contents

local news updates

COVID-19 SHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK ?

Covid-19 information and helper list

West Berkshire Council InfO

pets and covid-19

what to do with your car

Things to do

FOOD and Home deliveries

police update and scams

Building restrictions

library

climate change

school news

playing field news

INKPEN Food bank

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.

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CoVID-19. sHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK?

People should wear cloth face coverings in public places especially where social distancing measures are “difficult to maintain,” such as shops supermarkets and pharmacies, the CDC and WHO advises. Masks can be “fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.” Surgical masks and N-95 respirators should not be used by the public, as these were “critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.”

Wearing face coverings on public transport is to be compulsory in England from 15 June. There will be exemptions for young children. Those who don't comply may be stopped from travelling and passengers can be fined.

If it is appropriate to wear a mask you should still maintain a separation of 6 feet from others. Don’t remove the mask until you’re at home or in a place where you can wash your hands after safely removing the mask. When you do remove the mask, avoid touching the front outer part of it in case it is contaminated with Covid -19.

On removal, wash the mask thoroughly, then wash your hands, and disinfect with bleach or alcohol anything you touched after taking off the mask. Never re-use a mask without washing it first. If you can't wash the mask, discard it safely. More complete guidance from the CDC is given here.

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

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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.

The Helpers List

A very big THANK YOU to all of our helpers for the amazing services they are providing and coordinating. This has made bearable the self-isolation that many are experiencing and has very much brought people in our village together. A really good news story.

For those still self-isolating and in need of help, here  is a list of neighbours kindly waiting to help you. Take your pick and give them a call.

Bell Lane
    Lucy Hutchinson – 07766 065447
    Nikki Pelissier – 07813 334907
Bridle Path and Heads Lane
    Clare Macinnes – 07973 878613
Craven Road
    Anna Bidwell – 07801 027262
    Claire Jones – 07808 773346
    Emma Wordsworth – 07785 292078 – 01488 668600
    Jane Atkey – 07796 716843
The Firs
    Helen Hanna – 07766 915865
Folly Road
    Brian and Nikki Cox – 07423 225426
    Clare Evans – 01488 668534 or 07786 691292
    Karl Prismall – 07879 883148
    Katie Rimmer – 07831 680058
    Pippa and Russ Jeffries – 07887 574112
Heads Lane
    Jane van Ammel - 07740 868536
    Nick Day - 01488 684105 or 07786 075502
    Sarah Marston  - 07976 221847
Post Office Road
    Alex Popplewell – 07834 570962
    Brian Gerhardt – 07787 500217
    Claire Loveridge – 07867 528926
    Ed Loveridge – 07879 472929
    Maxine and Phil Frazer-Reid – 07920 827888
    Phil Day – 07837 537542
    Sonya Donohoe – 07970 197843
Pottery Lane
    Jane Zollo – 07795 320900
The Sawmills
    Sarah Burton – 07949 238458
Trapps Hill
    Taj Woodgate – 07971 191263
Upper Green
    Dave Lester – 07816 177524
    Maridi Baker – 07976 575858
Lawrence Mead, Kintbury
    Jelena Golinska – 07930 424547

For those with just a telephone or those needing a different type of help than that provided by the helpers, you can call Inkpen 75 74 71. This is just a recording service so please  be prepared to give your name, phone number and location, with a  brief message and this will be forwarded to the most appropriate person or organisation. This is for Inkpen residents only.

This list will be updated as further information becomes available. If you are under 70, in robust health and wish to be added to the list of helpers, please email: parishcouncil@inkpenvillage.co.uk. If you volunteer and you start to feel unwell, you MUST stay at home and look after yourself first - this will also protect the most vulnerable that we are trying to help. If you are unable to continue as a helper for whatever reason, please contact parishcouncil@inkpenvillage.co.uk so that you can be removed from the active helpers list. Official advice to helpers is provided here. Thank you. All help, particularly at this time, is very much appreciated.

