Featured post

Question to council: William Marshal

Richard Stainthorp to ask the Lead Councillor for Culture Heritage and Recreation: William Marshal As I am sure the Lead Councillor is awar...

22 Jun 2014

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Friends of Reading Museum Garden Party & Moreys Dauncing

My cultural weekend was nicely rounded off with the Friends of Reading Museums Garden Party at Caversham Court Gardens.

The event has been held for the last three years by Friends of Reading Museums, Friends of Reading Abbey and Friends of Caversham Court.  It was an opportunity for visitors to find out about the three groups holding the event and become supporters.  With a good few exciting years ahead it's something I would encourage people to do!

I was delighted to open event which was at the end of an exciting week where it was announced that the Abbey Quarter bid has passed the first round in the Heritage Lottery Funding process.  There was lots to see and do including Pangbourne Silver Band, lovely recorder playing from Caversham Primary, Reading Accordion Group and Tapestry Choir. Progress Theatre and Redding Moreys also entertained the crowds.

Other activities were a children's trail, story telling, colouring and drawing courtesy of Caversham Artists and some wonderful cream teas provided by the RBH League of Friends, Sue Ryder, The Ways & Means Trust and The Women's Institute.

The tea kiosk at Caversham Court Gardens is open March to October and is run as a fund raising initiative by the above charities and Compass Opportunities.  Prices are very competitive and in wonderful surroundings.  You can find more about the kiosk here: www.theteakiosk.org.uk

One of my highlights of the day was being asked to join in with Redding Moreys Dauncers.  The first dance I judged and the boys and I joined in the second.  I can tell you it's tricky gallopping in the Deputy Mayors chain!  I did not know that there has been Morris dancing in Reading for 500 years and there's an entry in the accounts of St Laurence's Church from 1513 mentioning Morris dancing.  What a long and varied history Reading has.

Once again volunteers powered this event and a big thank you to everyone.

A great event attended by lots of people!

The beautiful border

Reading Moreys
Beware the dragon!


I had to pick the best dancer!
I had a great time joining in.






No comments:

Post a Comment