Events

Have you been inspired to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Not sure what opportunity is right for you and how to go about finding it?

This session will provide you with a general introduction to volunteering, we will:

• Look at the reasons people volunteer.
• Consider how to decide what opportunity is right for you.
• Explore some examples of different types of volunteering opportunity.
• Discuss the kind of support and training you can expect when volunteering.
• Identify how to go about taking your first steps into volunteering.

In addition to these general areas, we will also explore specific local opportunities to volunteer and access further training to prepare you for future volunteering roles.

There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you have about volunteering.

Sign-up by completing the form found via the button below

Register Here

In this Zoom session, we will explore how volunteering can play a role in helping you in your journey towards employment.

Whether seeking to return to the workplace following a break, looking for your first job or seeking to transfer into a new field, the right volunteering role can prove to be a valuable asset in successfully securing employment.

After a brief general introduction to volunteering, the session will outline how volunteering can make a difference to your job search, from building confidence and demonstrating soft skills to standing out from the crowd and building your network.

We will then explore how RVA can help you to identify the right role and other services available to support you into employment.

Sign up at HERE to secure your place

In this Zoom session, we will explore how the right volunteering role can play a part in helping to enhance your sense of wellbeing.

Whether seeking to return to the workplace following a break, looking for your first job or seeking to transfer into a new field, the right volunteering role can prove to be a valuable asset in successfully securing employment.

Studies suggest that those who volunteer can benefit from a boost to their own wellbeing. This boost can result in an increased sense of happiness and life satisfaction and a reduction in feelings of depression and anxiety.

After a brief general introduction to volunteering, the session will outline how volunteering can provide you with a unique gateway to accessing the five ways to wellbeing:

• Give
• Keep Learning
• Stay Active
• Connect
• Take Notice

We will then explore how RVA can help you to identify the right role and other services available to support your journey towards wellbeing.

Sign up HERE to secure your place

This is one of a series of talks by Time to Talk West Berkshire and is aimed at those living with or supporting a child or young person and draws upon our collective knowledge and experience of working with this age group. These are not ‘how to parent’ talks but rather a guide to both increase understanding and knowledge as well as provide some practical strategies for supporting both you and your child. The talks are designed to work as a complete series and as such do lead on from each other but you can also attend single talks if preferred.

This talk will look at why the adolescent years can be so challenging for children and young people and the people who support them. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience and experience, this session will give a behind the scenes perspective of what lies behind the behaviours we can see on the surface.

Tickets £5. Book your place via Eventbrite.

Steve Silberman is the award-winning author of Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity. He’ll be in conversation with Cos Michael, who recently gave an entertaining and informative talk for AutAngel on Autism and Ageing. There will be Q&As following the interview.

“Neurotribes by Steve Silberman explores in fascinating, near-encyclopaedic depth how autism has evolved. It’s a gripping narrative written with journalistic verve.” The Guardian

The interviewer: Cos Michael got her autism diagnosis aged 50 and advocates for more knowledge about autism and ageing. She spent several years leading NAS Autism and Ageing projects, and now works as an autism and ageing consultant and trainer. Cos speaks at conferences in the UK and abroad.

Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating interview and Q&A session. Tickets are available on a donation basis, from £1.

Please go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-conversation-with-steve-silberman-tickets-136408847535 to book a place.

This is one of a series of talks by Time to Talk West Berkshire and is aimed at those living with or supporting a child or young person and draws upon our collective knowledge and experience of working with this age group. These are not “how to parent” talks but rather a guide to both increase understanding and knowledge as well as provide some practical strategies for supporting both you and your child. The talks are designed to work as a complete series and as such do lead on from each other but you can also attend single talks if preferred.

Very often big emotions can lie behind all kinds of challenging behaviours including self harm, anger and withdrawal. Leading on from the previous session, this talk will offer different strategies for regulating and managing big emotions both in children and young people and those supporting them.

Tickets £5. Book your place via Eventbrite.

