#flashmob1121 - Capture Reading project

Here is my picture - very domestic - putting away wet shopping.  It was taken on my phone as I was in the middle of things:

I am chair of the Arts Forum this year and recently got an email about an interesting project taking place tomorrow.  I am going to join in, probably on Twitter initially (using #flashmob1121).  Here is the email from Suzanne Stallard of Jelly:
“On the Third Thursday of August, (18.08) as many people as possible who work, live and play in Reading are being invited to take a photo of whatever they are doing or wherever they are in Reading at 11.21am.
 

This digital, art and heritage event aims to capture images of Reading and Reading people. Using any photographic medium from mobile phone, webcam to digital camera, record what you are doing and upload them to the online site at http://www.flickr.com/groups/capturereading/. We are delighted to also be working in partnership with http://www.historypin.com/reading/ who would like to add any images captured on the day to their project.

Historypin is a way for the world to share their history. People can add photos, videos, audio files and stories to this global communal archive, helping to build up the story of human history. Historypin.com is the main hub of the project, plus there is a free app so people can use their phones to see all the content and interact with the history around them.

Why 11.21?

Reading Abbey was founded in 1121 by the youngest son of William the Conqueror, Henry I, who intended it to be his memorial and burial place. As a Royal foundation it was richly endowed with lands and privileges and drew the focus of the town away from St Mary’s Butts. Many nationally significant events took place at the Abbey, including meetings of parliament and royal visits. Its important relics, particularly the hand of Saint James, attracted pilgrims to the site. The presence of the Abbey was a major economic stimulus to the town which serviced the visitors and the pilgrims, benefited from the fairs, and supplied the Abbey itself with goods and services.

Why 18.08?

18.08 is The Third Thursday in August and is an opportunity for the people of Reading to be involved. The Third Thursday is a monthly event showcasing the creative talent of Reading and includes visual, literary, music and performing arts in non-traditional arts venues. The year 1808 was the year The Reading Society for Promoting the Observance of the Sabbath, and the Suppression of Vice and Immorality was founded at a meeting in the Crown Inn.  This was the society, which campaigned to close the Reading Theatre in Friar Street.”