Hello and welcome to the website for the people who live or work in the Baker Street area of Reading in Berkshire.

The aims of the Baker Street Area Neighbourhood Association (BSANA) are to develop our sense of community and improve our local environment. You are invited to get involved or join our mailing list.

27 Aug 2019: Our September Newsletter is out. Click here to read it, or click here to see all our newsletters going back to 2012

22 May 2019: Click here to read the current version of the draft Russell Street / Castle Hill conservation area reappraisal. Please note that the draft has not been through a final edit.
The survey can be found at tinyurl.com/rsch2019.
If you have questions please contact us at heritagestreets@bsana.org

Thanks to all who have helped with past events. It all goes to making our neighbourhood a nicer and more friendly area to live in. We look forward to seeing you at future events.

	Monday, 9 September 2019 Give Blood in Reading Time: 10:00am – 5:15pm. Venue: Salvation Army, Anstey Road, RG1 7JR The Blood Service is running a double session at Salvation Army, Anstey Road in Reading, and needs your help. Timings are from 10.30am-1pm and from 2.15-5.15pm. You should contact the service by phone to book attendance on: 0300 123 23 23, or you can book via the website. Do help if you can – you could save someone’s life – please don’t leave it to someone else!
FEATURED EVENT
	Monday, 9 September 2019 Castle Neighbourhood Book Club Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Venue: Castle Tap, Castle Hill Join us for reading and discussing a book each month. This month’s book is the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” selection of short stories.
FEATURED EVENT
	Tuesday, 10 September 2019 Tuesday Café at the Oasis Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Stop by for a delicious cake and tea and a chat with your neighbours. Cakes from 50p. Always home made.
FEATURED EVENT
	Tuesday, 10 September 2019 BSANA Open Management Meeting Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Venue: Salvation Army, Anstey Road, RG1 7JR An open meeting to discuss the current situation and future plans for BSANA. You are welcome to come along. Tea / Coffee and biscuits will be provided
FEATURED EVENT
	Friday, 13 September 2019 BSANA Meetup Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along to the Oasis where there’s a cafe providing teas, coffees, lunch and snacks. Meet other local people and BSANA committee members. For BSANA residents, here’s your chance to directly discuss the issues that affect you. What’s happening? What do you want to happen? What is being done about the area? How can I participate? Remember BSANA is local residents coming together to make our area better for everyone.
	Friday, 13 September 2019 BSANA Chat & Games night Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along and have a chat, ask any questions, and help plan BSANA’s activities. Also games evening with a selection of board and card games (just for fun – no gambling).
	Saturday, 14 September 2019 Prospect parkrun Time: 9:00am – 11:00am. Venue: Prospect Park The parkrun is completely free. Just visit the website www.parkrun.com to register and print out your barcode. Arrive at least 10 minutes before 9 for your first event so you can hear the race briefing. (You can participate without a barcode, but your time won’t be recorded.) Come and meet us any Saturday. Talk to the friendly volunteers (in yellow Hi Vis parkrun tops). We also welcome volunteers to help with events. We look forward to seeing you at Prospect Park on a Saturday soon.
FEATURED EVENT
	Saturday, 14 September 2019 BSANA Summer Spruce Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm. Venue: Meet at the BSANA Noticeboard on Baker Street We are offering a free disposal service from 10am to 3pm. If you have anything you want to get rid of BSANA will pick it up and get rid of it for you – no charge. You can play a vital part in our neighbourhood’s success by: > Contacting us about rubbish for collection. > Volunteering to help with our rubbish collection service. > Working with us to tidy front gardens (even your own!). > Hoeing and gardening on the weekend. We can take mattresses, furniture, most electrical goods, metal. Sorry, we can’t take fridges / freezers, TV’s / monitors, household waste, excessive green waste. To arrange a collection, to volunteer, or for more information, contact: spruceup@bsana.org or text Sam on 07557 957 462.
