Reading Heritage Open Days 2012

HERITAGE OPEN DAYSThursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012

2

0118 900 1624

[email protected]

Welcome to Heritage Open Days. This Jubilee year really has been one of celebration and community. People have been inspired to come together and commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the throne, as well as the London 2012 Games. It’s amazing to think these events will become part of our history – and in 60 years our descendants will be looking back at 2012 with nostalgia!

Reading’s heritage is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about people and this inspired our front cover picture, taken from Reading Museum’s archive and featuring factory workers at Huntley and Palmers. A dedicated gallery at the Museum tells the story of Reading’s world famous biscuit makers through oral history, photographs and historic film and features a beautiful display of almost 300 decorative biscuit tins.

If you visit the Museum over the Heritage Open Days weekend also look out for “Bikes, Balls & Biscuitmen – Our Sporting Life”. This exhibition celebrates Reading’s sporting communities, telling the story of sport in our town from grass roots to Olympic glory. Clubs, societies, schools, local personalities and unsung heroes are all represented.

There are plenty of new additions to our programme this year. Visitors can step inside the luxurious Malmaison hotel on Station Road and learn about the fascinating history of one of Britain’s oldest railway hotels. We also welcome Kevin Little, from The Smelly Alley Fish Company, who will give his unique view on Reading’s history at The George Hotel (thought to be the town centre’s oldest building).

Meanwhile, “Here’s Heritage – Reading’s Celebration of Nostalgia” on Market Place features retro inspired entertainment, free antique valuations and market stalls.

For full coverage of all Heritage Open Days events in Reading, make sure you read the Reading Chronicle and the Midweek Chronicle.

Finally, we’d like you to tell us about your favourite Heritage Open Days venue. This is your chance to win a year’s membership to the National Trust and the heritage venue with the most nominations will receive a special award. Check our Facebook page or the Reading Chronicle for further details.

facebook.com/readingheritageopendays @LivingRdgEvents

Travelling by bus? Check out the route numbers for each event. reading-buses.co.uk

livingreading.co.uk heritageopendays.org.uk

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012

Contents

Tow

n C

entr

eW

est

Nor

th

Eas

tSo

uth

Town CentreHeritage Crafts Fair Isle Knitting at John Lewis ............................12Freeform Crochet at Jacksons .............................12Pop-up Books at Waterstones ............................12 Vintage Patchwork at Cath Kidston .................12

The Forbury Hotel ....................................................13

St Mary’s Episcopal Church ..................................13

The Almshouses ..........................................................13

Abbey Quarter Tours ...............................................14

Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin ............14

Malmaison Reading ....................................................15

WaterstonesIn-store Exhibition ......................................................16The Time of Our Lives.............................................16Heritage Crafts – Make Your Own Pop-up Book .................................................................16Printing Press .................................................................16Book Launch and Signing ......................................16

Greyfriars Church .......................................................17

Industrial History Walk ............................................17

Kate Coxhead, Crows and Cossacks – An Evening with Kevin Little.................................17

St James’ Church .........................................................18

St Laurence’s Church ................................................18

Behind the Bookshelves ..........................................18

Rowberry Morris ........................................................18

Here’s Heritage – Reading’s Outdoor Celebration of Nostalgia ........................................19

RISC Roof Garden .....................................................19

Father Willis Organ Demonstrations ..............19

Bandstand Marathon .................................................19

NorthKing’s Meadow Swimming Baths Open Days ........................................................................4

Heritage Walk – Caversham ...................................5

SouthReading Christ Church ..............................................6

St Giles-in-Reading ........................................................6

Wind Turbine Tour .........................................................6

Reading Football Club Open Day ........................7

East The Museum of English Rural Life........................8

St Luke’s Church Open Day ...................................8

St Bartholomew’s Church Open Day ...............8

Historic Tree Walk .........................................................8

Royal Berkshire Hospital Medical Museum.....9

Watlington House .........................................................9

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church .....................9

WestBerkshire Family History Society .......................10

The Keep .........................................................................10

Reading Chronicle Archive Open Day ...........11

Berkshire Record Office .........................................11

Photographic acknowledgement

Our thanks to Reading Museum, Reading Borough Council, Reading Chronicle, MERL, OHOS and Ben Chapman

3

An opportunity to visit these 1902, Grade II Listed, semi-open air baths, special for their cast ironwork and Reading style brickwork. The tank of the bath is 120ft x 45ft and it ranges from 3ft 6" in depth to 7ft 6" in depth. It was last open for public swimming in 1976 and the King’s Meadow Campaign hopes to be granted permission to begin a community restoration project.

