News
The latest local news.
contents
local news updates
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.Updates from West Berkshire Council
As you will know, the government requires the abolition of district councils and their re-organisation into larger councils. The proposal for West Berkshire Council is laid out here. Also, the new Local Plan Review Adoption Statement is viewable here and the Sustainability Appraisal / Strategic Environmental Assessment relating to the Local Plan is here.
Rural life is under threat.
The BBC described the government’s latest blow to the countryside as ‘Environmental scheme closure a 'shattering blow' to farmers’. The NFU president, said that it was ‘another shattering blow to English farms". The Telegraph headlined it as ‘Farming subsidies halted in latest Labour attack on rural life’. Farmers weekly say '’Cruellest betrayal' as Defra halts new SFI applications. So, what is it that’s happening.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which pays farmers in England to manage land to protect soil, restore hedgerows and boost nature recovery, was a key part of the post-Brexit payment scheme that replaced EU subsidies. This scheme has been closed with no replacement being announced. Given that climate change is set to become an increasingly pressing problem, this is a severe blow to the countryside and farming. It will undoubtedly mean that small farms will disappear.
The Government is also set to double the number of new houses required to be built in West Berkshire in the next few years. Since West Berkshire is around 75% covered by the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, it means that the pressure on green spaces is set to intensify.
Now, West Berkshire Council has announced ‘New unitary council proposed for West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse’. This will mean that we have reduced councillor representation, by around two thirds. This comes as a result of National Government requiring local councils to serve around 500,000 residents or more, which will require West Berkshire Council - which covers around 170,000 people - to merge with neighbouring councils. So, our representation is set to be reduced, hard won attempts to protect nature are under substantial threat, small farms are set to disappear and house building within the countryside is set to happen/increase.
As a positive, not all of this hasn’t happened yet. Your voice counts so make it heard. Over the next week or so, there will be a consultation document launched by the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Please read it. You can make your views known by canvassing West Berkshire Council as well as your MP, Lee Dillon, and you can support the efforts of CPRE, the countryside charity.
If you don’t like what is being proposed for our countryside, please make your voice heard. Don’t just let this all happen to you without making your voice heard.
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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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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.
West Berkshire Council are asking residents across the district/borough to think of others and not light bonfires. 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.
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Police report
A message from the Police and Crime Commissioner is available here.
Online Fraud. New scams are coming to light all the time. Police guidance is given here.
Local Police News.
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 information or advice 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?
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.
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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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Mobile Library - The last one
Although our Mobile Library will be missed, West Berkshire
Libraries will continue to work hard to bring books to those who
can’t get to their local library and serve customers in rural and
isolated areas.
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
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
.The North Wessex Downs National Landscape management plan
consultation, finished on the 30th of April. Nevertheless, the
management plan is still visible on their website at:
A lot of this is perhaps a bit dry, but please have a look at it, and at the policies at the bottom of the webpage. There are numerous policies that we should perhaps be aware of and know where to find them in future. They affect planning, biodiversity, our local history, nature and the environment. These policies will be signed-off by the government in November this year, so they are not to do with some marginal pressure group, they are government agreed and driven targets. They affect You.
Local Climate Group.
We have a newly formed climate group. The website is http://climate.inkpenvillage.co.uk. If you have a look, you’ll see that we have collected data on moths, trees, bird sightings and beetles, as well as data on the weather. This data enables us to see what changes are taking place locally and the pace of those changes. If you have any data, new or historic, on local climate related events or know of someone with an interest in this, then please get in touch with us. We want to bring all local data together in one place and make sure that it doesn’t get lost. Email us at inkpen-climate@outlook.com.
In September, we’ll hold a meeting so that all of you that are concerned about climate change can meet and help us to get properly organised. Keep an eye on the website. Thank you.
Switching off your Outside Lights
The North Wessex Downs NL ask people to switch off their outside lights when they’re not absolutely necessary. Wildlife groups ask the same. Neighbours living next to someone that keep their outside lights on at night want the lights to go off and the police tactfully suggest that leaving outside lights on simply helps burglars. Switching off your outside lights helps the environment and saves money.
Any suggestions about how to incentivise people to switch off unnecessary outside lights would be gratefully received. Email inkpen-climate@outlook.com.
Did you know?
