Open Group

This Group is open to all and arranges monthly meetings of general interest which appeal to a wide range of people including those of other faiths and none. The Secretary is Mr Philip Cook. If you are interested you may contact him by phone on 0118 3766425. The programme of events for 2025 is available below.

All events in the Downshire Room @ 2.30pm - All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square, Reading, RG1 6NN (unless otherwise stated)

PROGRAMME FOR THE YEAR 2025

Wed 22nd January 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

'Accidents will happen' - and the hospital had to deal with them! - the Reading Pathological Society and railway accidents in 1839 as our first patients at the Royal Berkshire Hospital were the result of railway accidents in the local area. An illustrated talk by Lionel Williams (return speaker)

Wed 26th February 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

My Royal British Legion work - talk by Dr Alison Johnston (return visit from 2024 speaker list)

Wed 19th March 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

David Morton (Chairman of Reading U3A) - return speaker

Wed 30th April 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

Heritage Too - guitar group

Wed 28th May 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

The Cowshed - local charity supporting people in Crisis

Wed 25th June 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

South America - Anecdotes from my travels - Rebecca Rawlings

Wed 16th July 2025 - midday for 12.30pm start - annual Toby Carvery meal out

Wed 20th August 2025 - 12.30pm Garden party bring and share at Kaikoura

Wed 24th September 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

My travels in 2024 - Peter Scott

Wed 29th October 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

Reading Accordion group

Wed 19th November 2025 - Open Group 2.30pm - Downshire Room

The Samaritans - Seamus Jennings

Wed 10th December 2025 - 3pm Downshire Room for Christmas Cream Tea (£4)