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LifeSpring Stories

Who are the people of Oxford Road? An exhibition of photos and voices uncovering the hidden stories of the people who are the Life of Lifespring at the Pavilion.

Lifespring Church at The Pavilion has been recognised as one of the main hubs for community outreach in the Oxford Road since it moved here in 2013. While at its core a Christian organisation, its work within the area transcends religious systems and addresses the social and community needs for the Oxford Road and wider Reading area. Groups based at Lifespring cover addiction recovery, English classes – largely attended by refugees – through to social lunch clubs and support groups, like mother and toddler.

We introduce some of the people who come here, what the Oxford Road and Lifespring means to them and how they came to be here. We highlight the diverse communities meeting at Lifespring and tell the stories of the individuals who meet there, reflecting the essence, stories and emotions of the interviews.

Thank you to all the people we spoke to; for your time talking to our community research team, your trust in giving us your precious stories and your friendship. We are honoured by your generosity.

Lifespring Stories is part of the four-year High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project funded by Historic England, in partnership with Reading Borough Council. Its’ aim is to make our high streets more attractive, engaging and vibrant places for people to live, work and spend time.

It was commissioned by Reading Borough Council’s HSHAZ and produced by Baker Street Productions Ltd, working with researchers from the Human Geography Department of the University of Reading.

 

You can see the exhibition at Lifespring Church, 143-145 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UY

  • Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th September or:
  • 10am-2pm (while Café 12 is open)