 To celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the New Era Players will be performing readings of extracts, poems and songs of World War II, bringing to life the memories, thoughts and feelings of the people who lived through the experiences of wartime.
West Berkshire Museum | Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 May | 1pm & 7 pm | £5 donation to the Museum.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations continue at Shaw House with a family picnic, trail and crafts.
Younger visitors can collect a ration card from reception and follow a trail to find the clues, once the card has been completed, they can collect their free sweet rations!
The House and exhibition rooms will be open with a special display exploring the requisition of Shaw House by the War Office in 1939 and its subsequent use as a school for displaced children.
Families are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds and the café will also be open selling light refreshments and treats.
Shaw House | Sunday 11 May | 11am – 3pm | No need to book, just drop-in | Free
A collective exhibition from Open Studios artists in the historic rooms at Shaw House.
The House, exhibition rooms and café will be open as usual.
Shaw House | Open 10, 11 17, 18, 24, 25 and 26 May 2025 | 11am – 4pm
Please see the Open Studios website or guide for more information.
 A walk by local bat expert James Shipman. After a brief talk outside the Museum, James will help us to see several species that emerge at dusk nearby (weather dependent).
West Berkshire Museum | Friday 23 May | 9.30pm – 10.15pm | £5
Join us for the Shaw House Open Days when you will have the opportunity to access many areas of the House which are not normally open to the public, including the ‘Forbidden Corridor’ on the second floor and the basement tunnel running along the length of the House and the Elizabethan bake house.
The bake house was discovered during restoration and is one of the very special features of Shaw House. Visitors will have the chance to climb below the ground floor and discover the well-preserved elements of the 16th century kitchen. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked online.
There will be free introductory talks about the history of the House in the Great Hall throughout the day (no need to book for the talks).
Shaw House | Sunday 25 & Monday 26 May | 11am-4pm | Free
Join the ever-popular Snow Sisters and their Huggable Snowman and Ice Harvester Friends for this unforgettable experience.
Start with an enchanting show in the Great Hall at Shaw House; don't forget to 'Let it Go' and sing along to your favourite tunes!
Then it's time to unpack your best picnics and join all four characters in the grounds for meet and greets and photo opportunities.
Tuesday 27 May | 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm | £7.50 per person
 A relaxed morning for children with special needs and their families to enjoy the Museum when there is less hustle and bustle (as we are closed to the public on Tuesdays).
The downstairs museum galleries will be open, and there is an opportunity to take part in a craft. There will be free self-service refreshments of coffee or tea for accompanying adults and fruit squash or water for the children in the museum café.
West Berkshire Museum | Tuesday 27 May | 10.30am – 12pm | Free
 Join us at Shaw House and West Berkshire Museum in May for our Family Activity and Messy Museum Days!
No need to book, just drop-in | £2.50 per child | 10am-3pm
Family Activity Day: Make a rainstick | 28 May | Shaw House
Messy Museum Days: Ceramic craft lucky dip! | 30 May | West Berkshire Museum
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