Fri – Sun 11am – 7pm

Napier Road, Reading, RG1 8BN

kingsmeadowbaths.org.uk

King’s Meadow Swimming Baths

Open Days

North

4 Heritage Open Days

Nor

th

King’s Meadow Swimming Baths

Open Days

5Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012

An hour long heritage walk, starting on Caversham Bridge, taking in sites of historical and cultural interest in Caversham. The walk ends at the beautiful Caversham Court Gardens. Shorter drop-in rolling tours, covering the history and ecology of Caversham Court Gardens, will run during the afternoon. Organised by the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens.

Fri & Sat Heritage Walk 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Booking essential; email [email protected] or call 0118 900 1624

Garden Tours 2.30pm – 4.30pm

caversham100yearson.org.uk fccg.org.uk

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Walk – Caversham

St Giles is one of the three medieval parish churches in Reading. The original St Giles was built in the 12th Century. In 1191, Pope Clement III gave St Giles Church to Reading Abbey and throughout the middle ages it enjoyed the right of sanctuary. The Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII and on 14 November 1539, the Abbot and a small group of supporters, which included a former vicar of St Giles, John Enyon, were executed for refusing to acknowledge the King as the Head of the Church in England. There is a memorial to John Enyon in St Giles. The interior of the church is in Gothic style, re-designed by JP St Aubyn and completed in 1872. Sat 10am – 5pm Sun 12 noon – 2pm

Southampton Street, Reading, RG1 2QP sgilesreading.org.uk

Learn everything there is to know about wind turbines : what they do, how they do it and what happens to the energy they produce. Green Park’s turbine expert will conduct the tour and you’ll then have an opportunity to quiz him.

Sat 11am

Booking essential; email [email protected] or call 0118 900 1624

South Oak Way, Reading, RG2 6UG greenpark.co.uk

Heritage Open Days6

SouthOne of architect Henry Woodyer’s finest churches, Christ Church, is a prominent feature of the Reading skyline with its spire rising to a height of 164 feet. The construction of the church began in 1861 and on 7 August 1862, the unfinished church was consecrated. It was not until 1875 that the south aisle, south chancel aisle and choir vestry were added, and the tower and spire completed. The Church is particularly notable for the carved chalk tracery of the chancel arch and for its Victorian stained-glass windows, including a very fine east window showing Christ in glory by Hardman & Co of Birmingham. The Church marks its 150th anniversary this year.

Sat 10am – 6pm

Christchurch Road, Reading, RG2 7AB

christchurchreading.org.uk

St Giles-in-Reading

Reading Christ Church

Wind Turbine Tour

Madejski Park & Ride, Green Park FastTrack

Sout

h

Reading Football Club Open Day

Heritage Open Days

St Giles-in-Reading

Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012 7

Nearest Sunday Services

Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Madejski Stadium, home to Premier League team, Reading FC. You’ll visit the players’ lounge and trophy room containing the Championship League winners’ trophy. You’ll also get to take a look at the changing rooms for the home and away teams, before stepping out of the tunnel and onto pitch-side.

Sun 10am, 11am, 12 noon & 1pm Booking essential; call 0118 968 1012

Madejski Stadium, Junction 11, M4, Reading, RG2 0FL

readingfc.co.uk

Heritage Open Days8

East The Museum of English Rural Life is joining forces with the Friends of the University of Reading to offer a heritage trail to include a behind the scenes tour of MERL’s fine Victorian home and a visit to the London Road campus to learn about the varied history of the original home of the University.

Refreshments will be available after the tour for a small charge. For full details of MERL’s opening times, visit their website..

Thurs – Sun 3pm – 4pm

Booking essential; call 0118 378 8660 or email [email protected]

Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX

reading.ac.uk/merl

Constructed in 1882, this Church is a fine example of work by Victorian architect JP St Aubyn. Look out for the notable reredos and font and windows by Charles Eamer Kempe & Co Ltd. Limited parking is available.

