Social
Our ‘Social’ generally takes place on the first Monday of every month at the RISC Centre in London Street (look for the colourful café and World Crafts centre) at 19.30.
It usually includes a slide show or talk given by one of our members or an external speaker. Past topics have included cycling in Nepal, climbing mountains in Ecuador, outdoor equipment, local wildlife, industrial archaeology and even hot air ballooning.
Occasionally these monthly meetings will take place at different locations. Past examples have included the Berkshire Aircraft Museum, where we were given a guided tour, and around the streets of Reading, where we took part in a walking treasure hunt.
Forthcoming events on our programme, and sometimes additional events, are also discussed at the ‘Social’. It’s a good opportunity to make bookings for those events requiring it.
Our ‘Social’ usually lasts until about 22.00, with a break in the middle for refreshments. When the meeting has finished many group members will retire to the ‘Great Expectations’ pub next door.
Pub Evenings
The group usually meets up for a pub evening at Sweeny and Todds at 20.30 on the third Wednesday of every month. At least two members of the Committee will always be present to discuss forthcoming events.
Youth-Hostelling
There are many youth-hostelling trips organised throughout the year to various locations, generally within the United Kingdom. For example a trip to Bakewell in the Peak District. For example a trip to the remote Black Sail in the Lake District:
Walks
Day walks take place at regular intervals throughout the year, generally on Sundays but sometimes on Saturdays. Evening walks will usually take place in the Spring and Summer during the week. Most walks are broken up with a pub stop and some even include a tea shop as well!
A description of one of our longer walks can be found in the Members Gallery.
The group generally meets at the Forbury Gardens Car Park, The Forbury, Reading, for its walks.
Cycle Rides
Regular cycle rides take place throughout the year. The usual meeting place for these is on Caversham Bridge, however, a contingent of cyclists also ride from Didcot and meet the Reading cyclists at a designated pub. By tradition there is also usually a camping cycling long weekend to Normandy in the spring and other cycling weekends to local hostels during the summer.
Other Outside Activities
Other outside activities include camping, caving and orienteering..
Social Events
There are always a large number of social events on our programme. Examples include barn dances, barbecues, cinema trips, eating out, fun swims, skittles, ten pin bowling, and theatre trips.
Our programme is issued every three months, but details four months events, giving a one month overlap between programmes. For non-members a photocopy of our programme is available.
Becoming A Member
You will not need to become a member of our group before you attend events. Non-members may take part in a number of events before deciding whether to join the group. If you decide to join us on one of our hostelling weekends then we do ask that you join our Group as well as holding a valid national YHA membership.
|