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.

Updates from West Berkshire Council
As you will know, the government requires the abolition of district councils and their re-organisation into larger councils. The proposal for West Berkshire Council is laid out here. Also, the new Local Plan Review Adoption Statement is viewable here and the Sustainability Appraisal / Strategic Environmental Assessment relating to the Local Plan is here.

North Wessex Downs


Some of the legal protection that we have now benefitted from for several years, for our part of the North Wessex Downs is under threat.

Please help us. Support the retention of the duty on relevant authorities to ‘seek to further’ the purposes of Protected Landscapes. As you will be aware, this strengthened duty came into force in late 2023 through an amendment to section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

We are extremely concerned by the credible reports received by the National Landscapes Association and National Parks England that the Government is now considering legislation to repeal the strengthened section 85 duty.

The previous duty, to have regard for the purposes of designation, was less clear and not well understood by stakeholders. The strengthened duty was supported by the recommendations of the Glover Review (2019) and very widely welcomed. Weakening it would seriously harm the level of protection extended to the North Wessex Downs National Landscape (NWDNL), and all our National Parks and National Landscapes (AONBs).

Repealing the strengthened section 85 duty would make it harder for the Government to achieve its goals for nature recovery, climate mitigation, flood prevention, water quality and public access in protected landscapes. The natural beauty of the NWDNL is greatly valued by the communities who live in and around the protected landscape as a resource for restoration, health and wellbeing.

We urge you to raise awareness of the threat to protected landscapes posed by the proposed change and add your voice to support retaining the strengthened section 85 duty.


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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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THE Library - Brought to you

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Climate change

Local Climate Group.
We have a newly formed climate group. The website is http://climate.inkpenvillage.co.uk. If you have a look, you’ll see that we have collected data on moths, trees, bird sightings and beetles, as well as data on the weather. This data enables us to see what changes are taking place locally and the pace of those changes. If you have any data, new or historic, on local climate related events or know of someone with an interest in this, then please get in touch with us. We want to bring all local data together in one place and make sure that it doesn’t get lost. Email us at inkpen-climate@outlook.com.

In September, we’ll hold a meeting so that all of you that are concerned about climate change can meet and help us to get properly organised. Keep an eye on the website. Thank you.

Switching off your Outside Lights
The North Wessex Downs NL ask people to switch off their outside lights when they’re not absolutely necessary. Wildlife groups ask the same. Neighbours living next to someone that keep their outside lights on at night want the lights to go off and the police tactfully suggest that leaving outside lights on simply helps burglars. Switching off your outside lights helps the environment and saves money.

Any suggestions about how to incentivise people to switch off unnecessary outside lights would be gratefully received. Email inkpen-climate@outlook.com.

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 And InkSpots News

We are delighted to share that the beginning of this term at Inkpen Primary School has been nothing short of extraordinary! Our students have engaged enthusiastically in a variety of enriching activities that have fostered both academic and personal growth.

We kicked off the term with our Harvest Festival, where children showcased their musical talents and learned the importance of gratitude and giving back to the community. The atmosphere was filled with joy as families came together to celebrate the season’s bounty. We incorporated this festival into our poetry challenge, and it was heartening to see our young poets shine, as they shared their verses with classmates and teachers alike. We believe that nurturing such talents is essential in fostering a love for language and literature.

In recognition of the rich tapestry of cultures across Europe, we celebrated the European Day of Languages, allowing students to explore different languages and traditions. This event served not only to broaden their horizons but also to cultivate an appreciation for cultural diversity. The food tasting at playtime was incredibly popular as always with children tasting delicacies such as re-fried beans, feta cheese, olives and traditional Czech biscuits made by one of our families.

Finally last week, our Year 6 students enjoyed their weeklong residential at Grittleton House where they embarked on several experiences designed to challenge them and take them out of their comfort zones. We were so proud of how they approached this experience and how they demonstrated our core values "The 3 Cs": Cooperation, Curiosity and Courage.

As we approach the half term break, it is wonderful to reflect on the term so far and how it has been filled with learning experiences that undoubtedly thrive on teamwork and camaraderie.

We are immensely proud of our students' achievements thus far and look forward to the exciting events still to come this term.

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 IMPFT (Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust) is pleased to host several regular clubs and societies as well as being available to hire for events (parties, work functions, luncheons etc). Please check for an up-to-date list of events / bookings under impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk

Opening: We are looking for a (paid) booking clerk to help with the smooth running of the pavilion & its facilities. The role is varied & expected to occupy up to 10hrs pw. If you are interested, please contact brian.cox@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk & james.fisher@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk for further details.

