Heritage Open Days Programme 2013

This year we welcome plenty of new venues to our already packed programme, one of which is

Reading’s Music Heritage Trail, the inspiration for our front cover. This event will take

you on a magical mystery tour of musical interest highlighting some of the town’s music venues past and present.

We are also thrilled to be featuring The Blade. This iconic building has become a major landmark in Reading and the top floor is the perfect place to take in a 360º view of the town’s skyline.

The University of Reading has supported Heritage Open Days year after year with the Museum of English Rural Life hosting a number of tours and this year adds the Ure Museum to its offer with a

special Heritage Open Days lecture and workshop focussing on how

antiquities came to the town.

Other new venues include the Reading Synagogue on Goldsmid Road, the

Quaker Meeting House on Church Street, Holy Trinity Church on Oxford Road and

St. Matthew’s Church in Southcote.

The very fact that the Heritage Open Days programme continues to grow each year is

testament to the relationship with our town’s past and how it is cherished.

Welcome toHeritage open Days

Photographic acknowledgement. Our thanks to: Alexandra Vintage, Naomi Thompson, Some Swell Sisters, Greyfriars Church, RISC, John Lewis Reading, Jacksons, Museum of English Rural Life, Reading Borough Council, Reading Museum, Royal Berkshire

Medical Museum, St James’ Church, Jones Lang LaSalle, Aviva,St Peter’s Church, University of Reading , St Giles-in-Reading, Reading Synagogue.

Thursday 12 – sunday 15 sepTember 2013

livingreading.co.uk

heritageopendays.org.uk

facebook.com/readingheritageopendays

@LivingRdgEvents

[email protected]

travelling by bus?Check out the route number for each event and don’t forget to take advantage of the many savings available when travelling by bus: reading-buses.co.uk/offers

NORTHGuided Tours of St Peter’s Church, Caversham ................................................................4Heritage Walk – Caversham .................................5

SOUTHReading Christ Church ..........................................6

Reading Museum Store Tours ...............................7

St Giles-in-Reading ..................................................8

Guided Tours of Reading Quaker Burial Ground, Garden and Meeting House .................9

Green Park Wind Turbine – Talk & Tour.............9

EASTSacred Heart of Jesus Church ........................... 10

Behind the Scenes Tours at the Museum of English Rural Life .................................................. 10

Bringing Ancient Inscriptions to Reading ........ 11

St Luke’s Church, .................................................. 12

St Bartholomew’s Church .................................. 12

Royal Berkshire Medical Museum .................... 13

WESTThe Keep ................................................................ 14

Holy Trinity Church Exhibition.......................... 14

Reading Chronicle Archive Open Day............. 14

Reading Synagogue ............................................... 14

Berkshire Record Office .................................... 15

St Matthew’s Church ........................................... 15

Berkshire Family History Society ..................... 15

TOWN CENTRESt James’ Church .................................................. 16

Rowberry Morris ................................................. 16

Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin ............. 17

Almshouses ........................................................... 17

An Artist’s History of Jacksons ......................... 17

Step Back in Time at John Lewis Reading ....... 18

The Blade ............................................................... 19

Industrial Reading – A History Tour ............... 19

Waterstones .......................................................... 20

Greyfriars Church ................................................ 20

St Mary’s Church .................................................. 21

Abbey Quarter Tours .......................................... 21

Talk on the History of Broad Street Chapel .. 22

St Laurence’s Church .......................................... 22

Guided Walk – Reading’s Music Heritage Trail .......................................................................... 23

Behind the Bookshelves...................................... 23

RISC Edible Roof Garden ................................... 24

Father Willis Organ Demonstrations .............. 24

Book Launch & Signing........................................ 24

Malmaison Reading .............................................. 25

Forbury Band Concert ....................................... 25

Here’s Heritage Fashion ..................................... 27

Here’s Heritage Fete ........................................... 27

contents

livingreading.co.uk

heritageopendays.org.uk

livingreading.co.uk heritageopendays.org.uk

4

readInGnortHGuided Tours of St Peter’s Church, Caversham Guided tours of the historic 12th Century parish church of St Peter, Caversham, which overlooks the beautiful Caversham Court gardens. The tea kiosk in the gardens will be open for refreshments sold in aid of local charities. Tours are limited to 10 people per session.

