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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. Share this […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. Share […]