This is one of a series of talks by Time to Talk West Berkshire and is aimed at those living with or supporting a child or young person and draws upon our collective knowledge and experience of working with this age group. These are not ‘how to parent’ talks but rather a guide to both increase understanding and knowledge as well as provide some practical strategies for supporting both you and your child. The talks are designed to work as a complete series and as such do lead on from each other but you can also attend single talks if preferred.

Being a parent/carer is not easy and very often, self care falls down our list of priorities. However, self care is an essential part of coping and is a valuable tool in maintaining our emotional and mental wellbeing. Children and young people learn a lot from watching the adults around them and self care is no different . By looking after ourselves, we can help those around us look after themselves. This talk will look at why we often overlook self care as a coping strategy and how we can work out our own ways to incorporate self care into busy lifestyles.

Tickets £5. Book your place via Eventbrite.

The right services at the right time - Reading is blessed with so many activities and services yet still many people don’t know about them. Frontline volunteers can often spot the need but feel confused or anxious about the next steps. This forum will focus on supporting people to find the services and events that are just right for them. From starting the conversation to making the referral.

What is social prescribing and how do people access it? Hear from RVA’s Social Prescribers about their work and the kinds of community groups and organisations they often refer and signpost people to.

Useful guides – RVA Directory; Reading Services Guide; using Google
What’s the difference between signposting and referral?
What training do my volunteers need?
Helpful questions to ask people and how to ask them.

PLUS – all the usual news, funding updates and networking opportunities.

Please click on this link to book.

Kate Fox is a writer, broadcaster and performer. She sometimes refers to herself as a ‘stand up poet’. She’s also a late-diagnosed autistic. She’ll be in conversation with fellow late-diagnosed Cos Michael, and they’ll be talking poetry, performance and autism.

There will be Q&As following the conversation.

Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating conversation and Q&A session!

Tickets are available on a donation basis. Please go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-conversation-with-kate-fox-tickets to book a place.

The Volunteer Coordinators’ Network meeting provides a space for those who oversee the work of volunteers to seek peer support in a confidential space from others in a similar role. It is an opportunity to share best practise and to learn from the rich experiences of colleagues working across our diverse sector.

Volunteering has been at the forefront of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak with volunteers taking on key roles in delivering community initiatives to mitigate the impact of the outbreak. From the work that volunteers have undertaken during the vaccine rollout and in support of community testing, it is clear that volunteers will be vital in our post-pandemic recovery.

This session will provide a forum to share experiences of using volunteers during the outbreak and to explore the challenges and opportunities volunteer-involving organisations may face in the coming 12 months and beyond. We will also explore the role that volunteering itself may play in helping individuals recover and thrive following the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic.

Please register online here - further details and joining instructions will be sent in due course.

Join Berkshire Community Foundation for their next Community Focus event, for smaller charities and community groups with annual incomes of up to £25,000.

They will be focusing on the journey of a grant application: from the application process and what funders look for, to financial due diligence, monitoring and reporting, through to how to create compelling stories and case studies.

They’ll also share an update from BCF: what they have been up to so far in 2021, as well as key dates and milestones to look out for in the rest of the year.

The free event will be online and hosted on Zoom.

Follow the link below for more details and to register:

https://www.berkshirecf.org/news/community-focus-event-may2021

Are you a volunteer-led, small group that’s embedded in your community? Do you want to find out more about funding, governance, publicising your work and developing your group? Are you keen to network and share with other small groups?

If yes, then you are warmly invited to join the Small Groups Learn and Share Network, which brings together Reading’s small and emerging community groups to learn, share and grow stronger together.

Please join us on 20 May, from 11:00 - 12:30, for the first Network event - The theme for this one will be Preparing for Life After Lockdown. We will look at the current government guidance; the experience of local services already providing face to face activity – and, of course, there will be lots of opportunity to network, share your own stories and challenges and to get updates on funding opportunities, events and local community news.

Please go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rva-small-groups-learn-and-share-network to book a place.

This training provides some key demographic information for Reading when planning for needs and services and introduces how we can all all contribute to inclusion personally and in our organisations.

If you are thinking about inclusion in your organisation, have started the journey or would like to know where to go next, this training can support you.

