Thatcham: an historic town in a changing world
A new publication on Thatcham’s heritage is to be launched this October. The publication is a direct result of a study that was instigated by Peter Allen under his role as the Thatcham Vision Project Manager and has been undertaken jointly by Thatcham Vision and Thatcham Historical Society. Sadly Peter passed away in May. The whole team has put every effort into making this publication something Peter would have been proud of and have dedicated it to him.
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 forfuture residents.
The publication, a 72 page soft back booklet, 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
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, who have been a pleasure to work with.
The publication will be launched at the Thatcham Festival of Arts & Leisure. More to come on this at a later date.
Two posters have also been attached at the bottom of this item.
NOTE: All material, unless stated otherwise is copyright Thatcham Vision and Thatcham Historical Society.
