Open day for University's staff social hub

The Staff Common Room (SCR) Committee is inviting colleagues to visit and try out the facilities on Wednesday 27 September.

SCR Committee members will be on hand to show colleagues around the campus hidden gem, set in rooms in Park House on Whiteknights campus.

The SCR offers a rich calendar of social activity for over 500 members drawn from academic, professional services and retired staff. Social events are often hosted by colleagues who share their hobbies and expertise, creating a fun and eclectic programme of events. Past events include:

• Colleague get-togethers, including quiz nights and cooking classes
• Wine tastings, taking advantage of the extensive wine stocks from the SCRs cellar
• Theatre and concert trips
• Walks in our local countryside
• Dinners, including an annual Burns Night supper, an end of summer term celebration, and a festive gathering

SCR members enjoy access to comfortable lounges on our Whiteknights campus and in Acacias House on the London Road campus, away from the office and classroom, as well as great deals on quality wines at the SCR Wine Shop.

The Committee Room at Park House can also be booked exclusively by SCR members for meetings on campus. 

The Staff Common Room has a rich history which even predates the University of Reading’s own Charter. It began life on 6 February 1897, operating as a dining club for senior academic staff of University College, Reading. In the more than a century that has followed, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the University staff community and now has members from all areas of academia and professional services within the University.

Margot Bishop, Assistant Health and Safety Advisor at the University, is the SCR’s Senior Steward for the 2023-24 session. She said: “The Staff Common Room brings staff from all corners of the University together. It’s a great way to get to know colleagues you might otherwise never see and get involved in the social heart of the University. There really is something for everyone so come and see for yourself on 27 September.”

How to join the open day

From 10:00 – 16:00 on 27 September, tours will take place on the hour, each hour, at the SCR at Park House, Whiteknights campus.

To take part, email Charlene McGroarty, SCR Secretary, at scr@reading.ac.uk, indicating your preferred tour time.

Colleagues can also contact Charlene to enquire about joining the SCR. As well as the facilities available at Park House, members can access the lounge at Acacias on the London Road Campus. There is a small monthly subscription of £5.00 - with a discount available to colleagues who are either part-time, London Road-based, or at Grade 4 and below - to fund the day-to-day running of the SCR.

For more information, visit the Staff Common Room website.