Working lives in Jacksons Department Store and Shopping today in the Oracle Shopping Centre

We are delighted that Thomas Macey agreed to come to talk to us about the history of the store and his time there. He will share individual stories about the equipment used and the staff who worked there. He does this with such enthusiasm.

In addition to his “slide show” he will bring a selection of original archives for the audience to view during and after the talk.

Thomas Macey was employed by Jacksons of Reading when he was 16 years old back in 2004 and remained with the company until it closed in 2013. He became a PA to one of the directors and key holder. Thomas was also fascinated by the history of Jacksons and published a book on its history in 2009. When the company closed the Jackson family presented Thomas with the archives of the firm, many of which are now on loan to the Royal Berkshire Archives.

In 2020, Thomas commissioned and worked alongside model maker Richard Ellis of Monks Gate Models to create three miniature models of Jacksons as it was in 1904, these were on display in Reading Museum until 28 March 2026

The talk will be emphasised by some illustrations.

After Thomas's talk about Jacksons we will welcome Andy Briggs, Destination Director at the Oracle Shopping Centre, who will explain about shopping in a modern shopping centre today and the issues faced.

It will be an interesting contrast.

Both will be delighted to answer questions.

Timings

Friday 18 September:

2pm (arrive from 1:40)

Location & directions

Oracle Management Suite, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Directions:

By foot access the Oracle Shopping Centre from the Gunn Street entrance. Once in the shopping centre there is a lift on the right to the car parking. Take the lift to the 1st floor and the management suite is on your right. There will be a Reading Civic Society member by the lift to direct you. and also at the entrance to the Management Suite to open the glass doors to let you in and guide you to the meeting room. By car access via the Holy Brook Car park, accessed from Bridge St. Park on the 1st level and walk to the lift into the shopping centre. You will pass the Management Suite on your left. There will be a Reading Civic Society member inside to open the glass doors to let you in and guide you to the meeting room.

Contact on day:

Richard Bennett DL

Telephone number:

+447802763289

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please arrive from 1:40 pm . The event will start at 2pm

Booking contact name:

Richard Bennett

Booking telephone number:

+447802763289

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990719439432

Booking opens:

01 Jul 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

17 Sep 2026 10:00 AM

Accessibility details

Parking is in the Holy Brook Car Park ( access from Bridge Street) There is designated parking on-site. Fees apply. Display your Blue Badge. Access to the Management suite is easiest from the 1st floor car park. Doors exiting the car park to get to the Management suite are automatic. On reaching the Management Suite there will be a Reading Civic Society member ready to open the doors and guide you to the meeting room.

Additional information

If the event at 2pm is fully booked we will arrange another starting at 3:30. The room is restricted to 40 people. Access to the Management suite for pedestrians is via the entrance to the Oracle from Gunn Street. The lifts are to the right just after you enter the Oracle building

Max number of people:

40

Estimated duration:

2 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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