Royal history celebrated in Thatcham Jubilee event

While history was made this weekend with the Queen celebrating 70 years on the throne, history was also being learnt in the Old Bluecoat School.

Thatcham Historical Society and the Bluecoat Charity Society hosted around 500 people over the Jubilee bank holiday for an exhibition detailing Thatcham’s history, the Queen’s reign and the Old Bluecoat School Charity.

The opening day saw a visit from Thatcham town mayor, councillor Jeff Brooks, in addition to the “constant flow” of visitors – which included locals who attended cookery and other classes at the venue when it had been used as an extra classroom for the local schools.

Other visitors took a keen interest in a model of Thatcham Ordnance Depot, on loan from West Berkshire Museum, with some having worked or lived on the Kennet Heath site.

Thatcham Historical Society chair Sue Ellis said: “Everyone who has come through the doors has been delighted with the exhibition, and all have gone away having learnt something new.”

A history quiz and ‘Queen and Crowns’ hunt accompanied the exhibition for both children and adults

With people coming from all over Berkshire, some simply wandered in to see what the “old building” they had driven past was, but became “enthralled” by the history on display.

Many visitors also helped educate the charity using their own memories. Some even lent the society documents and photographs.

Exhibition organiser and committee member Nick Young said: “I am enthusiastic about educating people about our local history and the last four days have been a joy to do that and to celebrate the Queen’s remarkable achievement at the same time.”