There are up to two places per organisation available to allow for further discussion and development in your organisation after this training. lt will be held via Zoom, and will be led by Azra Raja, RVA’s Inclusion and Development Worker. A meeting link will be circulated to registered attendees closer to the time.

Free registration via this Eventbrite link: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rva-inclusion-training-tickets-154679902753

Water Fest is Reading’s largest free town centre-based community event. It will feature an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage, through live and digital performances, activities and workshops. The Abbey’s illustrious history will be brought to life with the Forbury Civil War Camp and Medieval Village where people can experience the sounds and smells of the Quarter’s history.

2021 is an incredibly auspicious year for Reading - marking 900 years since Reading Abbey, originally one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries, was founded by King Henry I of England.  Reading Water Fest will be the focal celebration event for this landmark year.

This accessible one-day event will take place on Saturday 19 June between 11am and 5pm, within the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the River Kennet, celebrating the Abbey’s rich 900-year history and its environmental and heritage connections with Reading’s waterways.

Please note that because of the pandemic admission is by ticket only this year. Details on how to book a free ticket at this event are on What’s On Reading. A range of online activities will also be on offer to complement the live event.

Award-winning charity Smart Works Reading has partnered with major local employer PepsiCo to run a free employment advice webinar for female job seekers.

The pandemic’s disproportionally negative effect on women’s livelihoods has shown that Smart Works Reading is needed now more than ever. Women are more likely to be in more vulnerable, lower paid jobs while juggling work with caring responsibilities. Smart Works Reading’s free employment advice and dressing service gives women the skills and confidence they need to excel at interview and transform their lives.

The webinar is on 24 June. Join and find out how to:

• Write a CV that will get you noticed
• Prepare for your interview
• Impress your interviewer
• Ask for and learn from employer feedback
• Record an effective video interview

All attendees that complete a subsequent, free career coaching appointment with Smart Works Reading will also get the opportunity to record a mock video interview and receive feedback from PepsiCo’s HR team.

The webinar is open to female-identifying job seekers living in the Thames Valley. Book for free via Eventbrite.

This free online workshop will give attendees increased confidence and skills to organise and deliver community-based projects to be more active. During the session, delivered by Get Berkshire Active, you will learn all you need to know about setting up and safely running new, or existing, physical activity sessions post lockdown for your community or local area.

The webinar will provide you with skills that cover:

-Risk assessing the community building or space you are hiring to safely run your activity in.
-Ensuring that you understand and comply with safeguarding and licensing requirements.
-Ideas on how to successfully promote and market your activity to the local community.
-Understand economies of fees and budgeting.
-How to successfully gather feedback from attendees and use this to develop long-term sustainability.

This training is aimed at individuals or groups that either already run physical activity sessions but would like to know more about ensuring that they are efficiently and safely run or a refresh post lockdown, and
individuals or groups that would like to set up a new activity locally and would like some advice and guidance regarding how best to do this.

This event is free, but please register via Eventbrite.

There are lots of ways to be efficient with your energy use. Join us and expand your knowledge on ways and means to make cost savings on electricity and gas and to keep your home as warm as possible. This event is presented by Citizens Advice Reading in association with Step Energy.

• Check out our price comparison site
• Understand your bill and know what you are currently paying for
• Learn behaviours that will help to beat the bills
• Check out our videos to see how to make changes
• Complete our online mini training course – and get a free energy saving device – uk.stepenergy.eu/

Join us on line and we’ll take you through ways to achieve energy equilibrium.

Send an email for registration to energy@citizensadvicereading.org and you’ll be sent a link for the online group or register via Eventbrite using the following link: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keep-warm-in-winter-and-save-money-all-year-tickets-157015737297

If you need energy advice from our specialist adviser, please contact us:
Online: www.rcab.org.uk/energy
Phone: 0118 214 4895
Email: energy@citizensadvicereading.org

Introducing RVA's first Social Prescribing Forum! This will be a chance to find out more about:

• RVA’s expanded Social Prescribing service and meet the team.
• Wild Being – a project by RVA and partners to boost the local Social Prescribing offer – awarded £50K from the Thriving Communities Fund.
• The range of community activities and support available across Reading, and how your organisation can feature in our directories for each area.

