contents

local news updates

COVID-19 SHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK ?

Covid-19 information

West Berkshire Council InfO

police update and scams

Building restrictions

library

climate change

school news

playing field news

INKPEN village hall

Other inkpen News

useful links






Local news updates

For your latest local and regional news, as provided by the BBC, click here. Hungerford and area news can be found here.

Back to Contents List

CoVID-19. sHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK?

Government guidance says it "expects and recommends" the continued wearing of masks in crowded areas such as public transport. People in England who can avoid mandatory self-isolation are advised to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces as a precaution.

Businesses and travel operators can set their own rules for customers and passengers. For example, Transport for London requires face covering for travel on its services, like the Underground and buses.

In some areas there could be different rules depending on which transport you are using. For example, in Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham requires face coverings on trams. He also wants them to be worn on other city transport like buses, but these are privately run.

Other operators have announced plans: Train operator Greater Anglia says passengers should wear face coverings during busy times. Brittany Ferries continue to require face coverings. British Airways, EasyJet, Virgin and Ryanair say masks are required. Some shops have announced they still want shoppers to wear masks, including Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waterstones. .

Design plans for DIY face masks  can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgHrnS6n4iA

Back to Contents List

COVID-19 information

The latest government guidance is given here.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a range of additional information covering all aspects of Covid-19 including what to do if you or a member of your family becomes infected. The link is here.

Covid-19 Symptoms ?
All people with flu-like symptoms - a fever above 37.8C or a persistent cough - should self-isolate (stay at home, away from other people) for seven days and call 111. Don't spread it around !

Mental Health Support for those of 11-18 years
West Berkshire Council has set up a dedicated telephone helpline for young people experiencing issues and concerns relating to the pandemic - 01635 503587.

The helpline, which is linked to its Emotional Health Academy (EHA), will offer the district’s young people self-help support, advice and guidance from trained EHA workers. It came into operation on 6 April, and will be open between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday, providing an opportunity for children and young people (aged 11 to 18) to express their concerns and talk about issues directly affecting them during the current Coronavirus crisis. EHA workers will use active listening skills to support young people in dealing with difficult feelings around Covid-19 and provide signposting and self-help support for their general wellbeing.

This local helpline is a short-term service and will be available only during the pandemic, to provide ‘in the moment’ support to children and young people. It will provide access to trained EHA workers who can offer advice and self-help tools and provide support to manage ‘low level’ problems. It is not a crisis line and does not replace other services such as the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

Back to Contents List




West Berkshire Council have set up a support link reflecting the information available.

RiM, Recovery in Mind is a community organisation, where adults living in West Berkshire get the opportunity to learn life long skills and tools to improve and manage their mental health and wellbeing. Details can be found here.

Draft proposals of measures to help the public safely make walking or cycling trips part of their daily travel choices, can be found here.

West Berkshire Council together with Greenham Trust have set up a new “Surviving to Thriving” fund to help charities and volunteer organisations carry out small, meaningful projects that can help to mitigate the impacts that COVID-19 has had on mental health and wellbeing in the district.

For this partnership fund, West Berkshire Council and Greenham Trust have each pledged £100,000 to make £200,000 available for local organisations to carry out projects. While the deadline for applications is 30 September 2021, organisations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information on the fund, and to begin the application process, applicants are invited to visit: https://info.westberks.gov.uk/survivingtothriving

West Berkshire Council are asking residents across the district/borough to think of others and not light bonfires during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic lockdown because many people at home are vulnerable and may have respiratory issues, or even be fighting the Covid-19 itself. During this difficult time we are asking that their needs are put first. Bonfires can also get out of control or cause accidents, creating extra pressure on the already busy emergency services. Anyone having a domestic bonfire that causes a nuisance  may be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. To report an incident of a bonfire please use our on-line reporting form here.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of any waste or rubbish on public land or sites which are unauthorised to accept waste. If the rubbish is dumped on private land, the landowner is responsible for removing it. If you find or receive notification of fly tipped material on private land you will need to inform the landowner. Landowners unfortunately will have to pay for the cost of disposal of fly-tipped materials. To report an incident of fly tipping please see links on PPP website here.

