Thatcham fireworks set for Memorial Field lift-off

The free display will take place at the Thatcham Memorial Playing Fields on Saturday, November 8 after organiser Richard Garvie and trustees reached an agreement just days before the event.
The latest announcement follows uncertainty as to whether the display was going ahead, after the chairman of the Memorial Hall Trustees, Lee Dillon, told the Newbury Weekly News last week that the trustees had unanimously withdrawn their support for the event to be staged on the field this year.
Mr Dillon said that Mr Garvie had failed to meet a number of conditions before an agreed deadline, including that money for the event needed to be paid up- front; that a risk assessment was to be provided and that a letter was to be sent to residents in the surrounding area, along with written confirmation from Thatcham Cricket Club.
However, on Wednesday afternoon, organisers told the Newbury Weekly News that the issue had now been resolved and the event would begin at 5pm, with the fireworks launching shortly after 7pm.
Organisers have requested that spectators arrive by 7pm in order to allow the display to begin on time following a short delay last year.
There will be a bucket collection at all gates, with members of the British Legion also on site collecting for the Poppy Appeal.
Mr Dillon said: “As a charitable trust, it is up to the trustees on the committee to ensure the well-being of the hall, field and those who use the facilities.
“We have worked with the organisers, as we know this event is important to local people, despite the issues we have had in getting all the documents and confirmations, which were only fully received as late as (Monday) evening.
“We would ask visitors to be respectful of our neighbours and to use public transport where they can to minimise disruption.”
Mr Garvie said that it was hoped that the event could still be a big success.
“It has been a very frustrating period over the past few weeks for various different reasons, and this was not helped by the fact that we were unable to get the required documentation to the trust by October 24.
“With all of the outstanding issues resolved, we have agreed to focus on moving forward and delivering another fantastic free display and we are looking forward to seeing a big crowd on Saturday afternoon."
For up-to-date event information, follow Thatcham Fireworks on Facebook, or use the hashtag ThatchamFireworks on Twitter.