asked to document the opening of the community space for people and nature in the heart of Coley (something and somewhere close to my heart as I visited my grandparents every week in Coley for decades) the event was to celebrate the project so far and for people to share their ideas for the future of this special place.

First we got to see the amazing community mural by Commando Judendstill and to meet him and his team of volunteers who have painted an amazing mural in the underpass at Holy Brook Nook. It must make all the difference to the experience of the local community and people walking through the underpass. Somewhere previously dark and dreary to somewhere really beautiful and inspiring.

It was lovely to see Rachel Eden in her role of the Mayor of Reading, she truly lights up events and is passionate about the community working together in Reading. It was great to catch up with Rachel again having met her a couple of years ago she has a great sense of humour, great energy and a very passionate and humble lady.

The event also included

🌳Free inspired activities for both adults and children

🌳Meeting the muralists

🌳Free homemade pumpkin soup from Nat served with a roll and a smile.

🌳Learning about the importance of nature in a fun environment with Tree doctor Teresa

🌳Meet and trying sculpture with Andrew Hood

🌳Wild art By Brenda and Charlotte

🌳Meet the conservationists

🌳See the wellbeing garden and its creators

🌳Listening to Kat who provides outdoor education and wonderful soup - I must get the recipe still

🌳Meeting Gary a local keen member of the community who has been a part of cleaning this space and making it ready for families for visit

🌳Hearing Kat from food4families speak and see the Wellbeing garden

🌳Seeing Natalie speak and organise this amazing event

🌳Seeing the reading area Book in the Nook - How amazing a place for children to relax and read.

It was wonderful to document the cutting of the ribbon and witnessing the children and families running into the area that was now cleared of rubbish and has been prepared by conservationists. When Adrian spoke birds flew above illustrating how all the hard work has paid off.

It was great to see many faces I have met before and to meet new people too.

It was truly beautiful to witness this brilliant group of people come together to create this area of nature for the local community.

Well done to Nature nurture, Commando Jugenstil, Food 4 families, Berkshire Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire wildlife trust, TCV and Reading Borough Council.

I think Rachel Eden sums up everything here.

"I think for me, this is what Reading's all about. And projects like this is what life's all about....Life should be about community, about coming together, about thriving.”

Rachel Eden