AB Walker Celebrates 200 Years at Reading Town Hall
On Thursday 17th September 2026, AB Walker welcomed family, friends, colleagues, partners and guests to Reading Town Hall for a very special evening celebrating our bicentennial year and 200 years of serving families across Reading and Berkshire.
It was an evening that brought together AB Walker’s past, present and future, celebrating not only two centuries of our family business, but also the people, partnerships and communities that have shaped who we are today.
Celebrating 200 years in the heart of Reading
There could hardly have been a more fitting setting for our bicentennial reception than Reading Town Hall.
AB Walker’s story began in 1826 and, over the generations, our family and business have grown alongside Reading itself. Today, we remain an independent, family-run funeral director, with the fifth generation of the Walker family continuing a tradition of care that began two centuries ago.
The evening started with music from Astri Strings as guests arrived and had the opportunity to explore a special collection of AB Walker artefacts, photographs and memorabilia.
Looking back across 200 years brought home just how much has changed. Yet, among the photographs, documents and items from our history, there was also a powerful reminder of what has remained constant: the importance of family, personal service and supporting our local community.
Looking back at the AB Walker story
We were delighted to welcome a bugler to formally begin the evening’s proceedings, before guests joined us for the premiere of a special film created to mark our 200th anniversary.
Featuring members of the Walker family, colleagues and people who have played a part in our story, the film looked back at how AB Walker has developed from its beginnings in 1826 to the funeral director it is today.
The film was followed by a speech from our Managing Director, Julian Walker, who reflected on the remarkable milestone and the many people who have contributed to AB Walker over the generations.
For a business to reach its 200th anniversary is something very special. But this celebration was about far more than a number. It was an opportunity to recognise generations of people who have trusted, supported and worked alongside AB Walker.
Celebrating our community, friends and partners
We were honoured to welcome guests from across Reading, Berkshire and beyond, including local mayors, members of the clergy, local VIPs, Sir John, fellow funeral professionals, suppliers, partners, former and current members of the AB Walker team, friends and members of the Walker family.
Many of the relationships represented in the room have developed over decades and, in some cases, across generations.
That sense of community was at the heart of the evening.
As an independent family business, we have always believed that being part of a community means more than simply working within it. It means building lasting relationships, supporting local organisations and being there for families at some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives.
Looking forward to the next chapter
While much of the evening celebrated our history, our bicentennial year is also about looking forward.
Funeral care has changed enormously since 1826 and it will continue to evolve. The choices families make, the way funerals are personalised and the technology and services available today would have been unimaginable to the generations who came before us.
What will not change is our commitment to providing compassionate, personal care and treating every family and every person who comes into our care with dignity and respect.
The evening came to a close with our guests receiving special AB Walker VIP goodie bags, including our commemorative bicentennial AB Walker gin, a final keepsake from a memorable celebration.
To everyone who joined us at Reading Town Hall, and to everyone who has supported AB Walker throughout our 200-year history, thank you.
Here’s to 200 years of AB Walker, and to the next chapter of our family story.
200 years of AB Walker- here is our story.