This event will rake place on Zoom - please register via Eventbite to participate.

92 Napier Rd, Reading, RG1 8AB

Reading Interfaith Group would like to celebrate this opportunity to strengthen our ties as a community. We have all been through a challenging time. Many of us have experienced illness, bereavement, isolation, uncertainty and fear. We have learned to make sacrifices and appreciate nature, whilst valuing family and friends even more.

25th July is St James day. 900 years after the founding of Reading Abbey we can be honest about the challenges life can sometimes bring, united as a community and ready to support each other.

Please bring your own food, drink, hand sanitiser and appropriate activities to share.

All ages welcome, children accompanied by a responsible adult and well-behaved dogs on a lead.

Goring Heath, Reading RG8 7RE.

A solidarity fundraiser for Reading Red Kitchen and Growing Solidarity
A chance to spend time in nature and in community!

There will be music, games, talks, hemp burgers, foraged drinks and more!

We are raising funds to support our work in the city during the crisis. We aim to continue this work in the city and at the farm as lockdown eases. Your donations go towards transport costs, and materials and a little goes a long way!

Growing Solidarity is a collaborative project that aims to build resilience in and across communities.

Got a few extra coins rattling around your bank account? Growing Solidarity is our community outreach project, aiming to connect refugees and marginalised groups with nature through supporting them to grow their own food. So those extra coins could become seeds, planters, squash, cabbages… All those good things.

Please donate to www.hempen.co.uk/growing-solidarity. Buckets will also be jangling on the night! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions - email volunteering@hempen.co.uk or call us on 07720 541341.

How does our built environment affect whether we feel included and socially connected or lonely and isolated?

Have your say in the current consultation on Reading’s town centre and ensure that future developments redesigns have a positive effect on all people at risk of loneliness and isolation.

Plus all the usual networking opportunities, funding and service updates.

Free event, please use the link below to book your place:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ready-friends-befriending-forum-tickets

Reading, RG1 3BB

The biggest ‘picnic in the park’ returns to Reading (Covid permitting). It brings together food, music, community stalls, workshops and local producers. It’s a fantastic celebration of local food sustainability.

You can be part of this by volunteering or growing produce (see details on the website). Or just come along to enjoy food prepared and served by Reading College catering students, made from locally grown fruit and vegetables.

Don’t miss out! Reading Town Meal helps to make Reading a special place.

Website: www.readingtownmeal.org.uk

Are you a volunteer-led, small group that’s embedded in your community? Do you want to find out more about funding, training, governance, publicising your work and developing your group? Are you keen to network and share with other small groups?

If yes, then you are warmly invited to join the Small Groups Learn and Share Network, which brings together Reading’s small and emerging community groups to learn, share and grow stronger together.

Please join us on September 28 from 11:00-12.30 for the next Network event, which will include:

• Sharing our experience of post-pandemic reopening services and events.
• Hearing about an exciting new funding opportunity to co-design and deliver mental health and wellbeing workshops for your communities.
• Funding session.
• Lots of opportunity to network, share your own stories and challenges and to get information on training, events and local community news.

Free event, but please use the link below to register your place:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rva-small-groups-learn-and-share-network-tickets

The Volunteer Coordinators’ Network meeting provides a space for those who oversee the work of volunteers to seek peer support in a confidential space from others in a similar role. It is an opportunity to share best practise and to learn from the rich experiences of colleagues working across our diverse sector.

Please register via the button below and further details and joining instructions will be sent in due course.

Register Here

NAVCA is delighted to be hosting free workshops for its members on ‘How to create a culture of inclusion and become an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Ally’.

These workshops will be led by Gamiel Yafai – Managing Director and Founder of Diversity Marketplace.

We encourage all staff, volunteers and trustees of our member organisations to come and experience this highly engaging and thought-provoking interactive event. We will be using Mentimeter to gain your insights as well sharing Gamiel’s 21 years of being an EDI strategist.

