The Times of Plenty by Ellie Thorne, Archivist, Berkshire Record Office. A delve into the archives of the 200 year old Newbury engineering company Plenty & Son, whose products have included ploughs, lifeboats and steam marine engines.
20th Century Military Sites in West Berkshire by Duncan Coe, Archaeological Officer, West Berkshire Council. The talk will look at the area’s military archaeology including Greenham Common, Aldermaston and Burghfield.
The Steam Mechanisation of Agriculture by Jane McCutchan, University of Reading. Jane’s talk looks at steam ploughing from 1840 to 1920.
Mapledurham Watermill: its History and Recent Developments by Mildred Cookson. The building dates from the 15th century. In 2011 an Archimedes screw turbine was installed for electricity generation to replace an earlier 1920’s system.
Allens of Oxford by Jonathan Brown, Museum of English Rural Life. John Allen & Sons (Oxford) Ltd were agricultural and general contractors, and made agricultural, horticultural and civil engineering equipment, including the Allen Scythe.
200 Years of Boulton and Watt at Crofton by Jon Willis, Chairman, Crofton Beam Engines. The talk will cover the story of Crofton as well as the issues facing its continued operation and plans being developed to preserve its future.
There will be breaks for comfort and refreshments during the morning and afternoon sessions.
A choice of four post-conference site visits is offered - see the programme PDF for details.
Tickets cost £11 per person for bookings received up to 24 April 2012 and £12 thereafter or on the door (subject to space).
Full booking information is on the programme PDF or the printable booking forms: