Monday 12 January 2026
A short history of Aldermaston and the Nuclear Weapons Programme – Garry George
For 75 years AWE has proudly played a role of critical national importance, helping to deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent. In 1950 Aldermaston became the site of the UK government’s atomic weapons programme, initially named ‘High Explosive Research’, under the supervision of British Manhattan Project veteran William Penney. Join Garry George to hear an overview of AWE’s rich history.
Monday 9 February 2026
The Life of Edwina Mountbatten – Richard Anderson
Edwina was married to Lord Louis Mountbatten and was one of the wealthiest women in Britain. She had a very hard start to life but once she moved to London she was the darling of the social set – World War II put an end to all that and she became one of the hardest working women of her age. Richard will tell us how she changed her life and helped save thousands of lives.
Monday 9 March 2026
The real Wolf Hall: What Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Cromwell were really like – Ian Porter
Talk starts with an overview of Henry’s life – Ian puts forward two reasons for why he behaved so badly in his later years. A brief outline of both Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn’s lives and the plot against Anne, finishing with a few notes on Jane Seymour and Anna of Cleves.
Monday 13 April 2026
Newbury Roman Cemetery – David Peacock
In the middle of the 19th century, a large Roman cemetery was discovered in an area now near Sainsbury’s in Newbury. Containing both cremations and inhumations, the cemetery was quickly destroyed with most items discarded and the whole discovery poorly documented. Local historian Dr David Peacock tells the story of the discovery and of the Roman pottery and other items which have survived.
Monday 11 May 2026
A History of the University of Reading – Ian Burn
In 2026 the University of Reading celebrates the 100th anniversary of the granting of its charter, the only UK university to be created between World War I and II. The talk outlines the university’s history from its origins in Reading town centre in the late 1800s and its links with Oxford University, the move to the London road site near the Royal Berks Hospital, concluding with the move to the Whiteknights campus and a look into the future.
Monday 8 June 2026
‘It Takes the Biscuit’ – A History of Biscuit Making in Reading, Berks – Nigel Crompton
Commencing with a description of the history of biscuits from ancient times, we then look at Reading through the centuries as far as biscuit making is concerned. Three main companies are discussed in depth: their rise and later decline. A large number of biscuit varieties are mentioned which those of a certain age will remember, When the opportunity permits a number of artefacts are brought along to add to the presentation and usually lead to memories.
Monday 13 July 2026
The Lady with the Lamp – The Florence Nightingale Story – Paul Whittle
The long life and many achievements of this remarkable Victorian lady, widely credited as the founder of a professional nursing service. Paul will talk about the people and place associated with her and look at the Crimea of today shortly before the Russian occupation in 2014.
Monday 14 September 2026
Rover Scouts during the War – Brian O’Neill
During World War II men of Rover Scout age were called up to serve in the armed forces. This is a little told story of their service to the country and scouting. Working in POW camps in Germany, on river Thames security duties and volunteering for SOE were just some of the duties they performed
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Monday 12 October 2026
Shaw House: 400 years of History – Sarah Somerville
The Elizabethan mansion at Shaw, near Newbury has many fascinating stories to tell. Built from the profits of the cloth trade in 1551, it has since enjoyed visits from royalty including Queen Elizabeth I. The house is now a visitor attraction, business and conference centre. Many of its fascinating secrets were not revealed until restoration in the 21st century.
Monday 9 November 2026
Pamber Priory – 900 years – TADS Project Group
A Norman legacy in North East Hampshire, hidden amongst trees and often unnoticed by passersby and motorists. This talk will tell of the rise and fall of this monastic building, its architecture and its survival as a parish church, through, the unfailing patronage of Queen’s College Oxford.