Ridgeway drives forward free Thatcham firework night with sponsorship

The new Ridgeway Skoda dealership in Faraday Road, Newbury, has signed up to be the main sponsor of the event, and organiser Richard Garvie (pictured) says this means that they will not charge people an entrance fee.
Mr Garvie said: “A lot of effort has gone into the event this year to ensure that it is bigger and better than ever, and thanks to the team at Ridgeway Skoda, entry for the event this year will be free.
“This will be the only large scale firework display that is free of charge for miles around, and I really hope that we can raise a large chunk of cash for local organisations on the night.”
The manager of Ridgeway Skoda, Stuart Rolfe, said that he felt it was important to give something back to the community. He said: “When the economy out there is as tough as it is, we wanted to do something to support the local community.
“To be able to sponsor what is going to be the largest free event in West Berkshire this year is very exciting and shares our goal of giving local people exceptional value for money.”
The event will be held on Saturday, November 9, at the Memorial Playing Field, Brownsfield Road, and will feature a 25-minute display, fun fair, catering vans, community stalls, live music and entertainment.
When Thatcham Rotary Club announced in March that it would no longer organise the annual event, club president Peter Bates said that the main reason was because they could no longer use land at Henwick Farm, but added that a reduction in numbers attending and competition from other firework displays in the area 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 by charging an entrance fee.
Mr Garvie is still looking for additional sponsorship. To get involved, call him on 07414 778732.