Sat 10am – 4pm

Corner of Erleigh Road & Donnington Road, Reading RG1 5LU

lukeandbart.org.uk

Join Reading Tree Wardens on a walk around Reading Old Cemetery. Known for its historic gatehouse, at what is now called Cemetery Junction (where King’s Road meets Wokingham Road). It was one of many cemeteries built by the Victorians in response to rapid population changes. Built on farm land outside the existing borough boundaries at a site called Hattons Platt, the cemetery has many trees including a weeping beech voted Reading’s Favourite Tree in 2011.

Sat 10.30am

Booking essential; email [email protected]

Cemetery Gate, Reading Old Cemetery, Cemetery Junction, Reading

St Luke’s Church Open Day

St Bartholomew’s was built in 1879, with later extensions, on a site presented by George Palmer.

Architects involved in its construction and furnishing include Waterhouse, Bodley and Comper. Notable features include a Comper ‘medallion’, windows by Comper and Bodley and a rood carved by Herr Zwink of Oberammergau. There are also Orthodox icons on display as the church is also used by the St Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Parking is limited.

Sat 10am – 4pm Corner of London Road & St Bartholomew’s Road, Reading, RG1 3QA

lukeandbart.org.uk

St Bartholomew’s Church Open Day

Historical Tree Walk

The Museum of

English Rural Life

East

Eas

t

Heritage Open Days

The Church of the Sacred Heart, previously known as the Church of St John the Evangelist, is a Grade II Listed building. The building is primarily faced in a coursed rough stone and dressed in limestone and red sandstone. The stained glass windows are worth seeing and also the columns inside. The Church is currently undergoing a programme of restoration work funded by English Heritage and the National Churches Trust. The work programme began in 2006 and continues today. The spire, now complete, is an impressive feature in the Reading skyline. Photographs depicting the history of the Church will be displayed. Refreshments will be served.

Sat & Sun 1pm – 5pm

Watlington Street, Reading, RG1 4EH

Watlington House is the oldest secular building in Reading with the earliest part of the building dating back to medieval times. Once home to Kendrick School, Watlington House was acquired by a group of Trustees in 1931 to provide accommodation for social and educational organisations, with the money from rents being used solely for the upkeep of the building. Guides will be present to answer any questions. Free on-site parking is available, but limited.

Fri & Sat 9am – 5pm

44 Watlington Street, Reading, RG1 4RJ

watlingtonhouse.org.uk

Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012 9

The Museum, based in the old laundry, houses a large collection of medical, surgical, dental, pharmaceutical and nursing equipment alongside an extensive collection of hospital memorabilia, including photographs and others archival material. Not suitable for children under 5. Maximum of 20 people at any one time.

Sat & Sun 2pm – 4.30pm

Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN

royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Royal Berkshire Hospital Medical Museum

Watlington HouseThe Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

West

Heritage Open Days10

Enjoy tracing your worldwide ancestors with the help of the Berkshire Family History Society.

The Society has a library containing 6000 items from all over the world, together with computers and internet access to millions of records, including subscriptions to Ancestry, Findmypast, the British Newspaper Archive and Origins websites.

Take a break from your heritage ramblings and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some delicious cake for a small donation to the Society. Free parking.

Thurs – Sat 10am to 4pm Sun 11am – 4pm

Yeomanry House, 131 Castle Hill, Reading, RG1 7TJ

berksfhs.org.uk

Berkshire Family History Society

The Keep was built in 1877 as the armoury and gatehouse for Brock Barracks, following the Cardwell Army reforms. It is one of the few nationally still in largely original condition. For the last thirty years it has housed Openhand Openspace’s Artists’ Studios. Come and see an exhibition of art, historic military artefacts from the Royal Berkshire Regiment and interpretive displays about Afghan Campaigns past and present.

Art and craft activities and an I-Spy trail will keep the younger visitors amused.

Thurs & Fri 12 noon – 4pm Sat & Sun 11am – 5pm

571 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1HL

ohos.org.uk

The Keep

Wes

tW

est

Heritage Open Days Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012 11

Reading Chronicle Archive Open Day

A rare opportunity to discover and explore the Reading Chronicle archives in a live and thriving newsroom. Take a peek at coverage of events and landmarks of historical interest.

Fri 10am – 4pm

Booking essential; email [email protected]

50/56 Portman Road, Reading, RG30 1BA

readingchronicle.co.uk

Berkshire Record Office

Explore your local history at the Berkshire Record Office, the archives of the Royal County of Berkshire and its people. Take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour to see the strongrooms, conservation studio and highlights from the collections. Tours last 30-45 minutes.

