Spring Potpourri Talks Series
This all series ticket covers all three talks in the Spring “Potpourri of Social History” talks series, for the discounted price of £12.50 (members £10.00). You may also book each talk individually – see each separate event page. All three talks are on Thursdays at 2pm and last about an hour. Afterwards there will be time for questions and discussion. This is an online talks series using Zoom.
Thursday 22 April “Stories near your feet: Life, loss and legacy in Reading Old Cemetery”: 2-3.15pm with Prof. Yota Dimitriadi
In 1842, the newly-formed Reading Cemetery Company purchased land in what was then Sonning, just beyond the eastern boundary of Reading to create the Reading Cemetery. It was a much needed resource, as the town’s churchyards had been overflowing for some time. The first burial took place the following year. Nowadays, as you wander through the peaceful paths of Reading Old Cemetery, have you ever wondered about the lives of those buried there? From grand Victorian monuments to forgotten, unmarked graves, each plot holds a story, some well-known, others only recently uncovered.
The ROCuP (Reading Old Cemetery Undertaking Project) is a collaboration between the Institute of Education, University of Reading, the Reading Old Cemetery History, Heritage and Education group, and dedicated volunteers who have contributed their time and family histories. Together, they have pieced together aspects of the town’s rich social history, using the cemetery as a lens to explore themes of identity, memory, bereavement, and education.
Thursday 28 May “Postcards form a different Front Line“: 2-3.15pm with Helen Baggott
The majority of us will be very familiar with the distinctive postcards issued and sent during the First World World War. Whether it is a beautifully stitched silk card, evocative image of soldiers, ships or French villages, or an image of children or the village left behind, they all tell a story. Illustrated with postcards sent during the First World War, this talk shares the stories of air raids, lost love and how our ancestors faced the challenge of surviving the war and beyond. We are delighted to welcome back speaker Helen Baggott, who once again shares uncovered stories from the past.
Thursday 25 June “Forbury Gardens, Reading“: 2-3.15pm with Joy Pibworth
Forbury Gardens is a much-loved part of Reading and has been the backdrop to many important events in the town, from at least 871 when the Danes camped there. Now listed as Grade II in the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens it has many hidden stories to tell.
Zoom Talk Requirements
To join these talks, you will need a computer device with speakers. Ideally, also a webcam and microphone. You also need to be able to access the internet from it. First-time users of Zoom, will need to download a small piece of software – included in the link.
How to Book
Pre-booking is required because places are limited. Full joining instructions will be emailed to attendees in advance. Bookings close one day before the first event.
To book – scroll down.
Date
- Thu 23 Apr 2026
Tickets
- £12.50
Category
Organiser
-
The Centre - Berkshire FHS
-
Email
booking@berksfhs.org.uk -
Website
https://berksfhs.org/branches/
Speakers
-
Joy PibworthJoy has always been fascinated by history and is particularly interested in the history of the towns and villages of the former North Berkshire (now the Vale of the White Horse) and the history of Reading pre 1837. She is a long-standing member of several local history societies. Joy has been a Janeite (Jane Austen fan) since her school days and is particularly interested in the life and times of Jane and her immediate family.
-
Helen BaggottFreelance editor & writerHelen Baggott is a freelance editor, writer and speaker. For as long as she can remember, she has loved writing and the research that goes with it.
-
Prof Yota Dimitriadi
Yota Dimitriadi is a Professor of Computing Education at the Institute of Education, University of Reading. Since 2016, she has been actively engaged in the field of death studies, focusing on raising awareness and fostering open discussions around grief support and bereavement training within educational settings. She has organised family and school-oriented events and workshops on this topic. Her work on developing gender-sensitive curricula to support grief awareness and death education has been featured in the Gearing Roles European project. She has been collaborating with the local charity Daisy’s Dream organising bereavement training opportunities for pre and in-service teachers. Since 2020, Yota has been leading a project on the social history of Reading Old Cemetery, combining her interest in education, heritage, and community engagement.