Public's backstage pass to historic University site

Thursday, 22 March 2012

London Road Friendship Gate

Members of the public have the chance to look behind the scenes at the revamped London Road Campus with a Heritage Trail.

The event, hosted by the Friends of the University of Reading on Sunday 25 March from 2pm to 5pm, will give visitors the opportunity to explore parts of the campus not normally accessible to the public.

The extensive improvements made to the campus were carried out before the Institute of Education made it their new home in January. The Institute is one of the leading providers of teacher training in the UK.

Brenda Morris, Secretary of the Friends of the University of Reading, said: "Our biennial Friends of the University trail will focus on the work of the Institute of Education at the refurbished London Road campus. Families are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of shared fun and heritage.

"We have storytelling and hands-on science experiments for primary students. For GCSE students and everyone interested in history we introduce some of Reading's wartime heroes and show you how to use technology to trace the past. There's also art printmaking and croquet on the lawn for all ages."

The Great Hall will host a series of recitals on its historic organ, which is 100 years old this year, interspersed with talks about its history. There will be displays showing many of the images and maps of the London Road campus dating back more than a century, when the University College - the precursor to the modern day University of Reading - was established there. The event will also include a treasure hunt (with prizes). Refreshments and snacks will be provided during the afternoon in the ‘Eat and Drink' café on the campus.

The cost is £3 a head, which includes tea and a piece of cake. Those aged 18 and under go free. For further details and a booking form contact Brenda Morris on 0118 378 8006 or email thefriends@reading.ac.uk - or just turn up on the day.

Access to the event will be through Acacia Road or Crown Place, both of which provide plenty of parking space, or through the main entrance in London Road. Most parts of the site are fully accessible.