Events

image by courtesy of Anne White

COMING EVENTS

BEAN POLE DAY

Econet Reading will hold their annual Bean Pole Day in the gardens on Saturday 18 April (9.30 to 15.00).  The event promotes local woodland products and wildlife friendly gardening.  More information from https://econetreading.org.uk/programme

DAY OF ACTION FOR  NATURE, PARKS AND GREEN SPACES - 18 APRIL 2026

The Friends will man a stall at BEAN POLE DAY to support this day of action.  Across the country, communities are becoming increasingly concerned about the loss of nature, the decline of local green spaces, and the pressures facing our parks, rivers, woodlands and wildlife.  These places are essential to our wellbeing, our resilince, and our sense of belonging - yet they are often overlooked in national debate.  This is a non-partisan, community-led initiative.  It is not aligned with any political party or other campaign.  Its aim is to  show decision-makers of all parties that nature matters  to the electorate - and that safeguarding green spaces is a shared national priority.

PAST EVENTS

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

We were fortunate with dry weather for the well-attended twylight Christmas carols in the gardens on Monday 15 December. Attendees joined the choir of St Peter's Church and the Salvation Army band in singing traditional carols.  The event was compered by Alex Forbes of Fourbears Books.  We thank all involved and those who donated on the occasion which enabled the Friends to cover the cost of the event.

HALLOWEEN TRAIL

The Friends 5th Halloween Trail was once more enjoyed by children and their carers who flocked to the gardens to be suitably scared, amused, wowed and educated by the 20 displays created by Hester Casey and friends arranged to adorn, trees, shrubs and other hiding places.  The young visitors had great fun discovering each of the ghosts, witches, weird creatures and natural spirits, all made from recycled materials.  They would also have seen posters displaying poetry on the joy of relaxing in a garden and on the history of witches.

Thank you to the visitors who bought trail guides/tick sheets.  The over £600  raised will be used by The Friends to support the gardens by funding new or replacement plants for 2026.

Charity volunteers once again supported the event by manning the Tea Kiosk and serving hot drinks and home-made cakes to visitors.

Some images of displays (courtesy of Ania Haskins) are presented below.