Back to Contents List

Police report

A message from the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner is available here.

Online Fraud. New scams are coming to light all the time and particularly in the build-up to Christmas. Police guidance is given here.

Local Police News.
With forecasters reporting an improvement in the weather we could see an increase in theft from vehicles parked at beauty spots such as Combe Gibbet, Hungerford Common and other areas used by dog walkers and those out for a stroll in the sunshine. This crime is carried out by opportunists and you can reduce the risk of having your vehicle broken into by considering the following :

• Don’t leave anything in your car. Do not leave items of value in your boot.
• Open the parcel shelf and leave the glove box open to show would be thieves there is nothing of value left in the vehicle.
• Use well lit, secure car parks.
• Don’t return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping as thieves may watch car parks.

It has again been highlighted to me that drivers are speeding through the village, particularly during the hours of morning and evening rush hour. The roads in Inkpen, in places, are very narrow and windy with blind bends. Please keep you speed down and be considerate to other road users, and pedestrians who might be in the road.  

If you would like any further advice, or have any information relating to any of the above please contact me on 07814852137 or email Joanna.king@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

SCAMS

Be aware of scams. Download "The Little Book of Big Scams".  For home security, download "Secure your home".

Message shared on behalf of Thames Valley Police -  We have been informed by Thames Water that a number of “Contractor” Identification Cards have been lost in transit. The cards have been deactivated so they cannot be used to gain access to any Thames Water sites but there are concerns that they could be used for criminal activity known as “Distraction Burglaries.” Please be very cautious and verify with Thames Water any Thames Water person’s details before letting anyone into their property?

Message sent on behalf of South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAMB)
We are aware of a voice message being shared currently on social media regarding the ambulance response to coronavirus. The alarmist information being shared in the message is not correct. We would urge people to disregard the message and not share it further.  In line with our ongoing plans during this challenging time, we are continuing to follow national guidelines regarding the ambulance response and thank the public for their ongoing support in following the government’s advice.

NHS test and trace system
The Government announced the launch of the NHS test and trace system in England and Scotland on 27 May.  Earlier in the month Trading Standards warned about a phishing scam around use of the trial contact tracing app being piloted in the Isle of Wight.  It has not been rolled out across the rest of the country but that hasn’t stopped the scammers trying to take advantage.  The public should look out for texts with links in them.  The link goes to a bogus website which asks for personal details. Scammers may use the information to gain access to bank accounts and commit other forms of identity fraud.

Also, you might receive a call, text or email offering the COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re asked to provide payment or bank details, please don’t respond – it’s a scam.

The real NHS will not ask you to:    1) provide bank details or payments, 2) give details of any other accounts, such as social media, 3) set up a password or PIN number over the phone, or 4) call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087

People who shop at Tesco have been warned not to fall for a scam email claiming to give them free shopping and vouchers. In emails addressed to customers of the supermarket, scammers have attempted to take advantage of the coronavirus crisis by offering them the chance to shop for free online or in store and to click on a link to register their details.

Similar scams too purporting to be from Morrison offering free vouchers and other scams such as free Dettol or Gillette samples or competitions. They are all trying to get you to like or share which gives them details on your contacts etc. Never click on any links from uninvited emails. If in doubt on any scams, please contact your Bank or other organisations to check whether they have been sent by them.

Other recent scams are a text from O2 saying that a payment had failed and to avoid fees, visit the website using the link in the text and to then sign on using another screen asking for all the security details that the person used followed by credit card and bank account details. The fake website looked exactly like the O2 official site so some people could easily fall for this scam.

Royal Mail scams via email advising that your parcel has arrived but the Courier was unable to deliver the parcel to you. The email then asks you to pay £3.95 for this to be re-delivered and to click on a link to give your bank and other details.

Also Emails saying that the recent payment for your vehicle tax failed because there is not enough money on your debit card and that your vehicle is no longer taxed. They suggest you use a credit card instead to avoid any other consequences and again this is a way of trying to obtain your Bank details.

