Royal wedding donation request splits councils
Some councils support a county-wide wedding gift for Kate and William while Cold Ash unanimously rejects the idea
THE district appears split over proposals to make donations towards a county-wide wedding gift for Kate Middleton and Prince William.
The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Mary Bayliss has written to town and parish councils inviting them to make a contribution to an engraved silver dish for the royal couple.
In her letter she said that any money donated would be split between the gift and the Berkshire Community Foundation, which donates to charities across Berkshire.
A book with the names of all those who contributed would also accompany the gift.
Thatcham mayor Lee Dillon confirmed that the town council would be making a contribution to the fund, although he was unsure of the value.
He said: “As one of the parishes of the county, I think we should be supporting it and contributing to it.”
Greenham Parish Council chairman Tony Forward said that although the council was yet to discuss the idea, it was his opinion that it was an important event and that the couple represented the future head of state.
“It's far better to have one good present from everybody rather than from individuals,” he added.
Newbury Town Council has received a letter, but has not yet decided how to respond.
But Cold Ash Parish Council, which neighbours Miss Middleton's home parish of Bucklebury, unanimously rejected the idea at a meeting on Tuesday.
Parish council chairwoman Gill Hall said that she strongly opposed the idea and parish councillor Richard Crumly agreed. “It's the general principle. If we send a silver dish, it's not going to be used on their dinner table and they are not going to think of Cold Ash. It will be wasted,” he added.
Bucklebury Parish Council is due to discuss the letter at its meeting on Monday (February 14).
Councils have been asked to respond by no later than March 31.
Meanwhile, plans are falling into place for the various organisations hosting parties to celebrate the day.
Bucklebury Farm Park will host the main village party during which there will be live bands and entertainment as well as a competition for children to dress up as princes and princesses with the winners being driven away in a carriage.
New owners of the Cottage Inn say they will be holding a celebratory event, and the Bladebone Inn will also soon be announcing details of what it is planning on the big day.