Prescriptions and GP surgeries
If you are in a recognised medically vulnerable group or you are over 70 and are self-isolating, and you require help with a prescription please email Jo Kempster at jkempster966@btinternet.com or, if you can't email, contact either Jane Zollo (07795 320900) or Sarah Marston (07976 221847).

There is a prescription collection rota system in place for collection from either Boots (Hungerford) or Woolton Hill Surgery. All you need to do is provide your name, address, post code and a brief description of where your house is within Inkpen. Your prescription will be delivered by one of the Inkpen Helpers. (If the prescription is for Woolton Hill surgery you also need to include your date of birth). Scheduled  visits to Boots in Hungerford are on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Prescription collections from Woolton Hill/Kintbury Surgery, via Dr Kate, are on Wednesdays and Fridays. Do let us know if you are personally self isolating and are in the elderly and vulnerable category, or if you know someone who is in these categories that needs our help. We are aiming to keep footfall to a minimum in both Boots and Woolton Hill surgeries.

Boots pharmacy, Hungerford - Hours have been returned to 9 to 1 and 2 till 5:30. Saturday 9 to 1 and 2 till 5. Closed Sundays.

GP surgeries. The Woolton Hill GP Practice is operating on a triage protocol, with Hungerford offering telephone consultations. Kintbury surgery is closed. More information regarding access to GP and broader medical advice is displayed on the respective surgery website.

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).

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West Berkshire Council have set up a support link reflecting the information given on this page. They have published a letter to communities on changes to help for communities, individuals and businesses.  The Community Support Hub update is here and will now be updated fortnightly. If you are a resident seeking additional support, click here. And if you want WBC updates sent directly to you, click here. The Public Protection Partnership - PPP - briefing is available here. The West Berkshire News Update is here.

Guidance covering  heatwaves and Covid-19 is provided here.

West Berkshire Council Information sheets on Parks and Open spaces, and Managing or Organising Funerals.

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.

Non-essential shops re-open.
Non-essential businesses including shops have been advised that they may re-open whilst continuing to comply with social distancing guidance. We have made a number of resources available to help businesses to do this safely including posters and other advice at https://info.westberks.gov.uk/covid19-businesspack . This will ensure that businesses have clear and consistent advice and signage available to them as they begin to welcome customers for the first time since they were advised to close in late March. We have also issued an order to close parts of Newbury town centre to traffic temporarily in order to assist with queuing and safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the town centre.

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.

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Pets and covid-19

The British Veterinary Association stresses "owners should not worry" about the risk of infection from pets. But, veterinary scientists have recommended cat owners keep their pets indoors to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus among animals.

An animal's fur could carry the virus for a time if a pet were to have come into contact with someone who was sick with Covid-19. Practise good hand hygiene, try and keep cats indoors.

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Keeping your Car ready for use

Keeping your battery healthy, your tyres inflated and giving your car a thorough clean could make all the difference when isolation measures are finally lifted.

The best way to make sure your car makes it through long-term storage or significantly reduced usage, is to keep its battery healthy. Using a battery conditioner, or trickle charger, is the most effective way to do this. It will keep immobilisers and other energy-sapping components of your car from draining your battery completely.

You’ll also need to inflate your tyres to the maximum recommended pressure found on the tyre sidewall, as they will lose pressure over time even if they’re not being used in motion. If left for a long period of time this can lead to flat spots and your tyres losing their round shape, especially on older tyres.

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Things to do

Something for Youngsters
Brain Pop offers resources on maths, English, science and more, and starting on 20 April, videos, quizzes, podcasts and articles will appear on BBC Bitesize Daily via the BBC iPlayer, red button, BBC Four and BBC Sounds. If your children are into Minecraft try Tynker. And, for craft resources, from knitting to jewellery-making, drawing and origami, try  Creativebug. BBC Bitesize also has tons of content for ages 3 to 16+, and for Youtubers there's Freeschool with plenty of fun videos to watch - something that even the older audience might like.