Sat 11am & 12 noon


9 Coley Avenue, Reading, RG1 6AF

berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk

Town CentreTry your hand at colour work techniques at this special heritage workshop to be held in the John Lewis haberdashery department. Participants will need to bring their own materials and a full list will be provided at the time of booking.

Thurs 5.30pm – 7.30pm Booking essential; email [email protected]

Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2BB

johnlewis.com/readingDue to restricted numbers, participants may only book one place per heritage craft session.

Fair Isle Knitting at John Lewis

Heritage Crafts jelly.org

Freeform Crochet at JacksonsTake crochet to another level and learn how to create graffiti and lettering. This is a drop-in activity. Participants will need to bring a crochet hook.

Fri 11am – 1pm

Jacksons Corner, Reading, RG1 3AS

jacksonsofreading.co.uk

Jelly is an energetic charity championing the creative arts. They will be leading a series of four heritage workshops inspired by crafts of yesteryear at four town centre venues:


Pop-up Books at WaterstonesHave fun creating your very own pop up book at this family drop-in workshop in the children’s book section. Children must be aged 3 and above and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sat 11am – 1pm

89a Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP waterstones.com

See page 16 for more heritage events at Waterstones.

All bus routes serve the town centre

Vintage Patchwork at Cath Kidston

Enjoy an afternoon of Vintage Patchwork at this special workshop. Participants will need to bring their own materials and a full list will be provided at the time of booking.

Sun 2pm – 4pm Booking essential; email [email protected]

96 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP cathkidston.co.uk Due to restricted numbers, participants may only book one place per heritage craft session.

NEW for 2012

Tow

n C

entr

e

This unusual late 18th Century chapel will be open for guided tours or, for those who prefer, guidance notes can be provided. To coincide with the 350th anniversary of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, there will be a special exhibition.

Thurs 10am – 2pm Fri 10am – 4pm Sat 9.30am – 4pm

Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7RD

St Mary’s Episcopal Church

Heritage Open Days Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012 13

An opportunity to visit the former home of Berkshire County Council, built in 1911. The original features have been retained and enhanced at this five star boutique hotel. In particular, the original lift shaft now houses a stunning Italian chandelier, with 86,000 individual glass beads.

Thurs & Sun 10am – 4pm Fri & Sat 10am – 6pm

26 The Forbury, Reading, RG1 3EJ

theforburyhotel.co.uk

A chance for you to wander through the main drive and communal areas, into the Holybrook Garden and view these Grade II Listed properties designed by architect William Henry Woodman, built in 1866.

Thurs 11am – 2pm

53 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SS

The Almshouses

The Forbury Hotel

Abbey Quarter Tours


Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin dates from c979 and is a Church of England place of worship. Look out for the doorway in the north wall which dates from Norman times and the south arcade from around 1200. Most of the church, including the famous chequerboard tower, was refaced in 1551, with the north aisle added in the 19th Century. The refurbishment of the internal decoration was completed in 2004 and external works are still being carried out.

Thurs & Fri 11am – 3pm Sat 10am – 4pm

St Mary’s Butts, Reading, RG1 2HX

readingminster.org.uk

Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin


Your chance to join a guided tour of Reading’s most significant historic area including behind the scenes access at the Museum and the Abbey Ruins. The tour will combine an introduction to the history of the site with an opportunity to find out about the ongoing conservation programme.

Thurs 11am – 12.15pm & 1pm – 2.15pm Fri 11am – 12.15pm & 1pm – 2.15pm Sat 10.30am – 11.45am, 11.30am – 12.45pm, 1pm – 2.15pm & 2pm – 3.15pm

Booking essential; call 0118 937 3400 Meeting point will be confirmed at time of booking.

You are advised to wear appropriate shoes due to the uneven terrain. No flip-flops or high heels will be allowed. Safety hard hats will be provided within the Ruins. Suitable for adults and older children.

readingmuseum.org.uk

Heritage Open DaysT

own

Cen

tre

15

Formerly known as ‘The Railway Hotel’ and built in 1844, it changed its name to ‘The Great Western Hotel’ in 1925. Designed by the world famous Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his team of architects, it is reported to be the oldest railway hotel in the world.

