Fundraising to start for Thatcham firework display

The event, which is supported by Greenham Common Trust, is part of a series of fundraising events planned to cover the costs of running the 2014 display, which is a free event for the district.
Last year’s event brought in more than 10,000 people.
Organisers of the event plan to announce one act each week in the run up to the show via their facebook page at www.facebook.com/thatchamfireworks
Fireworks display organiser, Richard Garvie, said that these fundraisers were crucial to the future viability of the event.
He said: "We were very lucky to have fantastic support from Ridgeway Skoda in 2013, and we will be seeking to begin the search for a sponsor for the 2014 display in the next few weeks.
"Our event was the biggest free event in the district last year, with over 10,000 people attending and this year we want to ensure that the event is even better."
He confirmed that the event last year had made a small loss due to the bad weather in the lead up to the event but said that he was grateful for the support of numerous organisations which were facilitating the fundraising efforts for 2014.
He added: "The Corn Exchange and Greenham Common Trust have been very helpful, and for a number of fantastic stand up comics to donate their time to this cause is a major boost for the event.
"With the weather we had in the run up to the display last year, the additional costs resulted in a bit of a loss for the event and we need to ensure that we are prepared for every eventuality."
The Poppy Appeal raised more than £2,000 at last year's display and funds were also raised for the Thatcham Memorial Hall and Thatcham Town Cricket Club.
The event takes place on Sunday, March 16 from 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £10 - to book, telephone 0845 5218 218 or visit www.cornexchangenew.com
Anyone wishing to help with the organisation of the event should contact Mr Garvie on 07414 778732.