If you are an Amazon customer then there is free childrens content here.

FREE Audio books for All Ages
If you have children at home from school why not try free Audible audiobooks for children . No sign-up required.

The BBC's Sound website and app offers a really extensive range of audio books. Something for everyone from here.

Opera and Theatre
There's a wide range of quality musicals, theatre plays, some opera and even a bit of ballet here, all for free. For older listeners there's something too, not to everyone's taste but available none the less, Nightly Met Opera streams in HD. Our National Theatre is also providing content for free whilst the theatre is closed - click here.

You might also like to have a look at archive.org. This provides audio, music, TV, images, films, even old time radio. I can't vouch for this content but worth a look.

Crafts
And don't forget Stitch and Knit. If you are self-isolating, Jan Honey will email you patterns and instructions on how to make a range of things: small knitted Christmas decorations, beginners crochet, and how to make small hand sewn items. Give her a call on Inkpen 668222 or email jan@honeydesign.co.uk.

Puzzles and Games
If crossword puzzles are your thing, then there are masses on-line - printable and otherwise, they'll even provide the answers. For sudoku try sudoku.com. Windows 10 users will find a range of free games in the Microsoft Store (an icon in the task bar), including mahjong and solitaire. There's even a jigsaw game. Paid for games are also freely available.

Quizzes
Whilst you can't visit the pub, you can still have a go at a Pub Quiz. Get out the crisps and pour the lager, then go to https://readymadepubquiz.com/. There are bound to be other and better pub quiz sites - let me know when you find them.

Cooking
If all that fails try a bit of gardening, or have a go at nettle soup. We all have to eat so ring the changes, look for recipes on-line such as those on the BBC  or those on your favourite supermarket site such as Waitrose. I like the 'spaghetti with greens, capers, anchovies & lemon dressing' - can you make it without spaghetti ?

Exercises
Many of you might be missing Yoga so try here for a few free exercises. If you've tried Pilates before have a look here, but if you are a beginner try the NHS Pilates for Beginners site. The NHS also provides a range of general fitness exercises - why not give it a go, but don't overdo it.

Holidays from your armchair.
Go to google maps, pick a destination an then go to street view. That's all you need for your own virtual holiday, except maybe for an espresso or a glass of wine. You can take a tour of the Louvre, visit the Taj Mahal or even Machu Picchu. To get away from it all, why not join the International Space Station and see what they are seeing now, live.

Night time Activity
At present, the night sky is quite clear. Weather permitting you might like to get out and do a bit of stargazing. A starters guide can be found here.

If you've any suggestions as to other stay-at-home activities, email them to parishcouncil@inkpenvillage.co.uk.

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Food VENUES and HOME DELIVERIES

The Inkpen Monthly Market
A number of people have asked me when the market will re-start given that, as of mid-June, indoor markets were permitted to re-open.   During lockdown I have given the market much thought.

I believe that for the market to re-open safely, the virus needs to further recede.  The Village Hall is a small building and, in my opinion, it would be difficult for visitors to both keep socially distant and at the same time being able to comfortably browse the stalls.

Many of the people who come to the market, be they shoppers or stallholders, are elderly, or at least in the over 70s bracket.  In my opinion, on both sides, there will be some reluctance to come along for quite some time.

I have run the market since 2011 and have been involved with it for longer than that.   I have decided that now is the right time for me to pass on the baton to the younger members of Inkpen should there be any village interest in the market recommencing at some point in the coming months.

If anyone, or a small group, thinks they might be interested and wants any information, please contact me, Josephine, on Inkpen 668 068.