IMPFT Activities and regular bookings:

NEW Art Classes	Every 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 10am (Sept – Feb initially)	gilly.burrough@gmail.com
Climate Group	Sessions throughout the year	climate.inkpenvillage.co.uk
Cricket	Sundays during the season See calendar for fixtures	Inkpencricketclub.org Impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk
Daisy Chains	Every Friday 09:45-11:45 From 6th June	clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk
Football 5-a-side	Sunday Evenings	Chris Stapleton Mob: 07909 851968
Football (Juniors to U16)	Sunday morning from 10:30am during the season	HTJFCSecretary@outlook.com
History Society	Sessions throughout the year	history.inkpenvillage.co.uk
Netball	Monday evenings Juniors 6pm / Adults 7pm (excl. bank holidays)	Sally Mob: 07444 593 560
Pop in Café	Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month @ 10am	All welcome, just “pop-in”
Stargazers	Sessions throughout the year	stargazers.inkpenvillage.co.uk
Tennis	Pay as you play / subscription (tbc)	clerk@inkpenparishcounsil.org.uk
Yoga	Saturday 09:45 -10:45 pay as you go	Oliviaboydall@gmail.com Mob: 07554 446 502

Children’s parties, Group and Birthday parties
The Inkpen pavilion is an ideal venue for a wide range of events. The Bi-fold doors open wide so that people can sit outside or wonder around on those balmy summer evenings.

The facilities provided include:
• A fully fitted kitchen with a hatchway that allows views over the main room, ideal for keeping an eye on energetic children.
• Adjoining children’s play area for those special children’s parties.
• Plenty of car parking.
• Wi-Fi is provided with Gigabit speeds.
• Air-conditioned main room for those hot days as well as cold ones.
• Standard toilets and a disabled toilet.
• Caters for up to 60 adults.

If you are looking to host an event locally, the Inkpen pavilion might well be the ideal place for you. For enquiries or bookings go to impft.inkpenvillage.co.uk. The Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust (IMPFT) is a registered charity.

COMING SOON to INKPEN - TENNIS AND FOOTBALL COACHING
It’s all happening at Inkpen Playing Field - starting during the summer holidays from 21st July there will be tennis and football coaching at Inkpen Playing Field, for anyone who wishes to improve their game. There is:

Tennis Coaching with Mike Gordon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during the summer for those wishing to book a session. Residents will remember Mike from previous sessions. Mike is a LTA level 4 coach, accredited DBS, Safeguarding, First Aid certified. Anyone interested should book with Mike directly: mike@premiumtennis.co.uk

Football Coaching with Chris, who has coached at Inkpen previously, is yet to arrange times and dates for his summer sessions in time for this publication - but sessions will be available to all who wish to attend - we may have a budding Wayne Rooney (or Mary Earps) in Inkpen! Please watch Facebook for further details of dates and times.

INKPEN HISTORY SOCIETY

Additional audio tracks have been added to the history website, history.inkpenvillage.co.uk, alongside a further written commentary on the sinking of the Bismarck. We have further scrapbooks and photos to add and are hoping to add even more audio tracks. If you remember Inkpen and district as it was during or immediately after WW2, then please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

We could also do with some help scanning photographs and transcribing handwritten text. Please get in touch via inkpen-climate@outlook.com if you think you can help.

We will have another attempt at starting some proper archaeology, (a dig on an Inkpen site) in late March / early April 2026. The site that we are hoping to dig is thought to be a late Saxon, early Medieval site with links to the crusades. If you think you might be interested, please email us, as above, and we’ll keep you posted. The dig is likely to last for a minimum of several weeks. We will try and get a trained archaeologist to organise the dig so that we don’t damage the site.

POP-IN CAFE

During October we put all our café donations into a pot, and we will be sending that money off to Dementia UK. If you missed the October cafés and would like to add a donation, come to our first café Thursday of November, on the 6th, and we’ll add it to what we already have. Thanks to all who have donated. We've raised £80 so far. 

There are a lot of people locally that suffer from Dementia, and we very much want to support them in any way we can. If you wish, you can get a badge from Dementia UK to wear and show your support and understanding for those with dementia.

The November Pop-In Cafe dates are Thursday 6th and 20th. All are welcome and we really do mean all. In December we’ll be open on the 4th and 18th. In January there will only be one café since the first Thursday is on New Year’s Day, but we’ll be open on January, Thursday the 15th.

Come and join us. Here’s what AI has to say about the café: Socializing is important because it improves mental and physical health by reducing loneliness and stress, and it boosts cognitive function. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, helps in personal growth and the development of social skills, and can even contribute to a longer lifespan.

Inkpen and district Stargazers

Our next meeting is on the second Wednesday of November, which I think is the 12th. All are welcome. It’s £15 for annual membership (June to June) or £3 per person for a single visit. We are hoping that we will be able to do actual stargazing on the 12th but will have to pray a bit harder for this.

At the November meeting we’re hoping to look at space-time and include a little bit about black holes. However, if the weather is good for observing, then we’ll postpone the talk to a later date and concentrate of investigating the night sky, hopefully looking at whatever planets are there to see.

If you would like to come and join our group then please email us at inkpen-climate@outlook.com

Inkpen Rights of Way - Calling all walkers and riders
Do you walk the footpaths or ride the bridleways in Inkpen? If so, could you help to keep them accessible and in good repair by reporting any issues to a committed group of local volunteers?

The Inkpen Rights of Way Committee was formed over 30 years ago. Our prime objective is to maintain the Rights of Way that criss-cross the village, making sure they are usable throughout the year and ensuring access to the less able.

