Help ‘relight my bonfire’

At the end of March, Thatcham Rotary Club annou-nced that the popular event, held at Henwick Farm, Turnpike Lane, had been cancelled, with no possibility of it being started up again by the club.
However, Thatcham resident Richard Garvie said that he was looking into the possibility of running an alternative event for Bonfire Night.
He said: “What I would like to do is ensure that the town has something to look forward to this November, but also enhance what was already provided by the Rotary Club.
“My main goal at present is to try and provide a free display for the town which would ensure that families from around Thatcham can enjoy a display without having to fork out a huge amount for tickets.”
Saying that he wanted to keep the Rotary Club’s tradition of raising thousands of pounds for charity, he said that he had already been pledged support from businesses.
He has also approached the Memorial Field committee, with regards to hosting the event there.
Mr Garvie said: “At previous displays, the Rotary Club would donate a percentage of ticket revenue to charity.
“What I would like to achieve is that through having a free display, more people will attend the display and donate to a bucket collection.
“For those who can afford to donate, they can contribute what they wish and once the event is over, all proceeds will be donated to a local charity.”
He is now asking all Thatcham residents to contact their local district and town councillors to show support for the project.
He added: “If we combine our efforts and energy into something positive, we can make things happen.
“If anyone would like to help organise the event, offer sponsorship or perhaps even suggest an alternative venue, I would love to hear from them.”
When Thatcham Rotary Club announced last month that the event was being cancelled, club president Peter Bates said that the main reason was because they could no longer use land at Henwick Farm.
However, he added that a reduction in numbers attending and competition from other firework displays had also been a factor.
It has been estimated that over the past 30 years the event raised £200,000 for local and international charities.
Anyone wishing to help Mr Garvie should email richard @richard garvie.org or call 07414 778732.