Its history has been varied. During the last war it was used by the Ministry of Supply, Churchill himself visited on his trip back from the Crimea having begun negotiations for the German unconditional surrender with Stalin and Roosevelt. Ethiopia’s emperor Haile Selassie stayed at the hotel for periods while his son was attending school in Woodcote.

The upper storeys were destroyed in a fire in May 1964, but the hotel was rebuilt. In 1972 the hotel closed its doors, many thought for the last time, as it was highlighted to be demolished. However due to its historical significance, the building became ‘protected’ as a Grade II Listed building, and was used as a postal sorting office, and then headquarters of Berkshire’s Area Health Authority. In 2007, following extensive refurbishment in keeping with the railway theme, it opened once again as a hotel, boasting 75 bedrooms, three meeting rooms, a bar and brasserie.

Visit the hotel during Heritage Open Days and you can enter a special competition to win dinner for two in the Brasserie. Entrants will need to register their details when they visit the hotel for a chance to win.

Thurs – Sat 12 noon – 7pm Sun 12 noon – 4pm

Great Western House, 18 -20 Station Road, Reading, RG1 1JX

malmaison.com

Malmaison Reading


NEW for 2012


Waterstones Waterstones will host two days of activities and events to celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days.

waterstones.com

Enjoy a small in-store exhibition of the Grade II Listed Broad Street Independent Chapel and admire the beautiful domed ceiling with cornice, a gallery, archway, lantern roof and stained glass window.

Fri & Sat 9am – 6pm

In-store Exhibition

Have fun creating your very own pop up book at this family drop-in workshop in the children’s book section. Children must be aged 3 and above and be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Sat 11am – 1pm

See page 12 for more heritage craft events.

Heritage Crafts – Make Your Own

Pop-up Book

Meet and chat to three local authors as they launch their latest books:

Adam Sowan Believing in Reading: Our Places of Worship

Geoff Sawers Broad Street Chapel and the Origins of Dissent in Reading – 2nd edition

Terry Allsop Newtown Reading: A Photographic Journey in Reading 1974

Sat 12.30pm

89a Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP

Book Launch and Signing

Peter Robinson, from Two Rivers Press and Reading University, will host an evening of readings from poets of all ages and walks of life, followed by book signings and refreshments. Tickets are free of charge, but should be obtained in advance at the store to avoid disappointment.

Fri 6.30pm

The Time of Our Lives

Print your own book illustration on a traditional printing press with Two Rivers Press. Participating children must be aged 5 and above and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets for this activity are £1 and will be available in-store on the day.

Sat from 12.30pm

Printing Press

Heritage Open DaysT

own

Cen

tre

17Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th September 2012

Built by Franciscans in 1311, the main elements of Greyfriars survive to this day as the most complete example of Franciscan architecture in Britain and the oldest still being used for worship. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, it became a poor hospital, workhouse and then a gaol in 1613 until 1844. It was restored by the Victorians and has been in use ever since, culminating in a refurbishment in the year 2000. A guide will be available to give a brief tour covering the history of the church and site and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Fri 12 noon – 4pm Sat 10.30am – 3.30pm Sun 2pm – 4pm

Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EH greyfriars.org.uk

A fascinating walk around Reading detailing where 19th and early 20th Century industry thrived. The walk is approximately 1½ miles and takes in areas of Newtown and Katesgrove. The walk begins in Town Hall Square at Queen Victoria’s statue and will be led by a member of the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group.

Fri & Sat 2pm – 3.30pm


biag.org.uk

It might not seem like it, but these are all Reading-centred topics. Kevin Little, owner of Reading’s Smelly Alley Fish Company will lead a lively talk on the history of the town’s buildings and intriguing tales of old characters of Reading.

What better place to host a heritage event than The George Hotel. The hotel is believed to be the oldest existing building in Reading town centre, dating back to at least 1423. It was one of the major coaching inns between London and the West Country in the 18th Century, and it still retains many of its wonderful, original coaching inn features, including Tudor archways and a very attractive cobbled stone courtyard. The main entrance from King Street still contains some of the original timbers, and 18th and 19th Century facades overlook the courtyard.

After Kevin’s talk there will be an opportunity to view some of the hotel’s guest registration books from the early 1900s.

