Mike Cooper looks at the defence of Reading through history.
Members free. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start
For more information visit the website: https://www.goringgaphistory.org.uk/talks-programme.html
Date: Monday, 18 May 2026 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
Sandham Memorial Chapel, decorated by Stanley Spencer, is a jewel in the crown of heritage. Heather Walkling introduces attendees to this wonderful building.
Doors open at 7pm with refreshments (50p) served prior to the meeting. Meetings start at 7.30pm, and the building must be vacated by 9pm. There is parking at the school.
Members free, visitors £3. Membership is available on the night at a cost of £15 per year (from the September meeting this is £7.50).
Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 - 7:00pm
Organiser: Hungerford Historical Association
Dr David Peacck speaks on a subject close to his heart - the Tudor Cloth Industry in Berkshire.
Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Members free, visitors £5 on the door.
Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026 - 6:45pm to 9:30pm
Organiser: West Berkshire Heritage Forum
The West Berkshire Heritage Forum AGM will be held at the Old Bluecoat School, Chapel Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JG on 28th May - doors open from 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start. All welcome.
Date: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 - 7:00pm
Organiser: Hungerford Historical Association
AGM and Social
Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Members free, visitors £5 on the door.
Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Aldermaston History Group
John Surridge will talk on the making of cricket bats, an old Aldermaston industry.
Members free, Visitors £5. Annual membership subscription is £20.
For more information, visit the website: https://group.aldermastonhistory.uk/
Date: Monday, 21 September 2026 - 2:00pm
Organiser: Goring Gap Local History Society
Karen Wiles looks at the history of the WI.
Members free. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start
For more information visit the website: https://www.goringgaphistory.org.uk/talks-programme.html
Date: Monday, 28 September 2026 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
Huntley & Palmers is synonomous with Reading. Anne Garrison from the Museum of English Rural Life looks at the history of this famous factory.
Doors open at 7pm with refreshments (50p) served prior to the meeting. Meetings start at 7.30pm, and the building must be vacated by 9pm. There is parking at the school.
Members free, visitors £3. Membership is available on the night at a cost of £15 per year (from the September meeting this is £7.50).
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
Education played an important part in Thatcham, with one of the oldest buildings having been repurposed as a school. Sue Ellis explores the development of the British and National Schools, and education in general to the present day.
Doors open at 7pm with refreshments (50p) served prior to the meeting. Meetings start at 7.30pm, and the building must be vacated by 9pm. There is parking at the school.
Members free, visitors £3. Membership is available on the night at a cost of £15 per year (from the September meeting this is £7.50).
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Aldermaston History Group
Following the AGM, Dr Richard Marks will give a talk on Reading's Industrial development during the Victorian period.
Members free, Visitors £5. Annual membership subscription is £20.
For more information, visit the website: https://group.aldermastonhistory.uk/