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.

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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.
As we approach the end of Harvest, we find this is the time of year when we see an increase in rural crime offences. Particularly hare-coursing and poaching. We are already receiving reports of this nature in other areas not far from here. Please be mindful of this when driving through open countryside and report suspicious behaviour to Police. Ideally a vehicle make, model and index.

Recently in the local area there have been reports of cooking oil being stolen from rural businesses as well as small amounts of metal, mainly lead. Please keep an eye out for vehicles / persons acting suspiciously and report to the Police.

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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Library - Pass It on

The mobile library van will call at Inkpen on 17th December just in time for Christmas. The van stops at: Craven Rd. Inkpen 2.20-2.50pm and at Inkpen School at 3.05 – 4pm. Please visit the library as we are lucky the service has continued to be supported by West Berkshire Council. However, due to budget cuts, this service will cease as of April 2025.

If you need large print books, please contact library services on  01635 519900

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?

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Climate change

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!

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school news

As we settle into autumn, it has been a bustling time at our school, filled with joy and community spirit. We had a delightful celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, where our students engaged in various creative activities, learning about the rich traditions and significance of the festival. This was a truly memorable experience.

In addition, we were thrilled to welcome visitors from our local church for the Advent experience. Their engaging storytelling and activities sparked meaningful conversations about the upcoming festive season, fostering a sense of anticipation and togetherness among our pupils.

A huge thank you is for our Parent-Staff Association (PSA) and all the local villagers who have shown incredible support through their fundraising efforts. Your generosity will help us enhance our resources and provide more opportunities for our children. We are truly grateful for your continued involvement and enthusiasm. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our local volunteers who continue to support the school in many ways from maintaining our beautiful garden to hearing children read. Thank you.

We continue to be incredibly grateful for the use of the recreation ground for our PE lessons. This space allows our students to explore their physical skills in a wonderful natural environment, encouraging teamwork and healthy competition.

Our walks up to the rec have been particularly beautiful this term and the children have enjoyed crunching through leaves and squelching through the mud!

As we look forward to more exciting events in the coming months, we appreciate the strong support from our village community. Here’s to more shared experiences and milestones ahead.

INKPEN SCHOOL EARLY YEARS OUTSIDE PLAY AREA
58% there with fundraising - Help us turn £1,719 of donations in to £3,438 of funding - Every £1 donated is matched

Please help us raise the funds necessary to do the essential work to improve the Outside Play Area at our school, recent flooding has made this work event more essential. This area is so important to the school and the children at the school and the school is an important part of our community. We have already raised over £16,572 (58%) towards this important project for our local school. There is still over £1,719 of match funding available so please do donate. Every £1 is matched so every donation counts and £1,719 of donations can provide £3,438 of funding towards this much needed works and take us to 70% of what we need.

This area is essential in the education of the early year children – research shows that play improves the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children – this is something very low on the list of funding by the education department and so our fund raising is essential to make this improvement. If you can support our fund-raising campaign on The Good Exchange with any funding, please do visit our funding page.

The link to our page is: https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/20445/inkpen-county-primary-school-psa-association/early-years-outside-play-area or simply Google the Good Exchange, click on the heading Charitable Projects and Search for 20445 If you have any events planned like a cake sale, coffee morning or bridge event or a challenge do please consider raising funds for our school which is so important to Inkpen. If you don’t want to donate via the Good Exchange get in touch with claire@clairejjones.com or kworley94@hotmail.com for other ways to donate.

Thank you so much in advance for your support.

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

INKPEN PLAYING FIELD & PAVILION
Update from the Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust

Having achieved several initiatives this year at the IMPFT including the most visible installation of solar panels, amongst others, we will, in the coming weeks install a new energy efficient air source heat pump.

The new heat pump is expected to draw only a fraction of the energy of the existing heating solution and therefore save significant cost going into the coldest months of the year.

We are also in discussion with an Electric Vehicle charger provider whereby following a site evaluation, we hope to have the first public fast chargers in the village. These will be accessible for all including those visiting Inkpen, using the pavilion, playing field or children’s play areas. Such initiatives add to the sustainability and attractiveness of the pavilion as a venue for the village.

Usage of the pavilion, the play areas, the playing field and hard court has been at its highest levels this year with parties, private bookings, football and tennis clubs as well as regular diary entries for the History Group, Stargazers and the very popular Pop In Cafe to name just a few. We are also looking at restarting the Daisy Chain playgroup with the support of local villagers.

Friends of the Playing Field
The trustees devote a substantial amount of time trying to improve the facilities both in terms of its fabric and the activities available however, we do need your help please.

First, a call to adults / parents to organise / run a club. Those willing to do so, with a little expertise (in say recreational football, netball, or other team sports), would be welcomed with open arms to encourage youngsters that are already keen on physical recreation in the village. Secondly, we need help clearing the ditch along Post Office Road, clearing the leaves from the hard surface and clearing the weeds on the parking areas.

If you think you could help, offer a spare hour or two / be part of a team please contact us c/o clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk

Should you wish to book the pavilion, playing field or hard court, please see the IMPFT section on inkpenvillage.co.uk, IMPFT.co.uk or email clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk

The Scouts Night Hike at Inkpen Pavilion


More than 100 youngsters participated in the Kennet District Scouts Annual Alamo Competition. The night hike was based at Inkpen Pavilion this year to test the Scouts navigation teamwork and problem-solving skills. The annual event has been running since 1960 and is a challenge for Scouts to demonstrate what they have learned through scouting activities. The course was set around the Inkpen countryside with the scouts spending the night in Inkpen Pavilion. At each base the Scouts face team work and problem-solving challenges and through the event earn points for navigation accuracy, task completion, behaviour and time management. Bacon sandwiches were enjoyed at the much-anticipated medal ceremony.

