Category Archives: formembers
Map for Ure Museum visit 20 April 2016
Chairman’s letter to the Friends February 2016
Dear Members,
Over the past few months we have been in discussion with the Campaigns and Supporter Engagement Office (CSEO) to agree on the way ahead for us at a time when the University is reshaping its management structures so as to make best use of its resources.
As a result, we as an Association have largely taken over our own administration, while still making use of the University as our base and as provider of practical assistance in matters of managing our finances and of printing and circulation of papers.
We now manage our own membership database, which we think will actually make communication easier in the future. We have also re-designed our website and hope that this will assist us in making it more timely and informative.
Importantly, members of your Executive Committee have stepped forward to take over those functions needed to run the Association, the new officers being:
- Peter Must: Hon. Secretary, looking after the Executive Committee and the Yearly Meeting;
- Brenda Morris: Membership Secretary, dealing with subscriptions and arrangements for events;
- Annette Haworth: Grants Officer, inviting applications for grants and presenting them to the Executive Committee to select cases for recommendation to the Yearly Meeting. She is also our IT mastermind.
This is still a learning curve for all of us and I know you will bear with us if further challenges arise. Indeed, the new arrangements envisage others joining in to help: we will be most grateful for any further assistance offered. Meanwhile, I trust you will accept that our measures have been necessary to keep the Friends’ Association alive and well, with a solid platform for future growth and activity. As evidence of this I have pleasure in enclosing our programme for 2016. We hope to see as many of you as possible at these events, starting with the visit to Classics on 20 April, and including some really special treats – notably the Vice-Chancellor’s invitation for 29 June.
Andrew Palmer (Chairman)
Grants
THE 2026 GRANT ROUND CLOSED ON 20 APRIL [extended from 10 April].
THE 2027 GRANT ROUND WILL OPEN IN FEBRUARY 2027
Here is the information given in 2026 to show the type of information we require.
Do you have a project which would benefit from a Friends of the University grant?
If so please send a short email describing your project and the amount requested to: thefriends@reading.ac.uk as soon as possible and in any case by 20th April 2026. Please DO NOT ADD ATTACHMENTS.
We are particularly interested in helping to fund projects which will enhance University-community relations and/or help student or staff extra-curricular activities.
We will be in touch shortly after receiving your email to let you know if your project is eligible and whether we need further information. The final decisions will be made towards the end of April and applicants will be informed immediately of the outcome.
If you would like further information see below where there is a list of our previous grants. However, please note that while we traditionally mainly funded physical “things”, we will consider funding towards other projects, online work, events etc.
Note that we give grants only to organisations, not to individuals. Students are welcome to apply but should ensure that a member of UoR staff agrees with the application and can provide information on the University account that the grant is to to paid into. An alternative route would be through another associated organisation such as RSU.
Below is information on our normal grants procedure.
Each year we give out around half a dozen grants normally ranging from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand pounds, responding to applications for projects which would not normally be funded from University academic resources. In this way we enrich students’ experiences, provide additional social and cultural amenities, enhance the University’s landscape and support its outreach into the community.
Students across University life benefit from contributions. Examples range from materials for an Art/Archaeology outreach project to help towards purchase of an engine for the Scuba Diving Club.
Donations to departments have ranged from models of fossilised creatures to paintings. The ceremonial furniture seen in the Great Hall at London Road at Graduation ceremonies was among our earliest grants; we have since since contributed to the refurbishment of its organ.
Our funding has enhanced University landmarks, including The Friends’ Bridge over Whiteknights Lake, wildflower meadow plantingand the cloisters that characterise London Road campus. The fine stained-glass window at the Museum of English Rural Life and music stands for concerts by Music at Reading are other examples.
The Friends are particularly interested in projects which support the University’s outreach into the wider community. Past examples of such grants include a 3D model of a DNA molecule which can be used both for University teaching and in schools, re-printing a book on the Harris Garden and completion of an African Drum circle to enable workshops to be held outside the normal curriculum with local schools and at community events.
