Monthly Archives: January 2013

You’ve certainly had much more success from your Coley pages than anything coming into the St James pages! I remember the Spring Gardens band in Reading although I can’t recall in what context. The mention of Symonds Brewery always reminds … Continue reading →

I was interested to see the entry from Geoff Weller with the photo of the Coronation Day celebration showing 3 young musicians. My father played in Spring Gardens Band and knew George Watkins and his son Derek.

I have a photo of Rose and Herbert Lawrence (my grandparents) with Win (my mum) next to Rose, and Lily (mum’s sister) next to Herbert. This was probably taken around 1940. My mum and dad were living with mum’s parents … Continue reading →

I have attached a map of Coley, circa 1920’s. Bright St had the Holy Brook at one end and Simmonds Brewery Malt Houses at the Other.  Behind the Malt Houses, Simmonds had their stables,which were acessed from Fobney St by … Continue reading →

Hi John – I was born in 1943 at 26 Bright St ,Coley, as was my brother Tony(1935) and sisters Janet(1939) and Wendy(1941). I was at Coley School from about 1948 to 1954, and then went to Katesgrove for 2 … Continue reading →

Hello John, I had such excitement reading your website after seeing the article about Coley in GetReading last year. My mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandfather lived in Wolseley Street. My mother is aged 89, still fit and … Continue reading →