Fri & Sun 2pm – 4pm

The Warren, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7AQ

stpetercaversham.org.uk


5Thursday 12 – sunday 15 sepTember 2013

Heritage Walk – CavershamA heritage walk beginning on Caversham Bridge (east side) and visiting sites of historical and cultural interest in Caversham. The guided walk will end in Caversham Court Gardens, where the refreshments kiosk will be open for teas. Shorter tours of the history, garden history and ecology of Caversham Court will also be available on site. Organised by the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens.

Fri & Sun Heritage Tour 2.30pm – 3.30pm; Garden Tours 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Caversham Court Gardens are free to explore but the walks must be pre-booked: 0118 947 5062

[email protected]

Starting at: Caversham Bridge, Bridge Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8AA

fccg.org.uk


6

readInGsoutHReading Christ Church One 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 in 1862 the unfinished church was consecrated, although it was not until 1875 that it was actually 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 by Hardman & Co of Birmingham showing Christ in Glory.

Sat 10am-4pm

Reading Christ Church, Christchurch Road, Reading, RG2 7AB

christchurchreading.org.uk

Mon - Sat only



Reading Museum Store Tours Join the Museum staff for a behind the scenes tour of the South Reading Store. You will see the work in progress on various collections including archaeology, historic world objects and taxidermy, and learn about how the store is managed to maintain high standards of collection care.

Tours are in small groups led by Museum staff and will last about one hour. Due to the nature of the site, there is no wheelchair access.

Thurs 11am & 2pm

Booking essential: 0118 937 3400

[email protected]

Directions to the store will be disclosed at the time of booking.

readingmuseum.org.uk


8

St Giles-in-Reading St Giles is one of three medieval parish churches in Reading. 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, redesigned by JP St Aubyn and completed in 1872.

Sat 10am – 5pmSun 12 noon – 2pm

Southampton Street, Reading, RG1 2QP

sgilesreading.org.uk

readInGsoutH



Guided Tours of Reading Quaker Burial Ground, Garden and Meeting House Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Quaker burial ground, garden and meeting house. Quakers have been worshipping at this site since 1714 and the burial ground, garden and meeting house are all still in use.

Fri to Sun 1pm – 1.50pm

Reading Quaker Meeting House, 2 Church Street, Reading, RG1 2SB

Green Park Wind Turbine – Talk & TourLearn all about one of Reading’s most famous landmarks. What is it, what does it do and how good or bad is it really? Meet at the base of the wind turbine – it’s very difficult to miss!

Sat & Sun 2pm

Wind Turbine, Green Park, Reading, RG2 6GP

greenpark.co.uk

ecotricity.co.uk

Mon - Sat only

Mon - Sat only


10

readInGeastSacred Heart of Jesus Church Thanks to the generosity of English Heritage, the National Churches Trust, Berkshire Churches Trust, Garfield Foundation, Englefield Estate, Marian Brothers and parishioners, this church has been carefully restored. Visitors will be able to admire the beautiful stained glass windows and take a look at a display detailing the history of the church and the phases of restoration.

Sat 1pm – 5pm

Sun 1pm – 6pm

Watlington Street, Reading, RG1 4RF

Behind the Scenes Tours at the Museum of English Rural LifeThe Museum of English Rural Life is offering behind the scenes tours of its Victorian home, including a visit to the archive store (Thurs & Fri) and object store (Sat & Sun).

