Mods scooted along to the launch of a new exhibition and had a lorra, lorra laughs when they were greeted by a 1960s star.

Reading, Steady, Go!, an exhibition showing Reading through the eyes of a 1960s Mod, opened at Reading Museum in Blagrave Street last Thursday.

The show features a range of 1960s art, exhibits and more including Lambretta and Vespa scooters and one of the Rolling Stones’ guitars and was opened by Cilla Black who was at the height of her pop career during the decade.

The exhibition was the brainchild of second-generation Caversham Mod Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson who collected many of the exhibits from people living in the Reading area.

He said: “I came up with the idea four years ago and I came here three-and-a-half years ago and it’s just grown and grown from there.

“I interviewed a lot of Reading Mods because I wasn’t actually around at the time and spoke to them about their experiences.

“The exhibition is set out as if a Mod from the time is telling you about his life and that story is all accurate, based on facts and experiences.”

Former Blind Date host Cilla Black came to the event accompanied by pal, Reading FC boss Sir John Madejski.

She said: “It’s brought the memories flooding back.

“One of the first things I saw when I came in was a picture of me pre nose job – that was money well spent.

“One of the other things which stood out was the scooter. My brother had one, it was lovely.”

Sir John added: “It’s really wonderful to see all of this here. Reading was a real hive of activity at the time so it is great to see it being celebrated.”

The launch of the exhibition also featured music played by bands in the Concert Hall at the neighbouring Town Hall. The exhibition runs until October.

Visit www.readingmuseum.org.uk

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