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Thatcham is dreaming of a green Christmas





Thatcham Town Council has ordered new Christmas lights for the town including solar powered Christmas trees and lights for the Bath Road and High Street which will aim to reduce the electrical consumption by more than half.
Each tree sits in a planter and is covered with dozens of flashing LED lights.
The units are self-contained and there is no need to wire the units into lamp posts or stretch cables across the street.
The planter hides a battery and built into the top of the tree is a solar panel.
The panel converts daytime light into electricity, which is then stored in the battery and when darkness falls, the lights switch on using a timer.
In addition to the solar powered Christmas trees, new low energy LED lights have been purchased for the Broadway green and the oak tree at the northern end of The Broadway.
Town mayor, John Boyd, said: "Each year the Christmas Lights Committee researches and discuss the options that are available to provide the town with an atmosphere that helps to kick-start the Christmas spirit.
"This year with the eco-friendly lights we have been able to spread the display up the whole High Street and thank those who have given permission for the lights to be mounted on their buildings.
"I hope to see as many of our town residents joining us for the switch on and supporting the many different organisations who will make up the Christmas market, and do keep an eye out for the mayors charity calendar supporting The Meningitis Trust and Happy Day’s Youth Club for children with asperger’s, a great buy at only £4.50.”
The lights will be officially switched on on Friday, December 7 at 7pm in the Broadway.
Before the switch-on from 5.30pm, there will be entertainment including fun, games and music.
There will also be charity stalls filling the Broadway with things for people to see and do as well as entertainment from Cold Ash Brass and pupils of Trinity School, Parsons Down School and Kennet School.
Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society will be doing a mini panto and there will be community carol singing led by Jamie Read of Read Dance and Theatre School.
There will even be a visit from Father Christmas who will be in the Hub, in the grounds of the Priory.
In an effort to reduce the queuing time for the grotto a ticketing system will be introduced this year - these can be collected on the evening from just outside the grotto.
Mr Boyd added: "In addition to the new-look Christmas lighting display, I am happy that the council officers have devised a way in which we hope to reduce the delays in getting in to see Santa."



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