Events
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excerptThe Friends have devised walking trails around the University campuses. These may be available to local groups. Please contact thefriends (usual at sign) reading.ac.uk for further information. Our Whiteknights Heritage Leaflets are available at: https://uorfriends.org.uk/heritage/ - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptAn informal series of meetups (normally 3pm-4.30pm on a Sunday) to find out how one of the Friends’ grants worked out. Non-members welcome to come along and find out something about the Friends. No need to book unless otherwise stated but to stay in touch please email: thefriends@reading.ac.ukIf you have a particular grant whose fate … Continue reading Monthly Tea with a Grant - img_thumbnail
excerptCelebrate a century with sparkle, song, and winter cheer. The University will be hosting an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, festive food and drink, family fun and a magical winter market. Details will be available nearer the time. - img_thumbnail
excerptProfessor Sir Brian Hoskins, Emeritus Professor of Meteorology at the University of Reading, and Chair of the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, was co-awarded the Japan Prize in the fields of Resources, Energy, the Environment, and Social Infrastructure. The Prize was awarded at a Ceremony in Tokyo in the presence of the Emperor and Empress of Japan on 16 April 2024. Sir Brian, together with his wife Jackie, will describe the experience. - img_thumbnail
excerptThe Annual General Meeting will be preceded by a visit at 2.30 pm to the Health and Life Sciences building and the Cole Museum. Tea at 4.00 pm will be followed by the association’s Annual General Meeting at 5.00 pm. Details will be available nearer the day. - img_thumbnail
excerptThe Friends’ Heritage team will be offering tours of Foxhill House on Saturday 12th September at 11 am and 12:30 pm for the Centenary event, and on Sunday 13th September at 11 am and 12:30 pm for the Heritage Open Days. Details to follow. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptMeet at Park House bar (drinks available for purchase, card only) when we’ll look at possible grants to be featured in our Centenary exhibition, 2027, and walk to the Pepper Lane entrance to look at our 1976 grant celebrating the University’s semicentenary. No need to book. Parking free on Whiteknights. Wheelchair accessible. Guests welcome. Dogs … Continue reading Tea with a grant 3pm 26 July 2026 - img_thumbnail
excerptA trip to the Great Barn at Harmondsworth, dubbed the "Cathedral of Middlesex" by Sir John Betjeman, followed by a visit to Osterley Park with Osterley House being one of the finest and most complete Robert Adam interiors still in existence. - img_thumbnail
excerptThe Whiteknights Studio Trail will be open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June this year. Venues will include the University’s Museum of English Rural Life and the SCR in Acacias, London Rd campus. The Studio Trail map will be issued in due course or can be obtained in May at … Continue reading Whiteknights Studio Trail: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2026 - img_thumbnail
excerptThe University’s Centenary Festival takes place on Saturday 16 May 2026 from 12pm to 5pm. This is a free event taking place on the Whiteknights Campus featuring live performances, fascinating research talks, sports taster sessions, delicious street food, and much more. The Friends will have a stand in the Students’ Union showcasing the Friends’ work … Continue reading Special Centenary Community Festival: Saturday 16 May 2026 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptAs part of the annual REDA Walks Festival members of the Friends’ Heritage Team and of the University’s Community Engagement Team will be offering tours of Central Whiteknights at 11 am on Saturday 9 May and of London Road on Sunday 10 May. Details will be made available later. - img_thumbnail
excerptThis is the third and final trip to the Arcadian Thames and will include visits to Syon House and gardens and to Boston Manor. - img_thumbnail
excerpt2.30pm in the Library Cafe, Whiteknights on Saturday 25th April when we will continue discussions on what objects representing our 100 years of grant-giving it might be good to show at the exhibition planned for our Centenary in 2027. We’ll be joined by fellow member Ian Burn who will be helping with design for the … Continue reading Tea with grants 2.30pm Saturday 25 April 2026 - img_thumbnail
excerptTalk about One Hundred Years of Shopping in Reading, by Ann Smith, Secretary of the Berkshire Local History Society, on Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 4.00 pm in the Meadow Suite, Whiteknights - img_thumbnail
excerptMeet in Cafe Trilobite, Health and Life Sciences Building, Whiteknights, to learn about the 3D printed trilobites we helped to fund. Guests welcome, no need to book but if you’d like a parking permit (free!) please contact thefriends atsign reading.ac.uk - img_thumbnail
excerptThis event has been cancelled as the river flow is too fast for safe racing. The University Boat Club invites The Friends of the University to join them from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday 7 March 2026 to watch the afternoon division of the RU Head of the River, and enjoy tea and cake provided by the student rowers. - img_thumbnail
excerptWe will be looking at a grant given to Continuing Education for glockenspiels and trying our hand at playing Sumer is Icumen in whose manuscript was found in Reading Abbey. 3pm Acacias, London Rd campus. Parking in Acacias Rd. Entrance through the French windows. No need to book. - img_thumbnail
excerptMeet in Museum of English Life 3pm. Free parking. No need to book. Tea available from the Museum Cafe. We are looking at the donation box we gave a grant for and which was specially designed for the Museum. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThis month we are taking a look at the cloisters funded by the Friends in the 1930s from a grant that was roughly equivalent to £47,000 in today’s money. This is to be followed by a visit to the SCR Acacias for a glass of prosecco and the opportunity to see the exhibition: A lifetime of art: Retrospective and sale of the work of Elizabeth Heydeman. - img_thumbnail
excerptTalk by Tom Whipple, science editor of the Times, on electromagnetic warfare in WW2: Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 4.00 pm in the Meadow Suite, Whiteknights.
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excerptAt 3pm meet archivist Jackie Bishop and Art Collections curator Dr Hannah Lyons at MERL reception. They will take us through to the new Special Collections exhibition James Joyce: Enigmas & Puzzles and the miniature theatre case we funded in 2024. Tea for purchase in the café. Numbers limited so please book by emailing thefriends@reading.ac.uk … Continue reading Tea and Grant – Display case for Japanese Kamishibai theatre Sunday 19th October 2025 - img_thumbnail
excerptThe Annual General Meeting will be preceded by a visit at 3.00 pm to the School of Art in its new home next to Pepper Lane. Tea at 4.00 pm will be followed by the association’s Annual General Meeting at 5.00 pm. Details and booking form have been circulated to members. - img_thumbnail
excerptMeet at Park House at 3pm for a saunter to the Wilderness. We’ll be investigating a grant we gave in 2021 and why it didn’t fully work out. Tea (please bring £1 per cup) upstairs in SCR afterwards. - img_thumbnail
excerptOur Heritage Events Team has arranged with the University that we will again take part in the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days. There will be tours of the Great Hall and of Foxhill House. Booking essential. Stop Press: As of late August all tours are full. - img_thumbnail
excerptDetails have been sent to members. Booking was essential. - img_thumbnail
excerptVisit to Kelmscott Manor and Society of Antiquaries, Wednesday 16 July 2025 A coach trip to Kelmscott Manor, on the river Thames at Lechlade in Gloucestershire, which was the retreat of William Morris and is now owned by the Society of Antiquaries. It contains an outstanding collection of his possessions and works of Morris, as … Continue reading Visit to Kelmscott Manor Wednesday 16 July 2025 - img_thumbnailexcerptWe’ll be looking at (and using!) the garden furniture requested by the SCR a couple of years ago. Bring a picnic. Lots of inside space if it rains. No need to book this time.
