1915-2015: The Great War remembered – Special Collections Service Seminar Series

An interesting a timely new seminar series offered by the Special Collections Service begins here tomorrow, 1-2 pm in our Conference Room.  This series of lunchtime seminars looks back at the events of 100 years ago, and the many ways in which we seek to preserve the memory of the First World War.  To book or for more information, please follow this link.

Further details:

• Tuesdays in November 2015
• 1.00 – 2.00pm
• Conference room, Museum of English Rural Life
• Free admission
• Places are limited. To book a place, email merlevents@reading.ac.uk or call 0118 378 8660

Programmed talks:

Commemorating Gallipoli – The HMS M.33 Project

3 November HMS

M.33 is a unique survivor. Launched in May 1915 she is the sole remaining British veteran of that year’s bloody Gallipoli Campaign and the only British warship from the First World War that will be open to the public during the centenary year. In this seminar Dr Matthew Sheldon from the National Museum of the Royal Navy will introduce the story of this remarkable ship, and discuss the challenges of conserving it.

Trooper Potts VC: memories of Gallipoli

10 November

As we approach Armistice Day, we take a look at Reading’s most celebrated participant in the Great War, Fred Potts: October 2015 will see the unveiling of a memorial to him in the town, following a popular campaign. Brigadier Tony Verey QVRM TD DL and Captain Andrew French, Curators of the Berkshire Yeomanry Museum, will join Richard Bennett, Chairman of the Trooper Potts Memorial Trust to discuss Potts’s life and the experiences of his comrades at Gallipoli. They will also explain about the design and construction of the memorial and the educational work they have undertaken.

A University at War: some new discoveries

17 November

In 2013 the University of Reading began a project to find out more about the people behind the names on its war memorial and in its memorial book. This research, undertaken by volunteers, has already led to some fascinating and surprising discoveries. In this seminar archive volunteer Jeremy Jones will discuss what he has learnt, in conversation with University Archivist Guy Baxter.

For more information or to book please contact: merlevents@reading.ac.uk