THURSDAY 7th - SUNDAY 10th SEPTEMBER 2017 EXPLORING READING

13 Father Willis Organ Demonstrations 22 RISC Edible Roof Garden 30 Terry’s Reading Walkabouts Free talk and demonstration of the historic organ by members Small edible roof forest garden developed to demonstrate Visiting, recently moved here or lived here all your life, Terry’s of the Berkshire Organists’ Association, plus a chance to play sustainability and our dependence on plants. Demonstrations light-hearted easy walking guided tours will explain about the instrument. 1 hour sessions suitable for all ages. of renewable energy, water harvesting and irrigation systems. Reading’s beginning, rivers and canals, Abbey and industrial Regular tours of the garden offered. Reading Museum, Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH history, and much more. Suitable for adults & children over 5, 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS Saturday 11:00 & 12:00 covers 2 miles. A free quiz is available to children. Saturday & Sunday 12:00 - 16:00 readingmuseum.org.uk Meet Terry at Reading Railway Station, Station Hill, risc.org.uk Reading, RG1 1LZ From the Maiwand Lion to the After Dark Club. Thursday 10:00 14 23 Sonning: Architectural & Historical Walks “A walk on the dark side” Tours of the historical and once Episcopal riverside village to Booking required: 07505 351517/[email protected] A Reading Civic Society walk led by lecturer and local historian include many of its historic buildings. Opportunity to see the www.facebook.com/pg/terrysreadingwalkabouts Margaret Simons. The Maiwand Lion, Abbey ruins, Prison, baroque Rich Memorial and hear about buildings associated St Laurence’s Church, Town Hall, Soane Memorial and the former with the Rich and Palmer families. The Church of the Most Holy Trinity Corn Exchange to Reading’s best Georgian Street – London Street. St Andrew’s Churchyard, High Street, Sonning, Reading, RG4 6UP 31 Many unusual and beautiful furnishings including the famous Meet at The Maiwand Lion – Forbury Gardens Thursday, Friday, Sunday 14:00. Max 20 per tour. Meet inside the churchyard by Bull Inn. Pugin Screen and an altar set by Martin Travers from Nashdom Sunday 10:30 - 12:00. Max 18 people. Booking required: 0118 969 2132 /[email protected] Abbey plus a large collection of old elaborate vestments on Voluntary donations of £3 per head. Students free. display along with altarplate and a crypt/catacombs. sonning.org.uk Booking required: eventbrite.co.uk Oxford Road, opp. Russell Street, Reading 24 St James’s Church Thursday/Friday 12:00 - 15:00 (Tour 1330), 15 Green Park Wind Turbine Tour Pugin’s very first church design (1837) was built in the Saturday 11:00 - 15:00 (Tour 13:30), Sunday 11:30 - 12:30 Visit this landmark site, learn all about the turbine, what it is, what Norman-Romanesque style and among the first Catholic churches to be built in England after the Reformation. It is it does and how it works. This free tour is for young and old alike. sited over the ruins of Reading Abbey. There will be guides 32 The MERL Behind the Scenes Tour Reading, RG2 6GP on hand to answer questions about the church and two An exclusive opportunity to see and learn more about the Saturday & Sunday 10:00 illustrated talks (2pm Friday – Matilda, daughter of Henry I) grade listed building, designed by the Victorian architect (2pm Saturday – Reading Abbey and its monks). Booking required: 07792 158530/[email protected] Alfred Waterhouse and its collections. St. James Church, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3FD nrgreduced.com 6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX EXPLORING READING Friday 11:00 - 16:00 (talk 14:00), Saturday 11:00 - 16:00 Thursday/Friday: Tour 10:30 - 12:00 – behind the scenes in (talk 14:00), Sunday 12:30 - 16:00 th th 16 Greyfriars Church University archives store THURSDAY 7 – SUNDAY 10 jameswilliam-reading.org.uk Built in 1311, the main elements survive to this day as the most Sunday: Tour 10:30 - 12:00 – the re-development of the SEPTEMBER 2017 complete example of Franciscan architecture in Britain. The 25 St Laurence Church museum and St Andrew’s Hall church has also been a poor hospital, workhouse and gaol until in Originally built in 1121 outside the Abbey Gate, past Booking required: https://themerl-hod2017.eventbrite.co.uk 1863, it was restored as a church and has been in use ever since. congregants include Jane Austen and Queen Elizabeth I. Guided tour