From groundbreaking design and literature, to punk rock and climate science, the two decades between 1966 and 1986 were a period of creativity, innovation and cultural change at the University of Reading.
As part of our year-long edition of CONNECTED, celebrating our centenary, we are revisiting defining moments from across the decades. In this edition, we look back at 1966 to 1986 – a time when new halls of residence expanded student life, Typography became a world-leading discipline, Samuel Beckett’s legacy found a home at Reading, Europe’s weather forecasting expertise arrived in Berkshire, and the Sex Pistols brought the spirit of punk to campus.
We discover some of the people, places and events that helped shape the University during these transformative years and hear from Reading alumni who studied with us during this time.
Did you know?…
Did you know? In 1967, Sibly Hall opened in Earley as one of the University’s mixed halls. And Childs Hall, named after the University’s first Vice-Chancellor, William Macbride Childs, opened on Whiteknights Campus as a men’s hall of residence.
Today, Childs Hall provides modern self-catered, study-bedrooms. Although the original building was replaced in 2012, due to ageing infrastructure, Childs Hall still remains a central part of Whiteknights Campus.
Did you know? In 1968, Degrees in Typography and Graphic Communication were ratified, the popularity of these courses resulted in the opening of a full Typography and Graphic Communication Department in 1974.
Today, ‘design for reading’ continues to thrive in a department internationally renowned for its research and teaching excellence. Our graduates have gone on to design typefaces used for mobile phones throughout India, and in dictionaries and schoolbooks at Oxford University Press.
Did you know? In 1971, a signification exhibition on Samuel Beckett was held at Reading, led by Professor James Knowlson, Beckett’s friend and official biographer.
Today, the exhibition led to the establishment of the Beckett Collection here at the University, which is now the world’s largest collection of items relating to the Nobel Prize-winning playwright.
Did you know? In 1973, Wells Hall opened as another mixed off-campus residence in Upper Redlands Road.
Today, 15 halls of residence are located either on Whiteknights or within 15 minutes walk of the campus.
Did you know? In 1975, the Department of Typography was opened.
Today, the department is internationally renowned for both its research and teaching excellence. Our graduates have gone on to design the masthead of the Guardian newspaper and the iconic Penguin Clothbound Classics covers.
Hear from our alumni and students about how this department has shaped their careers and creativity:
Did you know? In 1975, The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) was founded at Shinfield Park, Reading. ECMWF’s purpose – then as now – was to pool Europe’s meteorological resources to produce accurate climate data and medium-range forecasts.
In 2025, work began on a new headquarters for the ECMWF. Today, based on the University’s Whiteknights campus, it is home to the largest cluster of weather and climate scientists in the world.
Find out more about the new ECMWF headquarters
Did you know? In 1976, the Sex Pistols played a gig in the University of Reading Art Department.
Today, music remains at the heart of student life at Reading, with bands such as Blur, MUD, Pink Floyd, The Smiths, Motorhead, The Who, and U2 all taking to the stage at the Students’ Union. And, some of our talented alumni in the music industry include Jamie Cullum, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, and members of the bands British Sea Power and Roxy Music.
Hear from alumnus who attended the Sex Pistols gig and Modern History Professor, Matthew Worley
Did you know? In 1985, our first Chevening Scholar, Qinfang Lu, arrived to study at Reading.
Today, there are over 44,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network and the University of Reading still has an intake of Chevening Scholars.
Read University of Reading Chevening Scholar, Vincent Amelie’s story
Alumni memories
It’s not just our campus that holds these stories. We also heard from alumni whose own University highlights span the years 1966-1986 – moments of music, friendship, love and lifelong connection.
Arriving at the University in 1973 sociology graduate, June Cox, holds a longstanding relationship with the University. She shared: “Reading University has woven through the tapestry of our lives since we arrived here. I came to study sociology, and my now husband, Andy, studied mechanical engineering. I was in Bridges Hall, an all-female hall and Andy was in the all-male Wells Hall.
