Save Reading Gaol

Campaign to turn Reading Gaol (jail) site into an arts & culture hub, instead of luxury flats, create a public space welcome to all, and save its heritage.

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

We campaigned for Reading Gaol to be an arts centre; sadly it won't be, but neither will it be a block of flats.🙂It's pleasing that at least part of the building will be a museum and art gallery, open to the public, and that the site's precious archeology is being respected.#rdg

[GHR Berkshire & North Hampshire News @GHRBerksHants]

Former @ReadingCouncil deputy leader Tony Page is working with the new owner of Reading prison advising him on connecting with the community. We spoke to Mr Page during a visit to the Victorian gaol last week:

[Matt Rodda @MattRodda]

Reading Gaol has been sold to the Ziran Education Foundation. You can hear me discussing the sale on
@BBCBerkshire👇

I am cautiously optimistic about the future of the gaol, and I would encourage the new owner to meet with the council to discuss their plans for the site. 1/2

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

Thanks to @estheraddley for her detailed coverage of the big #Rdg Gaol news in the @guardian today. ✍️ After the rollercoaster of the last few years, it is natural to be cautious, but there are also good reasons to be optimistic. 🤞🤞🤞

https://t.co/lFQRNJKwx3

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

***
'One of the many lessons that one learns in prison is, that things are what they are and will be what they will be.'
– Oscar Wilde ✍️

#Rdg #Berkshire #Rdguk #OscarWilde #DeProfundis #Heritage #LGBTQHistory #VictorianPrison #AbbeyRuins

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

The sale of Reading Gaol has been formally confirmed to the Ziran Education Foundation - a non-profit organisation. 

https://t.co/myFoy6J44m @RdgToday

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

'The Ziran Education Foundation will now engage with @ReadingCouncil on the use of the site as it will need to approve any development plans.'

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

Happy Christmas everyone!🎄🎁

[Walk Reading @walk_reading]

Inspired by @FourbearsBooks and @whatiwrote_ we've decided to offer a free walk on Christmas Day to people from #rdguk who might otherwise be alone. You do need to book but it is zero cost and starts at 10am. Everybody welcome!

https://t.co/XPj1bQNkW8

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

We are here, and we are ready to talk. 👋🗨

#notgivingup #rdguk #RDG #berkshire #thesuspenseiskillingus 4/4

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

The sale of Reading prison is expected to complete "in the autumn," the government said... And, as the last leaves dangle off the trees, the penny finally drops: they must have meant Autumn 2024... 🤔😜🍁 1/4

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

We now know that we are unlikely to get the arts & heritage centre we wanted, 🥺 but the #SaveReadingGaol campaigners & community groups still hope to work with the prospective buyer to achieve an outcome, at least partially, beneficial for the wider community. 3/4

[Matt Rodda @MattRodda]

It’s been ten years since the last prisoner left Reading Prison, and nothing has changed at the site.

Watch ITV Meridian’s report on ten years of Government-imposed limbo and wastage at Reading Gaol below👇

@SaveReadingGaol 1/3

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

13,000 and going strong!💪
#savereadinggaol

[Matt Rodda @MattRodda]

🔔PETITION TO SAVE READING GAOL REACHES 13,000 SUPPORTERS🔔

I’m delighted to announce that the petition to @SaveReadingGaol has reached 13,000 signatures. This huge support helps me to keep the pressure on the Government to change their approach to Reading Gaol. 1/4

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

Joined our Gaol March in the spring & heard the samba band? Then you'll know what a riot it can be! @southstreetarts Are offering a fantastic opportunity to play the sounds of Brazil 🇧🇷 tomorrow with @MrPaulGlover. (All ages over 6 welcome.) Check it out!
https://t.co/BN2RCBXI9L

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

Sincere thanks to @p_j_chappell for his eloquent article in @thetimes and to @thevicsoc for understanding the gravitas of the situation. The government @MoJGovUK is set to complete its sale to a private business person this autumn...🙈🌈🏛️#Rdg #Rdguk #Berkshire

[The Victorian Society @thevicsoc]

@thetimes has covered our call to the Government to ensure that the sale of Reading Gaol ensures public access to this important part of queer history. https://t.co/hNy6gi8G68
Thanks @p_j_chappell
📷‘Ballad of Reading Gaol’ by williamsdb is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

[Visit Reading @visitrdg]

This year’s #HODs in Reading will see 30+ free @heritageopenday events between 8-17 September. Find out more about #RdgUK’s amazing history with guided walks, open days, behind the scenes tours, talks, exhibitions and even some dressing up! https://t.co/4nHd2BgyC4 #VisitReading

[Matt Rodda @MattRodda]

Thanks to everyone who has signed the petition to save Reading Gaol. This issue affects the heart of Reading and needs your support.

The Gaol has an long history, from kings to poets and artists and it is at risk of being sold off to a property developer to build luxury flats.

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

Video kindly produced by Karen from @BlueMarblePics
https://t.co/Wk5QMQDzKL

#Rdg #ReadingPrison #ReadingAbbey #Rdguk #OscarWilde #Banksy #UKHeritage #SaveReadingGaol 4/4

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

EXACTLY 5 MONTHS SINCE THE EPIC READING GAOL MARCH AND...
...there are rumblings.👂
We have it on good authority that a sale has been agreed by the @MoJGovUK. 1/4

[Save Reading Gaol @SaveReadingGaol]

We are not yet in a position to validate these rumours, but we hope that our video's message resonates with the buyer: there is a weight of responsibility on your shoulders when you purchase a cornerstone of #Berkshire #heritage. 🧐🏛️3/4