General Information
Reading lies on the extremities of the Berkshire Downs and the Chiltern Hills at a point where the waters of the rivers Thames and Kennet meet making the River Thames a major river for the rest of its journey to the sea. It grew to importance during the Norman period, and in 1121 Henry I founded a Benedictine Abbey here, it is where he was buried in 1136. It was an important national centre in the medieval period, as the site of an important monastery with strong royal connections, but suffered economic damage during the 17th century from which it took a long time to recover.
Today it is again an important commercial centre, with strong links to information technology and insurance. Reading is noted for its university and for its vast industries. Both its rivers are navigable, often gay with bright narrow boats coursing waters formerly the scene of barges laden with coal and other goods being transported from city to city. The tow paths of both the Kennet and Thames offer visitors the chance to discover lush river meadows made bright by the chatter of wildlife in both trees and water.
Maps
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| Click on the map which will take you to http://www.visitmap.com |
Time Zone
26 March – 29 October: UTC + 1
Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday March 30, 2008
Weather
Britain has a fairly temperate climate and can sometimes be overcast.
The weather can vary greatly from day to day, but generally summer (June-August) is a hot 14-30 °C, and winter (December-February) is a cool 1-5 °C. There is quite a difference in temperature between Scotland and Southern England. Generally, the further south, the warmer it is likely to be.
In spring, you can enjoy wonderful sunny weather, but it can also be cool or wet. Temperatures fluctuate from around 6 - 11 °C. May can have very warm days - up to about 18 °C.
Visa
- Information are available from the "Visa" webpage
- UK Visa website
Health and Safety
In Britain you can obtain prescription, and over-the-counter (non-prescription), medications as well as expert medical advice at pharmacies – often called chemists.
Pharmacies are usually open from 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays and limited availability on Sundays.
In an emergency that requires ambulance, police or fire services dial 999 from any telephone.
Insurance
The Modelling Summit organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss of, or damage to, property belonging to conference participants or their accompanying persons, either during or as a result of the Modelling Summit. Participants are advised to arrange for insurance to cover medical, travel, and personal effects while attending the meetings.
Currency and Banks
Britain’s unit of currency is the Great British Pound (sterling) – GBP. The symbol for the pound sterling is £.
British money is based on the decimal system – there are one hundred pence to each pound. Coins have the values of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, post offices, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
All credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express logo are widely accepted in Britain. If your card does not bear one of these logos, you should ask the retailer in advance if you can use it.
Exchange rate given by the Universal Currency Converter is now about
1 USD = 0,51130 GBP
1 Euro = 0,75790 GBP
Opening times
Opening times for businesses and services can vary hugely. Use the guide provided by VisitBritain as a very general outline for what to expect, but for exact opening times you should contact the organisation directly.
Travel and transport information
- More details can be found in "Getting to Reading" webpage
- Airport and flight information
- Eurostar: Eurostar is a high-speed train service linking London (St Pancras International) with Paris (Gare du Nord), Lille Europe and Brussels (South station). Trains cross the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel or 'Chunnel' as we often call it.
- Ferries: Service Information for Ferries to Britain
- National rails
- Bus and coach travel
- Car hire (driving regulation in Britain)
Tourism
Electricity
The voltage used in Britain is 240 Volts AC at 50HZ. Most power sockets are designed for standard 3-pin square plugs. Electrical appliances in Britain generally use the British standard plug with 3 square pins. Plug socket adaptors and power transformers are widely available, you can buy them at most airports, electrical shops and hardware stores.
Measurements & conversions
Kilometres & miles
1 mile = 1.609 kilometres
1 kilometre = 0.621 miles
Litres & gallons
1 gallon = 4.546 litres
1 litre = 0.220 gallons
Kilos & pounds
1 pound = 0.453 kilos
1 kilo = 2.204 pounds
British Cuisine
After years of suffering under the image of grey boiled meat and cold soups, Britain today now has a vibrant culinary reputation. In fact some of the great chefs now come from Britain- names include Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson.
Last update: June 10, 2009 - [webmaster]
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