There are various ways of reporting scams.

A new initiative called Cyberawaregov has launched SERS – the suspicious email reporting service. They say that if you have received an email which you are not sure about, to forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk There is further information on the website: www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/report-suspicious-emails

Scams can also be notified to Action Fraud on 03001232040 or via their website or to the National Trading Standards Scams Team on 03454 040506.

Back to Contents List

Out of hours Building works

The law - and frequently planning permission as well - regulates the hours during which construction can be carried out, typically between 8am and 6pm weekdays, 8am and 3pm on Saturdays, and not at all on Sundays. Outside those hours you have the right to complain to the council, who will come and investigate and may take action against persistent offenders. Contact WBC at ehadvice@westberks.gov.uk (Tel. 01635 519192) or planningenforcement@westberks.gov.uk (Tel. 01635 519111).

Back to Contents List

Library - Pass It on

The mobile library will call at Craven Rd at 2.30pm until 2.50pm and at the Inkpen Primary School at 3.05 to 4pm on Friday Oct 19th  - Covid-19 arrangements will apply.

The Libraries Service are also offering a new online service to residents so that they can continue to enjoy new books and to share their love of reading without leaving the house. They have set up a new Facebook group called West Berks Reads, which is a useful, alternative way for people to share their thoughts and pick up ideas for what to read next.

Meanwhile, the digital resources and e-library services are continuing 24/7 and understandably being very well used at this time. Why not go to the Libraries page on our website and discover a new book or magazine?

Back to Contents List

Climate change

Official reports suggest that our climate decline is rapidly accelerating. Although we are a small community and many feel that we are too insignificant in the grand scheme, there are things that we can do to make a positive impact.

Obviously we can plant more trees and hedging and the IMPFT  is this month planting more than 300 hedging plants along Post Office Road. But individually we can make a difference by leaving some of our gardens to become wild spaces. We can be more careful in our use of pesticides and herbicides and hopefully use insect friendly alternatives. Remember, Your Climate Needs You.

Following on from the work of Bob May and Bernard Harris, to encourage wild flowers on the Lower Green Triangle, we are hoping to transform other areas of public land in Inkpen in the coming years, with an emphasis on natural flora and their insect inhabitants. Why not set aside a small patch in your garden for beautiful, natural, wild flowers. Have a look at  this  to get a bit of encouragement.

These links might also be of some interest. Trees and Insects. Remember, insects are at the bottom of the food chain - if we lose them we lose all that depends on them!

Back to Contents List

school news

It was such a lovely feeling being able to welcome all our children and parents back to school at the beginning of term in an almost “normal” way! It has meant that we have been able to offer the children a full range of after-school clubs, visitors to school and trips this term, as well as their normal curiculum. Everyone is very excited! In the background though, are rising infection rates in the local area, so we continue to keep our whole school community as safe as possible by keeping up the regular handwashing and cleaning across the school.

One of the most noticable effects of becoming 1 bubble as a school has been how all the children are now playing together once more. I believe this is what makes Inkpen so special and it is a delight to see our youngest children playing with all the older ones and seeing just how caring and supportive of the younger ones they are. This is carried on into our weekly shared reading sessions where the children are all partnered with a younger child; this is my, and I think many of the children’s, favourite time of the week! During this time, Phesant Class have the added excitement of the new books to read, bought with the money that was donated earlier in the year – so thank you to all who donated.

INKSPOTS

Email friendsofinkspots@outlook.com for more details.

Daisy Chains
Contact Jenny on 07775883318 or Anna on 07785 184808.


Back to Contents List

playing field trust (impft) news

Book the Pavilion
If you would like to hire the pavilion or any of the facilities email gloriakeene@hotmail.com Hiring the pavilion and facilities enable us to maintain them as a ‘not for profit’ charity.

Hire Charges are on the IMPFT website (www.impft.co.uk) and on the notice board at the pavilion or email Gloria for details. We also now have a Facebook page and Instagram account so please do follow us Inkpen Pavilion & Playing Fields.

