Sun-soaked Thatcham enjoys family fun

Thousands bathed in sun at Thatcham Family Fun Day at Henwick Worthy Field yesterday (Sunday)

THE Thatcham Family Fun Day with Junior Fun Run in the Field saw thousands of descend on Henwick Worthy Field on Sunday to take part in an afternoon of activities on a glorious summer day.

The Newbury Weekly News-sponsored event was opened by the mayor of the town, Lee Dillon, and kicked off with a session of line dancing and ginger jive.

The highlight of the day, the fun runs, saw hundreds of girls and boys from five age groups battle it out over a 750 metre course, with several other races held including fancy dress and disabled competitors.

The Junior Fun Run in the Field was won by Yasmin Ryder, who took also took the girls under 14 trophy.

A mini fancy dress race for three to five-year-olds was won by Phoebe Ryder, and the disabled race was won by Mathew Greenwood.

Race organiser Jane Wells of Spring Charity said it was one of the best she had seen, and hoped for an even bigger event with more entrants next year.

Later in the afternoon a parade of classic cars drove around the grounds, with rare and restored vehicles from decades past on show, including one car which starred in the BBC TV series Ashes to Ashes.

An epic tug of war contest was won by the bruisers from Thatcham Rugby Club after a brave attempt by members of Thatcham Town Council to rein them in.

Mr Dillon thanked all of the residents for turning up and taking part.

"I don't know how we do it every year, to get such good weather," he said.

"I have to thank all the sponsors for making the day what it is, but most of all the residents of the town for turning up in such numbers, it's shows great spirit."

For a multi-page colourful spread from the fun run and much more from the day, pick up a copy of the Newbury Weekly News and click back later for an online picture gallery.