The Mayor of Reading

03/09/2026

On Saturday 22 August, I had the pleasure of attending the Reading Musical Night organised by the local Nepalese community at South Reading Community Hub.
Thank you to everyone involved for such a welcoming and enjoyable evening. Following the devastating floods in Nepal, my thoughts are with all those affected and with members of Reading's Nepalese community who may have family and friends in the impacted areas.

03/09/2026

On Sunday 30 August I had a lovely time at The Jessica Project birthday party. Thank you to the organisers for all the fantastic work they do in our community to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. It is incredible to see how a small survivor community has grown into a nationally focused organisation.

02/09/2026

I had a great time at Reading's first-ever Community Cook Off event held at the South Reading Community Hub last Saturday. It was a fun-filled day of cooking, creativity, and community spirit despite the rainy weather. A huge thank you to PCSO Cath, PC Charlotte Wall from the Met Police, and Lisa from WCDA for bringing this fantastic initiative to Whitley.

01/09/2026

Thank you to the RBC Sustainable Communities Team for having me at the Coley Food Festival on Tuesday 25 August. It was wonderful to celebrate our community’s diversity through food from England, Nepal, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Taiwan, the Caribbean and other cultures. The festival provided a very informal and enjoyable space for people to come together, share food, meet others and celebrate our diversity.

24/08/2026

Today, as we mark Ukraine's Independence Day, we stand alongside Ukrainians here in Reading and around the world in celebrating Ukraine's history, culture and enduring spirit.

This year's anniversary is particularly poignant as Ukraine continues to show extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of ongoing conflict. It is a day to celebrate independence, but also to reflect on the sacrifices made in defending freedom, democracy and national identity.

Reading is proud to be home to a wonderful Ukrainian community whose strength, kindness and determination have enriched our town. We are grateful for all that they contribute to our community and for the warm welcome they have extended to fellow Ukrainians arriving in Reading in recent years.

I would also like to recognise the fantastic work of Reading Ukrainian Community Centre in Sidmouth Street. The Centre has become a lifeline for many, providing support, friendship, cultural connections and a strong sense of belonging. Its volunteers and organisers embody the community spirit that makes Reading such a special place.

On behalf of Reading, I send my best wishes to everyone marking Ukraine's Independence Day. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and with our Ukrainian residents today and always.

21/08/2026

Today, on the National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, we remember and stand in solidarity with all those whose lives have been affected by terrorism. We honour the strength of victims, survivors and bereaved families, and encourage everyone to mark the day in a way that is meaningful to them.

This day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the specialist support available, deepen understanding of the lasting impact of terrorism, and ensure that the voices and experiences of victims and survivors continue to be heard, recognised and remembered.

17/08/2026

It was a pleasure to attend the book launch of The Cost of Belonging by Marcel J Kamga and join residents, NHS staff and community leaders from across Reading's communities.

The book shines a light on the human stories behind migration, identity and belonging, encouraging understanding, empathy and meaningful dialogue. Thank you to the author and everyone who contributed to such a thought-provoking evening.

06/08/2026

Proud to be supporting Refugee Support Group as one of my chosen charities this year. Since 1994, Refugee Support Group has sought to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of refugees and asylum seekers in Berkshire by providing legal advice and casework, English language lessons, practical information and integration support, direct assistance, and referral services which help refugees and asylum seekers active participation and contribution in the Berkshire community.

Please consider supporting this important cause.

For the next few weeks, your donation can have double the impact.
Every donation made through their Crowdfunder campaign will be matched pound for pound by the Aviva Foundation, up to a maximum matched donation of £250 per person.
This is a fantastic opportunity to help them raise vital funds to provide:

• Financial wellbeing workshops, one-to-one casework, interpreters & volunteer support.
• Emergency hardship support for refugees and asylum seekers

To donate, please visit the link in the comments.

This is "Double your Donation" by Refugee Support Group on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

04/08/2026

On Saturday 25 July I had a great time at Reading Rath Yatra and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Reading Swahili Community.

31/07/2026

On Wednesday I was delighted to attend the opening of Refugee Support Group's Sanctuary Café, a welcoming community space in the historic RISC, World Shop, Global Refills & Room Hire building on London Street.

The Sanctuary Café will be open to the public every weekday from 8am to 2pm, serving freshly prepared meals and speciality coffee made by refugee chefs, cooks and baristas. Every purchase directly supports Refugee Support Group's work helping refugees and people seeking asylum rebuild their lives.