Reading FC’s pre-season friendly against Birmingham City at Elm Park in 1969 saw them lose by two late goals from the opposition’s striker, Geoff Vowden.

A match report in the Reading Chronicle produced the headline: “All the promise but nothing to show” as the Royals apparently played ‘flowing football’ but did not capitalise on the many chances that they had created.

Chronicle reporter, Roger Ware, reminded readers that the next friendly against Portsmouth, would be a much tougher fixture, stating that:” If Reading put out a less experienced eleven it will be an uphill battle.”

An outbreak of coughing caused 142 horses to be withdrawn, from the total entry of 423, at the two-day Reading Horse Show 50 years ago.

Despite this serious setback, and a discouraging crowd attendance, organisers told the Chronicle that no financial loss for the event was expected.

It was the first time that Reading Rugby Club’s Ground at Holme Park, Sonning, had been used as the venue, but 1970’s show was already being brought forward to the end of June to avoid clashing with other attractions.

The 115-year-old railway bridge on Twyford’s Old Bath Road was set to be closed for nearly a month in 1969, so that British Rail could completely rebuild the structure.

In line with the Ministry of Transport’s “Bridgeguard Programme”, the new span would have an increased traffic load capacity, thereby replacing the traffic lights which had stopped two lorries heading over the bridge at the same time.

Committee members running the Woodcote Veteran Transport Rally were hoping for a bumper attendance at their sixth event 50 years ago.

Proceeds for the steam rally were well on the way to the £27,000 target and many veteran engines had already set off to get to the showground on time.

Amongst the engines making their slow progress was a 1915 Seldon two-ton truck, which had recently starred in the Vanessa Redgrave film “Isadora”.

To publicise the hit film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” the Odeon Cinema, Cheapside, invited the star of the film to attend its first screening.

Unfortunately, with no off-street parking available the film’s “fine four fendered friend”, had to park right outside. on a double yellow line.

This (as any driver in Reading would know) soon brought some unwanted attention from a local traffic warden, but thankfully no ticket was produced.

Reading was home to a rather unusual ‘rock star’ in the summer of ’69, and Geoffrey Tomline invited the Reading Chronicle to see his latest work.

His collection of 1,090 fossils, rocks and minerals was laid out in his workshop in Curzon Street, Reading, which he had been collecting since the 1930’s.

He told the Chronicle:” It all started when I picked up a pebble one day and it turned out to be a fossilised sea urchin.”