Thurs to Sun 3pm – 4pm


[email protected]

Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX

reading.ac.uk/merl



Bringing Ancient Inscriptions to ReadingHow did antiquities come to our town and become part of our heritage? What if they couldn’t be moved? How were we still able to make them ours? This interesting theme will be explored in a two part evening event especially organised for this year’s Heritage Open Days.

1.Workshop/Activity: Taking inscriptions home – Visitors will learn about and experience first-hand how scholars are able to ‘take inscriptions’ with them for study without actually moving them from their original locations. Each workshop participant will have the chance to take a “squeeze” of an inscription.

2. Lecture: “Libya … Virginia Walter … Reading: the mysterious journey of a Roman tombstone” – Prof. Peter Kruschwitz, Latin scholar and epigrapher, will take us on the marvellous journey of the tombstone of a Roman woman whose memorial remains in Reading. Adults are welcome to come with or without their children to the workshop; unfortunately all children will have to bring their adults! The lecture part of the event is more suitable for adults but craft activities will be offered for children during the lecture.

Fri 4pm – 6pm workshop; 6pm – 6.30pm lecture

Booking essential for workshop: 0118 379 6990

[email protected]

Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, Department of Classics, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AA

reading.ac.uk/ure


12

St Luke’s Church, Reading 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.

Sat 10am – 4pm

Erleigh Road, Reading, RG1 5LU

lukeandbart.org.uk

St Bartholomew’s Church 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.

Sat 10am – 4pm

Corner of London Road / St Bartholomew’s Road, Reading, RG1 3QA

lukeandbart.org.uk

readInGeast



These tile depictions of nursery rhymes and children’s stories can be seen on the walls of

the museum. The originals are in King Edward Ward which was built in 1911

as the children’s ward of the RBH.

Royal Berkshire Medical Museum The museum shows the extraordinary changes in medicine that have taken place in the past 150 years. See displays on the history of surgery, anaesthesia, nursing, dental surgery, pharmacy, obstetrics, blood transfusion, blood letting and wartime medicine. Maximum of 15 people at any one time.

Sat & Sun 2pm – 4.30pm

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

royalberkshire.nhs/museum


14

The Keep The Keep was built 130 years ago as the armoury and gatehouse for Brock Barracks, home of the Royal Berkshire Regiment until 1959. It is Grade II Listed and still in largely original condition. Come and see an exhibition of art by current OpenHand OpenSpace artists, and an interpretive display of historic military artefacts kindly lent by the Wardrobe Museum in Salisbury. The focus this year will be World War II. Guided tours of the building. Art and craft activities.

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

Open Hand Open Space, 571 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1HL

ohos.org.uk

readInGWest Holy Trinity Church ExhibitionSee an extraordinary collection of furnishings including the famous Pugin screen, formally in St Chads Cathedral, Birmingham. There will be an exhibition of vestments and vessels.

Sat 10am – 4pm Sun 11am – 4pm

Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7NQ (opposite Russell St)

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

Reading Synagogue

Take a guided tour of this Moorish Victorian Synagogue, opened in 1900. Historical displays will be on view.

Sun 10.30am – 12.30pm

7 Goldsmid Road, Reading, RG1 7YB

rhc.org.uk



Berkshire Family History Society Enjoy tracing your worldwide ancestors with the help of the Berkshire Family History Society. A team of dedicated volunteers will be available to help you either start your family history research or to assist you in furthering your research and to suggest ways of making significant progress. The Society has a library containing 6000 items from all over the world, together with computers and internet access to millions and millions of records, including subscriptions to Ancestry, Findmypast, the British Newspaper Archive and Origins websites. No need to have ancestors from Berkshire, everybody welcome!

Thurs – Sat 10am – 4pm

Sun 11am – 4pm

Berkshire Family History Society Research Centre, Yeomanry House, 131 Castle Hill, Reading, RG1 7TJ

berksfhs.org.uk

St Matthew’s ChurchThe church is a collaboration between the architect Sir Basil Spence and John Piper. The windows are untypical Piper windows reproduced on fibreglass. There will be a small exhibition showing some history and work by Spence and Piper.

