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27
Nov
2025
A Walk on the River Thames, Pangbourne to Marlow Booking closed
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November 2025
A Walk on the River Thames, Pangbourne to Marlow Booking closed
This talk describes the walk downstream past Reading, Sonning, Wargrave, Henley, Hurley and Bisham to Marlow through water meadows and some of the most beautiful and historic parts of the Thames valley. Bill is a popular speaker to the Society and his journey along the Thames is richly illustrated with images.
Forenames and What They Can Reveal About Ancestors Booking closed
Alongside traditional forenames that have been used across many generations, birth, marriage and death records reveal that there have always been some parents who selected non-standard names. The talk focusses on the period, c1750 – c1950. It covers the main types of forename that I have identified, including tribute names, commemorative names and localised names. It looks at the inspiration for these names, their rise (and decline), what they may indicate to a historian about social class or wider society, and the effect that an unusual forename might have on the bearer.
The New Poor Law Workshop
Many of our ancestors lives were touched by poverty at some stage. This workshop will both give you context to the New Poor Law of 1834 and help you to understand what documents may be available to further your research, plus how to interpret them.
December 2025
December Natter Group
Informal discussion group, facilitated by Chad Hanna and Gillian Stevens. Topics are chosen by the group on a monthly basis. End time varies. Free to attend, but pre-booking required.Â
Christmas Social & Quiz
Come and join us for a Combined Branches' Christmas Social. It will be a chance to get together, catch up on Society developments and chat to other members of the Society. Â
Drop In Advice Session
Bring your questions, problems and ‘brickwalls’ … and get some new ideas and advice from members of the Berkshire Family History Society.
Christmas Crackers
From Advent to mince pies and mistletoe to yule logs. What are the origins of the traditions that make up our modern Christmas? This presentation by veteran historian Dr Janet Few considers how our ancestors may have observed Christmas in the past.
Quiz, short talks and Q&A’s
An evening of quizzing, presentations, Q&A and refreshments.
Online Family History Advice Clinic
Are you just getting started in family history and wanting guidance as to how to proceed? Or are you stuck at a particular "brick wall" and need some help?
January 2026
January Natter Group
Informal discussion group, facilitated by Chad Hanna and Gillian Stevens. Topics are chosen by the group on a monthly basis. End time varies. Free to attend, but pre-booking required.Â
Drop In Advice Session
Bring your questions, problems and ‘brickwalls’ … and get some new ideas and advice from members of the Berkshire Family History Society.
DNA Special Interest Group (Jan)
This special interest discussion group is aimed at those wanting to get the most out of their DNA results. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, gain ideas and share success stories. All levels of expertise with interpreting DNA results welcome but you should have some basic experience of working with your DNA matches to get the most out of the group.
Oxford’s penicillin the forgotten WW2 story
A little-known fact is that Alexander Fleming shared his Nobel Prize with Howard Florey and Ernst Chain. Although while Fleming first observed and named penicillin, it was Florey and Chain and a group of scientists working at the Dunn school in Oxford who developed it into a viable drug. One of the first patients was […]
Heritage Talks Series
This all series ticket covers all three talks in the "Heritage" Talks series, for a discounted price. You may also book each talk individually - see each separate event page. All talks are on Thursdays at 2.30pm in the Abbey Baptist Church, Reading.
The story of Woodley Aerodrome
Join us as we explore the remarkable history of Woodley Aerodrome. Discover how this Berkshire airfield became home to Miles Aircraft, trained wartime pilots, and even hosted secretive test flights that shaped the future of flight.
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