We are still fund raising for the resurfacing of the courts and the artificial cricket pitch so if you can donate no matter how little please do, it would be much appreciated.

Google: The Good Exchange
Inkpen Court Resurfacing; Ref: 18890
Inkpen Cricket Astro Strip; Ref: 19064
Alternatively you can donate to IMPFT by cheque or bank transfer just contact Claire (claire@clairejjones.com) for details.

Fund Raising.
To donate via The Good Exchange please use the links:
Inkpen Court Resurfacing – Ref: 18890 https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/18890/inkpen-memorial-playing-field-trust/inkpen-games-courts-resurfacing
Inkpen Cricket Astro Strip – Ref: 19064 https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/19064/inkpen-memorial-playing-field-trust/inkpen-cricket-astro-crease

Alternatively you can donate to IMPFT by cheque or bank transfer just contact Claire (claire@clairejjones.com) for details.

Forthcoming Events
QUEEN’S JUBILEE 2022: 2nd – 5th June 2022 Let us know your thoughts on possible activities across the four days or if you would like to join the committee putting together plans for the weekend please email: claire@clairejjones.com

CAR BOOT SALE
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, baked a cake, donated tombola prizes and came along and supported us either to sell or buy. It was very much appreciated, and we raised over £500 towards our fund raising for the maintenance of the facilities. Special thanks to the Bidwell Family who sorted out the Tombola and Izzy who folded hundreds of tickets and sold them all! The Wordsworth Family who were a huge help especially Charlotte who made candy floss for over two hours. Ned Ryan who did a sterling job selling raffle tickets and Richard Weeks and Bruce Armstrong who manned the gate. Last but not least Sarah Jones for the amazing face painting. Thank you everyone who volunteered and came along without you it would not have raised these funds.

Get Active
Any activity ideas that can use the pavilion or playing field and get our community active please do get in touch with claire@clairejjones.com. We now have Yoga on a Thursday evening and many of our youngsters have been enjoying a Junior Football coaching session run by Darryl who very kindly came from Reading and donated his time for a few weeks in August. We are hoping he will return soon to carry out some more sessions.

Playground & Woodland Playground
The IMPFT are having to replace the large piece of equipment in the playground due to a ROSPA report that said two of the frame legs are rotten below the ground. The equipment is otherwise sound and if you are interested in having it for a donation to the IMPFT please let claire@clairejjones.com know asap. The slide is not included as this will be used on the new piece of equipment. If there is no interest by 13th October we will put it on offer on ebay.

Huge thanks to Chris of All Seasons who has kindly offered to sort out some of the larger trees in the woodland playground where branches are damaged and need to come down.

INKPEN 92 GROUP Meeting - Tuesday 12th October at 2.30pm
All are welcome to attend the next meeting of the Inkpen 92 Group to be held on Tuesday 12th October at 2.30pm. David Peacock, a well-known local historian, will speak at the newly renovated Inkpen Playing Field Pavilion on the 'History of the River Kennet' one of England's most important chalk streams, some 45 miles long, and the largest tributary of the Thames. It is arguably one of the most scenic waterways in Southern England , a haven for various rare plants and animals and a SSSi (Site of Scientific Interest) between Marlborough & Woolhampton.

Masks and social distancing are at your discretion, so please come and join us for tea and talk at 2.30pm on Tuesday 12th October for a donation of £2pp. We now have a large TV screen on which to project the images.


Back to Contents List

INKPEN village hall

INKPEN STITCH AND KNIT
The October Stitch and Knit is on Wednesday 6th at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Alex King will be demonstrating braid making with the opportunity for some hands on practice. Everyone is very welcome and if it's your first visit there is no charge - come along and join our friendly group. November's meeting will be on Wednesday 3rd November and will be an opportunity to work on your own projects and also discuss plans for the Christmas Special which will be on 1st December.