Sat 10am – 6pm

205 Southcote Lane, Reading, RG30 3AX

st-matts.org.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 – 1pm


[email protected]

Berkshire Record Office, 9 Coley Avenue, Reading, RG1 6AF

berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk

Holy Trinity Church ExhibitionSee an extraordinary collection of furnishings including the famous Pugin screen, formally in St Chads Cathedral, Birmingham. There will be an exhibition of vestments and vessels.

Sat 10am – 4pm Sun 11am – 4pm

Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7NQ (opposite Russell St)

Reading Synagogue

Take a guided tour of this Moorish Victorian Synagogue, opened in 1900. Historical displays will be on view.

Sun 10.30am – 12.30pm

7 Goldsmid Road, Reading, RG1 7YB

rhc.org.uk


16

Rowberry Morris

This 16th Century house has been a solicitor’s practice since 1971. In the past it was used as an inn (Castle Inn), a doctor’s residence and surgery and was once owned by the Reading Mayor. Original items retained include diamond chimneys, a coach and horse mounting block and a shoe carving on the beam timbers. Visitors 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

St James’ Church The foundation stone of Pugin’s very first church was laid in December 1837 and extensions were 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. There will be a display about the history of St James’ with guides on hand. The church has recently been refurbished in a style more appropriate for a Pugin church. There is also a new shrine to St James, the patron saint of pilgrims.

Visitors can attend short introductory 15 minute talks (see timings below) throughout the four days and an illustrated talk, ‘Sacred Space: From Reading Abbey to St James’ Church’ on Friday evening. There will be an organ recital on Sunday.

Thurs 11am – 4pm; talk 11.30am & 3pm

Fri 11am – 4pm; talk 11.30am, 3pm & 7.30pm

Sat 11am – 4pm; talk 11.30am & 3pm

Sun 1pm – 4pm; organ recital 12.15pm & talk 3pm

1 Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3HW

jameswilliam-reading.org.uk

OF readInGtoWn centre



Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin dates from c979. Look out for the doorway in the north wall which dates from Norman times and the south arcade 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.

Sat 10am – 4pm

St Mary’s Butts, Reading, RG1 2HX

readingminster.org.uk

An Artist’s History of Jacksons

Three Reading based artists, Lisa-Marie Gibbs, Justine Holt and Suzanne Stallard have been creating a piece of work over the summer months recording the history of Jacksons, supported by a grant from the Lady Neville Trust. Jacksons is one of Reading’s longest running family businesses and during Heritage Open Days there will be a chance to see the work created before the store’s closure later in the year.

Almshouses

A chance for you to wander along the main drive through to the communal Holybrook Garden. These Grade II Listed properties designed by architect William Henry Woodman were built in 1866.

Thurs 11am – 2pm

53 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7SS

Thurs to Sat 9am - 5.30pm

jelly.org.uk

jacksonsofreading.co.uk

OF readInG

All bus routes serve the town centre


18

Step Back in Time at John Lewis ReadingCustomers will have the opportunity to view the history of John Lewis Reading (Heelas) through archived photographs and drawings. There will be a chance to relive the history and remember old times from the displays on the ground and first floor of the store and these will be available to view during shop opening hours.

Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2BB

johnlewis.com

OF readInGtoWn centre All bus routes serve the town centre



The BladeWe are delighted to welcome The Blade to our Heritage Open Days programme. This iconic building stands 128m tall and can be seen from miles around.

Property owners Aviva and management company, Jones Lang LaSalle are giving you the opportunity to take a lift to the top floor and experience a 360° view of Reading’s fantastic skyline.

