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.
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 - Pass It on

The mobile library van will call at Inkpen on 11th March.  Due to cut-backs, this is the LAST mobile library. 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!

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

It has been another great month at Inkpen Primary School, filled with exciting activities and successes. First and foremost, we are thrilled to report that the Year 5 and 6 pupils had their first Bike-ability session, which proved to be a tremendous success, despite the very wet start.

The children engaged enthusiastically, demonstrating resilience and an eagerness to learn essential cycling safety skills. This program not only fosters a sense of independence but also encourages a lifelong love for cycling and outdoor activity.

In addition to cycling, our budding nature enthusiasts continue to revel in their Forest School sessions. Recently, the children took part in crafting bird feeders and diligently searching for signs of spring. This hands-on approach to learning allows them to connect with the environment, enhancing their understanding of local wildlife and the importance of biodiversity.

We are delighted to announce that we have just had brand new wall bars installed in the school hall which the students loved used for the first time this week. The enthusiasm displayed by our children was palpable, and they thoroughly enjoyed discovering new ways to enhance their physical fitness and coordination. We are excited to see how these facilities will positively impact their overall physical development. Lastly, our Pottery Club remains a popular activity among the students, with many enjoying the opportunity to express their creativity through clay. This enriching experience not only fosters artistic skills but also promotes teamwork and collaboration as the children share ideas and work together on various projects.

As we continue to nurture our students’ talents and interests, we remain committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience. Thank you for your continued support of our school community. .

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 website for the IMPFT is moving to http://impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk. If you are looking to book the Pavilion you can find the forms on the website and there’s a list of events that have already been booked. The website is very new and there will be many small changes over the coming month or two, but the bookings will remain as shown.

If you are thinking of booking a party, a children’s party, a meeting or some other event then please contact bookings@impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk. Thank you.

March Pop-In Café
March is the time of the equinox. Crowds go to Stonehenge, dressed in pagan clothing, chanting and holding a ram’s skull, all in celebration of the event. Little do they realise that they could do just the same at the Inkpen Pop-In cafè (without dressing up or holding a ram’s skull). Save yourself that early morning wake-up call. Come and join us at the Pavilion, 10 am till 12:30 pm on the 6th and 20th. We’re also here in April on the 3rd and 17th. Make a note in your diary.

It doesn’t matter what you’ve come for; coffee, tea, hot chocolate, a piece of coffee and walnut cake, chocolate cake or maybe some blueberry and lemon drizzle cake.


You’ll find a friendly atmosphere and a chance of a chat with a neighbour or perhaps someone just looking for a friendly conversation about nothing much. Come and join us, you’ll be very welcome.

INKPEN STARGAZERS

Last month we launched the new stargazers.inkpenvillage.co.uk website. Thank you to all those that have tried it out. Any comments are welcome. You can also find a reference to the Inkpen Stargazers Group website on the North Wessex Downs NL site. Over the past month we haven’t had many evenings where the weather has been good enough for observing but we are hoping to get a few more breaks in the clouds during March. Nonetheless we do have a few observations of the crab nebula (M1), NGC 2403, M100 and the Pleiades or Seven Sisters (M45). In March, we are hoping to have our first meeting of 2025. We’ll be showing off the Seestar, explaining how it works and organising groups to use it. We’ll also discuss any other business. If you would like to join us and come to our meeting, you would be very welcome. Please keep an eye on the stargazers.inkpenvillage.co.uk website. The next meeting date is on  March 21st  and will be held at the Inkpen pavilion, 7:30pm.

INKPEN HISTORY SOCIETY
The Inkpen history group is gathering far more information about Inkpen’s past than originally anticipated, and the trend is set to continue. For this reason, we have had to redesign the history group website to improve the navigation and extend the categories. Please take a look at http://history.inkpenvillage.co.uk and let us know if we have left something out or made an error in an entry. This website is widely and internationally searched.

In the coming weeks we will add more information about the climate changes that have taken place in Inkpen, that’s mainly temperature and rainfall, and we’ll add some of the content provided by Mike Stabler many years ago.

More dowsing work is set to take place soon, to establish its usefulness and challenge any historic indications that it may have made by it.