Food Banks
Claudia and Sophie write “Huge thanks to all those who have contributed to the two telephone box donation points for the West Berkshire Food Bank.  We have now made two deliveries, amounting to 10 crates of food.  The volunteers at the food bank were incredibly grateful and stressed just quite how many people rely on these donations.  This week they are in particular need of shampoo, rice, Ketchup and sweets.  Please remember only dry and tinned goods, sadly we cannot accept any homemade or fresh produce.
Many thanks once again to all, especially the Honesty Bakery and Inkpen Parish Council for use of the telephone boxes”. 

If you are self-isolating and need someone to help do some supermarket shopping or get a prescription, for example, please check out the Helpers List.

Didcot Bakery - Kintbury
There's a slightly different format at the Kintbury baker's shop now, and for the moment, a slimmed down list of what's available. Still plenty of choice though. You have to pay by contactless card, no cash. Ordering online is probably easiest. Their website is www.farmhousebakerycafe.co.uk. Everything is now wrapped as you would expect with hand sanitizer at the door and only one person allowed in the shop at a time.
The bakery is  open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am till 1pm. In addition to bread, give their Chelsea buns, quiches and pies a try.

Fisher of Newbury

If you are NOT in an at-risk group and want to get some fresh fruit and veg that you can collect yourself, you might like to try Fisher of Newbury. They do fruit and veg boxes which you can select on-line and collect if you get a delivery slot. They have quite a range of items and are based at Hambridge Road in Newbury.

Got a self-isolating neighbour ? See if you can get a veg and fruit box for them at the same time.

Take-away service with a difference

The John O Gaunt Pub is offering a take-away service with a difference. You order and pay over the phone. The food is delivered to the customer - FOC - and the customer receives a call to say "it's on your doorstep". The service is free, the food is not!

The menu link is: https://www.facebook.com/John-OGaunt-Freehouse-Hungerford-152058648286949/?epa=SEARCH_BOX. and the contact number is 01488 683535

Hungerford traditional butcher.

The traditional butcher in Hungerford is taking orders over the phone for delivery to Hungerford and the surrounding villages - that means Inkpen. If you are interested, details of the items for sale and the contact number are to be found here.

Crown and Garter.

The Crown and Garter team are very excited to announce that they're opening on Saturday 4th July for dine in and takeaway service, drinks & accommodation. They have social distancing procedures in place to ensure the safety of everyone and  ask that you kindly work with us.

They want all their guests to be able to enjoy the pub experience, even if you're not quite ready to join us in person. So, the entire menu is now also available to takeaway. All takeaway meals need to be pre-ordered by calling 01488 668325, when you will be assigned a time slot for collection.

If you would like to dine in, they ask that all tables are booked in advance. For those wishing to join them for a refreshing drink in the garden, feel free to walk in and they will be happy to serve you at your table.

They thank you for your patience and look forward to welcoming you back!

Opening Times – July 2020   
               
Pub (Drinks)               
Monday    Closed           
Tuesday    12 -2    5.30-9.30       
Wednesday    12 -2    5.30-9.30       
Thursday    12 -2    5.30-9.30       
Friday    12 -2    5.30-10       
Saturday    12 -2    5.30-10       
Sunday    12 -4           
               
Kitchen & Hot Food Takeaway       
Monday    Closed           
Tuesday    12 -2    6 -9       
Wednesday    12 -2    6 -9       
Thursday    12 -2    6 -9       
Friday    12 -2    6 -9       
Saturday    12 -2    6 -9       
Sunday    12 -4           
               
Honesty Inkpen Shop           
Monday    Closed           
Tuesday    Closed           
Wednesday    9 -2           
Thursday    9 -2           
Friday    9 -2           
Saturday    9 -2           
Sunday    12 -4   

Cobbs Farm Shop

At their Hungerford farm shop, you will find fresh fruit and veg, a delicatessen, butchery, fishmonger and florist. They work closely with a large number of local producers to offer customers a whole host of products including luxury dairy ice cream, freshly baked bread, honey, preserves and chutneys, cheese, dairy, flour, eggs, cereals, tea, smoked fish and meats, juices and biscuits. And let's not forget their home-grown award-winning English Sparkling Wine - Alder Ridge.

