It’s all going on in Hungerford!

It’s all going on in Hungerford!  An early summer calendar packed with events.  There’s sure to be one for you.

D-Day 80 Commemorations – 28^th, 29^th & 30^th June

D-Day, 6^th June 1944, was the largest seaborne invasion in history, swarming onto the beaches at Normandy in northern France with troops from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and other countries.  It marked as it turned out the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

Eighty years on, this year’s commemorations are likely to the last with any real presence of serving veterans, so it’s a big deal.

Thursday, 6^th June will belong to France.  But our Kennet Radio area played a substantial role in the invasions and plenty of (usually, former) military bases in our area will mark it, including Greenham Control Tower, Thatcham and Welford.

And, at the end of June, unique to West Berkshire and the surrounding areas, our area will stage a huge commemorative event, a centre-piece of which will feature a convoy of up to 80 classic military vehicles.  Hungerford’s weekend of commemoration will see a full programme of activities and events including parades; display; history talks and the unveiling of a D-Day commemorative stone on Hungerford Common.

The event is raising funds for the Royal British Legion Riders Branch Poppy Appeal and local charities.

Full details can be found on www.hungerford-tc.gov.uk/events.

Hungerford’s Got Talent – 6^th July

Hungerford Youth Council has announced it “Hungerford’s Got Talent” competition will be held on Saturday 6th July at John O Gaunt School.  Acts (up to the age of 16) are invited to enter the competition by completing an on-line form.  Groups and individuals are both welcome.  More information on the event can be found on www.hungerford-tc.gov.uk/events.

This is an inclusive event to benefit Children and Young People.  This event is still looking for a sponsor.  If you can help, do get in touch with Hungerford Town Council.

Hungerford in Bloom – 21^st June-6^th July

Hungerford Town Council is staging its Hungerford in Bloom 2024 competition and entries are now open.  The competition for the best in floral presentation – such an asset to the town – is invited from residents, community groups, and businesses to showcase their beautiful gardens and floral displays, large and small.

The competition is free to enter and up to two categories (not including the ‘Newcomer’ category) can be entered and these are:  Residential; Volunteer Garden; Schools and Commercial Premises (Public Houses; Shops and Any Other Commercial).

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in each category.  We are dedicating the award of the Margaret Wilson Cup to the entry thought by our judges to be the most eco-friendly and we look forward to receiving your entry forms.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, June 21st and judging day will be Saturday, 6^th July.

For more details on all these events, and how to get involved, go to Hungerford Town Council’s website on www.hungerford-tc.gov.uk/events.

Photos by kind permission of Hungerford Town Council