outlining its history and its current usage. A free Ancient features included high-beamed roofs, magnificent 33 The Rising Sun Arts Centre leaflet is also available for self-guiding. arches and ancient monuments. The church, which is now A Grade II listed building originally designed and built by 64 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EH solely committed to young people, has been uniquely and architect Alfred Waterhouse as a Temperance House. It is now creatively re-ordered. Friday 12:00 - 16:00, Saturday 10:30 - 15:30, Sunday 14.00 - 16.00 used as a vibrant and unique art centre with a passion for greyfriars.org.uk Town Hall Square (off Blagrave Street), Reading, RG1 1DA community and heritage. Cafe with homemade refreshments. Saturday 10:00 - 15:00 26-30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST 17 Historic Katesgrove Industries Tour stlreading.org Saturday 12:00 - 16:00 A Whitley Pump tour takes in the sites of some of 19th and 20th 26 St Mary the Virgin Church, Aldermaston risingsunartscentre.org century Reading industries and their employees. Your guide will The church dates back to about 1150 and is a surprise for all set the scene for a trip back in time. 34 The Sacred Heart of Jesus church who enter for the first time – “unarguably one of the most Meet RISC, London Street, Reading important painted churches in England.” Project St Mary’s is The Catholic church was originally known as the Anglican Friday 11:00. Ends 13:00. Max 12. renovating it for the use and enjoyment of future generations. Church of St John the Evangelist. The church was re-built between 1872-1874 in a French Gothic style. The stained- Booking required: eventbrite.co.uk Church Road, Aldermaston, RG7 4HR Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 (cream teas 14:00 - 16:00) glass windows are by A. L. Moore and also by Clayton and Bell. It is a grade II listed building. 18 Making Lace – Museum of English Rural Life awb.org.uk/st-mary-s-church-aldermaston.htm 61 Watlington Street, Reading, RG1 4RQ Celebrating National Lace-making Day, learn more about MERL’s lace-making collections, hear from experts and enjoy 27 St Peter’s Church Saturday/Sunday: 14:00 - 17:00 (music & play at 15:00 Sunday) demonstrations from the North Downs Lace-makers. Explore the parish church which dates back to 1162, with parafiawreading.net Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX additions in the later medieval period. Interesting variety Saturday 10:00 - 15:00 of stained glass by Warrington, Clayton & Bell, Powell and 35 Trooper Potts VC & Berkshire Yeomanry reading.ac.uk/themerl Comper. A guide will be on hand to provide information about Memorials the history of the church and the parish. The 2015 life size sculpture in bronze, of two wounded soldiers 19 Malmaison Hotel The Warren, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7AQ in Gallipoli, depicts the events during which Trooper Potts Join artists from local arts charity, jelly, to create a printed Saturday 10:00 - 18:00 rescued Trooper Andrews from certain death in 1915 and became postcard from the world’s oldest surviving railway hotel. the only man from Reading to be awarded the VC. A chidlren’s Completed in 1844 by Brunel, the hotel still celebrates its St Peter’s Conservation Area quiz sheet will be available. Members of the Memorial Trust will railway heritage. Free family drop-in activity. All ages welcome. 28 be on site to explain the memorial and answer questions. Why not book a delicious Heritage afternoon tea buffet for Architectural Tour only £14 per person? Join architectural historian Megan Aldrich for the walk. Opposite the Forbury Hotel, 26 The Forbury, Reading, RG1 3EJ 18-20 Station Road, Reading, RG1 1JX Guided tours of the beautiful riverside Caversham Court Friday 10:00 - 12:00, Saturday 14:00 - 16:00 Gardens and the 17th century summer house also available Saturday 12:00 - 17:00 pottsvctrust.org on Saturday (including sensory tours for visually or hearing Drop-in activity is free and no need to pre-book. impaired people). Charity-run Tea Kiosk open on site. Watlington House and Gardens Please pre-book for the Heritage Afternoon Tea: Church Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7AD 36 0118 956 2328 / [email protected] Explore a wonderful garden oasis or view some of the rooms Saturday 11:00 and 14:30 for Conservation Area tours. jelly.org.uk within the house dating back to 1688. Meet north side of Caversham Bridge. 