Where is this memorial originally from?

[millymcb]

It does look like it could be the memorial stone.... how exciting.  Can't wait to see the pic at higher resolution

Milly

[toni*]

perhaps you could put it in Reading cemetary
(not read the whole thread this may already have been suggested)

[Midnight Runner]

In response to Mr. Thudnuts request, here is an enlarged section of the back wall of the apse showing the location of the plaque. Well spotted sir.

I guess that a gap of 28 years, nearly 29, is excuse enough for not remembering it being just there, especially as my ageing remembery cells no longer function as efficiently as they used to.

In response to Toni I would say that I should hope that somewhere more suitable will be found than the Cemetary.

[toni*]

In response to Toni I would say that I should hope that somewhere more suitable will be found than the Cemetary.

they have memorials in the cemetary in my home town, one in the cemetary, one in the churchyard and three in the town centre. i see no problem with putting it in the cemetary for they shall still be not forgotten and it is where people go to remember 

[scrimnet]

Because of the way that councils are neglecting cemetaries around the country and the way in which they are being vandalised...not just by ignorant youth but by the councils themselves, I feel as a serving soldier that this suggestion, although worthy would be sadly inappropriate.

We have found in our travels whilst looking for family graves, inordinate amounts of what I would call desecration, knocked over stones, grave stones being used as kerb stones and road blocks. This all notwithstanding the general desolation of the areas themselves.

I feel that this has been "lost" for too long and that if we can find a willing church it would be better looked after.

I cannot speak for the state of the Reading cemetaries, I haven't looked there yet, but with the constraints on local government quite tight I cannot see there being much difference, or the potential for much difference.

[scrimnet]

The memorials in town centres are large and well known; this is but a small plaque....

I also feel that this should be in the community from whence the soldiers that are commemorated came from

[johnmiles]

The two cemeteries that would be candidates are at Cemetery junction (where the WW1 graves are and very scattered and neglected) and Henley Road (where there is a very pleasant WW2 CWGC section. However in my opinion neither are at all suitable for providing a home for this plaque - Park URC or even Wesley Methodist which is but about 50 yards away from the site of Trinity are much better bets - failing that Reading Museum. The regimental museum in Salisbury would be both inappropriate and we wouldnt take it anyway.

John

[Thudnut]

Hi everyone.
I'm still inclined to go for Park URC, or wherever the Minister recommends.  The nearer to the original location the better.

Scrimnet,

this is but a small plaque....

It's about 4' square and weighs a ton!  (Yes, I had had my weetabix for breakfast!)   

Thudders

[Midnight Runner]

Hi Everyone,
On part of the site of the old Trinity Church stand a student accommodation hostel owned and run by the Wessex Synod of the United Reformed Church actually called Trinity Hall. In my humble opinion, that would be the most appropriate resting place for the memorial. Unlike a lot of similar places, this is a calm and fairly placid place and is well controlled.
There is another United Reformed church fairly close, St Andrews, next to the Royal Berkshire Hospital which could also be a home for it.
I do hope that in the final decision making, the views of all you kind people will be taken into consideration, after all, if it hadn't been for you it could have vanished forever.
Toni, I am sorry that if, in being brief, I seemed to put down your suggestion which I am sure you made in good faith. I did not intend to convey that impression.
I will be happy to keep you all posted on the progress.

I will see what further information I can find out about Rev. Thomas Steer. They may still have records at Church House of the U.R.C. I will get in touch with them.