If you are in a vulnerable group or over 70 and you want to place an order with Cobbs, and have it delivered to your door, please contact Claire Jones for details - 07808 773346.

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Police report

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

Local Police News.
Joanna King writes “August / September are historically the time of year when we see an increase in rural crime offences, in particular hare coursing after Harvest and break-ins to sheds. Over the last few weeks there have been several reports of garages and vans being broken into in the Hungerford / Kintbury area. If anyone has any information regarding these please contact me.

We have received reports that there are youngsters in cars, racing to and from Combe Gibbet, in the early evenings. Due to the nature of Inkpen roads this is dangerous and we are surprised there has not been an accident. Driving in this manner is anti-social, causing alarm or distress to other road users or residents. We will deal with drivers under the Police Reform Act.

Have you heard about ‘THAMES VALLEY TEXT ALERT’? Sign up today www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/ to receive free texts or emails about crime in your local area and relevant safety advice. You can now follow us on twitter @TVP_westberks.

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. Please be advised crime needs to be reported using the on-line form or via 101.

SCAMS

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

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.
The real NHS test and trace system 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.

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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).

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Library - Pass It on

The library will be back on Tues 15th Sept at the school from 3.05 – 4.00pm. It will be collecting books at the steps , no browsing!  To order books, go on-line and choose from the library catalogue so that they can be ready for collection on the day?.

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.

They also hosted their first YouTube Storytime on 8th April, with author Rachel Jane reading one of her ‘Campervan’ stories. You can watch this again on their YouTube page and keep an eye out for further dates, which we will promote through social media.

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?

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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!

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school news

Inkpen School is ready and on Thursday we are looking forward to welcoming staff, all the children, as well as children into Reception.

Although the end of last term was challenging, the children enjoyed the beautiful outside environment and had fun.

One of the biggest struggles for some children while we were closed was access to computers. If anyone has an old computer, which they no longer use, but could be used for children’s home learning, we would be very grateful if they could be donated to the school.

INKSPOTS EARLY YEARS PRE-SCHOOL

We still have spaces available, so if you would like to pop in and have a look round, please contact the school on 01488 668219 or Hannah, our Manager, on mobile 07765 535391 or email: inkspots@inkpen.w-berks.sch.uk

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playing field trust (impft) news

Pavilion News
The Phase 2 renovation of the main building has started and is due to be completed by 24th December. We are still raising funds for this and for Phase 3, the sports equipment storage building.

If you are able to donate any money towards the completion of the pavilion, cheques should be made payable to: IMPF Fund Raising, and given to Gloria Keene or Claire Jones. Or contact Claire for our bank details – all donations can be anonymous. Every penny counts now and any donation is very much appreciated. Thank you.

The defibrillator is now temporarily located on the tennis fencing so you can access it. It is however not visible at night.

Events:
Car Boot Sale : Sadly, we have decided that due to the ever changing Covid19 regulations we need to postpone the Car Boot Sale until the spring. Do save up for this event it will happen in 2021!

Sunday 27th September - Walbury Hill Climb :
This event has a long history and the hill itself has been used to test cyclists over many years. Since 2015 it has been an “open” event with a closed road and attracts both recreational and serious racing cyclists.

Bearing in mind the event is a Time Trial, it lends itself to safe operation during the COVID 19 pandemic, has been approved by the relevant National Governing Body and is exempt from the new restriction on group sizes as an Organised Sporting Event. Riders will take part individually at one-minute intervals to see who is fastest against the clock. Before the race they will park their cars and collect their race numbers at the Inkpen Playing Field, ride to the start by Kirby House then complete the course to the summit. Following this they will return via a one way route back to the Playing Field and leave.

The event is being organised by Newbury Velo Cycling Club who have already held a number of successful Time Trial races locally and have an experienced team well versed in the delivery of a safe event in line with a Covid19 approved Risk Assessment.

