The Oasis Community Centre on Reading’s Baker Street played host recently to a free BBQ for residents in the neighbourhood. All three local Councillors were in attendance and discussed local issues and initiatives with residents over food.
Grilled chicken, burgers, sausages, snacks and salads were available in addition to cakes and desserts; all of which was made possible by a Community First grant awarded to Baker Street Area Neighbourhood Association (BSANA) from Reading Borough Council.
BSANA Chair Karen Rowland said: “We have had conversations which were lively and fun, and many ideas and inspirational stories were shared – all which will feed back into making this neighbourhood an even better place to live in the future!”
Tony Page, Abbey Ward Councillor at Reading Borough Council said: “I am glad to see such a good turnout. It’s great to see the local Neighbourhood Association getting this level of buy-in, because with some of the long-standing issues in the area we need to ensure the pressure is put not only on the Council but with other agencies to ensure the issues of concern in the area are addressed. We need organisations like this to keep putting the pressure on these agencies to help everyone work and pool together their expertise.”
A free prize draw took place, with three recipients walking away with gift hampers of marinades and sauces courtesy of Chan Cham, and locals were able to pledge their votes to prioritise a series of initiatives currently being considered by the neighbourhood action group. The last remaining window boxes made by the local blind association were available for residents to smarten up the frontages of their homes, and free daffodil bulbs were also up for grabs for neighbours to plant in readiness for a burst of spring colour.
For more information about BSANA and how to become involved, visit bsana.org.
