When I first came to the UK as a student in Glasgow, I never imagined that my professional journey would begin in Slough. There are hundreds of towns and cities across the country, yet I got my first job here. At first I thought it was just a coincidence. Later I realised there might be a reason.
Research often shows that Slough is one of the strongest towns in the UK for employment opportunities. Many high-paying jobs are based here, attracting professionals from across the region, and the town is home to Slough Trading Estate, one of the largest trading estates in Europe where many global companies have their offices and headquarters. Recently, several data centres have also been built here. So perhaps getting a job in Slough was not just luck. This town creates opportunities.
But Slough is more than a business town, what I discovered over time is its culture which often appears in simple everyday moments. During office breaks I walk to Salt Hill Park, walking there and feeling the breeze through the trees brings my energy back. Sometimes I go to Herschel Park, Upton Court Park or walk along the Jubilee River. People gather every Saturday at Upton Court Park for weekly running events. I had the opportunity to volunteer there and run. People come from different places just to take part. It feels less like an event and more like a community. Slough is the perfect place for someone who wants to get lost in nature while still being close to a town.
Sport and activity are also part of the town’s culture. Events such as Slough Olympica encourage people of all ages to take part in athletics and stay active. The town’s accessible sport facilities are welcoming to everyone. I, myself have enjoyed swimming at The Centre and ice skating at Slough Ice Arena.
I’ve had the chance to attend Slough Got Talent twice which celebrates local artists and performers. It reminds you that talent does not only exist in big cities. Sometimes it is right here in your own town. Community organisations also play an important role in Slough. For example, Viva Slough regularly organises events and job fairs. My company attended two of those fairs and we connected with many people from the community.
Slough is also a town that has quietly contributed many things to the world. The first Zebra Crossing in the world was implemented in Slough. Not to mention the Horlicks factory’s and Mars factory’s has strong economic links with the town. Even the invention of the Wheelie bin is also often associated with Slough. Slough has been home to many historic figures such as astronomer William Herschel and Charles Dickens. For a town that many people underestimate, this list is quite surprising.
What I appreciate most, however, is the culture of people here. Slough is very diverse, but more importantly it is welcoming. During Ramadan, two shopkeepers offered free food to me so that I could break my fast. At one point I lived in a shared house with people from Romania, Poland, Serbia and Pakistan, while I came from Bangladesh. We often shared food together. Irina from Romania sometimes cooked for everyone and introduced us to Romanian dishes. Moments like these create a culture that you cannot plan, it simply grows when people live together, and only possible in a town like Slough.
On weekends I sometimes go to Slough Library for personal study. The library has a rich collection, and I had the opportunity to read two of my most favourite books here – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the biography of Elon Musk. Other days I explore the town while jogging, sometimes running from Slough to Langley, Windsor, Datchet or Burnham and back. During one walk I came across the Montem Mound and later discovered that students from Eton College once held ceremonies there that even kings attended. It reminded me that Slough has many hidden stories.
For me, Slough is not just the place where I work. It is where I discovered parks, people, stories and cultures from many parts of the world. If you live here and stay curious, you begin to realise something important. Culture is not only found in museums or theatres. Sometimes it is in a shared meal, a Saturday run in the park, a local talent show, or a simple walk by the river. And in that sense, Slough already feels like a town of culture.