- img_thumbnailexcerptThe Whiteknights Studio Trail, co-founded 25 years ago by our fellow member Jenny Halstead, will be open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June in June this year. Venues will include the University’s Museum of English Rural Life. The Studio Trail map will be issued in due course or can be … Continue reading Whiteknights Studio Trail: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025
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excerptIn 1969 we gave a grant to Dr Margaret Fuller, warden of Bridges Hall, to help restore the walled garden. After a couple of transmogrifications, the garden is now run by RUSU with the help of University staff. Come along at 3pm to visit this intriguing space – bring picnic tea. Entrance off Whiteknights Rd, … Continue reading Tea with a grant Bridges Walled Garden 1 June 2025 - img_thumbnail
excerptThis Festival, hosted by the University and the Students’ Union, will take place between 12noon to 17.00. The Festival is designed to give the people of Reading a free, local day out and to bring some vibrancy to the heart of Whiteknights Campus. The day will be action-packed with live performances, workshops, competitions and much … Continue reading University Community Festival 17 May 2025 - img_thumbnail
excerptMeet Dr Glyn Barrett, Lecturer in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, to whom we gave a grant for the replanting of the ‘historic’ area by the wall next to Park House. This is used to grow herbs while the other side (another’s project) has been seeded with a medley of wildflowers. No need to book. Non-members … Continue reading Tea with a grant Herb garden 3pm 4 May 2025 - img_thumbnail
excerptTea 3pm; Talk 4pm by Dr Margaret Simmons who will outline the progress of the demand for women’s suffrage in Reading from 1866, when a national petition was signed by just one supporter in the town. Please use the form that was enclosed with information already sent to members to say if you will be coming to the talk, and whether you would like tea. - img_thumbnail
excerptWe have been contacted about a bench between Blandford Lodge and the Miller Building which is in a very poor state, having been lifted by tree roots. Meet outside the Library at 3pm for a short stroll to the bench (or meet us at the bench if you can find it!). Together with representatives of … Continue reading Tea with a grant – memorial bench 6th April 2025 - img_thumbnail
excerptVisit to Typography Department to learn about some of their ephemera collection on the subject of Entertainment. Numbers limited so booking essential. Contact Peter Must at mustpeter (at sign) yahoo.co.uk.: tel 0118 9781671. Please say if you need a parking permit - img_thumbnailexcerptThe first of two trips with FIne Art alumnus Martin Kaufman along the Arcadian Thames. Numbers limited and booking essential. Please contact Brenda Morris by email or telephone at.: Brenda@morrisandfamily.co.uk tel. 01635 869594 before 27 February.
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excerpt2-4pm Reading Canoe Club, The Warren, Reading RG4 7TH which has fantastic views of the final stages of the Head of the River. Join students for tea while watching the racing and find out about our latest grant to the Boat Club. - img_thumbnail
excerptIn 2023 we gave a grant to Ramanjeep Nijjar, a first year Zoology student, who was working to re-form the RUSU Hedgehog Society. The Society has blossomed and in December 2024 Ramanjeep became BBC Countryfile’s Young Countryside Champion.. Meet current members of the Society at 3pm in the SCR, first floor, Park House, Whiteknights. - img_thumbnail
excerptExplore one of our 1927 grants – a Greek pot for Dr Annie Ure – and meet staff who have been exploring the use of AI. Followed by tea upstairs in the SCR, Park House. Dr Ed Ross used an AI system run by Suno Inc to produce a couple of songs about our grants. … Continue reading Tea n Grant pots & AI in the Ure Museum 15 January 2025 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptJoin us at 3pm in the MERL shop for the International Museum Shop Sunday. We’ll look at Edith Morley’s memoire – one of the books we’ve helped with a grant and you’ll have excellent opportunity for Christmas Shopping. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptInvestigating ceramic pots at the South entrance to London Rd campus followed by tea in the Dairy cafe.Meet at 3pm by the entrance next to the cafe under the red ‘sails’. - img_thumbnail
excerptProfessor Anne Curry was in the History Department before moving to Southampton. She was appointed Arundel Herald Extraordinary in 2022 - the first woman to be appointed as a herald in England. Her talk will cover the origins, development and activities of the heralds of the College of Arms. - img_thumbnail
excerptThe programme will be issued to members in advance. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThe Friendship Gate was installed at the behest of the Chancellor, Lord Carrington, to mark the Japanese/Anglo friendship with Gyosei College.Meet under the clocktower on London Rd campus at 3pm. Followed by tea in the SCR, Acacias. £1 cash - img_thumbnail
excerptFoxhill House on the Whiteknights Campus will be open for tours at 11am and 12.15 Booking is essential. Please see https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/tour-of-foxhill-house-at-the-whiteknights-campus.html - img_thumbnail
excerptTours at 11am and 12.15 of the University of Reading’s Great Hall on the London Road campus, RG1 5AQ Booking is essential. For details please see: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/tour-of-the-university-of-reading-s-great-hall-on-the-london-road-campus.html - img_thumbnail
excerpt3pm meet by the bridge (it’s the one you get to on Whiteknights going down with Chemistry on your right and Park House on your left). We’ll be joined by our in-house heritage experts John Grainger, Dennis Wood and Ian Burn and afterwards repair to the SCR or Park House bar for tea (cake provided … Continue reading Tea with a grant – The Friends’ Bridge 1 September 2024 - img_thumbnail
excerptA guided tour of the material held by the Society of Antiquaries, arranged by our chairman, Professor Mike Fulford, and led by the Director of Development, Dominic Wallis, combined with a visit to the adjacent Geological Society arranged by Professor Peter Worsley, member of The Friends. - img_thumbnail
excerptThe East Reading Festival, a community-focused festival, will take place in Palmer Park from 12 noon to 6 pm on Sunday 23 June.With a music stage, a spoken-word/poetry stage, a funfair, food from around the world and a wide variety of community, charity and commercial stalls, there is something for everyone at East Reading Festival. The Friends of the University will have a stand so do come along to see us and all the other events.
