The idea of a Religious Studies Centre in Slough was first mooted in the Education group of the Burnham Deanery Synod in 1976. The following year the room was prepared and resources purchased. In September 1978 the Centre began operating and it was officially opened in 1979. The
Centre was established for all those in religious institutions concerned with teaching their faith, and for governors and teachers in schools faced with the tasks of conveying religious education and leading collective worship. Our resources available for loan include some 3000 books, posters, filmstrips and cassettes, with videotapes and boxes of artefacts of the major world faiths. Works of reference available include Christian, Sikh and Islamic journals, educational periodicals and reviews of new publications. We belong to the National
Society for Promoting R E and the World Congress of Faiths. We offer occasional courses and exhibitions.
For many years the Centre operated from the Teachers’ Centre in Queens Road Slough. When Slough became a
Unitary Authority the value of the Centre to local education was recognised and complex negotiations led to our being rehoused within Lea Junior School. We are supported by Slough Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE) through whom a grant is made to the school in lieu of rent.
Our room is open and staffed 3.30pm-5.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays. The Warden is Miss Heather Collins (of St Peter’s, Burnham), and the Deputy Warden is Mrs. Jo Osborne (of Maidenhead synagogue). A small payment is made for their efforts, but the
Centre depends for its success upon the time and dedication of volunteers, more of whom are needed at any time.
