Reading Centre of
the National Trust
Reading Centre of the National Trust
Afternoon & Evening Talks
The Reading Centre of the National Trust organises talks on a wide variety of topics and from many different speakers. Our Afternoon Talks are held at 2pm in the Abbey Baptist Church and our Evening Talks are at 7.30pm at St. Peter’s Church Hall. See venue and travel information.
Talks are free for members to attend (just bring your membership card). Non-members are also welcome as guests, for £2 per person.
There's no need to book for the talks – Just turn up
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Peter Hague
The Kennedys – Saints or Sinners
Much has been written about the Kennedy clan particularly JFK and Jackie. This presentation highlights the influence their father (Joe Senior) and their mother, Rose, had on the Kennedy boys and girls.
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Jennifer Marshall-Jenkinson
The Secret Life of Colour
Colour affects us all and Jenny will describe how it has influenced history – remember how King Louis of France proclaimed purple to be a royal colour that no-one else could wear. Colours influence our moods and the reason why the various nations of the world wear such colourful clothes.
7.30pm
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Jackie Dimmock
The Good, the Bad and the Downright Funny
Jackie is a retired police officer who worked for the Hampshire Constabulary for almost 30 years (1982-2012). She illustrates her entertaining talk with little mini quilt 'stories' which she hangs onto her lovely banners as her talk unfolds.
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Jenny Morgan
Jenny's Bees
Jenny is a Caversham based, qualified bee-keeper with hives in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. She will talk about the care of bees and bring along some Caversham honey and beeswax products.
7.30pm
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Dr David Lewis
Robert Tebbutt
A truly remarkable man who built much of Victorian Windsor including work on Windsor castle as well as remaining on intimate terms with the royal family for over 60 years.
7.30pm
Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Steve Wilkinson
Magic and Mentalism – Defying Logic
Steve is a magician and specialises in mentalism/mind reading called Defying Logic. His objective is to bring fun, laughter and amazement to the occasion.
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Frances Jones
The Magic of the Alphorn
Herdsmen have used wooden horns in the Alps since before records began. Frances will bring a selection of Alphorns to illustrate their history, their uses and how they are made.
7.30pm
Tuesday, 10 March 2026
Jennipher Marshall-Jenkinson
History of Gin
Is it really mother’s ruin? Was a martini really James Bond’s favourite tipple?
Upcoming Talks
Venues
Afternoon Talks – 2pm
Abbey Baptist Church
Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE
All main bus services are just a short walk away (Jacksons Corner Bus Stop). Unfortunately there is no general parking available at Abbey Baptist Church. A member with mobility problems may be able to arrange to park a car there; they need to contact the Administrator or Warden of the Abbey Baptist Church.
Evening Talks – 2pm
St Peter's Church Hall
Church Road, Earley RG6 1EY
The Number 17 bus is just a few minutes walk away (Three Tuns Stop).
Whilst there is some parking outside the Church Hall, often it is insufficient to accommodate the cars of everyone who wishes to go to evening talks and there have been problems in the past.
Arrangements have been made for cars to park on the playground of the adjacent Earley St Peter's Church of England Primary School, the entrance gates to which are about 20 yards from the Church Hall. The gates are normally opened at about 19.00.
Members are asked not to park in the area on the far left-hand side where the caretaker's house is situated and to leave promptly at the end of an evening talk. It is hoped this will ensure there is ample car parking for those that wish to come to the evening talks.