The next workshop will be held online on Thursday 14 October. Please register via www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Please note: although it’s all about inclusivity, we regret that this event is only for staff, trustees and volunteers from NAVCA’s member organisations. The good news is that representatives of RVA member organisations can attend provided they state that they have been referred by a NACVA member. On the online booking form, they will be asked to declare that RVA has referred them.

RVA is delighted to be co-hosting a free online Members’ Assembly with NCVO. This event is aimed at staff and trustees from NCVO members in and around Reading. Non-member organisations in the area are also welcome. Join us to:

• Hear the latest on public policy and other current issues facing the sector, and how NCVO is working on these
• Meet and network with other voluntary organisations in Reading and the surrounding area
• Share best practice, experiences and ideas.

There will be two short presentations, followed by opportunities for discussion.

Rebalancing the relationship

Co-producing local knowledge to achieve change

Book your free place for this online event via the NCVO website here.

Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU

The Equalities Alliance in partnership with Reading University Student’s Community Champions are hosting a conference on the theme “Do Black Lives Matter?”

The UK Government commissioned a report in response to BLM concerns which surmised “There was anecdotal evidence of racism, there was no proof there was “institutional racism” in Britain” – Chair, Commission on Race & Ethnic Disparities

Join the debate on Thursday 21 October in Reading Borough Council Chamber. Spaces are limited to 50 but event will be broadcast live. Details to follow.

Registration: To express interest please email info@acre-reading.org.

Download a poster for this event here

Argyle Road, Reading, RG1 7YL

Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) is a national charity aiming to bring communities together to make them safer. Join us for a community engagement conversation to celebrate good work and address social needs.

This is an opportunity for local people and voluntary organisations to come together. Local organisations can feature their work. There will be round table discussions to come up with new ways of working together.

Everyone welcome. Come and meet others to celebrate your community.

Free tickets from www.roc.uk.com/oxfordroad.

Reading, RG1 2BL

Join our Climate March in Broad Street. Learn about the latest science and what we can do for the environment.

The march will be in Reading town centre, to protest and urge further action. Please bring relevant flags, banners, placards etc.

A poster for this and other events can be downloaded here.

Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DA

Come and meet local groups who fight for climate action. There will be speakers from Reading University, Reading Community Energy, Reading Climate Action Network and more.

At the event, Reading’s environmental researchers and campaigners will give advice about the changes that need to be made, practical measures on how to live more sustainably and how to get involved. There will be representatives from the Reading Friends of the Earth, Econet, Greater Reading Environmental Network, Extinction Rebellion Berkshire, Global Justice Reading, Reading Hydro CBS, Fairtrade and many more!

At 15:00, Richard P Allan, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Reading, Department of Meteorology, and lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 6th assessment report, will open the presentations and Q&A. He will talk through the science of climate change and will be followed by presentations from Reading Community Energy, Reading Youth Parliament and local councillors highlighting the changes already made in Reading to deliver the Climate Action Plan. Closing remarks from Rev. David Shaw, Wesley Methodist Church, representing faith communities in Reading.

The event is being jointly organised by Reading Friends of the Earth and Econet.

Download a poster for this event here

Keep warm in winter and take control of your energy bills.

It’s never been so important to understand how to be efficient with your energy use. Join us and learn more about what the energy crisis means to you, and how to make cost savings on electricity and gas while keeping your home warm.

• Understand your bills and know what you are currently paying for
• Understand how to make sure you’re on the best price
• Learn ways to help beat the bills
• Complete our online mini training course – and get a free energy saving device – https://uk.stepenergy.eu

Register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk or send an email to energy@citizensadvicereading.org and you’ll be sent a link for the online group.

If you need energy advice from our specialist adviser, please contact us:
Online: https://rcab.org.uk/energy
Phone: 0118 214 4895
Email: energy@citizensadvicereading.org.

Online via Zoom

We would be delighted if you can join us for our Members’ Meeting and AGM – as a result of the feedback we have received, this meeting will be held online. We’ll be talking about the difference we made in 2020–21 and hearing from members and partners about the support you need over the coming months. We look forward to welcoming you.

