About The Friends
A Membership Organisation to support the University
To see the full brochure click on About The Friends
In 1926, the year in which the University obtained its Royal Charter, it was agreed that an Association, to be called 'The Friends of The University of Reading', should be formed on an entirely voluntary and unofficial basis, with the object of bringing friends and supporters into contact with the University and of enabling them to promote its interests and welfare. The Association came formally into existence on 15 March 1927.
The Association's affairs are managed by a committee comprising representatives from the University and elsewhere.
What do The Friends do?
Follow the links for an overview of the Association's activities, this year's programme and projects, and for further information about membership.
More about us
The Friends' Association thrives with a membership of over 500 drawn from the neighbourhood and the wider community and as well as from former and present members of the University. In this way we provide a companionable and affordable means of cultivating contacts between the University and those interested in its educational goals, history, current activities and future development.
Membership of The Friends gives access to an array of social and cultural events. The subscription income that we generate is applied to grants, financing various amenities and activities throughout the University. Each year some £10,000 is given in response to applications for projects which would not be funded from University resources. In this way we enrich students' experiences, provide additional amenities in various Departments and Schools, and enhance the University's landscape.
Student support, and amenities
Students across University life benefit from contributions. Recent instances include musical musical instruments; covers and a synthetic cricket wicket; and boats and sets of oars for the University Boat Club, some of which is seen at their annual Head of the River event. Donations to Departments and Schools include the purchase of paintings and other works of art, storage facilities, display cabinets, garden seats and trees. The ceremonial furniture seen in the Great Hall at London Road at Graduation ceremonies was among our earliest grants; we have since since contributed to the refurbishment of its organ.
The public face of the University
Our funding has enhanced University landmarks enjoyed by the general public, including The Friends' Bridge over Whiteknights Lake, plantings around the lake, and the cloisters that characterise London Road campus. The fine stained glas window at the Museum of English Rural Life and music stands for concerts by music@reading, are other examples. Elsewhere, we have funded display cases in the Ure and Cole Museums and, in contrast, a contribution to the purchase of a mower for the University Bowls Club.
Benefits of membership
Besides helping the University, members enjoy a full programme of events (see www.reading.ac.uk/thefriends). Twice-yearly talks from eminent members of the University are acompanied by tea at which members have time to meet old friends and make new acquaintances. Our Yearly Meeting in June has regularly been addressed by the University not usually accessible to the general public, and to external venues with University of Reading connections, such as the Silchester excavations, Kew Gardens,Lord Carrington's gardens at Bledlow, and the Hampshire Silk Mill. The Friends' biennial, themed Heritage Trails are also open to the public. The event in 2012 focused on the London Road campus and attracted over 260 members and visitors.
Membership, open to anyone, is by subscription of £12 p.a. for individuals, £20 for couples living at the same address, and £25 for corporate membership. New members are always welcome; please contact Mrs Brenda Morris, Secretary, The Friends of The University, DARO, PO Box 201, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AH, tel 0118 378 8006, e-mail thefriends@reading.ac.uk.