Press Releases
University of Reading at the Royal County of Berkshire Show – improving the lie of the world’s land
Release Date : 08 September 2010
Visitors to the 2010 Royal County of Berkshire Show will discover how the University's ‘ground'-breaking research is getting to the root of some the issues faced by planet earth.
During the Show, held on the 18 and 19 September at Newbury Showground, the public will have a unique chance to chat informally to some of Reading's leading academics. Our experts will explain how the University is making a difference to people's lives in areas such as climate change, food, nutrition and health, and agriculture.
Also this year, the University has teamed up with Show organisers the Newbury & District Agricultural Society to bring the first Royal County of Berkshire Show lecture Series. Over the two days, free talks will highlight Reading's research excellence and the changes to local heritage and rural life.
The centre-piece of the University's exhibition will be a display from its world-class Department of Archaeology, which was awarded the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize this year. The exciting exhibit will showcase a range of finds and artefacts from around the world. Families can even take part in their own mini excavation by exploring the ‘dig pit'!
The University's Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) also forms a large part of the exhibit. Next year MERL celebrates its 60th anniversary along with BBC Radio 4 show the Archers. The public have a chance to take a trip down memory lane and post their memories of each national treasure on a special timeline.
Fiona Blair, Director of Events at the University of Reading said: "We hope visitors to this year's Show enjoy learning about the University's research and role in the local area. As well as highlighting the important work undertaken at Reading, our marquee will offer fun and exciting hands-on activities for all the family. Budding Indiana Jones' could discover valuable and rare artefacts, and there's also the opportunity for youngsters to plant seeds while parents examine fascinating items from MERL's Sutton Seeds archive."
The Royal County of Berkshire Show Lectures will take place next to the University's Marquee which will be located on Lew Spencer Avenue, Opposite the Main Arena . The talks are free and begin at 11am each day. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Attendees are asked to arrive 5-10mins before the start time. Lectures will last approximately 30mins followed by ample time for questions and discussion with the speakers.
For more information about the University of Reading's involvement in this year's Royal County of Berkshire Show, please contact Fiona Blair on 0118 378 7109 or email f.j.blair@reading.ac.uk
For details on the Royal County of Berkshire Show visit http://www.newburyshowground.co.uk/CountyShow/countyshow.htm
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For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr, Press Officer tel. 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
The Newbury & District Agricultural Society is a Registered Charity established with the aim of promoting agriculture, horticulture, forestry, rural crafts and skills and educating the public in these areas.
The University of Reading is rated as one of the top 200 universities in the world (THE-QS World Rankings 2009).
The University of Reading is one of the UK's top research-intensive universities. The University is ranked in the top 20 UK higher education institutions in securing research council grants worth nearly £10 million from EPSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC, AHRC and BBSRC. In the RAE 2008, over 87% of the university's research was deemed to be of international standing. Areas of particular research strength recognised include meteorology and climate change, typography and graphic design, archaeology, philosophy, food biosciences, construction management, real estate and planning, as well as law.
Standards of teaching are excellent - the University scored highly in the National Student Survey 2009. 87% of Reading students responding to the survey stated they were satisfied with the quality of their course.
The University is estimated to contribute £600 million to the local economy annually.
University of Reading is a member of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience. www.1994group.ac.uk
More information at www.reading.ac.uk