- img_thumbnailexcerptThe Whiteknights Studio Trail will be open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 of June this year. Venues will include the University’s Museum of English Rural Life. The Studio Trail map will be issued in due course or can be obtained in May at https://studiotrail.co.uk
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excerptMeet by the border planted for our late member Jill Betts in the Harris Garden at 3pm. Bring picnic tea if desired. Non-members welcome. Booking not essential. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThis Festival, hosted by the University and the Students’ Union, will take place between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm. The Festival is designed to give the people of Reading a free, local day out and to bring some vibrancy to the heart of Whiteknights Campus. The day will be action-packed with live performances, workshops, competitions … Continue reading Community Festival: Saturday 18 May 2024 - img_thumbnail
excerptIn association with Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency (REDA) Chris Rayner and colleagues among The Friends have volunteered to lead guided walks round Whiteknghts and London Road during the Walks Festival in May. Details will be sent out in due course. - img_thumbnail
excerptWe will be visiting the Bee Meadow on London Road which was part funded by our grants. The planting is designed to be particularly insect friendly and the area supports the work of the Institute of Education in teaching children. Followed by the nearby Dairy Cafe (once the teaching block for dairying on campus). No … Continue reading Tea and Grant series: Bee Meadow 3pm 5 May 2024 - img_thumbnail
excerptJohn Mullaney is a member of The Friends and holds first and postgraduate degrees from the University, as does his wife Lindsay. Booking essential via form already sent to members. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptWe’ll be investigating 3 portraits the Friends funded and which now hang in Park House. Meet at Reception at 3pm, followed by tea (£1/cup) in the SCR. Please note, the portraits and SCR are up stairs and there is no lift in Park House. The Park House bar is on the ground floor - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptWe will have a stand at the Lower Earley Family Fun Event on Friday 5 April 10am-12noon Chalfornt Close Earley RG6 5HZ. See Lower Earley Community Fair Poster. - img_thumbnail
excerptThe Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at Earley Gate RG6 6BZ, invites twenty Friends to visit on Wednesday 27 March to hear about and see further ephemera. Booking essential. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThe Friends of the Harris Garden have extended an invitation to join them for a recording of the BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time. Booking is essential. Details have been sent to members. - img_thumbnailexcerptMOVED TO UNIVERSITY BOATHOUSE RG4 8BB. The University Boat Club invites The Friends of the University to join them from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday 2 March 2024 to watch the afternoon division of the RU Head of the River, and enjoy tea and cake provided by the student rowers. The event is hosted at Reading Canoe Club, The Warren, Reading RG4 7TH (parking available), which has fantastic views of the final stages of the Head of the River, and providesthe comfort of being in the warm and dry. No need to book.
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excerptThe Willis Museum in Basingstoke will be hosting an exhibition 'Becoming Roman - Silchester a changing town' in its Sainsbury Gallery and our Chairman, Professor Michael Fulford, has offered to act as a guide to the collection, which will showcase finds from the University's excavations ranging from thetown's Iron Age origins to its demise at the end of the Roman occupation of Britain. Booking essential. - img_thumbnail
excerptWe gave a grant towards a special table for the reading room in the MERL/special collections and archives.Meet some of those who have read there for a wide variety of projects and explore the grant over tea from the MERL cafe.No need to book but it helps us find enough chairs in the cafe if … Continue reading Tea with a grant – the readers’ table 3pm 4 Feb 2024 - img_thumbnail
excerptWe will be looking at how our grant to the Special Collections for display cases worked out. We will be joined by Jackie Bishop, archivist for the recently acquired James Joyce archive. Jackie will introduce the current exhibition in the main hall. Please meet in MERL reception area at 3pm.Parking is available. Non-members welcome. No … Continue reading Tea with a grant – exhibition cases and the James Joyce archive 7 Jan 2024 - img_thumbnail
excerptAn informal get together over a cup of tea from the MERL cafe to chat about the book ‘The Art and History of Whiteknights’ that the Friends helped to fund with the editor and fellow member, Jenny Halstead. Note CHANGE OF DATE – to coincide with Museum Shop Sunday 11am-3pm – the book’s publishers, Two … Continue reading The Art & History of Whiteknights (book) 26 Nov 2023 - img_thumbnail
excerptAn informal get together over a cup of tea from the MERL cafe to chat about the Shepherd’s Hut the Friends helped to fund with the grant holder, Philippa Heath, and convenor of the Museum’s knitters, Fong Scott. Just come along between 3pm-4.30pm on Sunday afternoon and look for us in the Museum of English … Continue reading The Shepherd’s Hut & the MEWES Knitters 5 Nov 2023 - img_thumbnail
excerptPeter Must, Member of The Friends and Chairman of the Wokingham Society, will give a talk about the Heelas family, who established a draper’s store in Wokingham at the end of the eighteenth century and then a large department store in Reading in the nineteenth. Tea/coffee and cakes will be available from 3.00 pm in … Continue reading The Heelas Family of Wokingham and Reading 1 November 2023 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThe Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 11 October preceded by a guided tour of the Library at 3.00 pm. Tea will be provided in the Meadow Suite from 4.00 pm and the Annual General Meeting will be held there at 5.15pm, with an opening address from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Parveen Yaqoob. … Continue reading AGM 11 October 2023 - img_thumbnail
excerptIn place of the visit which could not take place last year Martin Kaufman is offering a combined mini Royal Docks tour- with half the amount of walking and half the number of times getting on and off the coach – followed by a trip to Tilbury to see the container Docks and Tilbury Fort, … Continue reading Trip to Royal and Tilbury Docks 7 Oct 2023 - img_thumbnail
excerptAn informal get together over a cup of tea from the MERL cafe to chat about the booklet The Friends’ funded with Ian Akhurst, previous Director of Sport at the University. Just come along between 3pm-4.30pm on Sunday afternoon and look for us in the Museum of English Rural Life cafe. Parking is available. Non-members … Continue reading Tea with a grant – History of Sport at the University 1 October - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptWe are again taking part in the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days with a tour of Foxhill House and through the meadows to Whiteknights lake. Please see: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/tour-of-foxhill-house-and-walk-through-meadow-area-to-whiteknights-lake for details. Booking essential.