It will cost around £160 to capture 1 metric tonne of carbon from the atmosphere. Forty mature oak trees (or Beech, Ash, Willow etc.) do that if you just leave them alone. Each tree is doing a payback of £4 a year. They pay for their keep.
Silent forests devoid of life are a possibility within a generation in our already deforested nation, according to a panel of British experts.
"Ecosystem collapse", where trees suddenly fade and die, could happen within 50 years, they warn. But the 42 experts said if we act now we can avert the catastrophe. The large-scale loss of forests hit by "wind, fire, pests and disease" has already happened in continental Europe and North America. "A collapsed forest would be heart-breaking, devoid of its essential life and all the joy and benefits it gives to humanity," said Dr Eleanor Tew of Forestry England and Cambridge University.
But she said we have time to make a difference and we know what to do to make our forests more resilient "so they can continue to thrive for future generations".
39 Ways to Save the Planet
Radio 4 BBC Radio Four, in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, presents 39 ideas to relieve the stress that climate change is exerting on the planet. To tune in, click here.
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!
North Wessex Downs National Landscape
If you live in Inkpen, then you are within the NWD NL. This has the same protections as a National Park but is administered by area local government instead of having its own controlling body. So, what do you know about the NWD NL, it’s management plan or its protections? Have a look at https://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/. In the coming years, as global warming bites, this will become more important to you. Do take a look at their website and see what’s going on locally.
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school news
The highlight of this term has to be our annual Sports Day up at
the Recreation Ground. Sports Day is truly a wonderful
family-centred event that brings our school community together to
celebrate teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of sport. This year,
the atmosphere was electric as parents, siblings, and friends
gathered to cheer on participants, creating a positive ethos that
permeated the entire day. The children displayed exemplary effort
and support for one another, embodying the true spirit of
camaraderie that makes this event so special.
It was particularly lovely to share a picnic lunch together amidst
the festivities, with families spreading out their blankets in the
sunshine, exchanging laughter and stories. This sense of community
is what makes Sports Day at Inkpen Primary School so memorable,
reinforcing the bonds that connect us all.
In the morning, the children thoroughly enjoyed their races,
putting in their best efforts as they sprinted, jumped, and
cheered one another on. The afternoon was equally exhilarating,
with a variety of multi-sport events that tested their skills and
determination. The excellent sportsmanship displayed throughout
the day illustrated the values we aim to instil in our young
athletes.
A heartfelt congratulations goes to Kiln for winning the event
overall, yet it is essential to recognise that every child who
took part deserves accolades for their enthusiasm and dedication.
Sports Day is not just about winning; it is about participation,
effort, and enjoying every moment together.
We look forward to many more joyful gatherings like this in the
future.
INKSPOTS We give a warm welcome to all our new
children and families that have joined Inkspots over the past few
weeks. As we head into half term, the children have been so busy
learning all about Autumn.
One of our main focus's is Habitats. The children are super busy
in class, making their autumn habitats. We’re thinking about where
hedgehogs live, and what might their habitats look like. The
children are busy learning the importance of shelter, water, food
and space within a habitat. Also learning about how, within an
animal's home, they'll have everything they need to be able to
find food and successfully raise their babies. Focusing on autumn,
the children are exploring colour, and texture. What can we see,
and where might we see these arrays of colours.
Daisy Chains - INKPEN PAVILION TOYS TOYS TOYS for the Daisy Chains Playgroup
We have plenty of toys for the younger pre-school play group at Inkpen pavilion. We have a delightful venue to restart the former Daisy Chains playgroup with lots of small tables and chairs for the little ones and baby changing facilities available if required.
Mums, Dads and Grandparents are welcome to come and let the little ones play safely. There is plenty of play space as well for siblings outside the pavilion in the children’s play and woodland area. If you are interested, we have a few names already, please let us know your contact details by email: gloriakeene@hotmail.com.
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playing field trust (impft) news
The IMPFT (Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust) is pleased to host several regular clubs and societies as well as being available to hire for events (parties, work functions, luncheons etc).Please check for an up to date list of events / bookings under impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk
Should you wish to book the pavilion or its facilities, please feel free use our new online booking system https://hallbookingonline.com/inkpen or get in touch – bookings@impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk or clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk
Should anything be of interest or if you would like to start up a club, please get in contact.
