Events

Wood Lane, Beech Hill, Reading RG7 2BE

Community organising is the work of bringing people together to take action around their common concerns and overcome social injustice. Community organisers reach out and listen, connect and motivate people to build their collective power. When people are organised, communities get heard and power begins to shift creating real change for good.

This interactive, quality-assured course will help you to develop the skills and confidence to start listening to people to build relationships and activate people as part of a community organising strategy. Listening to people is the foundation of community organising because it builds trust and relationships, uncover issues and is an essential starting point for bringing people together to share stories, ideas and action. The course will focus on:

• ‘Relational’ listening and its importance in community organising.
• How to plan a listening campaign to kick-start your organising work.
• Practical listening tools you can use to engage people, build relationships and find leaders.
• How asking powerful questions helps people to tell their stories.
• How community organisers reflect to improve their work.

Places are available on a first come, first served basis and cost £10 for CCB members, £15 for non-members. To book your place please complete the online form at https://ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/listening-skills-for-community-organising.

Reading, RG1 5PE

Please come and support local families this Christmas by attending our Xmas Market in aid of Reading Mencap. Fun for all the family.

• Local business stall holders
• Gifts
• Raffle
• Tombola
• Cakes and jams
• Refreshments
• Santa’s Grotto (£2 extra charge)

£1 Entry or 50p for Reading Mencap members. All welcome.

94 London Street, Reading RG1 4SJ

Notice is hereby given that the 12th Annual General Meeting of Reading Community Learning Centre will be held on Tuesday 27 November 2019 at Reading Community Learning Centre.

Agenda

1. Welcome
2. Apologies for absence
3. Approval of the minutes of the AGM held on 4 December 2018
4. Matters arising from the minutes of the AGM held in 2018
5. Presentation of the Annual Report for 2018/2019
6. Adoption of the Annual Report for 2018/2019 (members to vote)
7. Presentation of the Accounts for 2018/2019
8. Adoption of the Accounts for 2018/2019 (members to vote)
9. Appointment of an Independent Examiner
10. Election of Trustees (members to vote)
11. Any other appropriate business
12. Close of formal business

We will then have short presentations on the charity’s work by our learners and volunteers, followed by a chance for everyone to meet and talk over a lovely buffet of halal and vegetarian food.

Please confirm your attendance at the AGM by Tuesday 19 November 2019. You can reserve your place by contacting Petra Robinson, Centre Administrator, on rclcinfo@yahoo.co.uk or 01189 595455.

2 Church Street, Reading RG1 2SB

Your opportunity to question Reading’s parliamentary candidates about the issues that matter to you.

Candidates from all political parties will be invited to discuss the following topics:

• Our future relationship with Europe.
• The climate emergency.
• A fairer society.
• And any other topic.

Unlike a standard hustings, this event will have plenty of time for members of the public to tell their candidates what they would like to see happen in Reading.

This is a free event, everyone welcome.

St Georges Road, Reading RG30 2RG

The event is aimed at bringing people together who are isolated in our communities.

There will be a professional singer, dancing and refreshments. There will also be a few added special Christmas treats.

Free event, but please book by email (Michelle.berry@reading.gov.uk) or phone Sarah on 01189 374399 to confirm your place.

Church Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7AD

Annual sale of Scots Pine Christmas trees at Caversham Court. Naturally grown Scots pine trees harvested as part of heathland management.

Also holly, mistletoe, pine cones, willow Christmas wreaths and other natural decorations from local sources.

There will be BBOWT, RSPB and Fairtrade stalls with cards and a variety of gifts. Locally produced honey and beeswax products from Reading & District Beekeepers.

St Peter's church bazaar is open at the same time and serving hot mulled apple juice as well as selling gifts.

For more information see the website at www.econetreading.org.uk.

Reading RG1 1AR

Reading Santa Run time is here again, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charities. Reading Rotary’s race attracts around 1,500 runners to Reading town centre every December with 1k and 5k races. Entrants come from all walks of life and abilities and include children, babies in buggies, those with disabilities, dog owners and of course serious runners, joggers and walkers. All are very welcome to join us in this great family festive fun event.

1k Mini Santa Run - This fairly level course is ideal for youngsters, adults with babies in buggies, dogs with owners and we especially welcome wheelchair users and encourage all those with disabilities to join in, dress as Santa or Elf and be part of the festive fun! Plus you can raise monies for your own particular charities if you wish.

5k Town Centre Santa Run - For the serious runners, or those who just like to jog, run or walk along, the ‘all road’ route goes through the heart of Reading. Our race takes you past St Laurence Church, Town Hall Square into Broad Street and through the Oracle Shopping Centre. The route then takes the cycle path along the Kennet and Avon Canal before crossing and returning towards Reading via Chestnut Walk and through the Oscar Wilde Gates. It then finally continues past the Abbey Ruins to the finish outside Forbury Gardens.

Sign up for the event online at https://readingsantarun.co.uk.

35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS

The next Voluntary Sector Wellbeing Forum will be on Thursday 12 December at RISC on the theme of workplace wellbeing.

The programme will include a presentation and discussions about “Berkshire – a good place to work”, the Director of Public Health’s annual report for 2019. The annual report focuses on the mental wellbeing and musculoskeletal health of the workforce.

If you have suggestions for other topics that can be include around workplace wellbeing, Please email then in to sarah.morland@rva.org.uk. As the forum is only a couple of weeks before Christmas, it would be great if some fun activities can be included.

Please register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Third Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Join us for our regular Volunteer Coordinators’ Network meeting facilitated by Reading Voluntary Action.

You will have a chance to contribute to the agenda ahead of time so that we can make sure your issue or concern can be given some attention, as well as having the opportunity to seek peer support in a confidential space from others in a similar role.

The format is pretty informal RVA provides the tea and coffee. Feel free to bring your sandwich and eat with us if it helps your day along. You don’t need to stay for the whole event – we know everyone’s busy.

Click here to register

Church Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7AD

The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens invite you to their annual carol service held quite early this year. The choir of St Peter's Church will lead the singing, accompanied by the Salvation Army Band.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be sold from the Tea Kiosk from 18.15. Wrap up warm, bring a torch to read the words and come along to sing in the festive season.

All are welcome for this community event. Free entry.

Chain Street, Reading RG1 2HX

Reading Male Voice Choir, Reading A440 Choir and Occasions Choir in a joint Christmas Concert raising funds for local charities.

A beautiful concert with many carols and songs and a chance for the audience to sing. Tickets cost £6 each from the church or on the door.

522 Oxford Road, Reading RG30 1EG

The Oxford Road Safer Neighbourhood Forum brings together voluntary organisations and partners including residents, the neighbourhood police, local authorities, businesses and schools, and assists in planning local neighbourhood policing tasks, based on priorities identified by the community.