A potted history of the Society on its first forty years

To mark the 40th anniversary, the November meeting took a look back over that time span, starting with what the village was like 40 years ago

The Home Front in Reading 1914-1918 - an illustrated presentation on Reading in World War 1

Dr Margaret Simons, a much-respected local historian, gave an illustrated presentation on 'Reading in World War 1: The Home Front 1914-18', sharing the results of her research into the effects of the war on the local area

The Hidden History of Wargrave Hall

Terry revealed the results of his research into the house in a presentation made using Zoom

The life and work of Stanley Spencer

Keith gave a Zoom presentation about the life and work of Stanley Spencer

Royal Weddings

Catherine gave her presentation on Royal Weddings, using the internet Zoom system, with even more members joining in

Prospect Park Mansion in West Reading

The history of the Mansion House and its families

The Annual General Meeting - 2021

The AGM followed by an overview of the Society's Archive of documents, photographs and historic objects

Reading's 'Smelly Alley'

Kevin Little spoke on 'Smelly Alley and other things of Reading interest'

Hobbs Boatyard

Simon Wenham who has recently published a book about Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, gave us a presentation on that topic

Christmas Party - 2020

The Christmas get-together was followed by a presentation by Peter Halman on 'The History of Christmas'

Reading Abbey

Reading Abbey dates from 1121, the site has recently undergone a major conservation project. John is the secretary of the Friends of Reading Abbey and co-author of a book about the abbey, he enlightened us about its history

Heroes of Woodley Airfield

The road names of this part of Woodley are a tribute to interesting and pioneering aviation Joy told us of some of the people and aircraft associated with it