POP-IN CAFÉ
We know how expensive heating is and the price of everything is going up … except at the Pop-In cafe. So come and get warm, have some tea or coffee and cake. You can sit on your own or join in one of the many conversations. The cafe is open from 10 till 12:30 giving most of us plenty of time to put the world to rights. There’s loads of off road parking and if you’re out for a walk you’ll be able to find a route that intersects with the Inkpen playing field pavilion.

Remember, the cafe is on the first and third Thursday’s of each month EXCEPT FOR THIS COMING JANUARY. Because the first Thursday in January is on the 2nd, the day after New Year’s Day, we will skip the 2nd and start again on the 16th. There after it’s back to the first and third Thursday’s of each month.

We will try and make the cafe as festive as possible for the two December meetings. You can do the same. Bring some sparkle. We’re open on the 5th an 19th of December, the 16th of January and the 6th and 20th February. Make a date, come and join us.

INKPEN STARGAZERS


We are into that period of the year when it’s easier to see things in the night sky, particularly when the moon is new and the sky seems almost completely black. Sadly the weather often doesn’t help much, with cloudy or rainy nights just at the time when there should be something worthwhile to see. So, we have a group app that helps us keep in touch, ready to rush out away from the cosy log fire and into the cold outside, all at a moments notice (in theory).

The picture above is of the Horse Head Nebula, taken using the equipment that we are hoping to get funding for. That said, we may need to make to make a small contribution in order to buy it.

If you would like to actively join in, email us at inkpen.climate@outlook.com. Our next Stargazers meeting will be in the New Year, so keep an eye on the village website: inkpenvillage.co.uk for dates and times. Happy Christmas and New Year.

INKPEN HISTORY SOCIETY
We held a limited dowsing day on Saturday 16th. The site chosen was an unused and rather overgrown site with only a very distant history of buildings.

Two things come out of the dowsing survey. Firstly different dowsers get similar responses at very close GPS points. Secondly, whatever you think of dowsing, the results suggest that it works, however weird that may seem.

For the history group, the technique offers a cheap way of searching for hidden underground structures. Since we don’t have access to expensive and technically demanding ground based geophysics equipment this might be an alternative. Our next move is to carry out excavation of the site of some of the stronger dowsing responses to see what that reveals. Volunteers are most welcome! Please contact us at david@inkpenhistory.uk if you’d like to have a go at digging up the past. Our next meeting will be in the New Year and announced on the Inkpen History Society website, inkpenhistory.uk (not .co.uk). Keep an eye out – the announcement will be at least a fortnight before the date of the meeting. Happy Christmas and New Year.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Having seen a good crowd for the most recent HTJFC match between the U16‘s Hurricanes and Croft, accompanied by a mobile barista; we are pleased to confirm the fixtures in December as follows:

1st - Crusaders U15 vs Croft
8th - HTJFC U14 vs Lydia’s Millicent
22nd - HTJFC U14 vs Marlborough Beagles

Should there be local children wishing to join the HTJFC ranks, please contact HTJFCSecretary@outlook.com for more details.

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
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, December 4th, at 7.30pm in Inkpen Village Hall. This year, we will be making fabric/ribbon wreaths in traditional Christmas colours or to match our own decor. Hoops will be provided but please bring along fabric strips and ribbons in your chosen colour scheme. As has become a tradition we will have wine and soft drinks and Christmassy nibbles rather than tea and biscuits! New and regular attendees are very welcome.

Our January meeting will be on Wednesday 8th January (note that this is the 2nd Wednesday of the month) at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. It will be an opportunity to plan activities for the coming months and work on our own projects. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. In February we return to meeting on the 1st Wednesday of each month. If you have any questions, please email jan@honeydesign.co.uk or give me a call on 0758422388

INKPEN MARKET
Hello villagers. Thank you for coming to the Market on the 17th November. It was lovely to see everyone, and the traders all did well, and the café raised some good funds for the various charities selling their delicious bacon butties, along with mince pies and mulled wine. The Christmas raffle was well supported, thank you all.

The market will be running next year but on a quarterly basis…. That’s the idea, any suggestions, send me an email. info@inkpenmarket@hotmail.com My ‘co-pilot’ Tracey has now relocated to New Zealand and is settling in well.

Tracey and I would like to thank the residents of the village for their support over the year and we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Chrissy & Tracey Chrissy O7767480777 & Tracey 07867667723

To find out more about what's going on at the village hall, go to https://www.inkpenvillagehall.org/

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Other inkpen news

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL


Thank you to all our house-to-house collectors, Inkpen School, The Crown & Garter pub, and bakery and to all of you who donated to the poppy collection in Inkpen this year.

We raised £1,838.92 less than last year but still a fantastic contribution to all the support the RBL offers those in need. I am so grateful for all the support from the house-to-house collectors and for all your generosity.

Thank you to those who came to the Remembrance Service your donation of £565.40 helped make this year’s total such an amazing sum.

I know many don’t have cash and there are many other places to donate and get a Poppy, so this is a fantastic total for the village contribution to this important cause. I have been organising this annual collection for many years and with various collectors no longer being available I wanted to ask you if you feel this is an important collection in the village and should continue. Do message me your thoughts at: claire@clairejjones.com Stay safe and thank you.

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 Christmas


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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