Nicola Chester, author of Ghosts of the Farm, describes how women’s roles changed after WWII and how past lives echo today. Hear how this memoir and historical narrative came together, blending rural history with uncanny experiences.
Date: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 - 7:00pm
Organiser: Hungerford Historical Association
AGM and Social
Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Members free, visitors £5 on the door.
Date: Tuesday, 30 June 2026 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
A few places are still available for a guided tour of Shaw House on 30th June. You will need to arrange to arrive at the car park just prior to 10am to join up with the rest of the group. Primarily for Thatcham Historical Society members, but a few places remain if you are interested. The cost is £10, payment must be made prior to the visit. The tour will be followed by refreshments in the cafe on site.
If you are interested please contact Dr Nick Young, the Chair, via the contact page on the Society website:
Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Aldermaston History Group
John Surridge will talk on the making of cricket bats, an old Aldermaston industry.
Members free, Visitors £5. Annual membership subscription is £20.
For more information, visit the website: https://group.aldermastonhistory.uk/
Date: Monday, 21 September 2026 - 2:00pm
Organiser: Goring Gap Local History Society
Karen Wiles looks at the history of the WI.
Members free. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start
For more information visit the website: https://www.goringgaphistory.org.uk/talks-programme.html
Date: Monday, 28 September 2026 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
Huntley & Palmers is synonomous with Reading. Anne Garrison from the Museum of English Rural Life looks at the history of this famous factory.
Doors open at 7pm with refreshments (50p) served prior to the meeting. Meetings start at 7.30pm, and the building must be vacated by 9pm. There is parking at the school.
Members free, visitors £3. Membership is available on the night at a cost of £15 per year (from the September meeting this is £7.50).
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
Education played an important part in Thatcham, with one of the oldest buildings having been repurposed as a school. Sue Ellis explores the development of the British and National Schools, and education in general to the present day.
Doors open at 7pm with refreshments (50p) served prior to the meeting. Meetings start at 7.30pm, and the building must be vacated by 9pm. There is parking at the school.
Members free, visitors £3. Membership is available on the night at a cost of £15 per year (from the September meeting this is £7.50).
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Aldermaston History Group
Following the AGM, Dr Richard Marks will give a talk on Reading's Industrial development during the Victorian period.
Members free, Visitors £5. Annual membership subscription is £20.
For more information, visit the website: https://group.aldermastonhistory.uk/
Date: Monday, 30 November 2026 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
Thatcham lay on the line of the road from Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester), and finds over the years support the belief it was an important crossing point for the river Kennet. Dr Nick Young explores the possibilities.
Doors open at 7pm with refreshments (50p) served prior to the meeting. Meetings start at 7.30pm, and the building must be vacated by 9pm. There is parking at the school.
Members free, visitors £3. Membership is available on the night at a cost of £15 per year (from the September meeting this is £7.50).
Date: Monday, 14 December 2026 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Organiser: Thatcham Historical Society
A new departure - a Christmas Social with a quiz to take us to the end of the year. All welcome.
Doors open at 7pm with refreshments served prior to the meeting. Meetings start at 7.30pm, and the building must be vacated by 9pm. There is parking at the school.
Members free, visitors £3.
For more information about the work of the Society visit the website: https://www.thatchamhistoricalsociety.org.uk/