This year the Walbury Hill Climb will be held on Sunday 27th September starting at 9am with the road closed from 8:30am. The road is expected to be open again no later that 12:30pm. Diversion routes will be in place.

PLEASE NOTE - you can only take part if you have registered with Newbury Velo Cycling Club before the event.

Please be aware there will be a lot of cyclists in Inkpen for this event and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and the temporary road closure.

Woodland Playground News:
We are pleased to announce that the Trustees have approved Copper Beech to supply the woodland playground equipment which we hope will be in place by the end of the year. We would like to thank Vanessa Tomlinson who has kindly donated fencing for the woodland playground. Please do continue to be considerate when using the existing playground and keep in mind the COVID19 regulations of keeping your distance and washing your hands after use.

Cricket Nets:
Due to a near accident with a cricket ball at the pavilion hit from the practice nets the Trustees have decided that the practice nets cannot be used until more safety are measures put in place. Safety measures are currently being considered by the trustees in conjunction with the cricket team.

Sports Activity :
Sadly, there are restrictions as to what sporting activities can take place at the moment but we hope that in 2021 we will be able to hold lots more activities on the playing field and in the pavilion. If you have an idea for an activity for any age group, please get in touch. We hope to re-instate the junior football coaching as soon as possible.

Interested in  Netball, Tennis Club, Cricket Club or Sunday 5 a side Football, then  come and join in. Contacts can be found on the contacts page or obtained from Gloria Keene or Claire Jones.

General Contacts: Claire Jones (clairejonesimpt@gmail.com), David Thomas (parishcouncil@inkpenvillage.co.uk) or any of the other Trustees

If you would like to receive the IMPFT Newsletter which is sent out monthly, please visit the IMPFT website (impft.co.uk) and subscribe. For more details of IMPFT activities, please visit the IMPFT website, impft.co.uk.

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INKPEN FOOD BANK

To date, Inkpen donations total 384.1kg which is amazing and so very helpful to us. We always welcome donations. As the general situation worsens, the demand on food banks increases. Anything you can do to encourage more donations would therefore be very welcome.

Thanks very much to the entire Community of Inkpen.

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Other inkpen news

Inkpen Common
Those who walk on Inkpen Common may have noticed that paths and other areas are looking a little overgrown. Like many other charities, BBOWT volunteer activities have been on hold and BBOWT staff have been supporting only urgent activities in the past few months.

Limited volunteer activities are now restarting and a small group of the ‘Friends of Inkpen Common’ will be working on path clearance on Saturday, 1st August. We are currently limited to groups of 6 so will be tackling the worst areas first. Please can you let BBOWT or me know if there are any issues on the Common?

Before we went into lockdown the group did a huge amount of work clearing silver birch and gorse and we expect to see a good show of heather in August and September. If you haven't been on the Common recently, then do go and take a look.

The cows will be back in the next week or so and grazing will also help reduce the grass and scrub. We have 4 Dexters moving from the Crocus Field soon so just a gentle reminder to please keep dogs on leads on the Common.

BEElieve it or not.
It is at this time of year that many of us get plagued with WASPS. It is a particular worry for me as a beekeeper because the blooming things eat my bees by chewing off their heads and taking the body back to feed their young. Furthermore, if they get a whiff of the honey in the hives, they steal it and, in the process, kill more of my bees.

I am surprised at the number of villagers, who despite living in our beautiful countryside, do not know the difference between wasps and my Honeybees. I often get asked if my bees have swarmed and can I come and look at some insects at their home. More often than not, particularly at this time of year, they are wasps.

Sometimes it can be those lovely cuddly and fluffy Bumble bees that pose no real threat to humans or Honeybees.

So, with your help, I will be able to continue supplying Inkpen residents with my lovely Local Honey. Something that many say helps hay fever sufferers, as well as being delicious on toast or used for cooking all manner of recipes.  Email Don at don@honeydesign.co.uk

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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.

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