For this week’s Nostalgia, we are going back to 1985 to see what was going on in Reading and the surrounding areas.
One of the stories from the time saw youngsters at Geoffrey Field Junior School take part in a community event, which saw them learn about all the different things that are in their region.
Children at the Geoffrey Field Junior School
Headmaster Jeff Dunn said: “The aim is to heighten the children’s consciousness and awareness of the things around them and of the things that go on in the community.”
That same year also a brilliant piece of artwork appear on the streets of Reading.
In July, Gerry Commissaris, a then 28-year-old New Zealander, along with his 25-year-old German partner, Andrea Alber, drew huge portrait of the famous Mona Lisa by the Butts Centre.
Gerry Commissaris and Andrea Alber with their Mona Lisa painting in Reading
The painting, which was created by Leonardo da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries, is one of the most famous pieces of art of all time.
Speaking in ’85, Gerry aid: “It never worries me that the painting might not be there the next day.
“It’s not my painting – it’s more of a technical exercise.
“I’m always trying to get that famous smile and those eyes right.”
The pastel painting took the duo 10 hours to complete.
That same summer also saw Reading’s Debbie Lord fly over to Japan to represent Great Britain at that year’s World Student Games, whilst a collection of work by 29 local schools across the county went on display at the Reading Teacher’s Centre.
Debbie Lord flew out to Japan that year
The work, which consisted of art and technology, was met with great praise by those who visited the centre.
One of the most notable stories of the year from the town was that Father Brian Brindley vowed to quit the Church of England if the ordination of women took place.
He was quoted 36 years ago saying that he would ‘fight, fight and fight again’ to prevent the notion from taking place.
He would remain at the Holy Trinity until his resignation in 1989 over his comments regarding homosexuality.
Brian Brindley was against the notion of women being ordained. He died 16 years later, two days before his 70th birthday
He died on August 1, 2001 – just two days before his 70th birthday of a heart attack whilst having a meal celebrating his soon-to-be milestone age.
Wilson Primary School children with their models that went on display
Wokingham District Council donated money to the centre back in 1985
In much lighter news from the time, Wokingham District Council donated a money to centre that specialised in aiding the disabled, whilst the couple of Mr and Mrs Evans celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary that year.
Mr and Mrs Evans celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary
The summer of 1985 was a good year for local football in Reading, as the Willowbank Junior School won the Woodley & Earley Primary Schools’ A League.
Martin Spink holding the cup as the Willowbank Junior School won the Woodley and Earley Primary Schools' A League
The then-mayor of the town, Councillor Brian Fowls, opened up the Reading Blue Coat School’s annual fete, whilst Simone Jacobs, who ran the 100 and 200 metres at the 1984 summer Olympics in the USA, returned to her home town.
The Reading Blue Coat School’s annual fete was opened by the town's mayor, Councillor Brian Fowls
Simone Jacobs came back to Reading a year after winning bronze at the US Olympics
The Reading-born athlete visited the town’s Technology Centre to find out how a new course is finding disabled people computer-linked jobs.
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