44 Watlington Street, Reading, RG1 4RJ Reading Crown Court Open Day Garden Tours Saturday 11:00 - 16:00 20 Friday & Saurday 09:00 - 17:00 See behind the scenes and learn more about the criminal justice Conservation Area tours must be pre-booked. watlingtonhouse.org.uk system. Suitable for both adults and children. Sit as a juror in a Booking required: eventbrite.co.uk mock trial, understand how a judge decides on a sentence, tour the court cells, and find out more about the people and the work fccg.org.uk done at a crown court. The Old Shire Hall, The Forbury, Reading, RG1 3EH 29 SuperHome Open Day Saturday 10:00 - 14:00 A refurbished Victorian 1873 semi-detached property has been Getting Around fully insulated, fitted a new condensing boiler and wood stove, Reading Synagogue solar panels, low energy appliances and water saving devices. Travelling by bus? Happy 21 Visitors can expect to come away with plenty of ideas for A Grade II listed building and traditional synagogue in a Moorish greening their own properties. Full details including directions Exploring! style opened in 1900 and still in regular use. Check out the route number for each event will be provided when you register. Reading Hebrew Centre, 7 Goldsmid Road, Reading, RG1 7YB Eastern Avenue, Reading, RG1 5RY reading-buses.co.uk Sunday 11:00 - 14:00 Saturday: Tours 11:00, 12:00, 14:00 & 15:00. Max 8 per tour. rhc.org.uk Booking required: superhomes.org.uk Many of the venues are within Reading Town Centre and are in easy walking/cycling distance of each other. Facebook.com/readingheritageopendays @LivingRdgEvents livingreading.co.uk heritageopendays.org.uk readybike.co.uk www.readingonthames.org Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of going to print. For full access information it is recommended that you contact venues before visiting. 5 Behind the Bookshelves – Reading Central Library A chance to look at historic books, prints and maps in the strong room and the rolling stacks of Reading Central Library. The library’s oldest book is The Mathematical Jewel by

1 / John Blagrave (1585). 2 mile Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ 28 Saturday: Tour 11:00 - 12:00. Max 12 people. Booking required: 0118 9015 955 or in person 27 reading.gov.uk/libraries ST PETER’S ST PETER’S CHURCH CONSERVATION AREA ARCHITECTURAL TOUR 6 Berkshire Medical Heritage Museum A small but comprehensive museum devoted to the history of health care (medicine, nursing, dentistry and pharmacy) over the last 250 years, including much about the Royal Berkshire Hospital itself. A special display about medical care in WWI and the key part played by the many war hospitals in Reading. Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading RG1 5AN 4 miles Saturday & Sunday: 14:00 - 16:30 royalberkshire.nhs.uk

SONNING: ARCHITECTURAL 23 Berkshire Record Office & HISTORICAL WALKS 7 TERRY'S Visit the archives of the Royal County of Berkshire. READING 30 Take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the strongrooms WALKABOUT and conservation studio. The Berkshire Family History Society will also be providing a ‘Beginner’s Guide to Family History’ talk. 9 Coley Avenue, Reading, RG1 6AF 19 FROM THE Saturday: Tours 11:00 & 12:00 (Max 10 people); MAIWAND Talk 10:00 LION 13 3 14 Booking required: 0118 937 5132/[email protected] Heritage Open Days 2017 is a four-day 24 FATHER 35 berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk 16 WILLLIS celebration of Reading’s wonderful heritage. ORGAN DEMOS TROOPER 25 READING POTTS 8 Bibles, bags, beer and books Many magnificent venues will be opening 20 CROWN MEMORIAL ST LAURENCE COURT A Reading Civic Society walk of St Mary’s & Castle their doors. Enjoy the fantastic programme of CHURCH 12 Street Conservation Area led by Margaret Simons, free walks, talks, tours and special openings. 1 mile lecturer and local historian. From St Mary’s Chapel This year, the celebration also coincides with 9 31 5 EXTRA to the former British School in Southampton Street. the first Reading-on-Thames Festival and TWISTS Find out more about the history of the Butts area, Castle Hill. The Sun Inn, and Georgian buildings you the 50th anniversary of the establishment BROCK can see today. KEEP of Conservation Areas. 