Volunteer walkers and committee members monitor the network of paths and bridleways and report issues back to the Chair. These can then be resolved locally or elevated to the district council to action. The IRWC formally meets twice a year.

We need volunteers to either join the Committee and/or take on a couple of paths to monitor. They could well be paths you might already walk or ride on a regular basis already.

To find out more the IRWC are holding an open evening between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday 23rd October in the Sports Pavillion to explain what is involved and to answer any questions. Alternatively, if you can’t make the meeting but are interested in helping you can get in touch by contacting Steve Connors on 07831 206061 or Gloria Keene on 07704 718475

The paths and bridleways around our village are a real treasure and an important part of our heritage. With a little help we can keep them in great shape for everyone to enjoy. We hope to see you on 23rd October.

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
The Stitch and Knit group will meet in Inkpen Village Hall, as usual, at 7.30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, which this month is 5th November. If you haven't been before, and you enjoy handicrafts, come and join us, and bring along something you'd like to work on. We charge £2 to cover hall costs and tea/coffee. Or, if you want any further information, ring Stephanie (07713 097609), our communications contact.

The Macmillan Coffee Morning
The Macmillan Coffee Morning with Art by local artists on 22 September at Ball Hill was very well attended. Everyone seemed to enjoy the cakes, the sunshine and the paintings. The event raised a marvellous £420 for the cancer charity. We'd like to thank everyone for their donations, and especially those who gave us homemade cakes.

PUDSEY BEAR

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Other inkpen news

CAROL SINGING ON THE GREEN 
Thursday 11th December 6.30pm Join us for Carol singing on the Green at Lower Green on December 11th at 6.30pm. Mulled wine and alcohol-free hot toddy provided to keep throats lubricated. We'll collect in aid of a local charity - more news soon. See you on the 11th.

MUSICIANS WANTED
NEW COMMUNITY BIG BAND TO BE LAUNCHED IN 2026 An exciting new community project is set to be launched early in 2026 for amateur musicians in the Kintbury / Newbury / Hungerford area. The iconic sound and format of a big band will provide a unique opportunity and experience for local musicians.

After establishing similar amateur big bands in Hertfordshire and Bristol, drummer Richard Fairs is looking to start a new community big band as he relocates to the area. “Playing in any ensemble is not only a richly rewarding musical experience but also a sociable and challenging opportunity. My most recent community big band project was in Bristol, started some 20 years ago and is still thriving. I take huge pleasure seeing an initial group of individuals, with varying musical experience and skills come together with the collective aim to not only improve their individual musicianship but create a dynamic ensemble and to work towards it becoming the best it can be. The friendships and the memories that follow can make such ensembles a highlight of anyone’s week.”

If you are between 16 and 106, play any type of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, guitar, bass or drums and fancy being part of this project from the outset get in touch to register your interest.

Previous experience of playing in a big band, or being able to improvise is not required, although an ability to read music and play to a reasonable standard is necessary to gain maximum benefit.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Richard on 07710 626704 or email at richardone12@hotmail.com.

INKPEN COMMON PHONE BOX BOOK EXCHANGE
The book exchange in Inkpen Common is back in action as a community mini-library and book swap. We have given it a spruce up, and will continue to make improvements in the coming months, including more shelving, a richer range of books and books of the month.

We would welcome some select, good quality donations, if you have a book or two you would like to share with other villagers. Please place these in the labelled box just inside the door.

You can find the book exchange just outside the Crown and Garter. Please do pop in if you’re passing — have a browse, borrow a book, swap a book - and enjoy!

NEW ADULT BALLET CLASS FOR ALL BEGINNERS
If you would like to improve your posture, flexibility, strength and general fitness but have not had ballet lessons for many years or not at all, then this is the class for you.
• Every Friday during school term time at 9.15 - 10.15am at the Coronation hall, Kintbury.
• INTERMEDIATES (For those with some ballet experience) at 10.30 - 11.30am.

Classes are taught by former professional ballet dancer with years of teaching experience and founder of Kintbury Ballet School. For more information please email alex@kintburyballet.com.

VILLAGE LIFE – THE ORCHARD
The village orchard has always been one of Inkpen’s hidden treasures, a place where history, nature, and community meet. First planted generations ago, it has provided fruit, shade, and a peaceful spot for villagers to enjoy throughout the seasons. What makes it truly special, though, is the way it is cared for today.


On Saturday 12th September, the Heads Lane working party came together for the orchard’s annual autumn clear-up. Armed with secateurs, rakes, and plenty of good humour, volunteers tidied the paths, cleared brambles, and made space for the old apple trees to thrive once more.

As with so many village traditions, the hard work was only half the story; the best part came afterwards, when everyone shared a well-earned cup of tea and a biscuit, swapping stories and laughter under the trees they had just tended.

To be part of Inkpen village life is to be part of moments like these: ordinary tasks made joyful by the company of neighbours, and a shared sense that we are looking after something that belongs to us all. The orchard is more than land and trees – it is a living reminder that community spirit, once planted, bears fruit year after year.

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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