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excerptVisit to Downe village and Down House with Professor Peter Worsley, Wednesday 6 September 2023 Following his talk at last year’s Annual General Meeting about Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle, Professor Peter Worsley, Friend of the University and Professor Emeritus of Quaternary Geology, has kindly offered to lead a coach trip on … Continue reading Visit to Downe House 6 Sept 2023 - img_thumbnail
excerptWe will be looking at how our grant for improvements to the MERL garden worked out. We will be joined by Chengcheng Guo, a postgraduate student who helps with the Friday Fledglings in the Garden. Just come along between 3pm-4.30pm on Sunday afternoon and look for us in the Museum of English Rural Life cafe. … Continue reading Tea with a grant – The MERL garden and the Mud Kitchen 3 Sept 2023 - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe East Reading Festival, a community-focused festival, will take place in Palmer Park from 12 noon to 6 pm on Sunday 25 June. With a music stage, a spoken-word/poetry stage, a funfair, food from around the world and a wide variety of community, charity and commercial stalls, there is something for everyone at East Reading … Continue reading East Reading Festival 25 June 2023
- post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe Friends will be taking part in the East Reading Festival, Palmer Park, 12noon – 6pm alongside a small display from the Cole Museum of Zoology with hands-on exhibits.
- img_thumbnailexcerptThe Whiteknights Studio Trail will be open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 of June. Venues include the University’s Museum of English Rural Life. The Studio Trail map can be obtained in May at studiotrail.co.ukThe book celebrating the Trail’s > 20 years which a Friends’ grant helped to publish can be … Continue reading Whiteknights Studio Trail 10 and 11 June 2023
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excerptThis Festival, hosted by the University and the Students’ Union, will take place between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm on land behind the Students Union. The Festival, based on the theme of Agriculture and Food, is designed to give the people of Reading a free, local day out and to bring some vibrancy to the … Continue reading University Community Festival Saturday 13 May 2023 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptIn association with Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency (REDA), and at the request of the University’s Events Team, Mr Chris Rayner and colleagues among The Friends have volunteered to lead guided walks round Whiteknghts on Saturday 13 May at 11 am and 2 pm, and round London Road on Sunday 14 May at 11 am. … Continue reading Festival of Walks 10 to 14 May 2023 - img_thumbnail
excerptTalk on Wednesday 5 April 2023 about The Origin and Development of Halls of Residence at the University by Mr Ian Burn and Dr John Grainger in the Meadow Suite at 4.15 pm. Mr Burn and Dr Grainger have recently issued a brochure describing and illustrating the History of Halls of Residence at the University … Continue reading The Origin and Development of Halls of Residence at the University 5 April 2023 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerpt‘An Ephemeral Encounter’ at the Department of Typography, Tuesday 28 March 2023 The Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at Earley Gate RG6 6BZ, invites twenty Friends to visit on Tuesday 28 March 2023 to look at and discuss examples of Reading ephemera, with an opportunity to print from a block made by a Reading … Continue reading ‘An Ephemeral Encounter’ 28 March 2023 - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe University Boat Club invites The Friends of the University to join them from 2 to 4 pm to watch the afternoon division of the RU Head of the River, and enjoy tea and cake provided by the student rowers. The event is hosted at Reading Canoe Club, The Warren, Reading RG4 7TH (parking available), … Continue reading Head of the River Race 25 Feb 2023
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excerptA talk by Dennis Wood and colleagues on the Huntley and Palmer families in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Joseph Huntley’s founding of his biscuit business in Reading. Members are welcome to bring guests. Further details will be circulated to members in due course. - img_thumbnailexcerptMembers and their guests are invited on this tour with our guide Martin Kaufmann. Booking essential. Details will be sent to members.
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excerptWeather observations commenced at the university in London Road in 1901, and today there are over 100 years unbroken daily records of temperature, rainfall etc. Most of the instruments are fully automatic, and logged by computer every second of every day, 365 days per year. The wide range of observatory instruments and their records provide a valuable teaching and research resource to the Meteorology Department as well as continuing the long climate record. Please click to find out more and access the booking form. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptMembers and their guests are invited to a talk by Professor Peter Worsley on Darwin's Voyage in the Beagle and tea in the Palmer Building preceding an update from the Vice-Chancellor on University strategy and our AGM. - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe Friends will once again have a stand at this Festival 12noon-6pm Palmer Park. All welcome, entry free. This time we’ll be showing an exhibition relating to the history of the Palmer family and the University to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Huntley & Palmers.