21 Meet at St. Marys Church, 14 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7RD Please check details online for each event before ST. MARYS 8 READING CHURCH Sunday 14:00 - 15:30. Max 18 people. travelling as many require advance booking. SYNAGOGUE Voluntary donations £3 per head. Students free. WATLINGTON heritageopendays.org.uk 1 HOUSE Booking required: eventbrite.co.uk BEATING THE 4 36 BOUNDS OF KATESGROVE 9 Brock Keep RISC EDIBLE THE CHURCH 22 ROOF OF THE The historic grade II listed Brock Keep was built 1 34 SACRED HEART 17 Castle Street – GARDEN in 1877 as the armoury and gatehouse of Brock Rowberry Morris & Co Barracks, home of the Royal Berkshire Regiment. HISTORIC In the 1980s the Keep found a new use as artist’s 16th-century house used as an inn, a doctor’s 17 KATESGROVE residence and surgery. Once owned by a studios. Learn more about its 100 years of military ST MARY Reading Mayor, it dates from 1785 and has history and 35 years of artists, Tours include heritage 26 THE VIRGIN BERKSHIRE 6 been used as a solicitor’s practice since 1971. MEDICAL and art exhibition on ground floor (accessible), plus HERITAGE MUSEUM Original diamond chimneys, coach and horse 11 artists’ studios on upper floors (no lift). mounting block, shoe carving on the Open Hand Open Space, 571 Oxford Road, Reading, beam timbers. 10 mile RG30 1HL 17 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SB THE 32 Friday - Sunday 11:00 - 17:00 7 MERL Saturday: 09:15 - 16:30 33 ohos.org.uk rowberrymorris.co.uk 18 1/2 mile 10 Christ Church Reading 2 A walk around Christchurch A magnificent Victorian Gothic church, designed SUPER 29 by Henry Woodyer and consecrated in 1862. It Conservation Area HOME commands a prominent position and its spire can Christchurch Conservation Area includes a terrace 1 mile be seen for many miles around. Children’s activities of properties from the first half of the 19th century (Saturday afternoon – inside/garden). The choir will where Joseph Huntley and William Poulter lived, be putting on an informal (and free!) concert at 3pm A Whitley Pump walk. on Sunday. Refreshments available all weekend. Meet at the top of the east side of Whitley Street Christchurch Road, Reading, RG2 7AR Saturday: Tour starts 11:00. Ends 12:30. CHRIST 10 Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 - 17:00 Max 12 people. Book at eventbrite.co.uk CHURCH christchurchreading.org.uk whitleypump.uk

WALK AROUND 3 CHRISTCHURCH 11 Abbey Quarter Tours CONSERVATION 2 Discover the history of your family GREEN PARK AREA Enjoy a gorgeous slice of home made cake with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee whilst Reading Museum’s project staff and expert volunteer guides bring to life 900 years WIND TURBINE of history in the Abbey Quarter and the ‘Reading Abbey Revealed’ project that will chatting to our dedicated team of genealogists to help you start or progress the discovery reopen the Abbey Ruins in Summer 2018. This tour will not be entering the ruins of 15 of the history for your family. From 1538 to 2017 or any date in between. Berkshire to Norfolk Reading Abbey due to the on-going conservation work, but will explore the Quarter or any other county/country. No need to have Berkshire ancestors. Free access to many and key points around the perimeter of the ruins. online subscription websites. Free Parking. Reading Museum, Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH 2 miles Research Centre, Yeomanry House, 131 Castle Hill, Reading, RG1 7TJ (RG1 6AF Sat Nav) 9 Friday / Saturday: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 & 13:00. Max 10 per tour. Meet at Museum reception. Thursday 10:00 - 16:00, Saturday 10:00 - 16:00, Sunday 11:00 - 16:00 Booking required: https://abbey-quarter-tours-hods2017.eventbright.com berksfhs.org.uk

4 Beating the bounds of Katesgrove Extra Twists @ the Turbine House This Whitley Pump led four mile walk will follow the boundary of Katesgrove ward, A quirky nook of Reading’s Victorian industrial heritage on the River Kennet. “All of a Twist” re-creating an old ceremony and take in some surprising corners of Reading. is a special exhibition on the science, technology and nature of twisty-turny stuff in, on, 12 above and beside Reading’s rivers. “Extra Twists” include demonstrations and hands-on Meet in front of the Great Expectations at the foot of London Street experience (check website for details). Sunday: Tour starts 11:00. Ends 14:30. Max 12 people. Turbine House, Riverside Museum by Bel and the Dragon, off Kenavon Drive, Reading RG1 3EQ Booking required: eventbrite.co.uk Thursday - Sunday 10:00 - 18:00 turbocharged.org.uk