Three of the largest bookmakers in the UK, William Hill, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power all have Reading as the number 1 favourite to be bestowed with the honour of City Status as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2012.
Ladbrokes have given odds of 6-1, Paddy Power giving 8-1 and William Hill offering odds of 9-1 for Reading.
The odds cover most of the towns that will be entering and William Hill has the next town in line as Guildford at 10-1.
William Hill’s spokesman Joe Crilly said: “Reading looks as though it is in the driving seat to be given city status at the moment. However, there is still plenty of time for the other towns to make their case.”
Reading has not gone for an extravagant bid, it has interpreted the guidelines set out by the government in which they have specified that due to these tough economic times, no public funding or expensive fanfares would be acceptable and that is exactly what Reading has done.
But as the William Hill Spokesman said, the City Status process is just beginning. The bids will be submitted on Friday 27th May and from then onwards the Queen along with a panel of advisors will scrutinise every entry with a view of awarding ONE TOWN IN THE WHOLE OF THE UK this much fancied prize.
So why not register as a writer on the City of Reading (click here to register), and write articles that show Reading’s many positive sides and help Reading win this prize which is another step in this towns remarkable history.
Come on Middlesbrough is far superior and the north needs supporting a southern town got it last time!
Couldn’t agree with you more Pete, let the people of Reading stand up and be counted. We have a great chance to put our lively and every improving town on the map as the City of Reading. .
Come on people, get behind Reading’s bid! You know we’re better than the other towns going for this!