Volunteers sought for Thatcham Family Fun Day - and hope Henwick Lane roadworks don't spoil the fun
VOLUNTEERS are being sought for this year's Thatcham Family Fun Day.
The event is scheduled to return to the Henwick Worthy playing fields on Sunday, June 27, after the coronavirus pandemic cancelled last year's VE/VJ themed day.
More than 40 community stalls have registered for the event alongside the funfair, petting zone, dog show, dancers and circus skill activities.
But people heading to the popular event are advised to bear in a mind a road closure that could cause disruption on the day.
The fun day is organised by Thatcham Town Council and sponsored this year by McCarthy Stone.
Town council events manager John Sackett said the 2021 fun day had to take into account government guidelines as they were now, and what could happen after the proposed lockdown easing date of June 21.
A rise of Delta variant cases has also had to be factored in.
The West Berkshire Safety Advisory Group (WBSAG) has approved Covid-19 measures for the day, based on current guidelines.
Four reception points will offer advice, temperature checks, and hand sanitation, Track and Trace App points, and event programmes.
Stallholders and activities have also been asked to provide their own safety plans.
"At the moment they [WBSAG] seem to be happy with that and that's what we're running with," Mr Sackett said.
"That's obviously costing us a little bit more resources in our staffing and requests for volunteers."
He said the volunteer uptake had been slow but the town council was looking to cast its net wider.
The possibility of road marshals to direct traffic away from the A4 was also raised as roadworks will be carried out at the Henwick Lane A4 junction from Wednesday, June 16, to Friday, July 9.
Vehicles will be prohibited from turning left from Henwick Lane on to the A4, and from turning right from the A4 into Henwick Lane.
Blue light access will be permitted and the alternative route for all vehicles is to travel west on the A4 Bath Road and turn around at the Tull Way roundabout.
Pedestrians will also be prohibited from using the footpath from its junction with Henwick Lane/Bath Road up to a distance of 100 metres east from the junction.
If you're interested in volunteering on the day call (01635) 863592 or email enquiries@thathchamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Despite all the changes, Mr Sackett said: "We seem to have had a good response from our community, with over 40 confirmed stallholders on site and a number of other attractions, we still feel we have a strong programme to make it a successful and attractive event."