If you look on the website, you will see where we have large gaps in out tree age survey. Estimating a tree’s age is a relatively simple task with no special equipment needed. If you think you could help us with this, please get in touch at enquiries@inkpenhistory.uk

JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Having seen a good crowd for the most recent HTJFC match, we are pleased to confirm the fixtures in February and March are as follows:

02/03/25 10:30 Hungerford Town Juniors U14 Black
23/03/25 10:30 Hungerford Town Juniors U14 Black

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

Inkpen Cricket Club
It may be hard to imagine right now, with chilly mornings and winter skies, but before we know it, the 2025 Inkpen Cricket Club season will be in full swing. Soon, the sound of leather on willow will return, accompanied by the cheers of team mates, the occasional clatter of stumps, and, of course, the odd wayward wide ball.

In the meantime, we’re keeping the cricket spirit alive with our winter indoor nets sessions, giving players a chance to refine their skills and shake off any rust ahead of the new season. We also recently celebrated our annual awards night, a fantastic evening recognising the achievements, efforts, and memorable moments of the past year.

If you’re new to Inkpen or simply looking for a friendly, local team to be part of, we’d love to welcome you. Whether you’re a complete beginner, someone who hasn’t played in years, or just fancy spending a relaxed Sunday afternoon enjoying the game with good company, there’s a place for you here. For more details on how to get involved, visit inkpencricketclub.org. We look forward to seeing you on the field!

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 will be on Wednesday 2 March at 7:30 p.m. in Inkpen Village Hall. We'll be working on our own projects this month. After 12 magnificent years, Jan Honey has decided to hand over responsibility for organising the group but will still take part. It's a testament to her dedication that 4 members of the group will now be sharing that responsibility! The group which has grown to some 15+ members, warmly thanked Jan at our February meeting with some flowers. If you would like to join us, come along. We charge £2 to cover hall costs and tea/coffee. Or, if you want to find out more about the group, ring Stephanie (07713 097609), our communications contact.

Inkpen Darts Club Expands with Second Dartboard & Upcoming Tournament
Since launching just a few months ago, Inkpen Darts Club has gone from strength to strength, welcoming more players and creating a great social atmosphere. With our growing numbers, we’re excited to announce that we now have a second dartboard, giving everyone more chances to play. And there’s even more to look forward to—we’re planning our first local darts tournament this March! Whether you fancy a bit of friendly competition or just want to enjoy a social night out, we’d love to see you there.

We meet twice a month on Monday evenings at 7 pm in Inkpen Village Hall and welcome players of any age. If you’d like to join, drop us a message at inkpenvh@gmail.com, and we’ll add you to our darts WhatsApp group. New players are always welcome, come along and give it a go! Details at www.inkpenvillagehall.org/darts

Looking for the Perfect Venue?
Are you planning a child’s birthday party, anniversary celebration, special occasion, or family gathering? Look no further than Inkpen Village Hall—a spacious, welcoming, and well-equipped venue ideal for all kinds of events.

Our Main Hall (approx. 44ft x 20ft) provides plenty of space for up to 80 seated guests, making it perfect for lively celebrations or intimate gatherings. The hall is fully furnished with 50 padded chairs, six 6ft folding tables, eight 4ft folding tables, and children’s tables and chairs, with additional plastic chairs available for extra seating.

Need entertainment or presentation facilities? The hall is equipped with a ceiling-mounted video projector, a quality sound system, and a large projection screen, ensuring your event runs smoothly, whether it's a family slideshow, a fun movie night, or a professional presentation. Make your party even more exciting with our Giant Jenga, Connect Four, Cornhole, and Space Hoppers!

The fully-equipped kitchen makes catering a breeze, featuring a sink, cooker, microwave, refrigerator, Burco water boiler, large coffee percolator, electric kettle, cutlery, crockery, and a serving hatch to the lobby area—ideal for serving food and drinks with ease.

For those chillier days, the hall is kept warm and comfortable with four large double-panel radiators. If you need a quieter space for smaller gatherings or meetings, The Wordley Room, located upstairs, offers a cozy setting for up to 10 people.

Stay connected with free high-speed internet, provided by Gigaclear, and enjoy the convenience of on-site parking for 10 vehicles, with additional space for 8 more cars on the lawn next to the hall. Ready to Book? Make your event one to remember at Inkpen Village Hall! For more details or to secure your date, visit www.inkpenvillagehall.org.

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Other inkpen news

Volunteer urgently needed
Your 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.

THE CROWN AND GARTER
A reminder to come and join our quiz evenings which remain on the last Wednesday of the month, so for February, that’ll be the 26th. We will also be revealing our Valentine's menu very soon.

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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