Slough Refugee Support take part in interactive historical workshop

Organisations from across Berkshire joined forces last month to deliver a historical workshop for Slough Refugee Support.

The Friends of Cookham Abbey and archaeology students from the University of Reading delivered the workshop which featured a range of historical and interactive activities at Salt Hill VR in Slough.

More than 30 adults and children from countries such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Sudan and Ukraine took part.

During the event, visitors also listened to a presentation from University of Reading archaeology students Jonathan Charmley, Georgina Orchard and Amy Campbell.

Guests were treated to an art workshop with Friends of Cookham Abbey artist in residence, Phyllida Shelley.

They also enjoyed a virtual reality tour of the Cookham Dig site.

The land next to Holy Trinity Church in Cookham is home to a rare, well-preserved Anglo Saxon monastery, which was first discovered in 2021 by staff from the University of Reading’s Archaeology Department.

Since then, each year students and staff have been returning to the site to excavate and make further discoveries.

The dig will return for another year from Tuesday, July 15 to Saturday, August 9 and Slough Refugee Support will be welcomed onsite.

As part of last month’s workshop, guests also explored the history through an artefacts and bones session with students and Friends of Cookham Abbey volunteers.

Guests enjoyed playing archaeology games which were produced by University of Southampton student Stephanie Barter, before having a picnic next to Montem Mound in Slough.

Sarah Parfitt, Friends of Cookham Abbey community engagement manager, said: “We had the most extraordinary, life-affirming day with Slough Refugee Support and other friends from the Slough community.

“Together we delivered a lively Cookham Abbey workshop.

“I am so grateful to Slough Refugee Support, Anna Jones from the MERL, Salt Hill VR, our Friends of Cookham Abbey team and University of Reading Archaeology students for making it possible.

"Through our community engagement work we hope to make the Cookham Abbey story accessible and to break down cultural and social barriers through archaeology.”

Louise Sprackling, chair of the board of trustees at Slough Refugee Support, said: “A big thank you to Friends of Cookham Abbey, Museums Partnership Reading, Salt Hill Activity Centre for this collaboration which aims to make the Cookham Abbey story accessible to everyone and to break down cultural and social barriers through archaeology.

“We all loved every minute, and the smiles and unity spoke volumes.

“It was wonderful for families to have the time and space to connect with each other, have fun and learn about our local history through hands-on activities such as art and virtual reality at Salt Hill Activity Centre.”

Jonathan Charmley, Archaeology student at the University of Reading, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work with Slough Refugee Support.

“Being able to show them the work we have done at Cookham Abbey and to speak to them about our experience and discoveries was a joy.”

Phyllida Shelley, Friends of Cookham Abbey’s artist in residence, who will be on site for the dig this summer, said: “It was a privilege to visit Slough Refugee Support and learn more about their vital work.

“As part of the engagement team from Friends of Cookham Abbey, it was lovely to run creative activities for the Slough refugee community.

“Exploring local Anglo-Saxon history through Montem Mound and Cookham Abbey art projects helped foster friendship and a sense of belonging—a truly rewarding experience where everyone came away richer.”

The event took place on Wednesday, April 30.

For more information about the Friends of Cookham Abbey, visit: https://www.cookhamabbey.org.uk/