Appalled by the removal of Park House hedge
I was shocked and horrified on Saturday when I noticed that the Park House School hedge alongside Monks Lane had been recently ripped out, to be replaced with a tall fence.
What’s left is a scene of devastation, a few isolated torn trees and lots of litter on bare ground is all that remains of a beautiful mature hedge.
I am completely appalled at the timing – peak bird nesting season.
It is a criminal offence to damage nesting sites in use under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
There can be little doubt that the length of hedge destroyed by their contractors contained many active bird nests, and will have sheltered many other species too.
The trees remaining have been damaged during the destruction, and have not even been trimmed to minimise the ongoing trauma to the tree.
No reputable tree surgeon would be satisfied with the way the contractors have left the site.
There is also a cable left swinging from a post, presumably cut accidentally by the contractors.
They removed all the vegetation, but left a great deal of rubbish lying around.
This is a very bad example for Park House School pupils, who I expect will be appalled by the environmental damage that happened over half term, and that their view at the edge of the playing fields is now of a noisy busy road instead of a green living wall of nature.
What sort of lesson does this give them about safeguarding their future in a time of an ecological climate emergency?
Susan MillingtonCoordinator, Newbury Friends of the Earth
Help available for your mental health issues
Recently a friend of mine bewailed the fact that, having moved to Berkshire, he could not find support for his ongoing (but not in crisis) mental health problems.
Whilst trying to find the support he needs I came across a network of events (currently being expanded) aiming to provide such support – through social events, connecting with peers and signposting to other services – across Berkshire.
As others may find these events et al of value I enclose details of these ‘Let’s connect wellbeing networks’.
To access, visit berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/
Paul FisherWensley Road, Reading
Cllr Jeff Beck gave such great public service
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of former councillor Jeff Beck, a man who gave so much through public service over the years
When I turned up at my first council meeting 15 years ago or so, I am sure Jeff, like the other Conservatives, thought: “Who is this guy and why is he giving us a hard time?”
Despite having differing opinions on some local matters (just a few) and a different outlook on national politics, it was once possible to have a different point of view and still be pleasant to each other.
It was possible to disagree but still respect each other and at least try to understand the opposing position.
I am sure members on all sides will agree that Jeff was a lovely man and I truly hope there is some way that West Berkshire Council and Newbury Town Council can come together to find a fitting way to remember Jeff and him service to our community.
In his passing, I hope our current elected members will reflect on his passing and consider an approach more like that of Jeff Beck as opposed to the shenanigans that we see today.
Richard GarvieThatcham
Who can apply for an education grant?
I am the clerk to the Hungerford and Camburn Education Foundation.
This was set up by a legacy from Calab Camburn, the first headmaster of Hungerford school, to give financial support to students of Hungerford for further education or apprenticeship expenses.
The trust gives annual grants to young people between 16 to 25 years whose parents or guardians have lived in the town of Hungerford for at least three years prior to the date of their application.
The grants are not limited to academic courses.
We have provided tools and books for an apprentice on the plumbing course and a track saw and router for a young person enrolled on a fine furniture-making course as well as funding a hairdressing kit and a harp for different studies.
We also provide grants for text books, laptops and computer programs.
I am writing through your pages to ask if there are any applicants in the Hungerford area who would like to apply for a grant.
An application form can be obtained from me by email on dhc@dhc-solicitors.co.uk or by telephone (01488) 683555.
The closing date for applications is Friday, June 14.
Julian DickinsHungerford
I too struggled to find the Pfizer Covid vaccine
Your correspondent and her husband are not alone in having a fruitless search locally for the Pfizer vaccine (Newbury Weekly News, May 30).
I too have a weakened immune system and react adversely to all Covid-19 vaccinations other than those made by Pfizer.
In order to secure my required spring booster I contacted some 20 pharmacies in the Thames Valley area, as recommended by my GP surgery and the NHS vaccination helpline.
All had only been issued with stocks of the Moderna vaccine.
A retired scientist neighbour of mine saved the day by spotting an article in Pharmacy Magazine (March 27, 2024) reporting that 50 selected Boots pharmacies were offering a £99 private Covid vaccination service using the Pfizer vaccine.
I booked a slot at their Broad Street store in Reading the following week.
The appointment was trouble free and I have the reassurance of protection for another six months against the worst effects of the ever-present Covid-19 virus.
Unfortunately, it seems to be the case that whilst medical science is making great strides to create personalised immunotherapies for a number of diseases, when it comes to primary care services for the population as a whole the NHS expects everyone to fit in the same round hole.
Steve BillcliffeBuckingham Road, Newbury
Please volunteer for Sue Ryder hospice
I have been working for Sue Ryder for a month now and I am absolutely loving my role.
Day to day I look at recruiting new volunteers and developing new volunteering opportunities to help support the work Sue Ryder does.
In the time that I have worked here I can already see what a vital role volunteers have for all areas of the charity.
We have everything from befrienders, gardeners, ward assistants – the list could go on.
Our volunteers’ contribution is indispensable. We couldn’t be there when it matters without their commitment and support.
I think if you are interested in finding out more about volunteering, just enquire.
The first stages are just about finding about whether we have a volunteering role right for you and what Sue Ryder can do for you.
We have very flexible opportunities, and you can give as little as just a few hours a month – it all makes such a huge difference.
I know lots of volunteers who balance their role around their work – we are here to find that right fit for you.
We even have some volunteers that do a few different roles to keep things interesting.
And we are here every step of the way, from the first initial steps to the full training we provide.
We even buddy up new volunteers with existing ones to make those first few weeks or months as straightforward and easy as possible for our volunteers.
Time really is one of the most important things you can donate, and our team of volunteers really make incredible things happen.
If you are interested in becoming a Sue Ryder volunteer at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, please contact lizzy.cherney@sueryder.org or use our quick apply form found on the website here; https://www.sueryder.org/ volunteer/quick-apply/
Lizzy CherneySue Ryder volunteer coordinator