Children’s parties, Group and Birthday parties
The Inkpen pavilion is an ideal venue for a wide range of events. The Bi-fold doors open wide so that people can sit outside or wonder around on those balmy summer evenings.
The facilities provided include:
• A fully fitted kitchen with a hatchway that allows views over the main room, ideal for keeping an eye on energetic children.
• Adjoining children’s play area for those special children’s parties.
• Plenty of car parking.
• Wi-Fi is provided with Gigabit speeds.
• Air-conditioned main room for those hot days as well as cold ones.
• Standard toilets and a disabled toilet.
• Caters for up to 60 adults.
If you are looking to host an event locally, the Inkpen pavilion might well be the ideal place for you. For enquiries or bookings go to impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk. The Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust (IMPFT) is a registered charity.
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Climate |
Sessions throughout the year |
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Cricket |
Sundays during the season See calendar for fixtures |
Inkpencricketclub.org, and |
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Daisy Chains |
Every Friday 09:45-11:45 From 6th June |
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Football 5-a-side |
Sunday Evenings |
Chris Stapleton Mob: 07909 851968 |
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Football (Juniors to U16) |
Sunday morning from 10:30am during the season |
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History Society |
Sessions throughout the year |
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Netball |
Monday evenings Juniors 6pm / Adults 7pm (excl. bank holidays) |
Sally Mob: 07444 593 560 |
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Pop in Café |
Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 10:00 - 12:30 |
All welcome, just “pop-in” |
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Stargazers |
Sessions throughout the year |
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Tennis |
Pay as you play / subscription (tbc) |
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Yoga |
Saturday 09:45 -10:45 pay as you go |
Mob: 07554 446 502 |
It’s all happening at Inkpen Playing Field - starting during the summer holidays from 21st July there will be tennis and football coaching at Inkpen Playing Field, for anyone who wishes to improve their game. There is:
Tennis Coaching with Mike Gordon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during the summer for those wishing to book a session. Residents will remember Mike from previous sessions. Mike is a LTA level 4 coach, accredited DBS, Safeguarding, First Aid certified. Anyone interested should book with Mike directly: mike@premiumtennis.co.uk
Football Coaching with Chris, who has coached at Inkpen previously, is yet to arrange times and dates for his summer sessions in time for this publication - but sessions will be available to all who wish to attend - we may have a budding Wayne Rooney (or Mary Earps) in Inkpen! Please watch Facebook for further details of dates and times.
INKPEN POP-IN CAFÉ - HEATWAVES ARE HERE.
Want to keep cool? The Pop-In Café has advanced air conditioning helping you to keep cool and relaxed. Play a game of chequers, dominos or simply come for a cuppa and a chat with friends. Opening times are the 3rd and 17th of July, 10 till 12:30 at the Inkpen pavilion and the 7th and 21st August.
In addition to our normal range of hot drinks, we are able to offer a limited range of cool drinks.
The café is for all. It is also dementia friendly, carers or sufferers, and we will do all that we can to make you feel at ease and relaxed. If you haven’t already tried the Pop-In café, then do give it a go. ALL are welcome and it really is a chance to have a natter, make friends and chill out, whilst enjoying a slice or two of cake and a cuppa. We very much look forward to welcoming you.
STARGAZERS
The last couple of months have provided us with a great opportunity to star gaze, and we’ve captured some beautiful images of extremely distant galaxies and nebula. Having been able to do this, using our Seestar S50, it’s made us want to do more and get better and better images. But, to go further, we need a higher quality telescope.
The Miss Lawrence Trust, which has supported numerous projects in Inkpen, has given us the means to get those better images by allowing us to purchase a Vespera Pro. This and the Seestar S50, will enable us to involve more people in astronomy, including schools. This is a major step forward for us and we are immensely grateful to the Miss Lawrence Trust for its support and sponsorship.
Inkpen is most fortunate for being in one of the UK’s darkest sky areas, so the opportunity to stargaze is at its best. If you would like to join us in the adventure of seeing and imaging those amazing deep sky objects, then please get in touch. Email us at inkpen-climate@outlook.com.