Fri 7.30pm – 8.30pm


The Mercure George Hotel, 10 - 12 King Street, Reading, RG1 2HE

mercure.com thesmellyalleyfishcompany.co.uk

Kate Coxhead, Crows and Cossacks - An Evening with Kevin Little

Greyfriars Church Industrial History Walk

NEW for 2012



The Church is one of Pugin’s earliest, with extensions added in the 20th Century. Built in the Norman style it is a rarity among Pugin’s designs. Completed in 1840, it was among the first Catholic churches to be built in England after the Reformation and is sited over the ruins of Reading Abbey. Links will be made with the medieval history of Reading, especially the Abbey Ruins. Visitors will also be able to become familiar with the contents of a modern Catholic Church. There will be a display about the history of St James’ with guides on hand, and a quiz type worksheet designed with children in mind.

Sat 11am – 4pm Sun 2pm – 4pm

1 Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3HW

jameswilliam-reading.org.uk

St James’ Church

A behind the scenes tour of Central Library, including a look at rare books and other materials in the strongroom.

Unsuitable for under 14s.

Sat 11am – 12 noon

Booking essential; call 0118 901 5950

Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ

reading.gov.uk/visitors/libraries

Behind the Bookshelves

St Laurence’s Church

St Laurence’s Church is an ancient building rich in heritage and still in daily use. The Church was originally built in 1121 and was extended to its current size in 1196. Never actually part of the Abbey, which was the site of pilgrimage, the Church was built outside the Abbey Gate for the people of Reading. Past congregants include Jane Austen and Queen Elizabeth I, who attended so often, she was allotted a regular seat.

Sat 10am – 3pm

Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DA (access via Town Hall Square)

saintlaurencereading.com

Visit this 16th Century house which has been used as an inn (Castle Inn), a doctor’s residence and surgery. Once owned by a Reading Mayor, the building has been a solicitors’ practice since 1971. Original items retained include diamond chimneys, a coach and horse mounting block and shoe carvings on the beam timbers. You will have access to areas not normally open to the public during the working day.

Sat 9.15am – 4.30pm

17 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SB

rowberrymorris.co.uk

Rowberry Morris


Heritage Open DaysT

own

Cen

tre

RISC Roof Garden This small town centre roof forest garden was developed to demonstrate sustainability and our dependence on plants. All the plants in the garden are useful for food, clothing and medicine, and come from all over the world. There will be demonstrations of renewable energy, water harvesting and irrigation systems. The garden is accessed by an external staircase.

Sat & Sun 12 noon – 4pm

35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS risc.org.uk

Join the Berkshire Organists’ Association in the Concert Hall for a short introduction to the organ and its history, demonstrations and an opportunity to play the instrument. Suitable for all ages.

Sun 1pm – 2pm, 2pm – 3pm & 3pm – 4pm

The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH

berkshireorganists.org.uk

Here’s Heritage – Reading’s Outdoor Celebration of Nostalgia

Here’s Heritage will offer a charming and traditional fete with a variety of fun-filled activities including singing trio sensation ‘The Bombshells’ who will be performing hits from the 40s & 50s. Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and Jive dancing act ‘All Jazzed Up’ will also perform throughout the day. ‘Jelly’ will be hosting community art workshops for the whole family, while auctioneers ‘Jones & Jacob’ will be offering free antique valuations for treasures you may have up in the loft…! AND market stalls offering handmade crafts, textiles, authentic and reworked vintage clothing, jewellery and furniture, vintage hair styling by the lovely Kam Vintage Hair Artist, food, drink and more!

A lovely day out for the whole family in celebration of Reading’s Heritage Open Days and all-things-nostalgic.

Sat 11am – 5pm

Market Place, Reading (just off the east end of Broad Street) alexandravintage.com


Bandstand Marathon

19

NEW for 2012

Father Willis Organ Demonstrations

This special concert forms part of the national Bandstand Marathon. Enjoy performances from Trinity Concert Band (1pm – 2.30pm) and Salvation Army Reading Central Band (3pm – 4.30pm) from the beautifully restored Victorian Bandstand.

The Bandstand Marathon brings live music performance to bandstands and outdoor performance spaces across the UK, all at the same time on the same day.

Sun 1pm – 4.30pm

Forbury Gardens, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3EJ

reading.gov.uk/events

Produced by Reading UK CIC. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information was correct at time of going to print.

For full access information it is recommended that you contact venues before visiting.

livingreading.co.uk

Documents

Reading Heritage Open Days 2012