About
Welcome to the Reading Room - a beautiful space for hire.
Part of historic Chinnor, the delightful Reading Room is enjoyed by many local groups, clubs and families. A lovely light and airy hall of 78 sq m, the Reading Room is equipped with a kitchen, toilets, disabled toilet, disabled access, loop/PA system, yoga mats, dumbbells, Swiss balls, wooden sticks and weighted bars. We offer a customised heating service for each booking.
The Reading Room is run by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis.
Support us via the South Oxfordshire charitable lottery at
HISTORY
​
The Reading Room was built in 1878 by the church and local philanthropists to help the parish's men with literacy - and as an alternative to the pub. Hundreds of Reading Rooms sprung up around the country in Victorian times. Chinnor's Reading Room is one of over 50 that survive today as village halls
LOCATION
In a convenient spot at the lower end of the High Street in the large village of Chinnor, south Oxfordshire. Chinnor is just off the Ridgeway at the foot of the Chilterns, only 10 minutes from J6 of the M40 and 4 miles from the nearby towns of Thame and Princes Risborough
Ideal for
Clubs Groups Classes Band practice
Children's parties Family celebrations
Courses Training Meetings
Rehearsals Fundraising events
THERAPEUTIC ART
3rd Thursday
20.00-22.000
Art for all abilities for relaxation and wellbeing
​
Stephanie Fisher
07771 877246
s.lou.fisher@gmail.com
HAPPY TAPPERS
Wednesdays
19.15-20.15
​
Dancing happily in the Reading Room since 1983
Jenny Stothard
07754 518034
kindergymjenny@gmail.com
ART WITH DIANA
Mondays
09.30-13.30
​
Mixed media class
for all levels of ability
Diana Noel
01844 352924
diananoel25@gmail.com
ART WITH DIANA
Wednesdays
09.30-14.30
​
Creative mixed media class
working on varying projects
Diana Noel
01844 352924
diananoel25@gmail.com
A1 MARTIAL ARTS
Monday
15.50-19.30
Karate in the Reading Room
for all children aged 4 & over
Julia Fensom
jvfensom@gmail.com
A1 MARTIAL ARTS
Thursday
15.50-18.30
Karate in the Reading Room
for all children aged 4 & over
Julia Fensom
jvfensom@gmail.com
U3A HISTORY
U3A members only
3rd Friday
14.30-16.00
People, events and occasions from history to activate your grey cells with lively, worthwhile discussion
Brian Fowler
07815 7847084
brianrfowler130@gmail.com
U3A ART HISTORY
U3A members only
3rd Friday
10.45 Coffee
11.00-12.30 Meeting
​
Explore a range of art styles
and artists in a friendly group
​
Rob Holdaway
07788 694444
rob.holdaway@btinternet.com
PILATES
Tuesdays 18.15-19.15
Thursdays & Fridays
09.30-10.30
​
Suitable for all ages &
fitness levels, Pilates improves flexibility, balance & posture
​
Hilary Westall
07812 097562
STRETCH CLASS
Tuesdays
19.30-20.30
Gentle & effective stretches
to restore your equilibrium
Hilary Westall
07812 097562
TAI CHI
Wednesdays & Fridays
17.45-18.45
​
Chinese martial art practiced on a physical, mental & spiritual level
Sean McLoughlin
07436 051888
taichi@taichihealth.co.uk
U3A MOVEMENT
TO MUSIC
U3A members only
1st Tuesday
14.30-16.00
​
Movement to music -
a better way to feel better
Karin Dawson-Smith
07702 800240
groupschinnoru3a@gmail.com
ART4ALL
U3A members only
2nd Friday
11.00-13.00
​
Art in a relaxed atmosphere. Open to beginners & artists
of all levels, all you need to start is a sketch pad & pencil
Peter Dollman
peterdollman52@hotmail.com
BINGO
1st and 3rd Saturday
19.30-22.00
​
For over 50 years, Helping Hands Bingo has raised money for charities and day trips
Sarah Bull
01844 351972
Jane Collett
01844 352784
WINE CIRCLE
1st Thursday
20.00-22.00
​
Well-loved & popular part of Chinnor's social scene for many years
​
Chinnor & District Wine Circle
01844 352081
U3A PLAY-READING
U3A members only
2nd Friday
14.00-16.00
Janet Roebuck
01844 352489
jroebuck@waitrose.com
YOUR GROUP HERE
​
At no extra charge
Contact
17a High Street
Chinnor
Oxfordshire OX39 4DJ
Email: readingroom1878@gmail.com
Registered Charity No 273700