FEATURED EVENT
	Sunday, 15 September 2019 Sunday Café at the Oasis Time: 12:00pm – 12:45pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street A new chance to meet your neighbours in a nice safe environment
	Tuesday, 17 September 2019 Tuesday Café at the Oasis Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Stop by for a delicious cake and tea and a chat with your neighbours. Cakes from 50p. Always home made.
FEATURED EVENT
	Tuesday, 17 September 2019 BSANA Play Streets Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Venue: Baker Street (Oasis to Anstey Road) We have reserved Baker Street from the Oasis to Anstey Road. There will be no cars. No vans. No traffic at all – as we have permission from Reading Borough Council to close off this section of the street. Bring your kids and have fun.
FEATURED EVENT
FEATURED EVENT
	Wednesday, 18 September 2019 Oxford Road Safer Neighbourhood Forum Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street The Oxford Road Safer Neighbourhood Forum is part of a force wide initiative that was established by Thames Valley Police in 2007 (originally called the NAG), that deals with key police and safety issues that have been identified by the community. Anyone is weclome to attend and, if you want, raise any policing or safety issues for the area (in our case those living on or near the Oxford Road in Reading – in Abbey and Battle wards). Representatives from Thames Valley Police normally attend and give a general update on policing in the area as well as addressing any specific concerns (without giving out confidential information on current operations).
FEATURED EVENT
FEATURED EVENT
	Friday, 20 September 2019 Heritage Open Day Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm. Venue: Outside the Oasis, Baker Street Hosted by Terry’s Reading Walkabouts HOD Bricks & Water (tale of 2 Conservation Areas & Clean Water)! NB this walk can also be booked via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bricks-and-water-a-tale-of-two-conservation-areas-and-clean-water-tickets-64253302357 There is a Maximum Limit of 20 people per each 2 dates (40 places in total available) This special walk ion support of HODs covers two Conservation Areas (CA) takes you to the west of the Inner Distribution Road and will cover the Georgian and Victorian development of Reading. It will be led by Richard Bennett (Chair Reading Civic Society) & myself. and will cover Russell Street/Castle Hill and the Downshire Square CAs and we will also go out along the Bath Road to the site of the former Bath Road Reservoir. We will explain how the area has developed since the early 1820s and tell you about the people who have lived here and influenced the area. As well as the important heritage and positive features of the area we will show you some of the negative features and the challenges the areas faces. Whilst there is no charge for these walks we do seek voluntary donations of a minimum of £5 per adult and £2 per child which will go to my charities for this year.:- 1st is Age UK Berkshire is an independent local charity part of the Age UK Brand. They provide integrated health and wellbeing services for older people across Berkshire. They believe that everyone can love later life – They do this by inspiring, supporting and enabling in a number of ways. See – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/berkshire/about-us/ 2nd is How Action for Children – it works from before they are born until they are into their twenties, They help disadvantaged children across the UK, by help them through fostering or adoption – and by intervening early to stop neglect and abuse. They make life better for children with disabilities. They influence policy and advocate for change. There 7,000 staff and volunteers operate over 522 services, improving the lives of 301,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers every year. They succeed by doing what’s right, doing what’s needed, and doing what works for children see – https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/
FEATURED EVENT
	Friday, 20 September 2019 BSANA Meetup Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along to the Oasis where there’s a cafe providing teas, coffees, lunch and snacks. Meet other local people and BSANA committee members. For BSANA residents, here’s your chance to directly discuss the issues that affect you. What’s happening? What do you want to happen? What is being done about the area? How can I participate? Remember BSANA is local residents coming together to make our area better for everyone.
	Friday, 20 September 2019 BSANA Chat & Games night Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along and have a chat, ask any questions, and help plan BSANA’s activities. Also games evening with a selection of board and card games (just for fun – no gambling).
