Newbury Today

New application made for five chalets at Hambridge Lake between Newbury and Thatcham whilst appeal for nine chalets still up in the air

An application for five chalets at Hambridge Lake has been submitted to West Berkshire Council. But the same applicant is also appealing the council’s refusal of nine chalets at the same location. The appeal, which started on April 3, is for nine three-bed holiday chalets and a clubhouse with access on the site between Newbury and Thatcham. The plans also include parking areas for 26 cars, new pedestrian links, raised walkways and fishing stations. But it was refused by West Berkshire Council. Thatcham Town Council also objected. An application has also been made for five two-bed chalets to be...

Broken antique phonograph owned by Peter Boyce and linked to Canvey Island’s ‘Great Flood of 1953’ fixed at Newbury and Thatcham Repair Café

A broken antique phonograph and family heirloom rescued from a flooded island over 70 years ago has been repaired at a local repair café. A cylindrical phonograph made in 1896 was brought in to the Newbury and Thatcham Repair Café on Sunday, April 28 for a replacement drive belt. The phonograph was bought during the early 1900s by the grandfather of the current owner, Peter Boyce, while he was courting his wife-to-be. The couple settled on Canvey Island in Essex, a very low-lying area that was subject to what locals call ‘The Great Flood of 1953’. On the night of January 31, 1953, a storm surg...

The Schools of Woolton Hill launches young journalist programme to encourage pupils to become news reporters

A federation of two Woolton Hill schools has launched a programme that encourages its older pupils to become news reporters. The Schools of Woolton Hill’s new young journalist programme gives pupils in Year 5 and 6 the opportunity to write articles for the school’s website and Woolton Hill’s parish magazine, Spectrum. Children that were interested in securing a place on the programme were tasked with writing a letter to the school’s headteacher Paul Davies about why they should be chosen for the opportunity. Ella, one of the 10 pupils chosen to be on the young journalist team, said: “I really ...

Fun self-help book to help maintain our bodies and minds because ‘we are all living longer’

English teacher Venetia Dunlop, who has lived in Marsh Benham for many years although she now spends more time in Prague, has recently published a fun self-help book “to help maintain our bodies and minds”. Moments of Movement is easy to follow and full of useful movements to do during moments throughout the day as well as interesting facts. This is not about running marathons, nor walking 10,000 steps a day. Neither is it about gym or training sessions. It’s not about being strongest, fittest or fastest. It’s about using moments of the day to maintain your body and mind and keeping them in go...

Top three things to do in Newbury town centre this weekend

There is plenty going on this week in West Berkshire, from food, fun and a family disco. But here are our three top picks of things to do at the weekend. And they’re all happening right in Newbury town centre. ‘Have your Say’ It can often feel difficult to make your concerns heard - with the hectic working week or not knowing where to go or who to speak to. But there will be a chance to stop and have a proper chat with officers from Thames Valley Police on Saturday. The Newbury Neighbourhood Policing Team will be outside Marks & Spencer on Northbrook Street on Saturday, May 12 between 10am - 1...

Alex and Chris win men’s volleyball title

TWO under-18 boys – Alex James and Chris Hill from Newbury Volleyball Club – won the men’s section of the annual indoor doubles volleyball tournament this weekend at Ashcombe School in Dorking. There were 20 teams competing against each other in 10-minute-long matches. The tournament was played under beach rules on a smaller court. The Newbury pair featured in some nail-biting matches, one of which was against a team called “Made in Brazil” where Newbury just took the lead at the final whistle to win 19-18. Newbury were beaten by Farnborough during the afternoon matches, although they were to ...

Go green with your spring clean, says Age Pangbourne shop

The Age UK shop in Pangbourne is calling on the community to spring clean the sustainable way and donate their unwanted items to be sold on. So far this year, donations to Age UK’s charity shops has avoided 700,000 kg going into landfill – and saved 10 million kg of Co2. Age UK hopes to encourage more people to shop sustainably and has created a list of tips to help get people started. These include ditching fast fashion, donating old toys, getting to know local charity shops, visiting local charity shops regularly, getting to know the shop staff, getting upcycling and shopping with an open mi...

Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Donna Jones re-elected for second term

The police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been re-elected following last week’s elections. The Conservative candidate Donna Jones, who was first elected to the role in 2021, won with a total of 175,953 votes. Becky Williams, of the Labour and Co-operative Party, came second with 106,141 votes, Liberal Democrat Prad Bains came third with 92,843 and Don Jerrard of The Justice & Anti-Corruption Party came last with 40,691. Turnout for the election was 28.38 per cent. Following the announcement of the election results, Ms Jones said: “I’m extremely honoured to...

THE FOOD REVIEW: Reporter Mirek Gosney recommends a visit to Chieveley’s Ye Olde Red Lion

Chieveley is commonly known for its M4 services. But come off at Junction 13, leave the A34 northbound on to Graces Lane and swing a left. On the horizon, you will see a sign for Ye Olde Red Lion welcoming you to the tranquil village of Chieveley. It looks like a mirage, but this one is real. Upon entering the country pub – which is at least 200 years old – I was greeted by landlords Jo and Dougal Nicholls. The duo took on running the pub just over two years ago — and recently picked up the award for Best Hospitality Champion at the Newbury Weekly News Best in Business Awards. So, it’s fair to...

Pregnant women urged to take up offer of whooping cough jab as cases soar

Five babies in England have died from whooping cough – prompting an urgent appeal to pregnant women and new mothers to take up the offer of a jab for themselves or their infant. Doctors are hugely concerned about rising infection rates after more than 1,300 cases were recorded in March alone – up from 900 in February – and triple the 858 cases recorded in 2023. The UK Health Security Agency has also confirmed that since January this year, five babies have died as a result of the illness. Health officials say very young children are the most at risk of severe complications from whopping cough. ...