Reading Cemetery Junction arch shut for safety reasons
A Grade II listed cemetery arch that inspired the name of a Ricky Gervais film has been closed to the public for safety reasons.Reading Borough Council said "significant defects" were identified at Cemetery Arch during planned conservation work.The arch, which inspired the name of Ricky Gervais' film Cemetery Junction, provides the only vehicular access to the cemetery ground.There is alternative pedestrian access via a side gate to the left of the arch.
The council said it was working on the possibility of opening another alternative entrance via the service gates on Wokingham Road, but it would require clearance work first.It added that there would be signs directing the public once it opened.
The defects found were on the front stone gable, and the arch was closed on Thursday.The council said its contractor, Cliveden Conservation, and structural engineers would now undertake more detailed inspections of the arch, and report back.The planned conservation work, which included a steam clean and repainting of the fates, has been put on hold. Micky Leng, Reading's lead councillor for planning and assets, said it was "not unusual" to find repairs were needed during restoration of historic buildings."Public safety will always our priority, so as a precaution the front entrance will be sealed off, pedestrian access will be available from the London Road and the gates to the rear of the cemetery will be opened in the near future," he said.
You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
SeaWorld announces death of youngest orca in heartbreaking health update
Staff have shared their heartache following the death of Kamea, they described her as 'playful and mischievous' and shared their many happy memories of watching her grow The youngest orca whale at a SeaWorld park in Texas has died, SeaWorld San Antonio announced. On Thursday, June 19, SeaWorld San Antonio shared the heartbreaking news that its youngest killer whale, Kamea, had died after contracting an illness. While wild orcas can live for 50-90 years, but those in captivity often live only 20-30 years. According to the park's website, Kamea was born at SeaWorld San Antonio and was the youngest member of her orca pod. She is survived by her mother, 33-year-old Takara, her sister, Sakari, 15, and two other males in the Texas park's pod Kamea was just 11-years-old at the time of her death and the park did not share the exact health condition. In a heartbreaking Facebook post on Thursday, June 19 SeaWorld wrote: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved orca, Kamea. Despite the round the clock tireless efforts of our animal care and veterinary teams, she succumbed to an illness surrounded by those who loved and cared for her deeply. "Kamea brought joy and inspiration to millions of guests over the years. Her playful spirit and unique personality touched the hearts of all who knew her. This is an incredibly difficult time for our SeaWorld family, especially those who worked closely with her. We are grateful for the support of our community as we remember and honor Kamea together." Devastated former staff members took to the comments to share their heartbreak. One trainer wrote: "Kamea was such a unique and spirited animal. Working along side her and her family was and always will be the highlight of my life. She taught everyone so much about her playful, sassy nature and she will always be remembered. My love goes out to the pod and the trainers who loved her dearly." Another ex-staff member wrote: "Sending love and comfort to the Orca team and my friends at SWSA I remember when Kamea was born and helping with calf watches. I have many happy memories of watching her grow and learn with her pod and trainers. Love and hugs, y'all." One Facebook user shared their memory of the show, saying: "She will be missed. Rest in peace Kamea... A few years ago I was sitting waiting for the Orca show to start and the females were swimming around in the show pool. Miss Kamea was being rather playful and mischievous splashing the employee by that side of the pool. Thankfully it was summer so cooling off the employee." The comments section was flooded with hundreds of messages from visitors expressing their condolences to the staff, one wrote: "I am so sorry to everyone at SeaWorld Texas. Kamea was such a sweet little girl. It's absolutely heartbreaking that she isn't with us anymore." Another said: "Oh this one really hurts to hear…. She was so sweet. Prayers go out to all of her care team during this difficult time."
NBC News
an hour ago
- NBC News
Bassist Carol Kaye says she's declining Rock Hall of Fame induction — permanently
NEW YORK — Carol Kaye, a prolific and revered bassist who played on thousands of songs in the 1960s including hits by the Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel and Barbra Streisand, told The Associated Press on Friday that she wants no part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 'I've declined the rrhof. Permanently,' the 90-year-old Kaye said in an email to the AP. She said she has sent a letter to the Hall saying the same thing. Her remarks come two days after a Facebook post — since deleted — in which she said 'NO I won't be there. I am declining the RRHOF awards show.' Kaye was set to be inducted in November in a class that also includes Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker and Cyndi Lauper. She said in her deleted post that she was 'turning it down because it wasn't something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits.' Kaye's credits include the bass lines on Simon & Garfunkel's 'Homeward Bound,' the Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' and the Monkees' 'I'm a Believer.' Along with drummer Hal Blaine and guitarist Tommy Tedesco, she was part of a core of heavily used studio musicians that Blaine later dubbed 'The Wrecking Crew.' Kaye hated the name, and suggested in her Facebook post that her association with it was part of the reason for declining induction. 'I was never a 'wrecker' at all,' she wrote, 'that's a terrible insulting name.' Kaye's inductee page Hall representatives had no immediate comment. Many artists have been inducted in their absence or after their death, and in 2006 the Sex Pistols became Hall of Famers despite rejecting their induction.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Patrick Walden dead aged 46: Babyshambles guitarist who also played for James Blunt dies as band pays tribute
STAR GONE Patrick Walden dead aged 46: Babyshambles guitarist who also played for James Blunt dies as band pays tribute Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden after he died aged 46. The devastating news was revealed by the band on their official Facebook page. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Patrick Walden has died aged 46 3 The Babyshambles guitarist was a popular figure 3 Patrick Walden And Pete Doherty performing in 2006 The post read: "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death. "We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. "Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam." Babyshambles was formed in 2004 and became the main vessel for Pete Doherty's poetic, chaotic rock when he was ousted from the Libertines. The band Babyshambles released their self-titled debut 7" in April 2004, and settled on the lineup of Doherty, guitarist Patrick Walden, bassist Drew McConnell, and drummer Gemma Clarke by that summer. Prior to joining Babyshambles, Walden belonged to a variety of London groups, among which were Fluid, the Six Cold Thousand, and The White Sport.