	Saturday, 21 September 2019 Prospect parkrun Time: 9:00am – 11:00am. Venue: Prospect Park The parkrun is completely free. Just visit the website www.parkrun.com to register and print out your barcode. Arrive at least 10 minutes before 9 for your first event so you can hear the race briefing. (You can participate without a barcode, but your time won’t be recorded.) Come and meet us any Saturday. Talk to the friendly volunteers (in yellow Hi Vis parkrun tops). We also welcome volunteers to help with events. We look forward to seeing you at Prospect Park on a Saturday soon.
FEATURED EVENT
	Sunday, 22 September 2019 Heritage Open Day Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm. Venue: Outside the Oasis, Baker Street Hosted by Terry’s Reading Walkabouts HOD Bricks & Water (tale of 2 Conservation Areas & Clean Water)! NB this walk can also be booked via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bricks-and-water-a-tale-of-two-conservation-areas-and-clean-water-tickets-64253302357 There is a Maximum Limit of 20 people per each 2 dates (40 places in total available) This special walk ion support of HODs covers two Conservation Areas (CA) takes you to the west of the Inner Distribution Road and will cover the Georgian and Victorian development of Reading. It will be led by Richard Bennett (Chair Reading Civic Society) & myself. and will cover Russell Street/Castle Hill and the Downshire Square CAs and we will also go out along the Bath Road to the site of the former Bath Road Reservoir. We will explain how the area has developed since the early 1820s and tell you about the people who have lived here and influenced the area. As well as the important heritage and positive features of the area we will show you some of the negative features and the challenges the areas faces. Whilst there is no charge for these walks we do seek voluntary donations of a minimum of £5 per adult and £2 per child which will go to my charities for this year.:- 1st is Age UK Berkshire is an independent local charity part of the Age UK Brand. They provide integrated health and wellbeing services for older people across Berkshire. They believe that everyone can love later life – They do this by inspiring, supporting and enabling in a number of ways. See – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/berkshire/about-us/ 2nd is How Action for Children – it works from before they are born until they are into their twenties, They help disadvantaged children across the UK, by help them through fostering or adoption – and by intervening early to stop neglect and abuse. They make life better for children with disabilities. They influence policy and advocate for change. There 7,000 staff and volunteers operate over 522 services, improving the lives of 301,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers every year. They succeed by doing what’s right, doing what’s needed, and doing what works for children see – https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/
FEATURED EVENT
	Sunday, 22 September 2019 Sunday Café at the Oasis Time: 12:00pm – 12:45pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street A new chance to meet your neighbours in a nice safe environment
	Monday, 23 September 2019 Give Blood in Reading Time: 10:00am – 5:15pm. Venue: Salvation Army, Anstey Road, RG1 7JR The Blood Service is running a double session at Salvation Army, Anstey Road in Reading, and needs your help. Timings are from 10.30am-1pm and from 2.15-5.15pm. You should contact the service by phone to book attendance on: 0300 123 23 23, or you can book via the website. Do help if you can – you could save someone’s life – please don’t leave it to someone else!
	Tuesday, 24 September 2019 Tuesday Café at the Oasis Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Stop by for a delicious cake and tea and a chat with your neighbours. Cakes from 50p. Always home made.
FEATURED EVENT
	Thursday, 26 September 2019 BSANA Trip Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm. Venue: Meet at the BSANA Noticeboard on Baker Street CANCELLED Blake’s Lock Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock This small branch site tells the story of Reading’s two rivers – the Kennet and the Thames – the Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House. It is open every day from April to September, from 10am to 6pm. The Screen House displays our beautiful gypsy caravan built by Reading firm Dunton and Sons to the ‘Ledge’ design, and a video about gypsy life. You can also see a variety of objects illustrating life by the river, from stuffed fish to regatta tickets, including a medieval wooden wheel from St Giles Mill found during archaeological excavations at the site of The Oracle shopping centre. The Turbine House is a unique Victorian building that spans the River Kennet, with views across the water. It houses preserved turbine machinery and since 2003 has been hosting a programme of summertime art exhibitions and events by the local cultural community.