- img_thumbnailexcerptWe helped fund the publication of the Art & History of Whiteknights celebrating 20 years of the Whiteknights Studio Trail which was co-founded by Friends' member Jenny Halstead. Other members contributed articles to the book and created video tours of the based on some of the book's artworks. Learn more and order the book on the publisher's website: Two Rivers Press Whiteknights and come to this year's trail.
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excerptAn invitation to members of the Friends from the Alumni and Supporter Engagement Office to attend a Supporter Engagement Evening as a thank you for our help to the University and to hear about two of the activities that alumni and supporter contributions have assisted. Please click to book. - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptMembers and their guests are invited to join students and staff for tea and cake at the Reading Canoe Club from 2pm to watch the afternon's racing. No booking required.
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excerptJoin a small group of us in the MERL cafe for a cup of tea and to look at the result of one of the Friends' grants - the stained glass window. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThe trustees have decided to conduct the AGM by email where possible and by post where not. Agenda papers for the Meeting hzve been sent to members who are invited to contact the Secretary if with any issues they would like to raise. - img_thumbnailexcerptTHE TRAIL HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO JUNE 2021.A book entitled The Art and History of Whiteknights celebrating the founding of the Trail 20 years ago can be purchased through tworiverspress.com . The Friends have not only given a grant towards the cost of publication but also, through some of its volunteers, provided chapters on the … Continue reading Whiteknights Studio Trail 13 14 June 2020
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Event postponed due to Coronavirus restrictions
Martin Kaufman will follow up his visit to Limehouse, Shadwell and Wapping last year with a proposed guided tour of the Royal Docks, the Thames Barrier and Tilbury Docks. Details will be sent to members nearer the time with an itinerary, timings and cost. - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptUpdate July 2020: in view of the continuing uncertainty over the safety of holding events and the timing coinciding with the University welcoming students on campus we are postponing our participation in this event until 2021 The Friends will be collaborating with other local organisations in these National Trust-coordinated Heritage Open Days, the theme of … Continue reading Heritage Open Days
- post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe AGM will take place via email and snail mail this year. The Secretary will be in touch with members in June.Our Annual General Meeting will start with a visit to the Library at 2.30 pm to be shown the changes made as a result of the recent renovation programme. Tea will be available in … Continue reading AGM 8 July 2020
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excerptTHIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. THE UNIVERSITY’S SILCHESTER FIELD DIG WILL NOT TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR.Professor Michael Fulford has invited Friends to return to Silchester again, for what may be his last season there, to be shown the results of further excavations of the Roman Baths. Details and a booking form will be sent out … Continue reading Visit to Silchester Roman Baths 1 July 2020 - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThis event has been cancelled. The Friends will once again be taking part in this local festival on Palmer Park. If any members would like to help man the Friends stall please get in touch (thefriends@reading.ac.uk).
- post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThis event has been postponed until further noticeFriends are invited to join members of the University and the local community at this fifth annual Big Band Big Lunch Event on the London Road campus. You can take lunch, listen to music from the University Big Band and take part in a range of activities, including … Continue reading Big Band Lunch 30 May 2020
- img_thumbnailexcerptThe Whiteknights Studio Trail celebration book is being offered at a pre-publication price of £10.50 per copy. This is valid up until publication date of 21st June when it will return to £12.00. Friends’ member and editor of the book Jenny Halstead can hand copies over at the front door (wearing a glove) on SATURDAYS … Continue reading Art & History of Whiteknights 6 13 20 June 2020
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excerptPOSTPONEDA guided walking tour, starting at 2.00 pm from the Earley Gate lodges, of Earley Gate and The Wilderness offered exclusively for Friends. The tour covers the history of the wartime TOBs (Temporary Office Buildings), the Cold War ‘citadel’ (Region 6 War Room), ‘The Woods’ (Marquis of Blandford era) and the site of ‘The Wilderness’, … Continue reading Heritage Trail of Earley Gate and The Wilderness Sunday 29 March 2020 - img_thumbnail
excerptPalmer Building Room 109 at 4.15 pm. Mark Fellowes, Professor of Ecology in the School of Biological Sciences and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning and Resource, will give an illustrated talk about Urban Wildlife. Tea, with sandwiches and cakes, will be available from 3.00 pm in the Meadow Suite, Park House, and the talk will be … Continue reading Fifty raids of grey: how people affect urban wildlife 11 March 2020 - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptTHIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE THAMES BEING IN FLOODFriends were invited to view the race while taking tea and cake at the Canoe Club beside the Thames.
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excerptDetails of a talk by Professor Peter Dorwood about ‘Climate Services for Developing Countries: the work of the University’s Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture’ on the afternoon of Wednesday 6 November 2019 will have been sent to members. Please book. Photo from University of Reading website - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptProfessor Amy Smith of the Ure Museum in the Classics Department has kindly suggested that members may like to come to the launch of Annie’s Box (plus tea and cake) on Wednesday 9 October at 4pm. Annie’s box was funded by one of our grants this year. Through a combination of postcards, 3D printed objects … Continue reading Annies Box Ure Museum 9 October 2019 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptA coach trip on Saturday 5 October to the Docklands Museum to see the Secret Rivers Exhibition, and then to sights in Limehouse, Shadwell, Wapping and St Katherine’s Dock. A4 photo montage Dockland v1.0 20191010 Members were sent a booking form in August. There will be a fair amount of brisk walking involved. - img_thumbnailexcerptWe continued our series of Heritage Days with our guided tours around the historic London Road campus. Open to all, booking was essential but the tours were free.Further information on the Heritage Open Days website We funded some 3D printing of objects from the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology. During the Heritage Open Days they … Continue reading Heritage Open Days 14 and 21 September 2019
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excerptExhibition remains open until 15 September inc. Friends member Jenny Halstead and Linda Saul invited Friends to attend for a talk and a viewing of an exhibition by 20 artists in the Turbine House, Blakes Lock (beside Bel and the Dragon). - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThe Museum will host a handling session/talks from 2-4pm More information on the display which is on until 10 Septermber at https://research.reading.ac.uk/curiosi/collcurcat/ - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptProfessor Michael Fulford has invited Friends to return to Silchester to be shown round further excavations of the Roman Baths. Please book.
