{"id":30778,"date":"2025-03-11T13:22:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T13:22:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/?page_id=30778"},"modified":"2025-11-03T11:00:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T11:00:31","slug":"community-charity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/community-charity\/","title":{"rendered":"Community & Charity Events"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Your Local Community or Charity Event<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

At Our Campus Venues<\/strong> <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Charitable and community events are an important aspect of everyday life \u2013 they help encourage people to play a more active part in their local community.  Events may celebrate a particular occasion, raise funds for a good cause or simply bring people in a community closer together.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why book an event at the University of Reading?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Venue Reading has worked with a range of local community groups and charities over the years and the University of Reading is actively involved in supporting charitable causes and engaging with the local community.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some key initiatives and events:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>

Charity of the Year Scheme<\/strong>:<\/h3><\/div>

The University selects a single charity to support throughout the academic year.  This includes awareness-raising, staff fundraising, volunteering opportunities, and collaborative research.  For the 2024\/25 academic year, the chosen charity is Rainbow Trust, which supports families caring for children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. For more information, visit the Charity of the Year Scheme page<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Community Engagement<\/strong>:<\/h3><\/div>

The University works closely with local partners to benefit the lives of the local community in Reading, Wokingham, and the Thames Valley. This includes events, outreach programs, and community-based research projects.  The University\u2019s Engagement Fund (CEF) sets aside a total of \u00a330,000 every year to support local charities and community groups\u2019 projects across the Thames Valley region.  You can find out more and apply by visiting the Community Engagement Fund page<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Events & Fundraisers<\/strong>:<\/h3><\/div>

The University hosts various events to support charitable causes.  For example, the Reading Rotary Santa Run<\/a> is an annual festive charity event held on the Whiteknights campus, with funds raised benefiting local charities.  The Reading Toy Run<\/a>, set off from the Thames Valley Science Park last year.  For the last couple of years, the Hospitality team have provided the catering for the Whitley CDA (Whitley Community Development Association)<\/a> their Christmas lunch, bringing together some of the community that may be older and isolated.  Venue Reading is also involved in the University Community Festival<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Volunteering:<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>

University staff and students are encouraged to participate in volunteering activities to support local charities<\/a> and community initiatives.  These colleagues\/students are then eligible for a celebration of volunteering award<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What can I organise with Venue Reading?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Venue Reading will help you with your next event<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the University of Reading, the Venue Reading Team host a variety of events and with our charitable status established by the Royal Charter<\/a>, every penny from each invoice goes directly back into the University.  As a non-profit organisation, we reinvest funds to benefit education and the community, rather than distributing them to shareholders as other venues do.  Think of it as a way to give back while enjoying our exceptional services whilst meeting your own organisations goals and objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Venue Reading?<\/strong>
<\/h3><\/div>

Availability<\/strong>:
We don\u2019t just have term time availability, we have dedicated all-year round venues such as the Meadow Suite, Blandford\u2019s, Sibly, Morley in Park House on the Whiteknights Campus. Take a virtual tour of Park House, Palmer etc<\/a>.

Facilities<\/strong>:
Our venues offer the AV facilities you will need, comfortable seating arrangements, catering options, free parking and our venues are accessible. 

Competitive Rates<\/strong>:
We understand the importance of maximising every penny to support your cause, which is why we can work with you to reduce your bill by 20% (saving on the VAT if you are eligible). We also look at what others in the local area are offering to ensure we are providing the best value.  Don\u2019t forget as mentioned above, we are a not for profit organisation and anything we invoice goes back into the University towards educating future professionals and not to company shareholders.

 Promotion and Publicity<\/strong>:
Working with us means gaining access to our extensive network and promotional channels.  We can work together to spread the word and attract attendees where there is a link within the University, we are more than happy to facilitate an introduction. We\u2019ll also help you advertise your event with \u2018What\u2019s on Reading\u2019<\/a>.

Long-Term Partnerships<\/strong>:
We believe in building lasting relationships with charities. By hosting your event at our venue, you become part of a community that values giving back and could be picked for the charity of the year.  

