THE organiser of Thatcham’s newest firework display has said that he is working with local residents to allay their concerns about the noise it could create and the impact on local wildlife.
Richard Garvie (pictured) of Thatcham said that he had consulted hundreds of people who live near the Thatcham Memorial Field, where this year’s display will take place, over the concern by most of these residents relating to hedgehogs and other animals who may be harmed by bonfires.
As a result of these concerns, the Thatcham display, which is sponsored by Ridgeway Skoda, will no longer have a bonfire, and Mr Garvie has joined local hedgehog charities to call on residents to ditch their own plans for garden bonfires.
He said: “The local residents have been fantastic, and the majority are excited about having such a great community event on their doorstep.
“I was surprised at how big the concern was for hedgehogs, and for this reason I’ve agreed with local hedgehog charities that I would join the calls for other local event organisers and residents to ditch their bonfire plans.”
Other concerns raised by local residents included the noise from the fireworks.
Mr Garvie said: “We’ve taken on board all of the feedback received, and due to the consultation we will be having an aerial only display and certain fireworks will not be used in respect of local residents.
“It will still be noisy, but we have come up with a compromise to show that we are a considerate neighbour.”
Some examples of this compromise, he said, was the type of fireworks used – including not using ‘squealing’ Catherine wheels.
When Thatcham Rotary Club announced at the end of March that the event was being cancelled, club president Peter Bates said that the main reason was because they could no longer use land at Henwick Farm.
However, he added that a reduction in numbers attending and competition from other firework displays had also been a factor.
It has been estimated that over the past 30 years the event has raised £200,000 for local and international charities.
Just two weeks ago, the Rotary Club raised about £4,000 from a duck race to make up for funds lost from the firework show.
The new firework display takes place on Saturday, November 9.
Mon Oct 07, 2013 8:03 am