Spotlight on Bucklebury

The eyes of the world will soon be on the parish as it prepares for its big royal wedding bash

IN the full glare of the world's media, it promises to be a spectacular event which will forever enshrine Bucklebury into the nation's consciousness.

No, not the royal wedding itself, but the Bucklebury Farm Park Tea in the Park, in which thousands of people are expected to gather to celebrate the marriage of Kate Middleton, whose family live in Chapel Row, to Prince William, on April 29.

At a meeting of Bucklebury Parish Council earlier this week, a debate on the issue took place and it was decided that the parish council would double and cap its £2,000 loan to the event committee, as the reality of hosting such a significantly sized shindig became clear.

The chairwoman of the parish council, Wynne Frankum, said that the presence of several national media outlets meant the party would be televised around the world, and that it was important the event was as professional as possible.

Councillor Peter Brook added that it was a village event for village people, and it was important to back it as much as possible.

“It will be the biggest party the parish will ever see,” he said.

Ward member and chairman of West Berkshire Council, Graham Pask (Con), said that the parish could not ignore the level of media interest that Bucklebury, Upper Bucklebury and Chapel Row were generating, and that he had spoken to Thames Valley Police Supt Robin Rickard and other police officials to ascertain how security at large events was managed.

The parish council were also informed that the party's organising committee had finalised the order for a special series of limited edition Emma Bridgewater mugs, which will be given to Bucklebury residents to mark the day, in a repeat of the celebratory mugs which the parish issued for the millenium.

The Tea in The Park party at Bucklebury Farm Park will include for a hog roast, live music from local bands, competitions and family fun with a Last Night of the Proms theme.

A giant wedding cake, a prince and princess contest for the best crown and tiara, and the signing of a village plate by the local children will also mark the occasion on the day.