Memory Lane

Cows and The CowseyIt was never Sherwood Forest to us, it was always The Cowsey, a place of roaming cows and childhood adventures, and life felt simpler before the world got busy.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.

The Rabson RoversThe Rabson Rovers: the Pride of South Reading, a close-knit team playing in the top division of the Reading and District League, with some playing for clubs across southern England.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.

Trolley BusesBefore Whitley had diesel buses, trolleybuses like the old number 6 ran the transport scene, powered by overhead electric wires and far trickier to drive than today’s buses.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.

Wartime WhitleyDuring the Second World War, children were evacuated from London to Whitley for safety, while American soldiers stationed locally spent evenings at the pub, forging friendships within the community.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.

Darvall’s CoalDarvall’s Coal kept Whitley warm, with young men delivering by bicycle and Darvall himself by horse and cart and known as someone who looked out for his community.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.

Rabson’s RecOnce upon a time, Rabson’s Rec was home to a huge, super-fast slide, famous across Whitley for being thrillingly scary and irresistible to the bravest children.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.

Charlie Langham the ButcherCharlie Langham’s was more than a butcher’s, especially on Saturday mornings, when locals queued together, swapping gossip and sharing jokes at the heart of the community.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.

Ashmead SchoolWhen Ashmead was built in the 1950s it looked like something from a sci-fi film, and though the buildings have since changed, past pupils still remember its eccentric teachers.Follow the Memory Lane trail and hear Whitley’s past come alive through local voices.Scan the QR codes with your phone as you walk to listen to the stories.