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excerptThe Annual General Meeting will start with a talk by Professor Shirley Reynolds and Dr Faith Orchard of the Charlie Waller Institute about the Institute and its work relating to mental health in young people. It will be held in Room G09, Allen Building, at 2.30 pm, with tea in the Meadow Suite from 4.00 … Continue reading AGM 10 July 2019 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptOnce again we had a stall at this popular local event in Palmer Park, showing photos from the University Special Collections on the development of the London Road campus. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptFollowing the success of our 2017 Heritage Day, the Friends have developed a series of guided tours of the Whiteknights and London Road campuses. The first of these was organised for the Berkshire Family History Society, - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThis year we had two stalls. One showing the history of the campus and the other in conjunction with the Ure Museum, Classics dept and a local charity with hands on activities of animal-related museum objects together with 3D prints of Palmyra which The Friends had funded. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptDr Jaqui Turner of the History Department, who recently advised the Suffrage exhibition in Parliament, will speak on early female MPs alongside a recreation of her Nancy Astor exhibit informed by the University's extensive Astor archive. Venue Palmer Building. Please book for the accompanying tea which starts at 3pm. - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptwatch the afternoon Head of the River Races on Saturday 9 March from the Canoe Club, The Warren, Caversham, Reading RG4 7TF, and to take tea there afterwards (parking along The Warren). Could those wishing to come please let Brenda Morris know by Friday 1 March (Brenda@morrisandfamily.co.uk)? Members are asked to arrive at the Club about 2 pm with the first race starting at 2.30 pm.
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excerptHuman rights, global wrongs: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70 Professor Rosa Freedman. Please book to attend at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/publiclectures/ - img_thumbnail
excerptA talk by Richard van Emden. - img_thumbnail
- img_thumbnailexcerptThe Friends are liaising with the Senior Common Room, The University Women's Club, Two Rivers Press and local charity RG Spaces to open up the Acacias and tell the story of Professor Edith Morley and the London Rd campus in her day. The event will run 8/9 and 16/16 September 12noon-6pm. It forms part of the national Heritage Open Days and Vote100 Reading. Members of the Friends are invited to volunteer to man the exhibition. Please contact thefriends@reading.ac.uk
- post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe visit will start at 2.30. Further details and a booing form will be sent to members in May.
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excerptAlumni and Supporters of the University are invited to this family fun day. Click the title for further particular and booking details. - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptOnce again The Friends will be taking part in this annual event on Palmer Park. Details nearer the time.
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excerptDetails of the AGM and visit are sent to members during May. - img_thumbnail
excerptInformation nearer the event. - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptA Friends’ grant is supporting this lively and friendly occasion. Bring a picnic to the London Road campus or buy your refreshments on the day. A range of activities based on the theme of ‘Everyone’s environment’, music from the Big Band and a heritage trail from The Friends.
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excerptMembers of The Friends are cordially invited to the launch of this installation of sculptures. Please click the title to see details. - img_thumbnail
excerptMembers Dr John Grainger and Ian Burn will give a talk on the heritage trails created for The Friends’ 90th anniversary celebrations in 2017. There will be an accompanying exhibition and tea. Full details and booking form have been sent to members. - img_thumbnail
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excerptThe Reading 2050 project is holding open lectures to which members of the Friends are very welcome. - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptTHE RUBC HAS HAD TO CANCEL THIS EVENT DUE TO WEATHER & RIVER CONDITIONS
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excerptUniversity choirs (Campus Voices, Academic Voices, and Chamber Choir, plus the Institute of Education’s Universal Voices children’s choir) will be performing in an advent concert on Thursday 7 December, at Christ Church (Christchurch Road, Reading, RG2 7AJ). The concert is free, but there will be a retiring collection for Nordoff Robbins, a music therapy charity. … Continue reading University Choirs at Christchurch 7 December 2017 - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptFriends are most welcome to the University Carol Service which is taking place on Monday 4 December at 6pm in the Great Hall featuring the Chamber Choir and readings from University members. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThe Big Band have their annual Swing Ball taking place on Saturday 25 November. This promises to be a great evening, with fantastic entertainment from the University Big Band and Reading Boys School Big Band, plus a swing dance taster session and performances from the University Swing Dance Society. This event has sold out in … Continue reading Big Band 25 November 2017 - img_thumbnailexcerptProfessor Farrelly Head of the University’s new School of Architecture has invited us to visit. Further details will be available in August.
- img_thumbnailexcerptA guided tour of the area. Further details available in August.
- img_thumbnailexcerptInspired by Reading’s Victorian Turbine, All of a Twist is an exhibition of the science and technology of twisty-turny stuff under, on, above and beside Reading’s rivers. Thermals, tornados, whirlpools, watermills, willow, spirogyra, towrope, wool, DNA and turbines have all affected Reading, its river dwellers, monks, red kites and now us one way or another. … Continue reading All of a Twist at the Turbine House 6 Sept 2017
- img_thumbnailexcerptProfessor Mike Fulford has invited us to the site of the new temple dig at Silchester. Further details will be available at the beginning of August.
