Guest post: My year in the Harris Garden by Jenny Halstead
Our first guest post is by Jenny Halstead, whose exhibition, An artist’s year in the Harris Garden opened at MERL last week. Jenny is a local artist who spent a year as Artist in Residence at the University of Reading’s beautiful Harris Garden. The resulting exhibition showcases the paintings and sketchbook studies which take us […]
OCL at the Village Fete 2013
written by Adam Koszary, Project Officer for Our Country Lives. The MERL Village Fete is only a few days away, and we are already preparing our hi-vis jackets, gazebos, bunting and scones, as well as harnessing an army of volunteers and staff to ensure everything runs smoothly. The focus of this year’s Fete is on rural crafts and […]
Listen and learn from one of Britain’s finest voices at Uni Museum
On Sunday 10 March renowned singer/songwriter Hilary James will take a Museum of English Rural Life audience through a witty romp of ancient and modern English comic song. Described by BBC Radio 4 having as ‘One of Britain’s finest voices’, Hilary is also offering fans an unmissable opportunity chance to take part in a pre-concert […]
Minister contends that human intervention through partnership is the only way to protect countryside
Thanks to everyone who came to the MERL Annual Lecture last week to hear Richard Benyon speak on the future of the British Countryside. If you missed it and would like to know more about the issues he addressed, please read the write-up issed by the University… http://www.reading.ac.uk/news-and-events/releases/PR477752.aspx Sign up for our newsletter Get blogs, […]
MERL Annual Lecture – The British Countryside in 2030
Richard Benyon, Newbury MP and Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, will explore the issues surrounding the future of the British countryside when he presents MERL’s Annual Lecture on Thursday 29 November. Richard Benyon said: “In 2012, it could be said that the British countryside is in a state of imbalance. While many species […]
Press Release: University wins silverware at Royal Berkshire Show
Interactive exhibits, home-grown food and fun activities helped the University of Reading to win two top prizes at the Royal Berkshire Show 2012. The University’s display won first prize in the best large trade stand and the best local trade stand categories at this year’s show, which ran over the weekend of 15th and 16th September. The display […]
MERL Traditional Craft Fair 2012 – calling local craftspeople!
Applications are invited for the 2012 Traditional Craft Fair to be held at MERL in November We are pleased to announce that following the continued success of the Museum’s Traditional Craft Fair, we will be running the event again this year on November 10th, 11am to 4pm. The emphasis is on traditional and heritage crafts […]
Press Release: Uni Museum brings rural past alive for families
With the school summer holidays approaching, the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) is launching new family tours as part of its exciting summer programme. The Museum, which is owned and managed by the University of Reading, was recently nominated as one of the country’s top 20 Family Friendly museums by Kids in Museums, but […]
Press Release: Celebrating our sporting heritage as Olympic torch arrives
As the crowds gather to welcome the Olympic torch to Reading, the Museum of English Rural life at the University of Reading is reflecting the influence English country heritage has had in world sport – including helping provide the spark for the modern Olympics. The torch will come to Reading on Tuesday evening (10 July), […]
Press Release: Join the Jubilee fun at Museum fete this June!
Free craft workshops, morris dancing and pedalling your own smoothies! These are just some of the attractions families can enjoy at this year’s Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) Annual Village Fete on Saturday 9 June. MERL, which is owned and managed by the University, has been hosting the popular event on their Redlands Road […]