Thatcham Online

A new publication on Thatcham’s heritage was launched on the evening of the 10th October 2009 at the Frank Hutchings Community Hall. The publication is a direct result of a study that was instigated by the late Peter Allen under his role as the Thatcham Vision Project Manager and has been undertaken jointly by Thatcham Vision (www.thatchamonline.net) and Thatcham Historical Society (www.thatchamhistoricalsociety.org.uk). Sadly Peter passed away in May and the whole team has put every effort into making this publication something Peter would have been proud of and have dedicated it to him.

A large audience (approx. 80 people) gathered to hear a talk given by Sue Broughton, Duncan Coe, Tony Higgott and Dr Nick Young, giving a brief overview of the contents of the book and history of Thatcham. The talk presented evidence of many topics and perhaps the controversial issue of whether Thatcham is the oldest place in the country. Photos from the event can be seen on the Thatcham Historical Society's Facebook page. At the end of the talk, the first three official copies of the publication were presented to Ann Allen, Chris Allen and Steve Allen. The book was then made available to purchase and questions and answers took place over drinks.

Dedication

The book is dedicated to the memory of Peter Allen. There are few people that can make such a positive impression on the people they meet as Peter did, especially across all the different age groups and topics that he did. Peter managed to enhance the community through his teaching at the Kennet School, through his involvement with various society’s and projects including the Thatcham Historical Society, Thatcham Vision, U3A, Thatcham Film Club and the Bluecoats School. Thatcham is truly a better place thanks to the work that Peter has accomplished and put in place. Peter is a man the team have been honoured to know, privileged to work with and truly proud to call friend.

Availability

The book, which is currently available directly from the Thatcham Town Council or Thatcham Historical Society (see later for contact details), presents information and facts, but leaves it to the reader to draw their own conclusions. It was Peter’s intention to make the publication available cheaply, it is not an exercise in making money but one of educating people. Hence the book, at present, costs just £3.00, is 72 pages long and full colour.

Available from:

• Thatcham Town Council, Council Offices, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham, RG18 3HF
• Thatcham Historical Society (or contact us) - Available at our next speaker meeting - The Colonels' Lady and Judy O'Grady, 19th October – 7.30pm,6th Form Block, Kennet School

The book

The publication summarises the historical processes and events that have resulted in the town we know today. It also highlights some areas that many might not recognise as ‘heritage’, but which are fundamental to the form and character of the town. The publication aims to not only highlight the rich history of Thatcham, but also to identify features or areas of Thatcham that should be preserved. It provides the historical context from which the town can plan for the future, ensuring that current residents understand that the place they live in has deep roots and that the decisions we take today will impact on the quality of life and sense of place for future residents.

The publication, a 72 page soft back book, is split into four main sections:

• Thatcham – The oldest place in the country? - By Peter Allen
• Transport & Industry - By Dr Nick Young
• The development of Thatcham in the 20th century - By Sue Broughton
• Historic Buildings and Monuments -By Tony Higgott

Acknowledgements

There have been a great many individuals and organisations involved with this publication. Their participation has allowed reproduction their photographs and maps, provided a place to hold meetings, providing funding and additional support. The individuals and organisations include Professor Grenville Astill, Berkshire Record Office, Val Bray, Mr P. Cooper, ACRE (Janet Griffiths), Malcolm Langford, Mr B. Stoyle, West Berkshire Council, Ann Allen, Kath Higgott, West Berkshire Council Archaeology Service (Duncan Coe & Sarah Orr) and Thatcham Town Council (Elaine Hare).

The document has been published jointly by Thatcham Vision and Thatcham Historical Society, supported by Community Council for Berkshire and funded by Defra's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. The artwork and printing has been under taken by Thames Print Room (www.print-room.co.uk), who have been a pleasure to work with.