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Public's backstage pass to historic University site – University of Reading

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Public's backstage pass to historic University site

Release Date 21 March 2012

London Road gate

Members of the public have the chance to look behind the scenes at the revamped London Road Campus with a Heritage Trail.

The event, hosted by the Friends of the University of Reading on Sunday 25 March from 2pm to 5pm, will give visitors the opportunity to explore parts of the campus not normally accessible to the public.

The extensive improvements made to the campus were carried out before the Institute of Education made it their new home in January. The Institute is one of the leading providers of teacher training in the UK.

Brenda Morris, Secretary of the Friends of the University of Reading, said: "Our biennial Friends of the University trail will focus on the work of the Institute of Education at the refurbished London Road campus. Families are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of shared fun and heritage.

"We have storytelling and hands-on science experiments for primary students. For GCSE students and everyone interested in history we introduce some of Reading's wartime heroes and show you how to use technology to trace the past. There's also art printmaking and croquet on the lawn for all ages."

The Great Hall will host a series of recitals on its historic organ, which is 100 years old this year, interspersed with talks about its history. There will be displays showing many of the images and maps of the London Road campus dating back more than a century, when the University College - the precursor to the modern day University of Reading - was established there.

The event will also include a treasure hunt (with prizes). Refreshments and snacks will be provided during the afternoon in the ‘Eat and Drink' café on the campus.

The cost is £3 a head, which includes tea and a piece of cake. Those aged 18 and under go free. For further details and a booking form contact Brenda Morris on 0118 378 8006 or email thefriends@reading.ac.uk - or just turn up on the day.

Access to the event will be through Acacia Road or Crown Place, both of which provide plenty of parking space, or through the main entrance in London Road. Most parts of the site are fully accessible.

Ends

For more information contact Pete Castle, University Press Officer, on 0118 378 7391 or p.castle@reading.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

The Institute of Education at the University of Reading is one of the leading providers of teacher training in the UK. Every year, nearly 1,000 students graduate as newly qualified teachers, and hundreds more qualify at Masters degree and PhD level. The University has partnership arrangements with more than 300 schools, which employ the majority of our national graduates. Graduates from the Institute have an excellent chance of gaining employment, with 96% of our graduates finding a teaching job last year.

The Friends of the University of Reading exists to bring friends and supporters into contact with the University and of enabling them to promote its interests and welfare.

Companies, organisations and individuals, including former students and staff, who wish the University well have become members and, through their subscriptions, donations, bequests and support, have been able to help the University.

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