100 lucky people will be invited to visit the top floor of The Blade on Thursday 12 September. All you need to do to be in with a chance is email [email protected] no later than Friday 6 September and we’ll get back to you on Monday 9 September if you are selected.

thebladereading.com

Industrial Reading – A History TourMeet at the Queen Victoria statue, in Town Hall Square, for a tour of Reading’s industrial heritage sites. This one and a half hour tour of central Reading, focuses on ironworks, bricks, brewing and biscuit making industries.

Thurs 3pmFriday 5pmSat 10am



20 OF readInGtoWn centre

Waterstones Enjoy a small in-store exhibition of the Grade II Listed Broad Street Independent Chapel (in display cases opposite the tills on the ground floor). Admire the beautiful domed ceiling with cornice, the gallery, archway, lantern roof and stained glass window and browse our varied selection of local interest books.

Thurs 9am – 7pm

Fri & Sat 9am – 6pm

Sun 11am – 5pm

89A Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP

waterstones.com

Greyfriars Church 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. A leaflet will be available for self guiding.

Fri 12 noon – 4pm

Sat 10.30am – 3.30pm

Sun 2pm – 4pm

Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EH

greyfriars.org.uk

All bus routes serve the town centre



St Mary’s Church Visit this interesting late-Georgian chapel, which still operates as a place of worship. Built on the site of the old County Gaol, it is said that John Bunyan was once imprisoned here. See our hoard of 18th Century pottery and other artefacts dug out of a pit on the premises.

Thurs & Fri 10am – 2pm

Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm

Sun 11am & 6.30pm

14 Castle Street, Reading, RG1 7RD

Abbey Quarter ToursYour chance to join a guided tour of Reading’s most significant historic area. The tour will combine an introduction to the history of the site with an opportunity to find out about the ongoing conservation programme. Visitors will have the opportunity to gain an insight in to the history of what was once one of the country’s wealthiest abbeys and walk inside the Abbey Ruins (now closed to the public for regeneration). Participants will also have the chance to visit one of Reading’s finest green spaces, Forbury Gardens. Reading Museum is within walking distance of Reading railway station. The meeting point for this event is at the museum and town hall reception.

Fri 10.30am -11.45am 11.30am – 12.45pm 1pm – 2.15pm 2pm – 3.15pm

Sat 10.30am – 11.45am 11.30am – 12.45pm 1pm – 2.15pm 2pm – 3.15pm


[email protected]

Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, City Centre, Reading, RG1 1QH

readingmuseum.org.uk


22

CALL OR COME INTO

THE STORE TO book A Free

TickeT


Talk on the History of Broad Street Chapel Geoff Sawers has chronicled the life of the very building in which this Waterstones is located in his book ‘Broad Street Chapel and the Origins of Dissent in Reading’. He will talk about its origins, from the Lollards of the 1400s, through Puritanism and persecution in the 1500s and 1600s, respectability in the 1800s and finally, decline in the 1960s. This will be followed by book signing and refreshments.

Fri 6.30pm


[email protected]

89a Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP

waterstones.com

St Laurence’s Church St Laurence’s Church is an ancient building rich in heritage and yet 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, who attended so often that she was allotted a regular seat. This 12th Century church has many ancient features including high-beamed roofs, magnificent arches and ancient monuments. The church, which is now solely committed to young people, has been uniquely and creatively re-ordered to include glass rooms and a mezzanine floor. It is now a wonderful example of the old being enhanced by the new.

Sat 10am – 3pm

Town Hall Square (off Blagrave Street), Reading, RG1 1DA

saintlaurencereading.com



GUIDED WALK – Reading’s Music Heritage TrailJoin us for a guided walk around Reading’s first Music Heritage Trail visiting musically significant places around the town. The tour will include demonstrations of the Father Willis Organ at the Concert Hall, exclusive back-stage tours of some of the historic venues on our trail including South Street Arts Centre and The Great Hall, as well as offer commentary on Reading’s rich musical history and some of our famous residents. Reading’s Music Heritage Trail has been developed by music and arts charity Readipop in partnership with Reading Museum as part of the ‘Reading On Tour’ project. These walks are suitable for ages 10+. The duration of each walk is approximately 3 hours, stopping periodically for between 5 and 20 minutes. Refreshments and comfortable footwear are recommended.

