Trooper Potts VC

Three members of the Trooper Potts VC Memorial Trust - Richard Bennett, Brig Tony Verey and Capt Andrew French, gave a presentation to explain why Fred Potts VC, from Reading, became known as ‘The Hero with the Shovel’ for his deeds on the battlefield of Gallipoli in August 1915

The Bull Hotel at Wargrave

The subject of the Society’s January meeting was The Bull Hotel at Wargrave, when the present landlady, Jayne Worrall recounted its history, in what she called ‘an informal chat’ about her ‘three lives’ at the Bull. The Bull is around 600 years old, having started as a 15th century coaching inn - somewhere where travellers could obtain refreshment, and the horses could also take a rest

Christmas Party - Message on a Postcard

December is the time for the society Christmas Party, when the society secretary showed some postcards from the society archive - this time looking as much at the messages as the pictures - and revealing who the mystery recipient of many of them was

The Last Horse Dealers in Reading: Oliver Dixon

The history of horse dealers in Reading in the 19th and early 20th century, including the Irishman, Oliver Dixon

Henley: the Victorian and Edwardian Town

Henley modernised rapidly in Victorian and Edwardian times. The population grew, new suburbs developed and town life became more liberal. The streets were improved, its centre was relocated and a modern drainage system was installed. What brought this about, who were the agents of change, and how did the town react?

The Mill at Sonning Theatre

The present mill at Sonning dates from the 18th Century but it ceased milling flour in 1969. Tim and Eileen Richards transformed it into a theatre, which opened in 1982. Sally Hughes, their daughter, now runs it. She explained how, with its popular theatre/dining format, The Mill welcomes returning audiences and has won awards

Visit to Hall Place, Burchetts Green

August is a month when the Society does not have a formal meeting, but on one of the hottest days of 2025 a group of members had an informal visit to Hall Place, at Burchetts Green

Visit to Tilford Rural Life Museum

Members of Wargrave Local History Society made a visit to the Rural Life Museum at Tilford (just
south of Farnham) in Surrey

The History of Marlow 1651–1803: War to War

After the turbulence of the Civil War, Marlow’s fortunes and development stepped up apace as the Georgian building boom and major new industries transformed the town. Several larger than life individuals arrived from all directions to make their mark

Reading Library photograph collection

Reading Library holds over 20,000 photographs of the Berkshire area. Katie Amos showed us how to access them and showcased a selection of the images, including some of Wargrave and the 80th anniversary of VE Day

Suttons Seeds

Suttons Seeds has been a household name for 200 years, establishing a brand that is a cornerstone of British farming and horticulture. Dr. Richard Marks will demonstrate how, from its humble beginnings, the company became not only a cornerstone of British horticulture but also of global significance

Annual General Meeting 2025 and Memories of The Holt and Wargrave

The Society’s March meeting began with the Annual General Meeting, Maureen Prince then recalled for us her upbringing and experiences whilst living at The Holt and in Wargrave