Thatcham United Reformed Church and St Mary’s Church held their Teddyfest on June 8 and 9.
The joint fundraising venture, hosted by St Mary’s, featured a collection of scenes depicting ‘Our Town: Past and Present’ – made up of more than 130 knitted teddies.
Crafters from both churches charted the history of town, including Bronze Age scenes showing the early settlement in Thatcham, a Victorian schoolroom, May Day teddies dancing around the Maypole and some sat by the Kennet and Avon Canal.
“There was a lovely atmosphere all weekend, and so many smiles,” said Esther Lewis, who organised the display with Kate Jones.
The pair managed to raise a total of £1,755 after selling off all the teddies and most of the props, which will be split between the two churches.
Teddies also helped illustrate more recent times including Thatcham’s very own nightclub, The Beverly Club/Silks/Tudors, complete with disco lights, providing plenty of laughter and reminiscence.
Another much talked about display was of Thatcham’s three Victoria Cross recipients.
Each was dressed in uniform and decorated with their medals – fitting for the D-Day weekend.
Children – and some adults – also had the opportunity to play with the bears in the teddy playground, furnished with swings, a slide, roundabout and see-saw.
Very popular was the Teddy Hunt, for which participants were rewarded with a small prize.
Other scenes featured the Rotary Santa Run, cricket and rugby, Thatcham Library and weddings and baptisms.
Thatcham United Reformed Church was represented in a scene from the early 1900s.
A selection of homemade cakes, crafts and plants were provided to raise further funds.
