DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
St Peters Conservation Area Architectural Tours
Saturday 9 September
Join architectural historian Megan Aldrich for a walk looking at the highlights of St Peter's Conservation Area, Caversham, starting and finishing in Caversham Court Gardens. The free tours will be at 11.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m., numbers are limited, please book through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/caversham-architectural-tours-tickets-34950285244, or drop a note to the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens using the mailbox in the Stable Yard (to the right of the main entrance).
Guided tours of Caversham Court Gardens and the 17th century summer house are also available between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. on the same date (9 September). Sensory tours for the visually or hearing impaired people are also available. The tours will be run by the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens. There is no need to book, just turn up. The Tea Kiosk will be open for refreshments.
River Stories by Walk the Plank
Saturday 16 September at 5.00 p.m.
Award-winning outdoors art company 'Walk the Plank' will be creating a special theatrical event in the gardens, taking as its inspiration the rich tapestry of stories of the River Thames and its cultural and historical significance for Reading. Working with artists and the people of Reading this multi-sensory spectacle will delight people of all ages with lights, music, fire and pyrotechnics. See and experience the river in a way you hadn't imagined before.
Tickets: Adults £8, Child £5, Family Ticket £15
Tickets from Reading Arts
,http://www.readingarts.com/tickets-readin/whats-on/river-stories>
Supported by Arts Council England
First Sunday of the Month
Sundays 6 August, 3 September, 1 October
2.30 to 4.30 p.m.
Volunteer guides will be present in the gardens to answer questions and to offer informal tours
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Reading Tree Wardens Book Launch
May Day saw the successful out-of-doors book launch of The Shady Side of Town. Reading's Trees (Two Rivers Press) by Adrian Lawson (author)and Geoff Sawers (illustrator). They and Reading Tree Wardens, working in partnership, extended an invitation to a choice of morning walks around Reading followed by a picnic and tree related events in the gardens in the afternoon. The event was well supported both for the walks and for the visit to the gardens.
Storytelling in Caversham Court Garden
The Friends got together with Get Reading, Reading for an afternoon of storytelling and creative crafts as part of the Reading Children's Festival. Children were able to explore the beautiful riverside gardens on a trail featuring their favourite storybook characters. Storyteller Anne Latto narrated tales of wonder in the mysterious undercroft overlooking the river. There were books to read and stories to hear on the river bank and under the trees. The children made enchanting birds in the vinery with Hester and joined Jenny weaving magic around the mulberry tree! The Tea Kiosk served hot and cold drinks and home-made cake
Christmas Carol Concert
The Friends organised a successful carol concert in the Gardens on 19 December. Visitors warmed themselves with mulled wine and mince pies served by volunteers from local charities who man the tea kiosk from spring through to late autumn. The carol concert was compered by national sports presenter Simon Thomas whose enthusiasm mirrored that of the Reading Salvation Army band and the choir of St Peter's Church (director Ian Westley) which led the singing of carols and of the Rector, Reverend Mike Smith. Generous donations allowed us to cover the cost of the event and were shared with the church bell ringers and the Salvation Army. The event was well stewarded by Friends who ensured a safe and enjoyable evening.
Simon Thomas with concert organiser Linda Humphreys-Evans and the Reading Salvation Army band.