If you have any questions, please give me a call - Jan Honey on 01488668222 or drop me an email jan@honeydesign.co.uk

INKPEN MARKET
Thank you to everyone that came and supported the Inkpen Food & Craft Market last month. October's market will be held on Sunday 17th October from 10:00-12:30, we will be welcoming back John & Elise with their Honey & Bread, The Rat's Whiskers, The Peacock's Nest plus some new faces/stalls!

Christmas Raffle - Number Squares will be on sale from October - Just £2.00 per square and you could win some great prizes - get in quick and reserve your favourite number! Please see Debbie at the market to purchase.

If anyone would like to donate any items or gifts to the Tombola or the Christmas Raffle, please let us know. See you there! Thanks Debbie & Georgina - inkpenmarket@hotmail.com

Back to Contents List

Other inkpen news

Inkpen History Group
We are keen to receive copies of old photos, documents etc. that you may have and would be happy to share. Old maps, items of Inkpen pottery and any items relating to the old sawmills. Whatever you judge might be of interest, please drop us an email at - historygroup@inkpenvillage.co.uk.

Our aim is to bring together as much historic content as we can to avoid it getting lost for ever. Your help is important. Thank you.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY COLLECTION
The house-to-house poppy collection will return this year. The withdrawal from Afghanistan has had a huge impact on the mental health of many of those in the services and their families. Those who suffered injury or lost fellow servicemen or family are reliving the trauma and needing help from the likes of the Royal British Legion so if you can please put aside any coins you have for the collection and buy a Poppy. We will have some contactless machines but not enough to cover the whole village. Thank you in advance for your support.

All collectors will have Gift Aid envelopes should you wish to give Gift Aid. Any questions get in touch with claire@clairejjones.com

'HAVE A GO' AT BELL RINGING
AI am arranging a practice for anyone who would like to try bell ringing in October. The Inkpen bells are chimed so are not difficult to ring. Please contact me if you are interested and would like to come along - it will probably be on a Saturday morning. Tel. 01488 668375 or email: geraldelsa@gmail.com.

THE CHILDRENS SOCIETY
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Elsa Atkinson for her long stint (I think over 20 years!) of organising the collection for the Children’s Society in Inkpen. I am sure most of you have heard about the Society, especially with our annual Christingle Service for children, which is held in Inkpen Church in early December each year.

The Society celebrates its 140th anniversary this year. So much has changed since its beginnings by the Sunday school Teacher, Edward Rudolf. There are many wonderful charities that take care of young children, but not so many people know of the Society’s work with teenagers and troubled youngsters, especially when they leave children’s homes and have to fend for themselves. I shall be taking over from Elsa and if anyone would like to hear more about the society, or hold a box, I should be delighted to help. Elsa collected the boxes in January each year. I may do it a little later, but I shall contact all box holders before I come round.

Concert in aid of Noreen's Kids
Christopher Burrows, a brilliant classical pianist, is giving a concert in aid of Noreen's Kids. All profits go towards caring for children with severe disabilities in one of the poorest parts of Romania. The concert is on Saturday 23rd October starting at 6.30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church, Priory Road Hungerford.

Tickets are £12.50 to include a glass of wine and canapes. Please contact Anna Dunn at anna@noreenskids.org or phone Anita Campbell on 01488 683501

Back to Contents List

Useful links

Many thanks to Tim and Ali des Forges, editors of the Inkpen and Combe bulletin, for providing bulletin copy for this website.  You can contact Tim and Ali by phone or email thus - aliedesforges@yahoo.co.uk or ring them on 01488 668496. You can also  download a copy of the Inkpen and Combe bulletin here

To report potholes, go to www.westberks.gov.uk/pothole. For other road or pavement issues including overgrown verges, go to www.westberks.gov.uk.

To join Laine's heating oil delivery club, email Lanie.

To report a water leak, go to www.thameswater.co.uk and for loss of electricity, go to www.ssen.co.uk. Both Thames Water and SSE provide priority services for those needing help to cope should there be a loss of service. This includes the elderly and those with special health needs.  Thames Water priority  service can be accessed on-line, here and for SSEN, the details are provided here.


Back to Contents List