• Please register via www.eventbrite.co.uk to let us know you will be attending.
• Details on how to join the meeting online will be sent to registered participants in advance of the event.

For all the latest updates from RVA and across the sector, subscribe to RVA's weekly newsletter.

Dear Friends of RCLC,

You are warmly invited to our 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 30 November 2021 from 12:00 to 13:30 via Zoom.

The AGM is a great opportunity to hear about our activities and celebrate our achievements over the past 12 months. We’d also like to hear your views on our work as we plan for the year ahead. If you have any questions which you would like to ask the board at the AGM please email your questions in advance of the board meeting to Aisha Malik on aishamalik@rclc.org.uk.

Members of Reading Community Learning Centre will be able to vote in the Trustee elections and other formal business. Membership is open to everyone. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact Petra Robinson on rclcinfo@yahoo.co.uk. She will be able to email you a membership form.

Please confirm your attendance at our AGM by Monday 23 November 2021. You can reserve your place by contacting Petra Robinson, Centre Administrator on:
Email: rclcinfo@yahoo.co.uk
Call: 07923 138681

Once you have confirmed your booking the board profiles, agenda, minutes from last year’s meeting, RCLC signed accounts and the annual report will be emailed to you.

We look forward to seeing you.

Reading, RG1 7QF

Reading Reclaim the Night is an event on Friday 3 December, starting from Queens Walk and finishing with a rally in Town Hall Square. This is not a party political event, it is for ALL women. We want to come together and declare that women in this town stand together in our fight to end male violence against women.

Meet at Queens Walk between 18:15 and 18:30.

If your organisation could take part in and support this event this would be very welcome. There are several ways in which you could support this event:

• Organise to bring a group of women to the event to represent your organisation or group.
• Offer a speaker to address the rally at the end of our walk together.
• Advertise and promote the event to your organisation/group and your networks. Download the poster here.

We really hope you will support this initiative, please contact Jan Gavin at gavinjan@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to be involved, especially if you are able to offer a speaker!

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

The theme of this event will be announced shortly, but it will include:

• News and service updates
• Community need alerts
• Plenty of networking opportunities

The event is for anyone from local communities, groups and organisations interested in helping reduce loneliness and social isolation in Reading.

Free event, but please register using the link below to confirm your place:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ready-friends-befriending-forum-tickets

Southcote Lane, Reading RG30 3AX.

Join Age UK Berkshire and Talkback for a festive afternoon of music, singing, dancing and fun.Friday 10 December, 1pm - 3pm at St Matthew's Church Hall in Southcote.

Everyone is welcome, please call Sarah on 0118 937 4399 to book your place early as spaces are limited.

£5 a ticket to raise funds for local charities. This includes your admission and all refreshments.

To keep everyone safe, if possible we are asking all attendees to complete a Covid-19 test before attending the event and to stay at home if you are unwell.

You can download a poster for the event here.

Abbot's Walk, Reading, RG1 3BB

Reading’s most iconic festive event returns on Sunday 12 December: Reading Santa Run!

Don your Father Christmas outfit, and join hundreds of other Santa's for a festive 5km around Reading Town Centre and help raise money for amazing local charities this Christmas.

There’s also a family-friendly 1km Mini-Santa and Elf Run, so everyone of any age or ability can join in the fun. Dogs, prams and bicycles are all welcome on the fun run too.

Reading Santa Run is organised by Reading Rotary Club and this year’s race is raising money for Reading Refugee Support Group and Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The Mini Santa Run starts at 09:30. The main Reading Santa Run starts at 10:00.

This year’s event is sponsored by Creffields and Dexter Montague Solicitors. Medals are sponsored by ROC Search, and other sponsors include Field Seymour Parkes, Hickies and Macbeth Insurance Brokers.

Each race place includes a Santa Outfit (or Elf Outfit for kids) and race medal.

Book your discounted race places from Reading Refugee Support Group here: https://rrsg.org.uk/reading-santa-run/ or Thames Valley Air Ambulance here: https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk/.

