Events

Dates For Your 2017 Diary

Reading Tree Wardens Book Launch
Monday 1 May 12.00 to 3.00 p.m.

May Day sees the 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, extend an invitation to a choice of morning walks around Reading followed by a picnic and tree related events in the Gardens in the afternoon.  More details will appear here shortly and also on Reading Tree Wardens Facebook account and at http://www.readingtreewardens.org.uk

Storytelling in Caversham Court Gardens
Sunday 21 May, 12.00 to 4.00 p.m.



The Friends are getting together with Get Reading, Reading for an afternoon of storytelling and creative crafts as part of the Reading Children's Festival.  Children can explore the beautiful riverside gardens on a trail featuring their favourite storybook characters.  Storyteller Anne Latto will be be narrating tales of wonder in the mysterious undercroft overlooking the river.  There will be books to read and stories to hear on the river bank and under the trees.  Make enchanting birds in the vinery with Hester and join Jenny weaving magic around the mulberry tree!

Suitable for children up to 11, all must be accompanied by an adult.  The event is free, but donations are welcome.  Bring a picnic - the charity-run Tea Kiosk will be open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m serving hot and cld drinks and home-made cakes.

Ways and Means Dog Show
Sunday 25 June, starts at 2.00 p.m.

Bring four-footed friends down to Caversham Court Gardens for a fun dog show.  Register from noon for a 2.00 p.m. start in six not very serious categories.  The Tea Kiosk will be open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Heritage Open Days
Saturday 9 September at 11.30 a.m. & 2.30 p.m.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Conservation Areas, join architectural historian Megan Aldrich for a one-hour walk on Saturday 9 September (11.00 and 14.30) looking at the highlights of St Peter's Conservation Area, Caversham.  Start and finish at Caversham Court Gardens.  Guided tours of the beautiful riverside gardens and the 17th century summer house are also available on the same day.  Sensory tours for visually or hearing impaired people can also be provided.  All tours are to be run by the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens and are available on request (11.00 to 16.00).  The charity run Tea Kiosk will also be open on site.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/caversham-architectural-tours-tickets-34950285244

Previous Events

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.




  



Talk at the 2017 AGM

Friends filled the large function room at Reading Canoe Club on 26 March for the 2017 AGM and to hear our guest speaker Travis Elborough deliver an interesting talk entitled 'A Walk in the Park'.  The illustrated talk provided a fascinating social history of parks. It extended from their medieval life as royal hunting grounds and private estates to todays public spaces teeming with activity. 
The talk was based on the book 'A Walk in the Park' seen here with the author. 

Travis' book has been widely praised by critics and is due for re-issue in paperback form later this year.