Reading shows off ground-breaking research at the Berkshire Show
Tuesday, 05 October 2010
Visitors enjoying the MERL exhibit in the University's marquee at the Berkshire Show
'While digging for rare artefacts and planting seeds, the public found out about some of the fantastic work that takes place at Reading.'
On the 18 and 19 September the University was pleased to welcome thousands of visitors to their exhibition at the Royal County of Berkshire Show, which was held at the Newbury Showground.
Members of the public, food and farming representatives, and University staff and alumni discovered how the University's 'ground'-breaking research is getting to the root of some the issues faced by planet earth.
Visitors had the chance to speak to some of the University's leading academics on areas such as climate change, food and nutrition, agriculture and archaeology.
Also this year, the University teamed up with Show organisers, the Newbury & District Agricultural Society, to bring the first Royal County of Berkshire Show Lecture Series. Over the two days, free talks highlighted Reading's research excellence and the changes to local heritage and rural life.
The centre-piece of the exhibition was a display from the Department of Archaeology, who were awarded the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize this year. The exciting exhibit showcased a range of finds and artefacts from around the world. There was even a chance for families to take part in their own mini excavation by exploring the ‘dig pit'!
The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) also formed a large part of the exhibit. Next year MERL celebrates its 60th anniversary along with BBC Radio 4 show ‘The Archers'. The public took a trip down memory lane and posted their memories of each national treasure on a special timeline. There was also the opportunity for youngsters to plant seeds whilst parents examined fascinating items from MERL's Sutton Seeds archive.
"There was something for everyone at our exhibit," said Fiona Blair, Director of Events. "While digging for rare artefacts and planting seeds, the public found out about some of the fantastic work that takes place at Reading. Visitors also discovered MERL's fascinating historical farming treasures, and learnt about Reading's leading teaching programmes and cutting-edge research."