Newbury Pride brings joy to Thatcham
Newbury Pride held its first ever Pride brunch in Thatcham last month, writes Harry Craig.
The group brought together members and allies of the local LGBTQ+ community at the Gardener’s Retreat Café in Thatcham Garden Centre on Sunday, October 15.
The event invited people to go along for food, tea and a chat, as well as hosting a small stall of Newbury Pride merchandise and arts and crafts.
The organisers paid tribute to the many people who approached them throughout the day, and shared their gratitude at being able to offer not just information and advice, but also love and understanding, and the message that they are not alone.
Newbury Pride committee member and LGBTQ+ ally Sarah said: “It was good to meet and welcome new West Berkshire residents who are members of the community and make more friends.
“I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere to chat with people.
“As youth liaison for Newbury Pride, I would love to see this event grow and more families join us, as well as more allies to show their support.”
They were also joined by the mayor and mayoress of Thatcham, Mark and Jenny Lillycrop.
Earlier in the month on Saturday, October 14, Newbury Pride also participated in the Thatcham Festival Craft and Leisure Fair.
In conjunction with Thatcham Town Council, they brought their Pride-themed arts and crafts stall to the Broadway.
They reiterated the importance of events like this in enabling them to raise money to fund the activities of Newbury Pride, including their showpiece Pride event in July 2024.
These events are part of the group’s efforts to expand its activities beyond Newbury and into the rest of West Berkshire and North Hampshire, such as Thatcham.
Thatcham mayor Mark Lillycrop welcomed Newbury Pride’s presence in the town.
He said: “It was a real pleasure to involve our friends at Newbury Pride in Thatcham Festival this year, and I look forward to supporting more Pride events in Thatcham in the year ahead.
“The turnout for the informal brunch was excellent and offered a great opportunity to meet up for a chat over a coffee.”
Newbury Pride is preparing plenty more events in Thatcham and the rest of the local area in the near future, with the Pride Brunch set to return to the garden centre soon.
In collaboration with Thatcham Town Council it has also organised a drag bingo at Thatcham Rugby Club on Friday, November 10, which will feature drag artiste Wilma Fingadoo.
