Conclusion of PAML 2010

The Peter Allen Memorial Lectures ran throughout May and were put together In memory of the late Peter Allen who passed away in May 2009, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and to promote National Local and Community History Month.

The event consisted of four Saturday lectures, some in multiple parts, a Mayor’s reception and a two day exhibition. The whole event has been well received with the lowest ‘official’ attendance being 42 people. It is clear from this event that people not only want to do something to support the lasting memory of Peter, but also a true thirst for the history of Thatcham.

Every talk engaged the audience with both audience and speaker learning something new. Every session raised questions and answers which showed a healthy appetite for wanting to know more.

The exhibition showcased several local community groups including:

• Old Bluecoat School Trust
• Newbury District Field Club
• Thatcham Historical Society
• Thatcham Art Group
• Thatcham & District Philatelic Society
• Thatcham U3A
• St. Mary’s Church

There was also tea, coffee and cake as well as a raffle all organised by local company, Business Training Solutions (www.businesstrainingsolutions.co.uk). A large volume of visitors flowed through and showed a great deal of interest in the displays, many taking seats to read through the St. Mary’s Church documents and the old copies of the Newbury Weekly News (1953 & 1966). Visitors were able to buy a copy of “Thatcham: an historic town in a changing world” for £3.00 where £1 of each copy was donated to the British Heart Foundation (thanks to Thatcham Vision and Thatcham Historical Society for allow this).

The event is organised by a sub-committee of Thatcham Historical Society and includes several non-society members, two from St. Mary’s Church and one from Thatcham & District Philatelic Society. Without the committee and speakers (Dr Nick Young, Sue Broughton, Alf Wheeler, Tony Higgott, Graeme Stewart, Rev. Tom Moffatt, Bill Butler & Stephanie Steevenson), not to mention the organisations above and our supporters (Newbury Building Society, DevZen, Thatcham Town Council, Hosemaker. Unimaster Components, Tesco, Thatcham Family Bookshop), none of this would have been possible, so they all deserve a big thank you.

The event has not only ignited a thirst for local history in many locals, but has allowed us, by the donations people made, to raise in excess of £300 to donate to the British Heart Foundation in memory of the late Peter Allen. On a final note, at every event we were asked “is this going to be annual?” At the time we were unsure, but after the huge success this year I can confirm that it will now be an annual event. The committee will remain the same, although one, Rev. Tom Moffatt will sadly be leaving us. The events will take place every Saturday in May 2011, the structure, location and topics are yet to be looked at.

Once again, a big thank you to all who have made this event the success it has been.
Regards,
Nick Young, Chair Thatcham Historical Society.