Thatcham firework display finds a home in time

Concerns over safety and accommodating the 10,000 or so spectators who attended the event in 2013, meant that the event was faced with not having a large enough site in Thatcham.
Organisers had sought permission to use the Henwick Worthy Playing Fields to accommodate the crowds.
However, the committee responsible for managing the fields rejected the request owing to concerns of possible damage to the pitches.
The event was in danger of fizzling out after organiser, Richard Garvie, and Memorial Hall trustees could not agree on a date to stage the display; leading it to be pencilled in at Northcroft Park in Newbury.
However, the MP for Newbury, Richard Benyon, intervened and along with support from West Berkshire council leader, Gordon Lundie, and Conservative Thatcham councillors Dominic Boeck and Roger Croft, the event will return to the Memorial Field on Saturday, November 8.
The fun fair will be held on the West Berkshire Council-owned pay-and-display car park in Brownsfield Road, leaving more space for spectators on the field.
Mr Benyon said: “I am really pleased that the administration at West Berkshire Council have stepped in to help the event organisers to make this happen and to ensure it takes place in Thatcham itself, rather than Newbury.
"This event is one of the longest-running in the district, and I felt it important that the people of Thatcham continue to have a display to call their own.
“It's always great to see large community events that are free of charge and raising funds for local organisations, and hopefully the town and district will now come along and enjoy the display.”
Former Thatcham resident, Richard Garvie, stepped in to run the event after the Rotary Club decided to end their 30- year involvement in the display.
Mr Garvie thanked those who had made the 2014 event possible.
He said: “It's been a really difficult few weeks, trying to get agreement from all parties involved to ensure the event can take place in Thatcham.
“Because of the issues that it has faced in recent weeks, there is a financial shortfall and it is without a main sponsor. Thanks to the generosity of local individuals, the event will go ahead but if any local businesses would like to sponsor or donate, their help would be appreciated.”
If you would like to make a donation, or sponsor the event, contact 07474 014457 for further information.