Queen Opens Revamped Reading Station This past Thursday, - TopicsExpress

Queen Opens Revamped Reading Station This past Thursday, Queen Elizabeth officially opened the newly improved Reading Station. It has undergone a £897m upgrade with five new platforms, two entrances, a new link bridge and retail outlets. This is the Queen’s second Reading Station unveiling, after first visiting in April 1989 to officially unveil a £20m redevelopment (1). The Queen arrived at the station, which remained open during her visit, on a scheduled First Great Western train from Paddington station in London. She met staff who have been involved in the project, unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion, and also named the engineering train set to electrify the railway from London to Swansea. The Queen was met by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, the Hon Mary Bayliss, spoke to dignitaries including transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by children. GetReading made a Royal “To-Do” list (2) with recommended activities for her Majesty whilst spending time in Reading: 1) See a Reading Fringe Festival show The Reading Fringe Festival is running from today until Saturday and theres plenty for Her Majesty to pick from on Thursday. If hard-hitting drama is her cup of tea she might like Getting Over Steven by Forth Write Theatre or At the Edge of the World by Quite Nice Theatre. Or if she prefers to tickle her royal funny bone theres comedy offerings from RG1 C0M3DY at Milk in the evening. Reading Fringe Festival returns with stellar line-up of talent 2) See some open air Shakespeare What could be lovelier than one spending an evening by the banks of the River Thames watching Shakespeare? If The Queen fancies sticking around until tomorrow evening she can enjoy Progress Theatres Loves Labours Lost...And Won at Caversham Court Gardens. Progress Theatres outdoor Shakespeare is a summer highlight in Reading and her Majesty will be in for a treat with this years hilarious production. Review: Loves Labours Lost...And Won For a video on the Queen’s visit: getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/gallery-two-queen-visits-reading-7446495 1: bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-28334188 2: getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/what-should-queen-visits-reading-7435283