FEATURED EVENT
	Friday, 27 September 2019 BSANA Meetup Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along to the Oasis where there’s a cafe providing teas, coffees, lunch and snacks. Meet other local people and BSANA committee members. For BSANA residents, here’s your chance to directly discuss the issues that affect you. What’s happening? What do you want to happen? What is being done about the area? How can I participate? Remember BSANA is local residents coming together to make our area better for everyone.
	Friday, 27 September 2019 BSANA Chat & Games night Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along and have a chat, ask any questions, and help plan BSANA’s activities. Also games evening with a selection of board and card games (just for fun – no gambling).
	Saturday, 28 September 2019 Prospect parkrun Time: 9:00am – 11:00am. Venue: Prospect Park The parkrun is completely free. Just visit the website www.parkrun.com to register and print out your barcode. Arrive at least 10 minutes before 9 for your first event so you can hear the race briefing. (You can participate without a barcode, but your time won’t be recorded.) Come and meet us any Saturday. Talk to the friendly volunteers (in yellow Hi Vis parkrun tops). We also welcome volunteers to help with events. We look forward to seeing you at Prospect Park on a Saturday soon.
FEATURED EVENT
	Saturday, 28 September 2019 Artisan Community Food Fair Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Eat Local – Love Local Celebrate great food from local producers. * Delicious Jams * * Vegan Goodies * Organic Teas* * Sourdough Bread & more *
FEATURED EVENT
	Sunday, 29 September 2019 Sunday Café at the Oasis Time: 12:00pm – 12:45pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street A new chance to meet your neighbours in a nice safe environment
	Tuesday, 1 October 2019 Tuesday Café at the Oasis Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Stop by for a delicious cake and tea and a chat with your neighbours. Cakes from 50p. Always home made.
FEATURED EVENT
	Tuesday, 1 October 2019 BSANA Play Streets Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Venue: Baker Street (Oasis to Anstey Road) We have reserved Baker Street from the Oasis to Anstey Road. There will be no cars. No vans. No traffic at all – as we have permission from Reading Borough Council to close off this section of the street. Bring your kids and have fun.
FEATURED EVENT
	Friday, 4 October 2019 BSANA Meetup Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along to the Oasis where there’s a cafe providing teas, coffees, lunch and snacks. Meet other local people and BSANA committee members. For BSANA residents, here’s your chance to directly discuss the issues that affect you. What’s happening? What do you want to happen? What is being done about the area? How can I participate? Remember BSANA is local residents coming together to make our area better for everyone.
	Friday, 4 October 2019 BSANA Chat & Games night Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Come along and have a chat, ask any questions, and help plan BSANA’s activities. Also games evening with a selection of board and card games (just for fun – no gambling).
	Saturday, 5 October 2019 Prospect parkrun Time: 9:00am – 11:00am. Venue: Prospect Park The parkrun is completely free. Just visit the website www.parkrun.com to register and print out your barcode. Arrive at least 10 minutes before 9 for your first event so you can hear the race briefing. (You can participate without a barcode, but your time won’t be recorded.) Come and meet us any Saturday. Talk to the friendly volunteers (in yellow Hi Vis parkrun tops). We also welcome volunteers to help with events. We look forward to seeing you at Prospect Park on a Saturday soon.
	Sunday, 6 October 2019 Sunday Café at the Oasis Time: 12:00pm – 12:45pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street A new chance to meet your neighbours in a nice safe environment
	Tuesday, 8 October 2019 Tuesday Café at the Oasis Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Venue: The Oasis, Baker Street Stop by for a delicious cake and tea and a chat with your neighbours. Cakes from 50p. Always home made.
FEATURED EVENT
	Tuesday, 8 October 2019 BSANA Talks Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Venue: Salvation Army, Anstey Road, RG1 7JR A regular talk open to everyone on a local topic.
FEATURED EVENT