Year: 2023

The Heritage Working Party, at Thatcham Town Council, team are working on a time capsule project and would like your involvement.

What are they aiming for?

The main aims of the project are to:

• The first is memories and recollection of the 1953 Coronation.
• The second is how the town and its people marked the 2023 coronation.
• The third is what volunteering was undertaken as a part of The Big Help Out and how this will continue to benefit the town.

What can you do?

We are seeking materials to help us fulfil these aims. Space is limited (items may need to be folded or rolled up) so we are asking for a few carefully elected items that you think records either of the events (1953 or 2023 coronations). This could be a programme or paper souvenir of the event, photograph, a hand written or typed memory, a drawing (of the King, the Coronation, a school celebration or a street party for example), or other such ephemera.

When is this happening?

Collection of materials has started now. All materials should be delivered to Thatcham Town Council Offices by Friday 21st July 2023.

Want to donate materials?

Items can be delivered to the town council offices.

A new road in Thatcham was named after Malcolm Langford in March 2022, a well known and respected member of the community.

The idea to distribute informational leaflets to the residents, explaining the significance of the road’s name, was proposed by Malcolm’s longtime friend, Bob Dewey. On Saturday, May 27th, 2023, the Mayor, accompanied by Malcolm’s family and friends personally distributed copies of the leaflet to the residents.

Eddie Langford, Malcolm’s son, delivered a touching speech expressing gratitude to those involved with the project for their efforts in producing the “Langford Way” information leaflets saying “I would like to thank Dr Nick Young, Bob Dewey and Thatcham Town Council for producing the “Langford Way” information leaflets. Thank You Mr Mayor for attending here today and supporting our family with this. It’s such and honour and privilege that “Langford Way” was named after my late father “Malcolm Langford” He would have been overwhelmed and very proud that a road has been named after him. He is very much missed by all his family & friends, and by having “Langford Way” in our town his legacy continues to live on“

Local historian Dr Nick Young said “I have known Malcolm for a long time, his local knowledge, willingness to share, and enthusiasm was unwavering and he would do anything for anyone. It has been a pleasure to be involved with this project to keep his memory alive. I would like to think that the story of Malcolm and ‘Langford Way’ inspires a new tradition, where new roads are accompanied by an informational leaflet, shedding light on its name and other pertinent details for new residents.”

During the day on the Sunday 7th May and Monday 8th May, Thatcham Historical Society held an exhibition on local history, specifically focusing on the monarchy, with various items of memorabilia and photographs from over the years on display.

The exhibition went well, the team greeted a constant flow of visitors over the two days. Visitors took a keen interest in learning about the building itself, the Old Bluecoat School, the local history, memorabilia from the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and material about King Charles III. We had a number of young visitors who completed a history trail and gained a coronation certificate from the society, and plenty who had their own memories of both Thatcham and a few who could recall the last coronation.

On behalf of the Old Bluecoat School Thatcham Town Mayor, Jeff Brooks, also unveiled a plaque dedicated to Councillor Barbara Collins Wootton, who in 2004 was instrumental in saving the Old Bluecoat School from being sold, helping to ensure it was restored and remained for the benefit of the community.

Committee member Dr Nick Young said “It has been a pleasure to meet so many people over the last few days, to share our history and listen to people’s stories, and to help raise awareness of the excellent work the Old Bluecoat School charity carry out.”

A local history talk was given on the 8th May in the evening. Local historian Dr Nick Young talked about, with many photographs displayed, of how Thatcham once looked and how it is today, Then and Now. The history covered many locations and topics including French Gardens, Coopers Cottage and Chamberhouse Mill.