On the 5th of July, at the Inkpen fête, we will have a stall displaying some of our astronomical equipment and images. More importantly, someone from the Inkpen stargazers will be at the stall so that you can come and talk to us directly. Our next group meeting at the Inkpen pavilion/playing field will be advertised on the group website, stargazers.inkpenvillage.co.uk. All are welcome to attend our meetings.
By popular demand, we are moving from infrequent meetings to regular monthly meetings, with an annual subscription fee of just £15 a year. Meetings will be held at the Inkpen pavilion from September 2025, on the second Wednesday of each month. More details on stargazers.inkpenvillage.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you. Come and get excited!
Inkpen History Society Meeting
The next meeting will be in July on Friday, the 18th at 7:30pm at the Inkpen Pavilion. The topic for the talk is ‘Community through the centuries’, starting with news clips (court rolls) from the 14th century and following through to the present day. You might be surprised at how community in Inkpen has changed.
A week earlier, on Saturday the 12th July we will be holding a dowsing day. Our dowsing location and details are posted on the history website, ‘history.inkpenvillage.co.uk’. All are welcome but you will need to bring your boots or wellies and a smart phone with My GPS Location app (or similar) installed if you can please.
A building outline has already been mapped out along with the position of a well. This is your chance to see if you can detect these ancient foundations. At my last attempt, I mostly found spent bullet cases though the well is relatively easy to find. Entry is £5 per couple and the £5 includes a set of our dowsing rods. This is a very different way to spend your Saturday afternoon and a rare opportunity to dowse! Come and give it a go!
The history group will also be represented at the Inkpen Fete, at the Inkpen playing field, on the 5th July. Come and talk to us there.
Inkpen Cricket Club
We’re now almost 2 months into the Inkpen cricket season and it’s been a decent effort all around to this point. The weather has been kind, allowing us to get off to an unprecedented start with wins against the might of East Anton, Urchfont, Hungerford Chancers and Bodleian Library.
The last couple of games has seen strong batting from Collingbourne and Boxford, with Inkpen defeated both times, although our scores of almost 200 runs would usually be good enough for victory.
We have 9 matches remaining this summer and are always looking for more Inkpen players, whether highly skilled or somewhat less so. If interested, please get in touch (admin@inkpencricketclub.org) or check out the club website (www.inkpencricketclub.org).
YOGA IN INKPEN
Inkpen Village Hall - Tuesday mornings 9:30-10:30am
Inkpen Pavilion - Thursday evenings 7.00-8.00pm
Yoga which is suitable for beginners and experienced. Classes are £10 pay as you go. Contact oliviaboydall@gmail.com 07554446502 for additional info and requests to book on to a class.
Yoga classes not only bring strength, and a sense of freedom and mobility to our physical bodies, they also leave us feeling calm, aligned, with a settled mind. Through movement, postures, breathwork and meditation you will leave the mat with a new sense of energy and a permeating feeling of deep rest physically and mentally.
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evENTS AT INKPEN village hall
INKPEN STITCH AND KNIT
The Stitch and Knit group will be meeting in Inkpen Village Hall,
as usual, on the first Wednesday of the month in both July and
August - i.e. 2 July and 6 August at 7.30 p.m. We'll all be
working on our own various individual projects. Do come and join
us if you enjoy handicrafts. We charge £2 to cover hall costs and
tea/coffee. Or, if you want any further information, ring
Stephanie (07713 097609), our communications contact.
Save the date - Monday a.m. 22 September for a Macmillan Coffee
Morning. The Monday Artists will be hosting coffee and cake,
together with a showcase of their oil paintings. This small group
of local artists live in Inkpen, Kintbury, Hungerford and Ball
Hill. We paint together near the vets in Ball Hill. Further
details in the September Bulletin. Please save the date.
THE MARKET
Would you like to help reinvigorate and re-launch our village
market? As you'll know, it has not been possible to run the market
for some months and I'm sure some of you will be missing it.
However, never fear, we've not given up on what many thought was
an important social and regular meeting place for villagers as
well as a lovely opportunity to shop on a Sunday morning.
However, it really needs a few more volunteers to help Chrissie
pull this together each month - many hands would make for such
light work. For those that don't know, this was usually a monthly
affair on the 3rd Sunday of the month, 10am - 12.30pm where local
suppliers of food and craft items gather. It's a lovely
opportunity for folk to walk or cycle up to the village hall, have
a tea/coffee or a bacon bap, chat to neighbours and browse some
lovely goods.