Sat 10am Sun 11am


[email protected]

Starting at Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH

readingontour.com

readipop.co.uk

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

Sat 11am – 12 noon

Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ

reading.gov.uk


24

RISC Edible Roof GardenSmall edible roof forest garden developed to demonstrate sustainability and our dependence on plants. All plants in the garden have an economic use for food, clothing or medicine and come from all over the world. Demonstration of renewable energy, water harvesting and irrigation systems. Regular tours of the garden offered.

Sat & Sun 12 noon – 4pm

35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS

risc.org.uk

Book Launch & Signing Local author Adam Sowan launches his latest book ‘All Change at Reading: the railway and the station 1840-2013’. Isambard Kingdom Brunel gave Reading an inconvenient station with but a single platform; after four major rebuilds it now has fifteen. Find out more and chat to Adam who has also written other popular books about Reading, including ‘Believing in Reading’ and ‘Abattoirs Road to Zinzan Street’.

Sat 12 noon – 2pm

89a Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP

waterstones.com

Father Willis Organ DemonstrationsJoin 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. Just drop in. All ages welcome.

Sat 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

The Concert Hall, Reading Museum & Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH

berkshireorganists.org.uk




Malmaison Reading 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 this trip back from the Crimea having begun negotiations for the German unconditional surrender with Stalin and Rooselvelt, and Ethiopia’s emperor Haile Salassie 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 and then 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.

Sun 12 noon to 6pm

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

malmaison.com

Visit Malmaison Reading on the Sunday of Heritage Open Days and enjoy a buffet-style

afternoon tea in the hotel lounge.

At a special Heritage offer price* of £10 per person, you can relax and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with tea and scones with clotted cream, smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches before treating yourself to a slice of Victoria sponge, Battenburg or

Bakewell tart.

* This offer is only valid from 12 noon to 6pm Sunday 15 September. Pre-booking is advised on 0844 693 0660.

Forbury Band Concert

Watership Brass Band will entertain you from the beautiful Victorian Bandstand. Why not make an afternoon of it and take a picnic?

Sun 3pm – 4.30pm

Forbury Gardens, Reading, RG1 3EH

reading.gov.uk

Heritage Afternoon Tea Offer


26

Following the success of last year, Here’s Heritage is back and it’s bigger!This year’s programme sees the exciting addition of Here’s Heritage Fashion on Friday 13 September – a vintage style evening with vintage fashion expert and author of ‘Style Me Vintage’ Naomi Thompson who will be talking about fashion across the decades. There will also be a vintage fashion show showcasing the Alexandra Vintage Autumn/Winter 13 collection and behind the scenes access to some of Reading Museum’s hidden treasures.

Here’s HeritagetoWn centre All bus routes serve the town centreOF readInG



Here’s Heritage FashionFri 6pm – 9pm

Reading Museum & Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH

Here’s Heritage FeteSat 11am – 5pm

Market Place, Reading, RG1 2DE

alexandravintage.com

Here’s Heritage

Hosted by Alexandra Vintage in partnership with

Reading UK CIC & Acini Event Management.

The weekender continues on Saturday with Here’s Heritage as the charming, traditional fete returns to to Market Place. Browse a fete of trader delights, including arts and crafts from local Reading arts charity jelly, vintage inspired beauty and the latest Alexandra Vintage collection of trend-led fashion & accessories. Enjoy a cuppa and delicious cake by Reading market regular Cakeaways whilst listening to 40’s music trio Some Swell Sisters live and watching performances by Berkshire’s StageAbility Stage School. A lovely day out for all the family!

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.

The Heritage Open Days National Partnership

livingreading.co.uk

Documents

Heritage Open Days Programme 2013