Nestled quietly beside the car parks in front of the dome at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, the Reading FC Garden of Remembrance serves as a peaceful and meaningful place for fans to lay their loved ones to rest. For many loyal supporters of the club, this special garden provides a unique opportunity to remain connected to Reading FC long after their final whistle. It’s more than just a patch of greenery; it’s a tribute to the passion, love, and devotion that so many have shown for the Royals over the years.
The Garden of Remembrance was officially opened in April 2011 by then-Chairman Sir John Madejski, and since then, it has grown into a tranquil sanctuary where fans can reflect, remember, and feel the presence of those who have passed on. My own connection to this serene space is deeply personal, as my grandad, a lifelong Reading FC fan, has his ashes laid to rest there. Like many others, my grandad’s love for the club ran through his veins, and now, in this peaceful corner of the stadium grounds, he can forever remain close to the team he supported for so long.
A Place for Quiet Reflection and Connection
The Reading FC Garden of Remembrance is more than just a physical space—it’s an emotional link between the past, present, and future. It’s a place where families can visit to feel close to those they’ve lost, knowing their loved ones rest in a spot so intrinsically tied to their passion for football and Reading FC. For fans who have spent years, even decades, supporting the Royals, the garden offers a comforting notion that even in passing, they can remain a part of the club’s history.
When you walk into the garden, you can immediately sense the care and thoughtfulness that went into its design. The space was created with a simple yet beautiful aim: to give people somewhere to sit in quiet reflection and, for those associated with the club, to have their ashes scattered among fellow fans. Designed by STAR (Supporters’ Trust at Reading) and Pastoral Prayer Team member Dave Strawn, the garden feels welcoming and peaceful, offering a lovely environment for people to pause and reflect on the memories shared with their loved ones.
Dave Strawn played a pivotal role in overseeing the garden’s creation, ensuring it was a calming and respectful environment. With help from generous contributors, the garden is now home to beautiful benches, shrubs, and plants, giving visitors a comfortable place to sit and reflect on their personal connections to those who rest here. The garden is carefully maintained to uphold its tranquil atmosphere, and it’s clear that it was created with the deepest respect for Reading FC’s dedicated fan base.
A Personal Connection: My Grandad’s Resting Place
For me, the Reading FC Garden of Remembrance holds a special significance. My grandad, like many of the fans who now rest here, was a lifelong supporter of Reading FC, who passed one year before I was born, and sadly never got to meet him. My dad would recite that lived for matchdays, celebrating every goal and riding the emotional highs and lows that come with being a football fan. Every score prediction would be a 2-1 win to the Royals. When the idea of the Garden of Remembrance was introduced, it was immediately clear that this would be the perfect place for him to be laid to rest. It felt right that his ashes would be scattered at a place so closely connected to his passion.
Visiting the garden brings me a great sense of comfort. Knowing that my grandad is resting among so many fellow Reading supporters is deeply meaningful. For families like mine, this space serves as a reminder that those we’ve lost will always remain a part of the Royals family. The garden is a quiet and peaceful place to come and reflect—not just on the loved ones we’ve lost, but also on the love they had for the club. It’s a touching way for us to keep their memory alive.
A Community Space for Reflection and Remembrance
Since its opening in 2011, the Reading FC Garden of Remembrance has become an integral part of the club’s community. Fans and families come to visit the garden, not only to reflect on personal memories but also to feel a part of something larger—the extended Reading FC family. The garden allows fans, both past and present, to maintain a connection with the club and the place that holds so many fond memories.
One of the remarkable things about this garden is the way it brings together generations of Royals supporters. Whether it’s through shared family memories or the broader community of fans who have supported the club throughout the years, the garden serves as a unifying space for all. It’s not uncommon to see families sitting quietly on the benches, remembering their loved ones while taking in the peaceful surroundings. The shrubs, plants, and flowers offer a sense of life and continuity, even as we reflect on those who are no longer with us.
Arranging a Service of Committal
For those interested in having a loved one’s ashes laid to rest in the Garden of Remembrance, Reading FC offers the opportunity to arrange a short service of committal. These services can be a poignant way to say goodbye, and they are handled with the utmost respect and care. Reading FC’s Club Chaplain, Steve Prince, is available to help families through this process. Services can be arranged by contacting him directly on 0118 966 4474 or via email at sprince@brooksidechurch.org.uk.
Whether it’s a formal service or a quiet visit, the Garden of Remembrance offers a peaceful place for families to find solace. There’s something incredibly comforting about knowing that the people who meant so much to us in life can now rest in a place that meant so much to them.
A Lasting Legacy
The Reading FC Garden of Remembrance is more than just a physical space—it’s a symbol of the loyalty, passion, and love that so many fans have shown for the club over the years. It’s a beautiful way for fans to remain a part of Reading FC, even after they’ve passed away. For my grandad and the many others who now rest there, the garden serves as a lasting legacy of their unwavering support.
Each time I visit the garden, I’m reminded of how football brings people together—how it creates memories, bonds families, and unites communities. My grandad may no longer be with us in person, but through the garden, his love for Reading FC lives on. It’s a place where memories are cherished, and the spirit of the Royals continues.
For any Reading FC fan, knowing that the Garden of Remembrance is there is a comforting thought. It’s a space dedicated to the people who made the club what it is—the loyal supporters. Whether you’re visiting to remember a loved one or simply to reflect, the garden is a place of peace, connection, and lasting legacy.
If you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend taking the time to see this special part of the stadium grounds. It’s a touching reminder that Reading FC isn’t just a football club—it’s a community.
