DDL

In making plans to return to the UK early next year (after citizenship), it appears that Theale and surrounds works well for our needs (live in village, commute to work), especially jobs (hubby is in IT; I'm a Legal Secretary/Paralegal) and proximity to family. Looks like some good employers in Theale (such as Wolseley).

Can anyone tell me a bit more about Theale and the Reading area?

Thanks!

Miss Eck

Hi

Reading is nice. Just been a few times when I was based in Bristol. I used to do some work with Wolseley - seems like a good company. There are lots of big companies in Reading. It has a good shopping mall and also good commuting times to London if you want to do day trips etc.

This site should give you lots more info http://www.reading.gov.uk/communityandliving/

NedKelly

Reading is a complete dump.

woodyinoz

Maybe the town in place but there are some very nice villages around Theale included. Reading footie club is doing well and has some great games there if you like football. There is a nice park there for the kids - Beale park I think!

How far out of Theale will you be willing to look at? Newbury and South are where some of the nice villages are. Heaps of horse riding schools and ballet... ( I have girls)I drive through Reading once a week so if you want more info just shout.

woodyinoz

Forgot to mention - GREAT SHOPPING

DDL

Thank you for the info. We'd be willing to live a few miles outside of Theale. I've heard that Newbury's nice. And it certainly does look as though there's plenty of our kind of stuff (theatre, concerts, etc.) in Reading and surrounds.

DH's contacted an IT placement agency in Theale. They appear to be interested....

We soooo miss the UK!

mark213

I used to live in Burghfield RG7 3 - about 5 mile from Theale. Great place quiet and no traffic. Close to reading but far enough from the yobs. Was there for 10 years so if you need any more PM me. Newbury is cheaper and Thatcham is OK.... Pangbourne and that way expensive, and Calcot to Tilehurst starts to get a little - well run down!

Irish Guinness

the shopping is great at the Oracle complex in Reading ,visited there last year fantastic, as someone else said earlier, Pangbourne is lovely also Sonning, both very expensive. When and if you go there to live,take a drive out to a pub called The Playhatch, great food,also another called.... The Bull at Sonning,oh I am making myself home sick

Sandra

Oh bugger....as Irish Guinness said, I am making myself homesick again reading this thread, hearing about all the places I miss.

Reading itself doesn't have the best name, but that is not the whole picture. There are still some lovely places in and around Reading. It is expensive in places.....even compared to Sydney!

There are great schools in the area and loads of information on the net. IT companies abound and it is known as the Silicon valley of the UK. Oracle and loads of others are around Reading. The incomes in this area are better than other (regional) outside London centres.

I visit at least once a year, have recently researched jobs in the area. Visit loads of pubs too It isn't happening for me at the moment to get back but if you want any input on Reading let me know.

Go for it.

mark213

Bizarre one can get homesick over weird things. Mine last night was cycling on the back country lanes between Reading and Basingstoke around this time of year. May/June is lovely and around Silchester its just too quiet! And thats from me in Perth which is like a cemetary sometimes!

Still back to the view of the sea and beach and well it does beat Reading on some things!

woodyinoz

If you want any info on houses or info with regards Newbury give me a shout. I work at an estate agency there so know the area's to avoid and school zones to head for.

Good luck

GinaUK

I've lived in various parts of Reading since 1984! In the 1980s it was a dump but not anymore. It's become a great town.

Have to say though that I don't like Theale - but that's just a personal thing. We've lived in Caversham Park Village for the last (nearly) 13 years, and I can definitely recommend it. Especially if you have children! When it's warm you see large groups of kids play outside all day unsupervised, because this is a crime free area (possibly the only one in Reading).

Theale has a lot of ex-council housing and the people that come with that ....

Gina

fishfinger

We're heading back to the Wokingham area (hopefully!) and it is a great place with good schools.

NedKelly

Read all about it here:-

http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/

Drugs: http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/2...rug_underbelly

Vandalism:
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/2...r_park_vandals

Burglary:
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/2...ghs_residents_

Yobbery:
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/2...costly_repairs

Graffiti:
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/2..._graffiti_mess


Sounds like a great place.

fishfinger

It is a great place thanks and I can't wait to get back.

LOL - Haven't you got anything better to do?