Talk: Thames Valley: Past, Present and Future

Saturday 6 June 2026, 11am-12pm

Venue: Window Gallery, Reading Museum

What

American author and photographer Jim Donahue will be presenting aspects of his new book, The Thames Valley: Past, Present and Future – A Snapshot of English Life. Making use of his photos, maps and other illustrations, the talk will focus on some of the early history of the Thames Valley that is all around us but not generally well known, such as evidence of prehistoric life and early settlements in the area, the significance of the Goring Gap, and the likely locations of King Alfred’s battles with the Vikings in the Reading area.

He will also highlight aspects of life in the area today that he finds rewarding such as the vibrant community life and well-preserved landscapes. The future of the region will be considered in relation to the tension between the desire to conserve these landscapes with pressures for growth. He will also discuss the potential implications of a more formal regional Thames Valley Council that is now under discussion.

About the speaker: Jim Donahue was the winner of the British Life Photography Award and is author of a number of photography-based books on Thames Valley communities including A Portrait of Henley-on-Thames. Originally from America, he has lived and worked in different parts of the Thames Valley for over 25 years, giving him both a fresh perspective on life in England and an insider’s knowledge of the area. His keen interest in understanding what makes England tick can also explain why he has served as a local councillor in Oxfordshire for over 10 years. You can contact Jim and see more of his photos on https://www.jimdonahueimages.com

*These sessions are delivered by New Directions College as part of their Tailored learning, Community Arts & Wellbeing programme. They are FREE for eligible learners. We will ask for your ID to check if you are eligible before we confirm your place. To qualify for funding, participants need to have been resident in the UK for 3 years. Please check our website for full criteria.