The family Freebody lived in the house on the banks of the river.
They also owned the boatyard. The Lido provided many happy hours of enjoyment, swimming and diving. There was a lot of “showing off” outdoing one another, leaping from the spectacular high board. People, going about their daily business, stopped on the bridge for a minute or two, to gaze at the antics, which encouraged the divers more! The river was very deep at this spot. Small boats were hired out and boat building took place in a corrugated shed, just beyond the diving boards. The area became very crowded in the hot summer months and many families spent the whole day there.
Across the river from Freebody’s Lido is Pipers Island, and Fry’s Island. Cawston’s Boatyard and Lido, another great paradise for swimming and diving.
OUTCOME:The house was demolished and the diving stage taken down. There became certain health risks attached to swimming in the river. It was a sad day when those carefree hot summer days became only part of a dream.
Riverside apartments have been built on the site that was once part of Reading’s 20’s-70’s history. There is Pipers Island opposite the apartments, where good food and drink are available. Note: Pipers Island now has a refurbished restaurant /bar
