The Reading Trades Union Council

The RTUC is the focal point of the trade union movement in Reading – and so much more. As well as local trade unions, the RTUC meets and organises with groups and individuals from the Reading area who are committed to supporting and improving the social, political and working conditions in the local community and workplaces. We also celebrate important local events – contemporary and historical – related to the Reading area which promote trade unionism, workers’ rights and community causes.

Monday, 21 September 2020

RTUC performs Community Service in Kintbury

The grave of William Winterbourne - buried as 'William Smith' - in St May's Churchyard, Kintbury, was looking weathered and illegible until 21 September 2020 when Teresa Hunter (a relative of William) and James Denny (RMT delegate and Equality Officer on RTUC) gave the gravestone an Autumn clean. James reports that 'The cursive script is almost impossible to discern but the main text with name and date are more readable now'.

Teresa Hunter and James Denny

See the RTUC Blog post for 11 January 2020 for the story of William Winterbourne - the reputed 'Captain' of the Berkshire 'Swing' Riots - executed on the walls of Reading Gaol in 1831.