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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List