Local Society: Reading

'Founded in 1871 ... The Society exists to explore, care and promote the Historic Environment of the past and present county of Berkshire. This will therefore also include those parts of Berkshire which became parts of other counties in 1974. The Historic Environment includes the archaeology, culture, history, and architecture of the county ... Everybody with an interest in archaeology is welcome to attend our meetings and join the Society. It does not matter whether your interest in archaeology is new found or long standing. The Society offers activities from regular lectures and outings to field projects and research.'

'Objectives of the society are: * To advance education of the public in research into family history and genealogy, primarily but not exclusively within the boundaries of the pre-1974 Royal County of Berkshire; * To work to promote the preservation, transcription, indexing and ready public accessibility of related records and information ... The Centre hosts a lively activities and events programme, aimed at widening researchers’ knowledge and deepening their understanding. Talks, walks, courses and workshops deliver updated perspectives and help place research findings into better historical context ... Branch Meetings usually take place monthly (except July and August) ... Everyone is welcome — you do not have to be a society member to attend. Each meeting features a topic likely to be of relevance and interest to all researchers. Speakers are experts in their respective fields.'

Member of the Berkshire Family History Society Grouping

Member of the Berkshire Family History Society Grouping

'We offer our members the chance to attend our regular events and outings and to receive our quarterly newsletter, as well as being able to share time and information with like-minded individuals. When required we undertake preservation and recording projects and work with local and countrywide bodies to protect our heritage.'

'The national organisation which represents numismatic societies throughout the United Kingdom. It exists to promote the study of numismatics by bringing these societies and their members together to share and increase their interest and expertise in coins, tokens and currency ... BANS holds an annual weekend congress, organised by the local numismatic society, in a different attractive place each year ... BANS sponsors one of the talks at the annual weekend congress, the Marion Archibald Memorial Lecture ... BANS runs an annual autumn lecture course, with a more specifically educational programme. As at the congresses, the lectures are given by the leading museum, trade and amateur experts.'

Member of the BCSS - 6 South East England Grouping

'We are a network of people including research scientists in universities, commercial and government laboratories and hi-tech companies, engineers, theologians and philosophers, as well as students, school teachers, administrators and anyone interested in science and faith issues ...  There are local groups around the UK and Ireland which provide meetings for members and others, organizing public lectures, talks in local churches, study and prayer groups.'

Member of the Christians in Science Grouping

'The Embroiderers' Guild exists to build awareness of stitch and textile art. We educate, encourage, inspire and promote the achievement of excellence ... We have a number of independent stitch groups who are affiliated to the Embroiderers' Guild.' (NOTE At the time of Review, the Guild no longer provided Links to the Websites of their affiliated Groups.)

Member of The Quilters' Guild Grouping

'We inspire, enable and encourage people to get involved with history, whether in the classroom, at college, in the library or at home. We passionately believe the study of history should be accessible to all people at all levels of study ... The Historical Association is an active organisation with events happening up and down the UK. The local branches all have a lively lecture programme open to both members of the association and any general member of the public wishing to come along.'

Member of the Historical Association Grouping

'We are the charity that campaigns to protect and restore the country's 7,000 miles of inland waterways ... We campaign locally and nationally for the waterways – supporting restorations, lobbying parliament, championing regeneration and raising waterways users concerns ... Our members and volunteers are waterways-lovers from all walks of life who want to preserve and improve the network for future generations.'

Member of the Inland Waterways Association Grouping

Member of the National Trust Support Grouping

'Founded in 1979 by a group of quilting enthusiasts and has grown from a founding membership of 300 to over 6,500 individual members today ... Each of our regions provide a programme of talks and events and every year at least two or three regions organise exhibitions and retreats. The five special interest groups cater for special interests with challenges, meetings, retreats and summer schools.'

Normally offer 'a range of events for members and the public ... including an annual course of lectures for new beekeepers, giving them the basic knowledge needed to set up a colony of bees in the Reading area, a mentoring service which pairs new beekeepers with experienced association members, online educational courses for more experienced beekeepers who want to develop and deepen their knowledge of bees through study, and evening lectures giving entertaining and useful insights into the art of beekeeping'.

Member of the British Association of Numismatic Societies Grouping

Member of the Embroidery Groups Grouping

Member of the RSPB - 6 South East England Grouping

'Groups which meet and converse in the UK and beyond, usually gathering once every month. The event was founded in London, UK by Dr Scott Campbell in 1999, for all those interested in science, history, psychology, philosophy, investigative journalism and how to examine extraordinary claims of all types. A speaker (or number of speakers) is invited each month to present a topic of interest, which is followed by a discussion in a relaxed and friendly pub atmosphere.'

Member of the Skeptics in the Pub Grouping

'The Object of the Society is to provide a common meeting ground for the study and discussion of, and research into, history in general, and of the local area in particular.'

'Formed in 1980 to maintain interest in the period 1914-1918, to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of those on all sides who served their countries in France and Flanders and their own countries during the Great War. It does not seek to glorify war and is non-political ... Belonging to The Western Front Association provides you with the opportunity of meeting like-minded people to learn, share, explore and exchange information and knowledge in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.'

Member of the Western Front Association Grouping

'With a membership of 80+ (and still growing) we believe that we are the biggest and best camera club in the Reading area of Berkshire. Our membership draws from many diverse backgrounds and age groups, including a strong female contingent. Whether you're interested in landscape photography, wildlife, still life, portraiture, sports photography or any of the other facets of this fascinating hobby, you will find them well represented at the W.H.C.C.'