Full price race places can be booked here: https://www.entryhub.co.uk/reading-rotary-8th-annual-santa-run-2021.

Willow House, Willow Street, Reading, RG1 6AB

Looking for a new job? Need that next step on the career ladder? Do you have a passion for working with people?

Come and visit us at Willow House Lifehouse at our Recruitment Open Evening, Wednesday 15 December 2021.

Our friendly team will be available to answer any questions that you have about the positions as well as giving you information about the benefits of working for a worldwide charity.

Light food, refreshments and free car parking (at rear of building) will be available.

For details of the available jobs please download the attached poster. If you are unable to attend the Recruitment Open Evening, please visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs to find out more about these positions and to apply online. Closing date for all applications is Sunday 9 January 2022.

Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX

After a two year wait, Reading Refugee Support Group is incredibly pleased to reunite with Reading Community Gospel Choir to proudly present the return of our Gospel Carol Service.

Launched in 2019, the first Gospel Carols Service was a smash success, with RCGC stunning a packed audience and raising thousands of pounds to help refugees living in Berkshire.

Sadly last year’s event was unable to go ahead due to COVID restrictions, so we are unbelievably excited to finally bring it back in 2021!

This special event promises to be a Christmas Carol event with a difference, with Gospel style renditions of your favourite Christmas Carols and an alternative telling of the Nativity story through the eyes of refugees.

Following the recent Afghanistan Crisis, the number of refugees needing support in Berkshire has rocketed, and the money raised at this special concert will help provide vital mental health support, social activities, practical help and advice for the many families in need.

After the event, we will be serving delicious mulled wine and juice, paired tasty mince pies and baklava.

Ticket Prices

• £10 - Adult
• £5 - Concession
• Free for Children under 11 and refugees (booking required).

Contact details
Email: jonjo@rrsg.org.uk
Website: rrsg.org.uk/gospel-carols-service

London Road, Reading, RG1 5AG

Join Trinity Concert Band at the beautiful Reading University Great Hall for their annual Christmas spectacular! Expect an evening full of Christmassy music and the opportunity to sing along to some of your favourite carols.

Trinity Band will be warming things up with a real cracker of a piece titled The Night Before Christmas, featuring narration of the treasured poem (you guessed it..!) ‘The Night Before Christmas’ with the band providing a fabulous cinematic accompaniment; a truly magical composition. By this time you’ll be all set for a festive trip to Hollywood where you can enjoy music from the timeless holiday movies White Christmas, Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street. No Christmas concert would be complete without some popular seasonal classics such as Winter Wonderland, Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival and many more! Don’t miss this spectacular event!

Due to capacity restrictions only 250 tickets will initially be available for this concert, possibly increasing to 300 closer to the event. As a result of this their Newcomers’ Scheme is temporarily suspended for this concert. Any unsold tickets will be sold on the door on a first-come, first served basis, but they strongly advise you to book in advance to avoid disappointment. As a courtesy to other members of the audience and the volunteers they politely request that face masks be worn inside the venue.

Doors open at 15:30.

Tickets are on sale now:

• Advance: £12
• Full Price: £14
• Students: £7 (ID may be required)
• Under 16’s: FREE

Advance price applies up to one week before the concert, after which the full price applies. The box office closes 24 hours before the concert.

Tickets are available online at www.trinityband.co.uk. Alternatively you can call the box office on 01184 492099 or email boxoffice@trinityband.co.uk. No booking fee.

Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX

Held in the beautiful setting of Reading Minster, PACT’s annual carol concert will take place on Monday 20 December 2021. This promises to be a fun event for all the family and we encourage our young guests to come dressed up in their favourite Christmas outfits and costumes.

There will be a pre-concert tea party of light refreshments and cakes from 18:00, followed by a concert of music and readings from 19:00. Enjoy festive performances from groups including Reading Youth Orchestra and Reading Rock Choir.

Tickets are £10.00 per adult, £5.00 per child or £20.00 for a family of four. Please join us to celebrate family life this Christmas!

If you have any questions, please email PACT at events@pactcharity.org.