Where?
Reading, in the Royal County of Berkshire. Located 40 miles to the west of London.

Why?
Because it is home to Foster Wheeler and Gibb (part of the Jacobs group), and allows a relatively easy commute to Camberley (for Fluor), Basingstoke (for Snamprogetti), Guilford (for BOC), Maidenhead (for Kvaerner) and of course London.

How to get there
By Road From the north and east, just head for London and follow the M25 till it meets the M4 and then head west. Alternatively, from the north west take the M40, then the A34 till it meets the M4 and head east. From the south head for Basingstoke, then the A33 to Reading.
By Air. Heathrow Airport is just along the M4 from Reading. A frequent (half hourly) coach service, known as the RailAir link joins Heathrow and Reading central train station. Unfortunately, Heathrow isn't served by the budget airlines, though all the major carriers use the airport.
By Rail. The station is in the heart of the town, and is served by Great Western, GNER, and Virgin Trains. You may have to travel via London if travelling from the north, which makes for more hassle and more expense.
Use the TrainLine website to or check on line.

What to know
The weather may be better than in many parts of the UK, but the traffic is bad, accommodation expensive and the pace of life is fast.
Thursday night is late night shopping in the town, consequently traffic is a bit heavier. The Oracle, Reading's new shopping complex, is worth a visit though. It offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Rented Accommodation is easy to get, though a minimum 6 month lease is common. The Evening Post and the weekly Reading Chronicle have details of accommodation to let.
Both Fosters and Gibbs have offices out of the town centre, so the train is not much of an option for commuting to these offices. Must Haves
The first thing you will need is a map showing Reading. An Ordanance Survey Landranger Map 0175 from Amazon is ideal.
Then you will need a town street map. Chose from either of these offered by Amazon; (click the link for more details)
Reading Map, or
A-Z Street Plan of Reading and Surroundings.

Must Do's
Eat all the pies! Sweeney Todds is both a pie shop and bar. A huge selection of pies available every night to eat in or take away. Excellent value.
Get out of town! Visit nearby Windsor Castle, Uffington White Horse, the Roman ruins at Silchester, or the megaliths at Avebury. And of course there is the New Forest, the South Coast and London all within easy reach.
Get on yer bike! Take your mountain bike and ride the Ridgeway to the north of the town, the South Downs Way to the south or in Bracknell Forest to the east.
Watch a football match. Reading FC play at one of the best and newest stadiums in the country, the Madejski Stadium, on the south side of the town.

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