Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year. 2010 by any measure was a successful year for THS. The new room has been a success, despite a few minor issues, namely the speaker system. However we worked with the school and have now resolved the problem. We have had 8 Speaker meetings covering a vast range of topics, Huntley and Palmers, Place names of Berkshire and Underwater Archaeology.
In addition we have had two full day trips. Typically we have one full day and one half day. The first trip was to Hampton Court Palace where over 40 members, family and friends, joined us on what was a fantastic day. Some of us managed to see one or two queens!
The second trip was to the Natural History Museum, although some ventured to other nearby museums. Around 40 people joined us on this trip. Two of the youngest on the trip could not get enough of the dinosaurs; others were amazed by the geology section whilst others were blown away by the animal section.
From left to right, Secretary Alf Wheeler, Chairman Dr Nick Young and Treasurer Sue Broughton. Photo by Ann Allen.
Both trips were advertised to other societies as well, namely the NDFC and U3A. Without their members joining us, neither trip would have taken place. So a big thank you goes to those who helped promote the trips.
We have been involved in many other activates as well:
- BBC Radio Berkshire & Newbury Sound: Malcolm and myself went on radio with Maggie Philbin and again at various other points in the year with Anne Diamond and Chris Wright.
- Given talks to local groups such as the U3A.
- Taken part in and/or organised exhibitions at the discovery centre, Thatcham Festival of the Arts & Leisure.
Perhaps the biggest event we organised and the one I am particularly proud of is PAML. Was intended as a one off event, even whilst planning the event Rev. Tom Moffatt I noted saying “we could do this or that next year.” It did indeed prove so popular that it is now an annual event. Although largely ran by Thatcham Historical Society, we PAML is supported by other friends as well, Bill Butler (from Barfield Handbell Ringers) and Graeme Stewart (from Thatcham and District Philatelic Society), as well as support from other local organisations including Thatcham Vision and Newbury Building.
To wrap up 2010 we have held/organised/taken part in no less than 23 events, worked on updating Thatcham Over 2000 Years, got Midgham Church Project underway, started putting together the next Journal. So no matter how you look at it 2010 was hugely successful.
As for this year, 2011, it has been difficult to keep up with, let alone attempt to exceed what we have done in 2010, so whether we have done so remains to be seen.
We will be running PAML, involved with various local events including Thatcham Festival of Art and Leisure.
I would like to say though, as chairman, when things go wrong you take the responsibility, but when things go right it is shared credit and I couldn’t agree more. So thankfully few things have gone wrong.... Anyway, the success of 2010, and hopefully 2011, has been down to the continued support of all of our members and the shear hard work put in by the committee.