- img_thumbnailexcerptThe Friends will be represented at this event showing a collection of historic University photos. The Shepherds Hut which The Friends helped fund is being unveiled decorated by the Mewes Knitters alongside many other community activities.Everyone is invited to bring along a picnic, and any family teasures you would like evaluated. See Community Treasures This … Continue reading Community Treasures at the MERL Saturday 8 July 2017
- post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe Friends was honoured to be inducted into the University’s College of Benefactors at the degree ceremony in the Great Hall on 6 July 2017. Dr Chris Gayford received the honour from the Chancellor followed by a presentation from the Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell in the Acacias.
- img_thumbnailexcerptOur Yearly Meeting will be held at London Road, with a visit to the Museum of English Rural Life followed by tea and our Meeting in Room L022 G03/4. Full details and booking form will be sent round nearer the time.
- img_thumbnailexcerptCome and see us or volunteer to help man our stall at the East Reading Festival. We will be continuing our partnership with local charity RG Spaces to show our heritage information about the University’s campuses, alongside activities relating to the University’s museums.
- post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptThe University Events Team would like to welcome members to the third annual Big Band Big Lunch on the historic London Road campus. They write: “Join the fun as we invite the local community to join members of the University over lunch, to listen to music from the University Big Band and take part in … Continue reading Big Band Big Lunch Sunday 4 June 2017
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To celebrate the 90th anniversary of our foundation in 1927 there will be a Heritage Day event at Whiteknights on Sunday 7 May. Guided tours, displays and children's activities. Children free £5 adults (to include tea and cake) . Everyone is welcome. Please see here for further information and booking details from the beginning of April.
- img_thumbnailexcerptThis talk will be given at Whiteknights by Professor Paul Hadley and Dr Matt Ordidge and will explain the work of the National Fruit Collection, one of the largest such collections in the world, which is based at Brogdale Farm in Kent and is co-curated by the University of Reading.
- img_thumbnailexcerptMembers are invited by RUBC to watch the racing from the Reading Canoe Club, The Warren, Caversham. Please contact brenda@morrisfamily.co.uk
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excerptLast year, the Friends gave a grant towards an installation, "Bench in the (Whiteknights) Lake", created by Robyn Appleton, a research student in the Department of Fine Art. In October there will be a lantern-lit procession with people gathering around the lake. The Friends aims to take part, processing from a venue on campus. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptVisit to The Cole Museum, Animal and Microbial Sciences Building at 2.15 pm and tour at 2.30 pm followed by a talk at 3.15pm in the AMS Lecture Theatre and then tea in the Meadow Suite. - img_thumbnail
excerptThe Friends Visit Tour of Naval and Royal Greenwich (a steadily paced walking tour, including rest stops). BOOKING ESSENTIAL. - img_thumbnail
excerptLongstanding member of the Friends, Jenny Halstead, is curating an exhibition from local artists. Private view with wine, books, museum and optional lunch. - img_thumbnail
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excerptThis year our annual general meeting and reception will be at Aberleigh courtesy of Sir David and Lady Bell. This is a good occasion to catch up with what’s going on both within The Friends’ Association and more broadly to hear from the Vice-Chancellor about developments within the University, have your say on what the … Continue reading Yearly Meeting @ Aberleigh 29 June - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptThe University received its charter 90 years ago. Members of the Friends were invited to join alumni at the University Homecoming event. We manned a stand at this special event - showing the wide variety of grants we have made over nine decades and our Heritage Trails. - img_thumbnail
excerptLord Carrington, our President emeritus, has kindly invited us again to visit his magnificent gardens at the Manor House, Bledlow. Davina Palmer will provide tea for the party at 4.15 pm. Booking is essential. - post_titleimg_thumbnail
- post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptEveryone welcome at this University event on the London Rd campus 12 noon Sunday 5 June 2016. Bring your own picnic or enjoy a tasty treat from the BBQ grill, and try some of the beers and ciders in the Real Ale Festival at Eat at London Road. If you fancy something a bit different, the University will be showcasing some of its food science research, with a special 'Ready, Steady, Nutritional Cook' demonstration.
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excerptThe Friends has supported the Ure Museum with several grants over the years. This visit is by kind invitation of Amy Smith, Professor of Classics and Curator of the Museum. The visit starts at 2.30pm in the Ure Museum, Classics Department, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Whiteknights campus, Building 1 on the Campus Map. It will be followed by tea at 4.15pm in the Meadow Suite (behind Park House). Please click the photo of Professor Smith for more information, parking permit and campus map.
Please email thefriends@reading.ac.uk if you would like to attend. You are welcome to bring guests [charge of £4.50 for their tea]
Parking will be available in the new Car Park 1a on Queen’s Drive, near the University Sports Centre. Please print out the parking permit and display on your car or email Brenda at thefriend@reading.ac.uk who can supply a printed version.
Click for further details
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excerptEdith Morley is believed to have been the first woman professor in this country. In our 2015 grants round, the Friends supported the publication of her memoirs. This will be launched in the Great Hall at this special event: In Conversation with Karen Blackett, OBE Chairwoman of MediaCom UK. Please click Edith's photo - taken in Reading at the turn of the last century - for further details. - img_thumbnailexcerptCome and see us or volunteer to help man our stall at East Reading Festival. In 2015 we partnered with local charity RG Spaces to show our heritage info about the London Rd campus, alongside activities relating to the University's Ure Museum, Ladybird book archive and Harris Garden.
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excerpt[catlist post_type=post name=onreadingandthegreatwar] - post_titleimg_thumbnailexcerptHeritage Trail 2012 info sheet
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excerptHeritage Trail 2009 info sheet - post_titleimg_thumbnail
excerptHeritage Trail 2007 info sheet
