1997

Tuesday 15th February- "Religious Education, Religious instruction and Collective Worship in a Multi-Faith Society." Berkshire’s advisory teacher for RE, Jo Fageant, leads a discussion on the broad issues surrounding religion in schools at Bulmershe Court.

Tuesday 18th February- "Interviews with Interfaith Group Members". Hugh Boulter gives a presentation at Leighton Park School

April 29th- Committee meeting discuss problems of poor attendance
“We needed to take a long, hard look at where the Group was going: why were we meeting and what were we trying to achieve.”
It is decided to write to everyone on their mailing list to seek their views about our future. These would then be presented to the AGM.

Sunday 18th May-visit to the Brahma Kumaris Centre Nuneham Courtney. “Far and away our most successful event this year.”

June 26th- Only three committee members attend meeting. Reading Council for Racial Equality support the Reading Interfaith Group by asking for volunteers to liaise with the various faith communities.

Sunday 29th June- Summer Picnic at Donnington Grove Country Club, Grove Rd Newbury. Includes visit to the Shi tennoji Buddhist Temple and Japanese garden in the grounds. This proved to be “a little damp”

4th July- Meeting with the new Bishop Dominic Walker to discuss his role as patron of Reading Interfaith Group results in an optimistic report. It is felt “He clearly has wide experience and knowledge of inter-faith matters.”

September-questionnaire sent out.

October 16th- “it was agreed to try to run a more modest programme over the coming year.”

November 13th- AGM in Kennet Room Civic Centre attended by deputy mayor Dave Geary. Business is focused around a discussion paper.
Al Nasr send two speakers to talk about religious discrimination legislation.