Bucklebury fears 'invasion' on royal wedding day

The parish council has expressed concern the village could be invaded by the media once again on Friday, April 29

BUCKLEBURY Parish Council has expressed concerns that the area could become “invaded” on the day of the royal wedding.

At a meeting on Monday, it was reported that plans to celebrate the big day were going “very well”, as an event planned at Bucklebury Farm Park on Friday, April 29, given the moniker “Tea in the Park” were progressing smoothly.

However despite the cut-off date for the invite-only celebration having passed, over 2,000 applications have been received, with more flooding in every day.

Added to events going on in nearby pubs the Cottage Inn and The Bladebone, in Chapel Row, councillors said they were worried that with the glare of the national media and the increasing interest in the events in the quiet rural villages, police may need to be aware of the situation.

“Can they (Bucklebury Farm Park and the pubs) accommodate that sort of invasion?” asked councillor Harry Hind.

It was pointed out that the former Dutchess of York Sarah Ferguson's village of Dummer experienced huge numbers descending on it on the day she married Prince Andrew in 1986.

Chairwoman of the council, Wynne Frankum said the council would be writing to the police to ask them if there were any plans in place to increase visibility in Bucklebury, Upper Bucklebury and Chapel Row, and also to find out if police had any advice for those running events on the day.

“It does concern us. It's such a busy time for everybody. We will all go charging on with the arrangements and before you know it, the day will be on us so it would be good to know what plans are in place.”

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police, Christopher Kearney, said: “No approach has been made to Thames Valley Police regarding any events on the day of the royal wedding.

“Should any approaches be made, we will work in partnership with the local authorities and other relevant bodies to help the organisers arrange a safe event.”

Tea in the Park will be a village event running from 1pm until 6pm, with a hog roast on the green, and lots of activities for young and old.

The theme will be along the lines of “Last Night of the Proms”, with operatic performers belting out a selection of songs for the assembled crowds.

The parish council said it intended to apply for funding to hire marquees for the day.

Meanwhile, the priest in charge of the parishes of Bucklebury, Bradfield and Stanford Dingley, the Rev. Julian Gadsby, said special events would be held to celebrate the marriage.

This would include a special three hour peal of bells after the wedding called Bucklebury Delight and a celebration of marriage service, which would be held the following weekend at St Mary's Church in the village.

During the service, prayers would be held not just for married people in general but for the future marriage of the royal couple.

"It seemed appropriate that this is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and help them celebrate something so lovely and joyful.”