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: Ladybird books – icons of British childhood – under the microscope at MERL
Members of the public are to be given a rare glimpse of original artwork from one of the hidden gems among the University of Reading’s special collections. The Ladybird Archive, held by the University’s Special Collections Services, contains thousands of individual items, including original artwork and cover designs from hundreds of Ladybird books – perhaps […]
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: University recognised for giving volunteers a great experience
The University of Reading Museums and Special Collections Service (UMASCS) has been recognised for the outstanding opportunities and support it offers its volunteers. UMASCS has been awarded the Investing in Volunteers Standard from Volunteering England, marking it as an organisation committed to good practice and of volunteering excellence. The news coincides with the start of […]
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 […]
Photo opportunity: MERL offers a 'green welcome'!
Photo opportunity on April 19th, 12pm – the press are invited to photograph BTCV and MERL volunteers putting the final touches to MERL’s front garden – building hedgehog homes, bird baths and mini-beast hotels The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), which is owned and managed by the University of Reading, has been working towards […]
MERL Fellowship scheme for 2012-13
Applications are now being invited for the Gwyn E. Jones MERL Fellowship scheme for 2012-13, tenable for up to twelve months, to support research in subject areas associated with the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) at the University of Reading. The closing date is 11 May 2012. Successful proposals attract a stipend of up to […]