Station Ambassadors celebrate two years of welcoming visitors to Reading

19th July 2023

A team of dedicated volunteers have been welcoming people arriving in Reading since summer 2021 and this month, we celebrate the second anniversary of the project.

Based at Reading Station and managed by REDA (Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency), the Welcome Ambassadors greet visitors at a mobile visitor information stand by the ticket barriers and help them make the most of their visits to Reading.

The team of a dozen local volunteers are at the station every weekday morning whatever the weather and time of year to provide a friendly welcome to Reading. They provide information on things to do in Reading as well as practical help on how to reach their eventual destination in Reading. 

Alex Brannen of REDA, said: “This remarkable group of people give up their time every week to create a fantastic first impression of Reading to visitors. Whether here for work, leisure or other reasons, visitors make a b-line for the Welcome Ambassadors on the Information Stand with all sorts of queries. Our volunteer team have made a real difference to travellers’ experience of Reading with a smile, offers of help and lots of practical information.

“The team are a very friendly group who love chatting to people arriving in Reading and have a deeply-held pride in our town. We are always looking for new volunteers to join us, so if you feel equally passionate about Reading and can spare one morning a week, please do get in touch.”

Great Western Railway Reading Station Manager, Kevin King, said: “The REDA Welcome Ambassadors have done an incredible job over the last two years, creating a warm welcome to Reading for our customers as they leave the station and begin to explore all that the town has to offer.”

To get in touch about becoming a Reading Welcome Ambassador team, email alex.brannen@reading.gov.uk or call 07860 779166