Come on folks, let's have some new people coming forward - it's
the villagers that make a village for sure! Call or message
Chrissie on Mob: 07767 480777 or email Email:
Humphries.c@gmail.com to have an informal chat about how you can
help."
Other inkpen news
Volunteer urgently neededYour church, indeed, your village, needs a volunteer to join the ‘Holy Duster’ cleaning rota team, due to a retirement. The duties are not onerous but are vital to maintain our beautiful 13th century church which is admired by so many. If you can spare an hour a month (at most), please contact Gilly Burrough (07836 292976) for further details.
BEES’ NEEDS WEEK 2025
Please be aware that it is ‘Bees’ Needs Week 2025: on 14th to 20th July 2025 Pollinators are a priority and a key part of our environment and play a crucial role in food production. Everyone has a part to play to encourage more beautiful butterflies and buzzing bees in the area – we can all take simple steps to protect our pollinators survive and thrive and help to restore our natural world.
‘Bees Needs Week’ on 14th to 20th July 2025 – and every year Defra celebrate Bees’ Needs champions. Awards go to people and organisations, who have taken inspiring action, however big or small, to benefit pollinators.
There are 5 simple actions that anyone can take to help:
- grow more nectar flowers, shrubs and trees
- let patches of garden and land grow wild
- cut grass less often following ‘no mow May’
- do not disturb insect nests and hibernation spots
- think carefully about whether to us pesticides
Full details are available on: www.gov.uk/government/publications/bees-needs To be fully informed email: beesneeds@defra.gov.uk
CHAIN
Not heard about CHAIN? I’m sure a lot of us haven’t.
Well CHAIN helps those of us that can’t easily get around because of a lack of transport. They provide transport to Doctors, Dentists, Chiropodists, Hospital appointments, and more. Their volunteer drivers collect residents from their home and take them to the appropriate appointment, stay with them and take them back home afterwards. They can also take you to do your weekly shop or whatever.
People often complain that the normal bus is too large especially for country lanes and not sufficiently frequent. They ask ‘why isn’t there a minibus or something’ – well there is and this is it. It is privately funded and relies on volunteers.
The CHAIN Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 to 11am and the volunteers who ‘man’ the office are there to help you with any bookings or other queries. Call them on 01488 683727.
If you think you can help them, give them a call. As with all such ventures, they rely on support, your support, financial and otherwise. But at the end of the day, they are here to help you.
The Spirit of Giving
NATIONAL SCHOOLREADERS
National children’s literacy charity, Schoolreaders, is looking for volunteers to listen to children read in primary schools in the West Berkshire area. 1 in 4 children are leaving primary school unable to read well so our service is in great demand. No qualifications are required to join Schoolreaders, just a love of reading, a few hours each week in term time and a willingness to go where children need you most. Apply now and you could be ready to start in September. To find out more go to www.Schoolreaders.org
RAMBLERS’ WELLBEING WALKS
The Kintbury group of Wellbeing Walks meets every Tuesday morning at 10am. On the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of a month the walk starts from the Kintbury Coronation Hall and ends with coffee at the Bowling Club. On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, the walk starts at 10am from the Crown & Garter Pub at Inkpen and ends with coffee at the Honesty Bakery.
If you would like to start walking, explore the local footpaths and meet new people just come along or to find out more contact John Noble on 07895 034552 or Janet Taylor on 01488 658225.
Kennet Valley Wetland Reserve
The Town and Manor of Hungerford charity would like your thoughts on its proposal to create a wetland reserve on a site known as Undy's Meadow, between Charnham Park road and the river Kennet. The proposed wetland will be within walking distance of Hungerford town centre, will be open to the public and will include an Education & Information Centre. As a village close to Hungerford, we would like your thoughts on this proposal.
Your feedback is important to ensure we make this project as relevant and appealing as we can. Your responses to our survey (https://tinyurl.com/hungerfordwetland-Survey) will remain anonymous – only the statistics from the surveys will be used. It will only take 5 minutes or less to complete. Thank you.
If you would like to find out more about out proposal do visit our website page on: https://townandmanor.co.uk/wetland-reserve
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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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