“We met in March ‘74 and ended up married before graduation day. This meant all our friends, who were from all over the world, would still be around. Our best man was head of the University Boat Club in Caversham where we held our reception, and our photographer was a politics student from Portugal.
“Since then, we have had three children and all of them went to the University Playgroup. They spent their summers on the campus picnicking at the rocks with the neighbours’, also University graduates, children. They learned to ride their bikes and drive cars on the campus
“In 2011, our daughter celebrated her wedding at Wantage Hall and in 2014 we had a party at Park House to celebrate our 60th birthdays. When I retired, we began a walking group and have since walked the Whiteknights campus circuit, including the Harris Garden, every Tuesday morning.
Reading really has been the start, the heart and lungs of our family since we arrived.”
For politics graduate Godfrey Pirotta, there are too many memories to easily summarise, Godfrey shared: “I came to Reading as a 28-year-old lower working-class student from Malta and my finances were very tight. I had enough money to pay for two years rather than the three required to graduate – hence, my first step was to apply to be immediately transferred to the second year of the course and start from there.
“On my arrival, I was accommodated in Childs Hall and was very pleased that the residents came from different parts of the world. I had no difficulty integrating and many of the friends I made remain my friends today. In 1975, Margaret Thatcher decided to increase tuition fees for foreign students fourfold.
“The University and my tutors came to my support. Mrs Margaret Wood was the one who worked non-stop to help save my final year. The University not only waived the increase in fees but I received 50 pounds from the Chancellor’s fund, a monthly support from the Students’ Union. Students also supported me in different ways with clothes and food.
“Although I was older than most of the people on my floor in Childs Hall, it did not make a difference. I became one of them regardless of their nationality.
“To this day, I still have some of the letters and postcards from my fellow graduates.”
Joining the University in 1976 to study German, Ella Bendle shared her memories of her first year: “I had never before experienced such freedom – especially coming from an all-girls’ grammar school! I had a room in Bridges Hall and to my shame never suffered from home sickness. I met such a variety of people – some wonderful and wacky characters.
“The highlights were Saturday nights in the Union bar, watching live music, end-of-term dinners and Jantac. I studied German and ended up marrying a fellow student.
I have such fond memories of the small, friendly department – I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
For 1985 German and French graduate, Miriam Akhtar, the mid-80s was a ‘pretty trendy’ time to be at Reading. She recalled: “I and my fellow modern languages graduate, Derek Holmes, recently made a sentimental journey back to Whiteknights campus to mark the 40th anniversary of our graduation. We were at Reading in the early eighties when punk had given way to new wave.
I remember seeing Bob Geldof nursing a pint in the Students’ Union bar when he was better known for the Boomtown Rats than Band-Aid. Reading was a pretty trendy uni to be at.
“I discovered a love of theatre and performed in many plays in what is now the Wolfgang van Emden Theatre. Derek and I have remained friends and recently embarked on a pilgrimage walk across France to reflect on the next chapter in life after being in the workplace for forty years.”
Claire Alcock, 1986 English Literature graduate, shared: “I turned 20 in the summer of my second year at Reading. The birthday celebration was at Sweeney Todd’s, in Reading, along with many other Reading alumni friends. I had just met Chris Alcock, who also studied English Literature at Reading.
“40 years later (having been married 36 years), we were celebrating my 60th together at our home just around the corner from the University – where it all began. We love living right near the University. We’re both involved with the Chaplaincy and often walk on campus and eat at Park House.
“It seems the pull of the University is strong with us!”
Share your story
Do you have an achievement, interesting story, or memory that you’d like to share with us? If so, then we’d love to hear from you at alumni@reading.ac.uk.
The University also invites you to reflect on Reading’s journey so far through its Centenary Wall of Wishes – a chance to share your message and celebrate this momentous year.
You can submit your message via the Centenary Wall of Wishes form.
