Thatcham Town Council Invites Residents to Shape Blue Plaque Legacy

Thatcham Town Council is seeking community input to shape the future of its blue plaques, which commemorate significant local figures, events, and buildings. Since the initiative began on October 6, 2018, the council has released a plaque each year, with plans now in place to gather suggestions for plaques starting in 2026.

The blue plaques serve as a means of preserving and sharing important stories from the town’s past. Residents are encouraged to propose names for notable individuals, historical sites, or significant events that have impacted Thatcham. The council, along with its heritage working party, aims to engage the community in this process.

Nathan Gregory, chair of the heritage working party, highlighted the importance of these plaques: “Blue plaques are a wonderful way to connect our community with its history. By sharing your ideas, you can help ensure that Thatcham’s stories – big and small – are remembered and celebrated where they truly belong: in the heart of the town.”

Each plaque not only honors a piece of Thatcham’s heritage but also aims to bring history to life for future generations. To submit a suggestion, residents can complete a proposal form available on the Thatcham Town Council website. The council requests that submissions include the name of the person, building, or event proposed, along with a brief explanation of the historical significance and the desired location for the plaque.

This year’s blue plaque commemorates Moorside, which served as a WWII storage depot and supply base. It will be unveiled on October 19, 2024, during the Thatcham Festival. This unveiling will mark another step in the town’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its rich history.

For more information on existing blue plaques and details on how to participate, residents can visit the Thatcham Town Council website. The initiative not only celebrates local history but also invites the community to play an active role in preserving and sharing the narratives that shape Thatcham’s identity.