Experienced Event Coordinators:<\/strong>
The Venue Reading Team are experts, we organise events on a daily basis, it may be something you do as part of a wider to do list so let the experts support you giving you time to concentrate on the content to meet your event objectives.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ready to make a difference? Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your event. Together, we can create impactful experiences and support important causes in our community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the enquiry form button on this page as you scroll or email info@venuereading.com or call the team on 0118 378 5657.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Host a conference or meeting<\/h3><\/a>

We have a number of all year round spaces and a range of facilities for larger conferences during the summer period.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Celebrate in style<\/h3><\/a>

We have a number of venues located in traditional setting of Park House on the Whiteknights Campus, a perfect place for all types of events including private parties, functions, and other special occasions.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Concerts<\/h3><\/a>

A beautiful Grade 2 listed building which was opened in 1905, the Great Hall has a\u00a0fixed stage with a magnificent organ and grand piano, ample space for a choir and orchestra, and can seat audiences of 350 to 500.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\"Park<\/div><\/a>\n
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Celebration of Life Event<\/h3><\/a>

We know this is a difficult time for you, and our aim is to simplify the planning of your loved one\u2019s Celebration of Life event. We offer a variety of private function spaces suitable for 20 to 500 guests.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\"Filming<\/div><\/a>\n
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Filming<\/h3><\/a>

The Venue Reading team have hosted a number of film production companies on our campuses \u2013 whether it be for a film or commercial, we have access to a wide selection of internal and external settings for commercial and non-commercial filming.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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\"Hotels<\/div><\/a>\n
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Staying nearby<\/h3><\/a>

Venue Reading have negotiated preferential rates for anyone visiting the University who needs to stay close to campus.\u00a0 Click below to view alternative accommodation options for your stay nearby.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Launch Venue Reading Walking Routes<\/h3><\/a>

Find your way to our campus venues from the car park. Use at walking pace on the day and see a faster version if you want to familiarise yourself before arriving.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Launch Routes<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Minghella Studios<\/h3><\/a>

The\u00a0Minghella Building\u00a0at the University of Reading offers a suite of high-spec, flexible facilities designed to inspire and empower filmmakers, theatre-makers, and digital creatives alike.\u00a0 Whether you\u2019re planning a film shoot, a live performance, a corporate showcase, or a creative workshop, Minghella Studios provides the perfect backdrop.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Charity and Community<\/h3><\/a>

Venue Reading has worked with a range of local community groups and charities over the years and the University of Reading is actively involved in supporting charitable causes and engaging with the local community.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n\n\n Find out more<\/a>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n
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Find us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Venue Reading is a professional events service at the University
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\nour Whiteknights and London Road campuses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":188,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":23,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"opening_hours_days":{"monday":{"status":"closed","times":[]},"tuesday":{"status":"closed","times":[]},"wednesday":{"status":"closed","times":[]},"thursday":{"status":"closed","times":[]},"friday":{"status":"closed","times":[]},"saturday":{"status":"closed","times":[]},"sunday":{"status":"closed","times":[]}},"opening_hours_special":[],"_uag_custom_page_level_css":""},"facility":[4,5,8,6,7,9,10],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"bars-link":false,"full-height":false,"full-width-page":false,"full-width-page-xs":false,"card-image":false,"meta-image":false,"banner_xxl":false,"banner_xl":false,"banner_md":false,"banner_sm":false,"banner_xs":false,"banner_xxl_x2":false,"banner_xl_x2":false,"banner_md_x2":false,"banner_sm_x2":false,"banner_xs_x2":false,"ab-block-post-grid-landscape":false,"ab-block-post-grid-square":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"rboreham","author_link":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/author\/rboreham\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Venue Reading is a professional events service at the University of Reading that offers a wide variety of venues and facilities at our Whiteknights and London Road campuses.","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30778"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/188"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30778"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31687,"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30778\/revisions\/31687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"facility","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hospitalityuor.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/facility?post=30778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}